THE CONTRACTED MATE

i's

clear in my mind. I needed to talk to Ryder. The only p

erate of me. He saved my life, and gave me a home. How was I to tell him that this wom

d been bombarding me with her verbal attacks since I arrived. But then, of course, if I di

rst of it all was how much I allowed myself to believe it. Consequently, I was afraid. Afraid that some

Before I could make my legs move, the doors flung open, and Ryder walked i

the room. They softened whe

's eye. Her hateful words rang repeatedly in my head. I could hardly brin

ight. His voice was soft and

kay? You l

m f

ething. Is it the lessons? Is it too much for you? If so, we can easil

lot did the opinion of Atlas count about him. Ryder was good. Ryder

her, I had no business being upset about it. Our agreement was contractual. I knew what I was gett

oftly around mine, sending ripples of sensation throug

he balls. The meetings with alphas and Lycan rulers. The responsibility of running the pack house, too. Don't get me wrong. I

than telling him the truth about Aurora a

ooked at him. I was thrown off gu

ned forward and placed a reassuring touch on his

me into a hug, and I went willingly into his arms. His embrace was warm and comfor

go further with your schedule presently if it is too strenuous for you. We can

ears, but I managed to quickly bli

my Luna. Your well-b

His words soothed my soul, making me feel that I could s

because Ryder would be there by my side. That knowledge alo

h my window; the thunder boomed and shook the panes of glass in th

use I would have to go to sleep alone

n I promptly rejected the suggestion. It was one thing t

ing of the two of us snuggli

ed, his voice slicing throug

id with a ner­vous chuckle. I didn't let it slip my

ows fur­rowed together. "You know,

id not ex

ure? I wouldn't wa

. "If my presence would make you feel safe duri

ou," I said, cl

matter of seconds, it was worse. Ryd

feel of his arms. He smelled of cedarwo

to look at him. I almost lost it when I

h lust. They were the

rs down my spine as he leaned into me. I let him

had was a business proposa

d

ips over a moan as Ryder finally