Goodbye Alpha, I'm Done - Chapter 36: Chapter 36

There, standing in the doorway, was Ryker, wearing nothing but a towel wrapped loosely around his waist. Water droplets clung to his skin, making the defined planes of his chest and the toned lines of his abdomen even clearer. The sight was positively mesmerizing, and I felt my grip on the pot of sauce tighten as I struggled not to drop it.
Clearing my throat, I managed a hesitant smile. "I, um... I didn't realize you didn't have anything to wear,"
Ryker's lips curved into a mischievous grin, and he took a step closer, teasing me. "Well, I certainly couldn't very well wear your clothes, could I?"
I felt my cheeks flush with heat, and I quickly turned my attention back to the sauce, praying that the motion would hide my sudden flustered state. "I... I suppose not,"
He chuckled, the deep, rumbling sound making my hairs stand on end. "Does my... state of undress bother you, Selena?" he asked me and I didn’t even know how to respond properly.
"Not at all," I lied, my voice betraying me.
He stepped closer, and I blinked continuously. "Are you sure? Because I couldn't help but notice the effect I seem to have on you."
I felt my pulse quicken, the steady rhythm pounding in my ears as I struggled to find the words to respond. Before I could gather my thoughts, the sound of a low rumble echoed outside, reminding me the crazy storm outside wasn’t stopping anytime soon.
"We should probably eat before the power goes out," I said, whispering even though I sounded firmer in my head.
Ryker gave a small smile and a stiff nod before disappearing down the hallway.
When the food was finally ready, I set the table, and he was back wearing his old clothes from before.
We ate in relative silence, the only sound the gentle patter of rain against the windows and the occasional rumble of thunder. I couldn't help but steal glances at him, marveling at the way he seemed so at ease even with the crazy storm outside. When we were finally done, I decided to go get a hot shower myself.
As I stepped under the spray, the tension in my muscles slowly melting away, I couldn't help but marvel at the turn my life had taken. I didn’t even think of a life outside Kieran but here I was, doing absolutely fine.
When I finally came out from the bathroom, in a short, silky white nightgown, I found Ryker seated on the edge of my bed, a book in his hands. His gaze lifted as he heard me enter, and I flushed hard noting the book he had picked up.
"I see you've discovered one of my more... questionable reading choices," I said with a small groan.
He chuckled, his fingers tracing the worn pages of the book. "It's certainly... interesting,"
I rolled my eyes, a smile playing on my own lips as I crossed the room to join him on the bed. "It's highly romantic and cheesy, is what it is," I huffed, feigning a look of exasperation.
His gaze was soft , and he reached out, his hand gently cupping my cheek. "Is that so bad?" he muttered, his voice low and sincere.
“I suppose not,” I said and walked to my dresser to get my drier and began drying my damp hair. When I finished, he suggested he helped me brush my hair. He tapped on his lap and called out in an inviting tone for me to come sit. Shyly, I made my way over with a brush, positioning on his lap. It was the first time I’ve ever had a man brush my hair. Kieran never had time for these small gestures and romances although I longed for it.
I could feel the warmth of his body radiating against my back, and his sweet scent that made me want to snuggle even closer.
Without a word, he gently took the brush from my hands, his fingers tenderly combing through the tangles in my hair. I found myself relaxing into his touch, my eyes falling closed as I enjoyed the moment. I was even more surprised as he weaved my hair into a simple braid. It wasn’t perfect but it was beautiful.
"Who taught you how to do this?" I asked eagerly.
Ryker chuckled, the deep, rumbling sound a melody to my ears. "I'm an Alpha, Selena," he murmured,"It's just... something I know how to do."
A sudden, earth-shattering rumble of thunder hit the skies outside, causing me to jump with a startled gasp.
Ryker's arms tightened around me and he spoke in a soothing voice. "Shh, it's alright. As long as I'm here, you have nothing to be afraid of."
I nodded, my body shaking slightly as his fingers gently traced the curve of my neck.
"Selena," he called out quietly, his breath tickling my ear, "May I mark you as my own?"
I felt my heart skip a beat, and I could not believe what I had just heard.
Marking was a sacred ritual, a powerful bond that would tie us together for eternity. The thought of Ryker's teeth sinking into my skin, claiming me as his mate, made me eager for him to do it as fast as he could.
"Yes," I stated, my voice sounding confident now. "Please, Ryker... mark me."
That night, as Ryker made love to me, his touch igniting a fire within me, I felt a sense of peace and security that I had never experienced. By the next morning, the bed had gone cold around me and he was nowhere to be found. Not like I was expecting him to because he had more important things to do.
Reaching up, I traced the tender mark on my neck, a huge smile about to split my face into two. I remembered what happened last night and it was one of my best nights ever in a long while. But as my fingers drifted lower, they found something unexpected - a silver neck chain with a pendant resting against my skin. Lifting the necklace, I let out a gasp as I took in the inscription:
"Ryker's."