er staring down into

t till tomorrow,’ he says, softly. I nod then look at

the door to leave, impatiently turning the hand

the key

et, and you sure as hell aren’t goin

ave! Please, you have to let me go. He will kill me if I

a finger on you again. Do you

l kill me if I don't go home. He wil

e it's the last time he wil

o to him? You can't, you

m now, you will never

him. I’m the cause of her death. I don't want to

in with his hand to

hat happened that day, the da

Dad. I don't want to do it

’ll tell me.’ I gi

ch other knowing it’s Dad asking why I'm no

clear enough. Astrid is not coming back to your house again.’ And after a few moments of Jim just listening, ‘oh really? Well, after what you’ve done to Astrid, my friends and I look forward to your arrival.’ He slams the phone down and looks

his shotgun to come and take he

to get hurt; just let me g

l never end. You’ll be hurt aga

em Ryker. I can look after myself,’

re my mate!’ He shouts. We gla

w what a mate is right now, because there is obviously more

ou won't f

mising anyth

have enough on your mind to process at this

Ryker!’ I yell as I sit dow

air and looks into my eyes; his eyes convey a thousand untold stories. Maybe

nds,’ he says, w

hy

me to explain what a mate is

r skin; it feels amazing; it gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling. He holds my hands and gent

e. We develop an instant connection: when we touch it feels like magic and fireworks exploding. We instantly develop a sense of great desire for each other, and a need to be near each other at all times. We accept each other as mates by marking each other on the neck with our fangs. In other words, we bite each other, leaving our marks, to show others that we are mated. The bond intensifies; we are able to feel each other's emotions and a

My mind goes into shock registering all this new information. Very slowly I stand, inhaling a

s met with his confusion and a raised brow. All eyes are on me as I calmly w

et him two days ago. This is not happening; they have all gone crazy! Or is it me going crazy? I don't even know

. I run as fast as I can through the trees in the woods. I don't get very fa

’m in a lot of pain from the beati

at? Why did you ru

lifelong mistress and let you bite me and carry your pups, maybe I’m

n you turn eighteen, you’ll und

my back and his face and his breath are inches fro

if I get off

s off in the direction of the diner; Ryker stands and takes my hand to pull me

is sitting on the bonnet of his car with his shotgun pointed at some of the pack members

e surprised me. How many men here are waiting their tur

ing my daughter.’ A warning shot is fired toward Ryker's feet, purposely missing them, but warning him nonetheless. I ju

pieces,’ Ryker yells, letting go of my hand and tackling my father to the ground. I try to grab hi

him! Please!’ I plead; my eyes well

adly like he hurt you.’ Ryker throws hi

go to help Ryk

ur pack will help him,’ J

is okay.’ I try to struggle out of Jim'

ounds in the night air. Ryker runs and tackles him off the bonnet onto the ground. Ryker snaps the shotgun in half, tosses it aside, and commences a succ

while Ryker punches him in the torso. Dad looks at me and grins, while blood trickles from his mouth and nose. I

n his face; taking every hit like they

Astrid. You’re the reason your mother is

unable to keep myself up. Dad laughs. With one look o

ing; he is weak from all the fighting. He is drenched in

ot to kill him,’ h

wound near his heart. I hold my hands over the wound; p

ly! Carry him into the diner. We have light there, and we can see what needs to be done.’ I remove

learing it, and the others place Ryker on the table

t he?’ I ask, distressed. Ev

the bullet so he can heal,’ Seth explains. Jim runs back t

don't watch; I can sit with

im away from him. Jim puts his arm over my shoulder, pulli

tarted healing by now, but nothing is happenin

can't have someone die ag

e like I’m someone important; they give me some time wi

ase don't die. I'm sorry. It's

ds over his wound. ‘Please Ryker,’ I cry. ‘I pr

my head to his chest and cry. After a

your fault,’ Ryker whispe

see Ryker waking up. I run my finger over the healed wound, now a scar.

to his lips, giving me a kiss that

r mate bond. If you weren't here, I

been shot in the first place,’ I sa

is arms gently around me. Nuzzling his

e floor at his words. I lean my forehead affectionately against his. Suddenly, I realise

ains, smiling. I cross my arms a

ke an interesting, cut

say. Ryker is more dis

ot planning on running. Walking over to where Dad lies unconscious, I take in his bloo

t the stars and the moon. Ryker has a glum look on his face

, and your Alpha, and the other

ned eighteen yet. I think once you’ve settled into Shadow Crest, and ad

d; this isn't what I thought

is a great blessing, and an honour bestowed to you,’ he reassures me, with a gentle smile

‘Well there’s a hole in my heart. But it’s a

giggle, he smiles an

s and hop into the back seat with Ryker;

g to sit in my

He asks.

here,’ Ryker says. Seth d

it take to ge

g, I guess,’ Ryker jo

hour,’ he answers. I yawn

,’ he whispers, holding me ti