Goodbye Alpha, I'm Done - Chapter 35: Chapter 35

"I didn't," I rushed to explain. "I threw them away. I didn't even read the letter."
Ryker's expression softened, and he let out a deep sigh. "," he said in a low murmur. "That's... ."
An uneasy silence fell between us, and I found myself shifting uncomfortably in my seat, unsure of what to say or do next. But then, to my surprise, Ryker stepped closer, his eyes staring deeply into mine.
"What is it that you want?"
I blinked, taken aback by the intensity of his gaze. "What do you mean?" I asked, clearly confused.
His lips curved into a slight smile, and he reached out, his fingers gently stroking my cheek. "You could have anything, Selena. Anything you desire. All you have to do is ask and I’d give you the world if I have to."
I felt a shiver run down my spine at his touch, my heart racing in my chest. "I... I don't want anything," I stammered, suddenly acutely aware of how close he was standing. "I'm not materialistic, and-"
He leaned in closer, his lips mere inches from mine and the next words died in my throat. "I'm asking you to be mine, Selena. I am officially accepting you as my mate."
I couldn’t understand why my heart was racing so fast. "But... what about Linda?" I stammered, the name leaving a bitter taste on my tongue.
He looked a bit irritated at the mention of her name. Linda is nothing to me, Selena," he murmured, his voice soft but firm. "You are the one I want, the one the moon goddess has blessed me with. You are my mate, and my mate alone. She was betrothed to me yes, but that doesn’t mean I’m marrying her like our families want."
"But... why me? I'm just a lowly omega, and you're-"
Ryker cut me off, his hand sliding around my waist as he pulled me closer. "Never belittle yourself, Selena," he muttered, his free hand gently tilting my chin upwards. "The moon goddess knew what she was doing when she chose you to be my mate. You are special, and you are mine."
He placed a gentle kiss on my forehead and I instantly felt all my worried melting away.
"I'm taking you home, Selena," he announced, his hand tightening around my waist. "You've done enough for tonight."
I nodded, suddenly too overcome with emotion to form a coherent response. I quickly gathered my things and followed him outside. He laced our fingers together as he guided me out of the office and into the cool night air.
When we reached the parking lot, he asked me,
"Your car is getting a bit old, don't you think?"
I glanced down at my car knowing he was right. I remember Kieran buying me that car four years ago, when it was my 22nd birthday. It wasn’t even right that I was still driving his property but I didn’t want to be too forward with Ryker.
"It's been to me, I'm quite attached to it, actually." I stated.
He gave my hand a gentle squeeze. "Well, I think it's time for an upgrade. How about we go shopping for a new car tomorrow?"
I wanted to argue but the determined glint in Ryker's eyes told me that this was a battle I was unlikely to win. Instead, I offered him a small smile, my heart fluttering with an excitement I struggled to hide. "If you insist,"
He decided to drive behind me closely till I reached home.
As I climbed out of the car, he was instantly by my side, his hand gently resting on the small of my back. "Let's get you inside,"
At that moment I noticed those two hulking men from this morning that I thought already left by now.
Instinctively, I tensed, my hand reaching for Ryker's arm. "Kieran’s men are still here. He sent them since morning "
Ryker's expression hardened, and he pulled me closer, his body shielding me protectively. "Stay behind me, Selena," he growled, his voice laced with a dangerous edge.
Ryker stepped in front of me in a protective stance. "What are you doing here?" he demanded, his voice a low, rumbling warning.
"We've been sent to guard Selena," one of them replied.
Ryker almost pounced on them, roaring loudly and they immediately knew they had to run for their lives.
"Go back to your master and tell him that I scared the shit out of you," Ryker growled after them as they took off. "And if you’re both ever found anywhere near her again, I won't let them off the hook. You’ll be dead meat."
I muttered my thanks to Ryker when they were finally out of sight and breathed a sigh of relief.
"Of course,anytime. Looks like a storm is coming," Ryker murmured, his gaze on the clouds. "I should probably start heading back soon."
I felt a pang of reluctance at the thought of him leaving, especially as I was scared to death of storms. He noticed my discomfort and asked me, "Is there something on your mind?"
I swallowed hard. "I, um..." I stammered, my fingers fidgeting nervously at my sides. "I'm usually a bit scared of storms, to be honest."
Ryker's expression softened, and he closed the distance between us, his hands gently grasping the base of my neck. "Is that so?"
I nodded, my heart fluttering at his proximity. "I know it's silly, but-"
"Selena," Ryker interrupted, his thumb gently tracing the line of my jaw, "if you want me to stay, then that's what I'll do."
I couldn't help but feel a flutter of butterflies in my stomach as I led him toward the kitchen, feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. As I set to work, Ryker quietly excused himself, mentioning something about a much-needed shower.
I nodded, my mind briefly drifting to the image of Ryker standing under the warm spray of water, his muscles glistening, his dark hair slicked back. Shaking my head to clear the tantalizing thought, I focused my attention on the simmering pot of sauce, determined to keep my composure.
Just as I was about to give the sauce a final stir, the sound of footsteps caught my attention. Glancing up, my heart started beating faster than usual.