The Alpha's Mate Who Cried Wolf novel Chapter 42

"So, Amelia and Leon, hey?" I say, smiling. "So, what happens now?" I ask Ryker.

"Now we tend to the injured. First, we will use the Shady Crest packhouse for all the wounded. After that, the warriors will bury the dead, and we'll return to Shadow Crest. Pack members from here are welcome to come with us. Or they can stay here and resume their lives, but this land is now our territory," he explains.

Doing my best, I help tend to the injured. Everyone calls me Luna. It's foreign to me, but I figure I'll get used to it.

"How are you feeling now?" Ryker asks, looking me up and down. 

"I'm completely healed from all the injuries I received. I can't believe how quick I heal now," I smile.

"You will always heal quickly now that you have your wolf," he smiles. "I think it's time we all go home." We hold hands, keeping our eyes only on each other. Everyone else is ready to leave to go home.

"Ryker? I was wondering if we could catch up with everyone later? My wolf is begging to be let out, and I thought we could go for a run together?" 

"I'd like that very much," he smiles and kisses me passionately. 

"Ready to go, Alpha and Luna?" Seth asks. Our eyes remain locked on each other. Without turning around to look at Seth, Ryker waves his hand. 

"You all go home. We will catch up later," Ryker says. Seth smiles and nods, leading everyone back to Shadow Crest. I pull my dress off and shift into my large white wolf. Ryker shifts, and I bolt toward him. We play-fight a little. I nip at his ankles and neck. He purposely falls over, feigning weakness and whimpers. I haven't had the strength to knock him to the ground. It is charming to watch; playing with his wolf is a gratifying experience. 

We race through the woods to see who's faster. Our speeds aren't very different. The full moon is out in full view. We sit on a cliff edge near the packhouse and let out majestic, powerful howls together.

The pack members respond to us, howling together with joy and enthusiasm. Ryker's wolf sits beside me, resting his head on mine. He gives me a nip and a nuzzle every so often. We return to the packhouse when everyone is asleep and shift into our human forms. Before entering the front door, Ryker scoops me up and carries me upstairs to bed.

Giggling and blushing as Ryker nips my ear playfully, I let out a slight growl. He puts me on the bed and crawls toward me, kissing me passionately. 

"I love you," I say, staring into his eyes. 

"I love you. I've wanted nothing more in my life," he whispers.

"I want you to mark me, Ryker. It's time the world knows I belong to you and you, alone.

"What? How did I manage that?" I'm shocked.

"I expected you to be knocked out for a couple of days after marking you," he smiles. I lift my legs out of bed to stand up, and he races over to me. 

"Where do you think you're going?" He asks and wraps his arms around my waist and kisses my neck.

We snuggle up on the bed. I rest my head and hand on Ryker's chest.

"It feels so right to be with you. It feels so good. Words can't express how much I love you. The thought of not being with you hurts me so much," I confess.

"I feel the same way, Astrid, and wish I could keep you in my arms forever," he says, kissing the top of my head. Knowing I need to see how all my pack members are going, I have my shower and dress for the day.

When I look at my cheeks in the mirror afterwards, they have a nice red tinge, and my green eyes seem more apparent and brighter somehow. I feel amazing for the first time. I feel safe and loved. Giggling, we waltz down the stairs like two giddy teenagers in high school. I sit on his lap in the dining room while we feed each other.