The Alpha's Mate Who Cried Wolf novel Chapter 3

All the other men are shouting over each other about some guy named Zenith, a town called Shady Crest, and something about rogues, which is strange because Jim referred to me as a rogue earlier. A map sprawls across the table in front of Ryker. The men are drawing circles and squiggly lines on various parts of it and talking about setting up posts here and there.

As the diner becomes quiet and all eyes are on me, I suddenly feel nervous. I can sense them on me. I nervously place Ryker’s order on the table next to the map. 

"Your order, sir," I whisper.

"Wait," Ryker says before I can leave his table. "What is wrong with your ribs?" Ryker asks. 

"Nothing, sir," I reply, wondering how he knew I was in pain. 

"You struggled to hold the platter. It's causing you pain," he observes.

"I want you to remove your hood, rogue!"He demands. I freeze and look at Jim for help.

"Astrid, have your break, love. Ryker, I told you to leave her out of all this." I run to the kitchen and out the back door. 

"She should smell like a rogue if she is a rogue. But she smells sweet and sugary," Alpha Ryker declares.

"You need to leave her alone," Jim says. Alpha Ryker lets out a growl and glares at Jim. 

"I could smell her before she served me. My wolf is extremely restless right now. I'm struggling to keep him back," Ryker explains, holding his chest.

Everyone in the diner freezes and looks at each other, then at Alpha Ryker. 

"What?" Alpha Ryker asks. His Beta, Seth, stands up.

"Alpha, you don't seriously think she could be your mate?" Seth asks. Alpha Ryker laughs. 

"The Moon Goddess matching an Alpha and a rogue? Don't be ridiculous," Alpha Ryker says.

My breathing finally slows down. My watch reads 8:45 pm. In fifteen minutes, I can go home. Hopefully, Dad will be asleep from drinking too much. I go back inside and wash up all the cups, mugs, and plates. The men leave the diner, and I breathe relief as I hear all of their car doors slamming. My body relaxes, knowing they have gone. Thinking Jim was behind me, I was just about to tell him I was leaving as well, but it wasn't Jim standing behind me. It's Ryker.

I avoid making eye contact with him. I'm aware my hood could fall any moment, revealing the abuse I suffer. His breathing is very noticeable. 

"I'm sorry, sir. My shift is over. Please see Jim," I say if you need anything else. His arm suddenly barricades the space between me and my exit as he presses his palm against the wall. I jump back in fright.

"Remove your hood," he demands. I shake my head.

"No. Jim! Jim!"I yell as I try to move backward. But instead, I'm pressed against the wall with nowhere else to go. Then, without warning, I’m trapped between his body and the brickwork in one swift movement. He leans over me before planting his hands on either side of the wall. 

"Jim is busy saying goodbye to his pack members out front. He thinks I've already left," Ryker whispers, twirling my long brown hair in his fingers. He inhales my scent. 

He takes a step back and pauses, staring at me. He is in deep reflection. Curiosity and a pensive expression consume his handsome face.

"Alpha Ryker! What is the meaning of this? Astrid, are you okay? Why is there a hole in my wall?" Jim shouts before helping me up off the ground. The pressure of his hand on my broken rib makes me shriek in pain.

"Astrid, you're hurt. Your ribs. Please tell me you are, okay?" Jim says, worried. 

Ryker's face softens as his concern for me replaces any anger he previously felt toward me. He takes a step closer to me, sharply inhaling the surrounding air. I move behind Jim for protection. Ryker looks away. Distancing myself away from him has offended him somewhat. His fists are clenched by his side as though he contains something within himself he cannot control.

"Ryker! What did you do to her? She's just a young, innocent girl! Did you break her ribs?" Jim shouts. 

"I didn't touch her, Jim. She called me an arrogant, obnoxious human being. I got angry and punched the wall," Ryker explains.

"Well, she got most of that right," Jim yells, "because you are being an arrogant, obnoxious--' Ryker stops him. 

"Jim. Point taken! I overstepped the mark, but she acts like she doesn't know what a mate is. She's pretending she doesn't know she is a rogue!' 

"That's because she doesn't know!"Jim yells. Ryker gives Jim a confused look, then looks at me. I'm just as bewildered. 

"Look. I don't know what game this is, but I don't want to do this anymore. Just let me go home, and neither of you will have to worry about seeing me again," I yell.