Chapter 20

There was no way in hell that Ruby was going to stand for Ryker teasing the shit out of her and walking away. It was cliché enough that Ryker barely wanted to admit his feelings about her. Now it was a whole other game he seemed to be planning by keeping her at arm’s length but telling her that he would one day accept her as his mate. Ruby never played games like this and sure as hell was not going to play this one now.

Ruby hated the she-wolves that played mind games with men. It was not uncommon that wolves did not find their True Mates in their lifetime, which honestly sucked because Shifters could live for a couple hundred years as long as they weren’t stupid.

You know… like challenging other wolves into a fight that they weren’t going to win.

Not being guaranteed a mate created the Chosen Mate ritual. She-wolves and male wolves would use this to their advantage by considering someone for the Chosen Mate bond but string people along.

It’s called emotional manipulation, and I am not about that.

Ryker had no reason to string Ruby along. His excuse of not being able to keep her and the town safe at the same time was bullshit in her opinion. Granted, Tyson did set up a trap and almost entered the town, but Ruby did not see it as Ryker was distracted by her. If anything, he would have died if she hadn’t been there.

Though he could argue that he wouldn’t have gone out of the town’s barrier if it wasn’t for wanting to train me for that kind of situation…

No one could have predicted what ended up happening. If anyone could, it wouldn’t have happened.

Three days had gone by since the attack. Ryker closed off the barrier so no one could leave or enter. It was the only way he could keep everyone safe for the time being until he could figure out a way to keep everything running smoothly now that Tyson had an idea of where Ryker was hiding. During those three days, Ryker was rarely home. He became obsessed with checking the border and ensuring the barrier was doing its job. Because of that, he was running along the barrier every other hour to assess if the magic was staying strong or not.

At least, that was the excuse that he had given to Deacon, who told Ruby so she would not worry about him.

Ruby used that time to check in on Tasha. They went shopping together on one of the days to start preparing for the baby’s new room. Tasha went to the same store she had taken Ruby to, the one from when she first arrived with nothing but the clothes on her back, to shop for maternity clothes, and Ruby happened to find a small section of lingerie. A devilish idea formed in Ruby’s mind, and she ended up buying a few pairs. When Tasha asked what it was for, Ruby learned that Deacon was just as gossipy as a she-wolf. He had told Tasha about Ryker being her mate, but she chose not to bring it up until that moment.

“How come you didn’t tell me about all of this?” Tasha asked her.

“I’m still processing it myself. He is also not moving forward with anything because he wants to keep Wolf’s Den safe from Tyson. I’m so damn anxious that he is going to reject me, too.”

Tasha pulled Ruby into a hug, and it somehow calmed her down. “Give him time. He might need time to process this, too. You are his Fated Mate. Not his Second Chance, his first. It can be overwhelming.”

“I’m afraid to give him time! What if he decides I am not good enough? Someone else already has and rejected me!”

“And he was an asshole! Ryker is not the Big Bad Wolf that everyone has made him out to be. If he was such a person, he wouldn’t have helped build this place.”

“What if he does, though?”

“You are catastrophizing.”

“What if… I heated things up a bit? This looks cute as hell!”

Tasha did not answer her. Instead, she continued walking around the store and looked for things that she could use. After Ruby picked up the lingerie, Tasha shook her head and asked what she planned to do. Ruby kept her plan close to the chest and just mentioned that maybe, if Ryker played nice, she would wear it for him. It was all said in hushed tones because Ruby did not need the whole town to know that they were mates, but Ryker had no intention of marking Ruby any time soon.

That would only give bitches like Stacy a reason to try to persuade him to reject me, and I don’t feel like murdering any one right now.

Two days went by after that in which time Ruby had taken to lying around the apartment in lingerie, but Ryker never stepped foot inside. She even thought to sleep in it hoping he would come home, check on her, see it, and then be enticed to do more, but his scent never smelled fresh inside, so she knew he had not come home. After Deacon mentioned why, she decided to take matters into her own hands.

Ruby shifted into Scarlett and allowed her to walk the perimeter of the town herself. As she trotted along, nothing really seemed out of place. The sizzle of magic crackled over her fur as she crossed the barrier protecting the town. It somehow felt stronger than it did a few days ago. Her fur felt like it was on fire the longer she allowed the magic to caress her.

Need to find Ryker before you look like a Sphinx cat.

What the hell is that?

A cat without fur.

That sounds terrifying.

Scarlett made two rounds around the town and did not bump into Ryker once. She could smell his intoxicating scent all over the path, but it constantly seemed as though she just missed him. Scarlett attempted to follow the scent on occasion, but it changed direction too often and crossed over the path she followed so often that it was clear that Ryker did not want to be followed.

Just when Scarlett and Ruby wanted to give up and return to the apartment, an overwhelming sense of someone watching her became apparent. Scarlett lowered herself and turned her head in time to see a white blur leap into the air. She moved quickly to avoid Rainer’s attack and managed it by a very thin margin. Rainer landed onto the ground, and Scarlett kept herself low to the ground and bared her teeth at him. Rainer opened his mouth, and his tongue hung out in a wolfish smile. He looked around past her, most likely checking to see if there was anyone behind her, and she could see the mark that Scarlett had left behind on his neck. It was four circles that had no fur growing out of them where her canines sunk into his skin. Ruby never saw any wolf have the mate mark, and it seemed weird that Rainer had one.

What are you looking at? Ryker’s voice blasted through her mind like an announcement speaker.

Wait, how-

Scarlett created the pathway for us to communicate while we are in our wolves’ skins. I don’t think it works like a pack bond, but we can somehow still mindlink.

Oh…

So, I will ask again. What are you looking at? Even though Ruby thought Ryker was asking out of annoyance, his tone did not suggest that was what he was feeling.

Scarlett left a mark.

What?

She left an actual mark. There are spots where her canines went into Rainer’s skin, and the fur did not grow back.

I’ve never heard of that happening…wait, what the hell are you doing out here?

If Ruby could show her eyes rolling, she would have done it. Walking the perimeter. You aren’t the only one who can do that.

Rainer snapped his jaws at her. It is not safe for you out here!

Scarlett growled. You are not the only Alpha around here. I have just as much at stake as you. This place has become my home. I will not allow anyone to take it away from me.

Rainer did not break his eye contact with Scarlett. Ryker was silent after Ruby’s declaration. A few minutes passed, and no one made a move or spoke another word. Ruby was not sure if she should say anything else or if it would tip Ryker’s tolerance past his limit.

I’m going to finish my last round, then I will be home. I’ll meet you there.

Scarlett sneezed and growled softly at him. Rainer stopped for a moment, but then continued to trot away. Technically, Scarlett challenged him with her actions. Either Rainer is ignoring it like a parent would ignore bad behavior, or Ruby was going to pay for that later. Instead of overthinking what was to come, Ruby instructed Scarlett to return to the apartment. Her wolf was not happy with the decision to listen to Ryker but caved when Ruby told her that it would give them the chance to speak to Ryker, and it would not undermine him in any way. Arguing in public with the Alpha could portray that he was not respected. Since her argument was that she was his equal, and he needed to either accept the bond or reject her, it wasn’t exactly the kind of thing to argue about in public.

How are you going to argue that he needs to accept us? Ryker has made it quite clear that he is not going to right now.

He made me want him, nearly weak in the knees with need. I am going to do the same damn thing to him.

Scarlett liked that idea and trotted quickly to their home. She passed Tasha walking to her apartment on the way. Her friend bent down and talked to Scarlett for a moment when she realized whose wolf it was.

“This is the first time I have been able to see your wolf since you came here! You are so gorgeous!”

Tasha was scratching Scarlett’s chin, and she lifted her head at the compliment. A long-haired wolf that was a mixture of light gray, white and black fur with gold eyes walked out from behind a building. At first, it growled when it noticed that Tasha was touching Scarlett. Scarlett answered by baring her teeth and nudging Tasha with her large head.

“Fluff, knock it off. It’s Ruby and her wolf.”

Fluff?

I swear to Goddess if this wolf’s name is Fluffy, I will just put him out of his misery.

With a flash of light, Deacon stood where the long-haired wolf once did. His eyes were narrowed at his mate. “How many times do I have to tell you not to call him that in public!”

Tasha giggled, “he doesn’t mind, one bit! Quit acting like he does.”

Deacon walked over to his mate, bent down, and kissed her on her forehead. “You’re lucky that I love you.”

I can see why. He is damn near as big as Ryker.

Scarlett!

“Ryker should be home in a few minutes. Why don’t you go and make sure his welcome home is worth it.” Tasha winked at Scarlett, then looped her arm with Deacon’s.

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” He asked her.

“Noneya. Now get inside. No one is allowed to see your package but me. Except on full moons–because everyone sees everyone’s junk then.”

Scarlett allowed for Ruby to take over and shift. Ruby let herself into the apartment and went into her room. Not knowing Ryker all that well, she was not sure what would entice him the most when it came to the lingerie. Not the color or the style. Ruby found two different red ones, and she was having a hard time choosing which one. She figured if she wore one of the red ones, she would be at least confident in them because it was her favorite color. One was mostly just straps that highlighted her breasts and crotch. The other was laced fabric that looked like a one-piece bathing suit with matching red garters and stockings. Ruby decided on the latter mostly due to not knowing when Ryker would walk through the door, and it was easier to put on. Then she threw on her red hooded coat, so it would cover up everything, to entice him in stages.

Ruby walked out of her bedroom and went into the kitchen to get something to drink. When she opened the refrigerator and grabbed a bottle of water, she heard the tumbler for the deadbolt slide open. Ryker walked straight to the kitchen as if he followed her scent. Ruby turned to face him, and he was wearing nothing but a pair of jeans. His nostrils were flared, and his eyes were practically glaring at her with how hard they seemed.

“What were you doing by the barrier? Do you not understand when I tell you that I am trying to protect you and the town?”

Ruby took a long swig of her water. “I speak English, so yeah. I understand what you said. I just don’t agree with it.”

“You don’t agree with it?” Ryker’s eyes were nearly bugging out of his skull like he did not expect that answer.

“No. I am an Alpha, too. I can keep this town safe by your side. You are choosing to ignore that.”

“Because you have no experience fighting with your wolf!”

“Hey, both times she has fought, she was able to win or get herself to safety. That’s pretty good in my standards.”

Ryker rolled his eyes. “You were a part of the West Coast pack for how long? A year? You had to have seen the level of fighting those wolves can do. It is a requirement to have the strongest pack when you are the leading pack for the Sanction! Now that pack, and who knows how many others, are trying to find this place.”

“Exactly why I should be fighting with you! Not hiding.”

Ryker snorted in anger. Ruby pushed herself to be seated on the table, and her coat opened slightly, revealing the bottom half of the lingerie. Ryker’s eyes trailed down the length of her and stared at her legs.

“What the hell is that?”

“Oh, this? They are my new house clothes. I love them. Don’t you?”

His eyes slowly rolled back up from her legs to her own eyes, but it almost seemed like Ryker was having an internal struggle to not go back down. The second his eyes would shift downward, they would shift back up to look into hers.

“Why the hell are you wearing lingerie?”

Ryker’s breathing appeared irregular, while Ruby’s remained even and calm. “Well, you aren’t going to let me try it out with other guys, and you clearly don’t want me, so I am getting some use out of them. Don’t like it? I can just go hang out in my room.”

Ryker struggled to keep his breathing calm. “That seems like a great idea.”

Ryker turned on his heel and stomped down the hallway, and then she heard his door slam shut. Ruby chuckled quietly to herself as she walked to her room. She left her door open, took off her coat and hung it up, picked up a romance book she found with a guy who reminded her of Ryker on the cover, laid down on her stomach while facing the door, and began reading. She heard Ryker’s door open again, and then he was in her doorway. He stopped inside the frame and growled.

“Now what the fuck are you doing?”

“Reading,” she answered while never taking her eyes off the pages. She could tell he was breathing heavier.

“Dressed like that?”

“Yep. Like I said. Getting some use out of them.”

Ryker growled again and stomped back out of her room. This time she heard a door slam and the shower turn on. Ruby couldn’t help herself and laughed.

This is kinda fun.