Shunned By An Alpha, Cherised By A Lycan

Chapter 201:

Ryder held me, but a nagging thought crept in. The fire in my veins, the sudden burst of strength—it wasn’t normal. Layla wasn’t just any wolf, and I wasn’t just any Luna. Something was changing, and we were going to find out what.

What I felt today was so surreal. I knew the power of an omega, but was I an exception?

The house was too quiet after all the chaos. The rogues were gone, the gallery was a mess, but at least the pack was safe for now. Ryder didn’t waste time dragging me back to his quarters, his hand pressed firmly against my back like he was scared I’d disappear.

The second the door clicked shut, the tension snapped. He spun around, his eyes wild with emotions I couldn’t quite pin down—fear, relief, and something that hit a little too close to my heart.

“Jasmine,” he said, his voice rough and low. Two long strides and he was in front of me, his hands framing my face with such surprising gentleness that it threw me off. “You scared the crap out of me.”

I opened my mouth to say something, but nothing came out. His thumb brushed my cheek, and I could see it—everything he was feeling, raw and unfiltered, playing out in his eyes.

“You could’ve died,” he said, his voice cracking. “I could’ve lost you.”

“But you didn’t,” I whispered, covering his hands with mine. “I’m right here, Ryder. We’re okay.”

He didn’t look convinced. Instead, he pulled me into his arms, his face buried in my neck, his breath warm against my skin. His shoulders shook, and for the first time, I realized how much today had broken through his walls.

“I couldn’t move,” he admitted, his voice muffled. “When I saw that knife at your throat… I froze. Jasmine, I—”

“You did what you had to,” I cut him off softly, running my fingers through his hair. “And so did I.”

He pulled back just enough to meet my eyes, his jaw clenched tight.

“You shouldn’t have had to. It’s my job to keep you safe.”

“You’re not always going to be able to,” I said gently. “But I can take care of myself. You saw that today.”

His gaze darkened as he peered into mine. Just his stare alone had my pulse racing.

I could picture it already, his body pressing against mine, but I forced the thought away. This wasn’t the time.

“Ryder…” I started, but he didn’t let me finish.

He silenced me with a demanding kiss, his lips desperate against mine, his hands grasping my waist like he wanted to claim me.noveldrama

I arched into him, aching for more of his touch, my own desire swelling with every breath. His tongue slid against mine, hot and skilled, as if he was trying to devour me.

Every kiss, every touch was a reminder that we were here, breathing, alive. But for Ryder, I didn’t think it was enough—it never would be.

Fuck! Why would I even think that, when he wants enough for me? I crave him, need him more than an inhaler to an asthmatic patient.

“You’re so beautiful,” he growled against my skin. “So fierce.” His hands slid down my curves, pausing for a moment to savor the feel of my skin. I shuddered at his touch, feeling my core clench with need.

Without breaking the kiss, Ryder scooped me up effortlessly, and I instinctively wrapped my legs around his waist. He carried me to the bathroom, kicking the door shut behind him without a second thought. The sound of the shower turning on was distant, drowned out by the storm of emotions swirling between us.

The water was scorching, but I barely felt it. All I could focus on was him. He pressed me firmly against the cool tiles, his body a solid, unyielding presence against mine. His lips traveled down my neck, each kiss sending waves of heat through me.

“You don’t know how much I need you,” he murmured, his voice hoarse and laced with a vulnerability that gripped my heart. “How much I can’t lose you.”

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