A Mate's Betrayal

Part 30

Chase took us to Renee's home. It was just as I remembered. "I didn't change a thing. I just thought that if I keep hoping maybe one day my dream would come true. I pictured myself moving out so that you and Chase could raise your little ones without a nagging grandmother like their father and I planned a long time ago, little did I know that fate had other plans", Renee said when she found me admiring the room I used to sleep in.

"Oh Renee", I said pulling her in a hug. "I guess I'm still grateful because you came when I needed you the most. You saved my life Erinna", she said pulling back from the hug and kissing my forehead. I remembered her forehead kisses, I remember her motherly hugs.

"Let's not dwell on the past ok? Wanna make dinner with me?", I asked knowing it was something we both enjoyed doing. "Of course, lead the way", she said and I started heading to the kitchen immediately.

Ryker walked in when we were setting up the table. 'Can we talk in private?', he said via mind-link. 'Sure', I said then led him to my room. "This room looks so... you", he said looking around.

"What's going on Ryker?", I asked pulling him to sit next to me on the edge of the bed. "I think the hunters have created something that can make them strong but also kill us if it comes into contact with our blood. I've collected samples for Chris since he is the pack scientist. Whatever it is, it does not affect you and I have a feeling it will not affect me either", he said making me look at him with confusion.

"Why is that?", I asked. "Renzo", he said making things fall into place. Renzo always drinks my blood when we make love. Which was a lot so whatever I had he had too. "So how do you want to do this? I know this discovery is important but so are Renee and Cleo. Do you want to stay with them while I work on this?", he asked and it warmed my heart to see that my opinion mattered to him. "I will feel much better if we destroy this threat. Let's have dinner then get the sample to Chris as soon as possible", I said and he nod agreeing with me.

The food was amazing and as usual, Ryker ate like three plates leaving Cleo's jaw hanging. It made me laugh. I missed her. "Where the fuck is she?", Velma shouted as she stormed into the dining room with a panting Chase behind her. She looked pissed.

'Let me guess... the wanna be Luna?', Ryker's mind-linked me making me hold a laugh 'Baby, she is the Luna... but yes' I replied making him smirk. He was up to no good, I could feel it.

When her eyes landed on me, she furrowed her brows and started walking towards me fast. I remained seated, not bothered by it because I knew Ryker was on top of it. Perks of being mated to a warrior. She ended up falling on her butt after hitting a wall that suddenly appeared in front of me.

"Who the hell do you think you are huh? Oh, goddess! your Majesty... I'm so sorry I didn't see you", she said standing up and blushing. What's up with these women and my mate? "Not a problem Luna, I was just coming to kiss my MATE", he said then pulled me to his chest, kissing me in a way that made my toes curl. When he pulled back Velma's face was like a deer caught in headlights.

"E-e- erinna is your mate?", she asked looking disappointed and scared at the same time. "Well yes, she's my princess so I suggest you address her by her formal title", he said with a warning voice making her swallow hard. "Of course your Majesty", she said then sat like she was trying to process things. With the way she was breathing, I could have sworn she was on the verge of collapsing. We said our goodbyes and then left her to her misery.

The drive back was too quiet which made me think of a way to cheer Ryker up. He was a different person when it came to his job, too serious and concentrated on perfecting stuff, analysing every possibility, and outcome, and calculating everything. He didn't even seem to notice me when I was trying to find something to listen to. Almost like I didn't exist to him. It made me feel bad that I had nothing to contribute. I didn't know anything about being a warrior so yeah it sucked being me right now.

I finally found a station that was playing 'You're Still the One' by Shania Twain and started to sing along while looking towards the window, they kept playing more songs that I knew so I kind of fell in the rhythm. I felt a hand on my thigh which made me turn. Ryker had a sad face which told me he was about to say something I wasn't going to agree with.

"Rina, I need you to do something for me", he said squeezing lightly. "I need you to promise me that you will stay with Mildred and Blade in the bunker if the hunters come here", I was about to ask why but stopped myself when I felt his emotions. He was scared. "Ryker, why are you scared? Do you know something I don't?", I asked looking into his eyes. "I just have this bad feeling... you're the daughter of their scientist and engineer, if they get you I might not be able to get you back... They might turn you against me and the fact that you can command me... i...", he couldn't finish the sentence but I understood.

"Ryker, I would never do that to you, why would you even think that?", I asked feeling hurt by the fact that the thought crossed his mind.

"I'm a warrior Little one, it's my job to assess all scenarios. Abe is not just my brother he is my King and with that comes the crown. I serve whoever wears it at any cost. I can't ignore my responsibilities", he said with desperation but all I heard was me coming second... again. "So you mean... if... if the crown tells you to get rid of me because I'm a potential threat you would?", I asked and he bowed his head in defeat. I guess I got the answer I was looking for.