The Alpha's Mate Who Cried Wolf novel Chapter 6

"How do you know I worked there?"  

"I've seen you in there when I drive past to work." 

"Right." I turn to walk away.

"Wait, take this." He hands me his business card. 

I take it reading it, Zenith Creations CEO, accompanied by a contact number. I look at Zenith, confused. 

"If you need a job, call me," he says.

"Thanks, but I'm sure I'll be fine," I say, handing the card back. 

"No, keep it. Just in case. I'll see you around, Astrid." He gives me a wink before his window ascends, shielding him from view. 

"Hey!"I yell as he drives off. "How did you know my… name?"

I stand there watching the car drive further and further away. The diner is up ahead. I don't want to walk past it, but there is no other road to take. The woods are the only other thing around. There are more cars at the diner than there usually would be.

A few of the same men I served the other night are standing outside the diner. They're staring intently at me. One man nods, and another enters the diner. I quicken my pace, knowing Ryker might be with them. I am left unbothered for a while, and I think this will be a non-event before Ryker suddenly stands in front of me. You've got to be kidding me. How did he get here so quick? I step around him. 

"Astrid," he says. I keep walking, and Ryker keeps pace with me. "Astrid." he repeats himself. I keep my head down and keep walking. He grabs my wrist, and I feel a subtle sensation from his touch.

"Ryker! Let me go!"I yell. 

"No. I looked for you all night when you ran off and all day yesterday and today. So, we are going to the diner to talk," he says. 

"There is nothing to talk about!"I say, trying to pull away.

Ryker grabs me by the waist and lifts me over his shoulder. I cry out in pain from the injuries I sustained. Ryker quickly puts me back down. 

"What's wrong?" He asks. 

"Nothing, just please don't touch me," I say. Ryker pushes my hoodie down. 

"Astrid. I need you to look at me, please," he pleads. He can see bruises on my neck.

I look into his blue eyes, tears rolling down my cheeks. I feel so ashamed of myself. 

"Jim, I don't want you to see me like this. I've caused quite the commotion. I am so sorry," I say, standing at the kitchen bench and looking at the mess of pots and pans on the floor. Jim stiffens at the sight of me. I'm glad my hoodie and jeans cover the extent of my beatings.

"Astrid..." Jim says, staring at me. Then, his eyes well up, he steps toward me, and I rescind. He frowns and looks away. 

"I'll get you some ice," he whispers, walking to the freezer. The other men in the diner stare at me, sympathising with my injuries.

I make it obvious I'm uncomfortable by glaring at them. They all look away. 

"Astrid, take a seat," Ryker says, walking to the diner door, flipping the OPEN sign, and locking the door with the key. I am worried. 

"It's fine, Astrid. We don't want to be interrupted. I'll unlock the door when you're ready to leave," he reassures me. I nod and sit at the table with the booth seats. Ryker sits beside me. Jim passes me the ice pack and returns to the kitchen without looking at me. 

"Astrid, we need to discuss your living arrangements," he says. 

"There's nothing to discuss," I reply.

"Astrid, do you want him to kill you? Because looking at you in your current state, another beating before your eighteenth birthday, you probably won't survive," he observes. 

"Why would I not be able to survive another beating?" I ask. All the men in the room are listening to our conversation intently.