Chapter 53: The Feel Of Her Lips
A knot formed in Reana’s stomach, a mix of trepidation and thrill. His words made her chest flutter, and her pulse racing in response.
Reana’s mind wrestled with the implications of his statement. Not now, not ever. It was a promise, a vow, a declaration of possession. And yet, despite the alarm bells ringing in her head, Reana couldn’t shake off the feeling that she was exactly where she was meant to be – in Ryder’s arms.
"Even if I accept you, Ryder, you won’t become the Alpha," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "You’ll only be my plaything... until winter ends, when I’ll honor my promise and mate the winner."
Reana’s thoughts swirled in contradiction. A part of her genuinely wished Ryder would emerge victorious and become her mate, yet another part rebelled against the idea. He was an enigma - a man who inspired both fear and safety, whose mysterious nature drew her in, even as it intimidated her.
She couldn’t trust Ryder, not when her pack’s safety hung in the balance. That mysterious killer lurking in the shadows only added to her unease. What if Ryder was in league with them? What if his intentions were far from pure?
Yet, despite her mind telling her to keep her distance, Reana found herself drawn to Ryder’s enigmatic presence. She couldn’t explain the strange sense of comfort she felt when he was near, or the way her heart skipped a beat when their eyes met. It was as if her body had betrayed her, refusing to listen to the warnings her mind screamed.
"You can only be my temporary plaything, Ryder," Reana repeated, her voice husky with a mix of warning and temptation.
She hoped he’d take this warning and leave.
Meanwhile, Ryder’s body tensed, his arms tightening around her waist like a vice. For a moment, Reana wondered if she had gone too far. But then, a low, husky chuckle rumbled through his chest, sending vibrations through her entire body.