Goodbye Alpha, I'm Done - Chapter 26: Chapter 26

As I met Ryker's intense gaze, I couldn't help but feel a flutter of anticipation in the pit of my stomach. There was something about this powerful alpha that drew me in, a magnetic pull that I found myself powerless to resist.
The music pulsed around us, the throbbing beat seemingly in sync with the rapid pace of my heart. Ryker leaned in closer, his hand gently stroking mine, and I felt a shiver of excitement run down my spine. Was he going to kiss me?
The moment was shattered as a group of Ryker's friends and one of his betas burst through the doors, their crazy loud laughter and raucous energy filling the room. He let out a soft chuckle, his grip on my hand firm for just a second and then it was gone again..
"That's my cue to leave, I'm afraid," he murmured in a low and regretful tone. "But I'll be around, Selena. See you later then."
I couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment as I watched him walk away, his broad shoulders and confident stride drawing the attention of everyone in the room.
As Ryker settled in with his friends, I found myself once again alone at the bar, sipping my drink and trying to ignore the lingering sense of loneliness that threatened to creep in. After an hour or so, it was getting boring because I just sulked at a corner watching Ryker and his gang members from the corner of my eye. And right at that moment, a drunken stranger from nowhere suddenly appeared at my side, his heavy hand gripping my waist in a way that made me dsigusted.
"Hey there, gorgeous," he slurred, his breath reeking of alcohol. "What's a sexy thing like you doing all by yourself?"
I stiffened, my wolf screaming at me to get away from this unwanted intruder. "Remove your hand," I said in a firm tone. "I'm not interested."
But the man only made his grip stronger, those beady eyes of his glazed over with desire. "Aw, come on, sweetheart," he cooed, his free hand reaching out to caress my cheek. "Let's go dance, huh? I promise I'll show you a time."
I jerked away, my revulsion and disgust overwhelming any last politeness in me . "I said, get your hands off me," I snarled, my wolf instincts rising to the surface.
The man's expression darkened, and he grabbed my wrist, his grip painfully tight. "Don't be like that, baby. I just want to have a little fun with you."
But before he could do anything else, a low, deep snarl echoed from behind him, freezing him in his tracks. Ryker materialized, his perfect blue eyes now a piercing, glowing red, his expression twisted with a crazy rage.
"Didn't you hear the lady?" he growled, his claws out now closing around the man's throat as if he was going to rip him apart any moment now. "She said to get your hands off her."
The man cowered, his face a mask of pure terror. "Please, Alpha, I'm sorry!" he begged, his voice trembling. "I-I didn't mean any harm, I swear!"
Ryker's hold grew tighter, and I could see the bones in the man's neck straining under the pressure. "Then get the hell out of here," he snarled, "before I break every bone in your pathetic body."
The man didn't need to be told twice. He scrambled away, his tail firmly tucked between his legs, as Ryker turned his attention back to me, his expression softening.
"Are you alright, Selena?" he asked, his voice clear with genuine concern.
I nodded, my heart still pounding from the adrenaline rush. "I am now," I replied, a small, grateful smile tugging at the corners of my lips.
Ryker reached out, gently taking my hand in his own. "Maybe it's time for you to head home," he murmured, his thumb rubbing the back of my hand a little bit.
“What about your party?” I asked glancing at his pack members whose glances were at our direction now.
He assured me not to worry about it because they were done celebrating anyway and he had work to do in the morning so he had to head home himself.
I nodded again, allowing him to guide me towards the exit. As we stepped outside, I realized with a sinking feeling that my car had a flat tire.
Ryker must have sensed my distress, because he quickly stepped in, assuring me that he would call someone to fix it and that he would drive me home. He was such a gentleman.
I was about to decline though but I figured it was safer to be around someone like him. When he had protected me earlier, it felt really , and nothing like Kieran’s suffocating nature.
The drive back to my apartment was silent,and I itched to say something but I was unsure of what to say to him. I couldn't help but steal glances at Ryker, captivated by the way the streetlights danced across his chiseled features. The only thing that kept on ringing in my head was the fact that his gorgeous powerful dangerous man was my mate! I wondered what drama the moon goddess wanted in my life to be fated to two Alphas who hated themselves. I wondered what Kieran’s reaction was going to be when he found out that I was mates with his arch nemesis.
And as we pulled up to my building, I felt an overwhelming urge to reach out and touch Ryker, to feel the warmth of his skin against my own. I didn’t know if it was because we were actually mates or it was something else.
Before I could second-guess myself, I leaned in, pressing my lips to his in a soft, tender kiss. "Thank you, Alpha Ryker," I whispered, my voice barely above a breath.
His eyes slightly widened in surprise, but then a slow, satisfied smile spread across his face. "You're welcome, Selena," he replied, never taking his eyes off mine.
With a deep breath, I reluctantly pulled away, my heart racing with excitement. I wished him night and stepped out of the car. With Ryker suddenly crossing paths with me, I knew my life was about to be a crazy adventure and I couldn’t wait for it.