Alpha's Mate (Completed)

Chapter 5

"Oof!'' The exclamation escapes my mouth as I bump into someone. I move my face from it's current position: smashed up against a hard chest. Of course, I don't even need to see the face to know who it is- I'd know that scent anywhere. Ryker. I sigh.

''What are you doing here?''

''Chivalrously, he extends his arm, and though the wolf in my head is creaming ''Take it!'' I ignore the gesture, walking in front of him.

I can hear a small growl of frustration from behind me as he follows me.

''I came to escort you.''

''Next time, don't.''

''I have to! You're my mate!''

''Does it really matter that much?''

He grabs my shoulder and whirls me around to face him. I get a little dizzy then, not at the spinning but at his scent..

''Does it matter to you that I would die to save you? You're a part of me, Kim, and though you may do your best not to feel the same way, I know you do, deep down inside.''

I try not to swoon at his adorable declaration. ''Kimbriella.'' I murmur.

''What?''

''That's my full name. Kimbriella.'' Wait what?

''Kimbriella. Kimbriella.'' He rolls the name around his tongue, testing it. ''I like that.''

Why did I tell him that?

''Good, because I wasn't going to change it.'' I say, ruining the moment. I step in front to lead again, but after five minutes, I realize I'm lost. ''Uh.. Ryker?''

''Yes, Kimbriella?''

''Don't call me that.''

''It's a beautiful name, very fitting.''

I sigh again, bending to his will a bit, but ignoring the compliment. I blame the stupid mate bond.

''Only in private.''

''Deal.'' He confirms.

''I think I'm lost.''

''I know, he chuckles. ''I was waiting for you to admit it.''

I glare at him, which only makes him chuckle more, and let him lead the rest of the way.

He guides us out of the house into the backyard, which I haven't yet seen or had time to explore. The grass we walk on is short and recently cut, but farther out, the grass begins to grow high and wild. It literally stretches as far as I can see, and I want to forget all about this party and simply run.

But I don't want to shift and ruin the dress. It's one of my favorites. No to mention all of the ''pack'' or whatever it;s called, is here, and they would catch me in two seconds.

On both sides of the field, there are two separate forests that go on as far as the fields. I make a mental note to scour them for wild berry bushes when I find time. I'm then stricken with a sudden craving for wild blackberries.

''Kimbriella?''

''This isn't private, Ryker!'' I hiss.

''Sorry-oh, whatever. The point is, I have completely forgotten all my manners.''

''What do you mean?'' I'm a little suspicious now.

''I didn't tell you how beautiful you look.''

I'm on verge of blushing, and blushing at anything Ryker Aldaine says is entirely unacceptable. Plus, he did try to say it, earlier. So I insult him and change the topic.

''You never had any manners to forget.'' I stick out my tongue childisly. ''Is there any food here?'' Not waiting for an answer of response, I wander away.

''You're welcome for the compliment.'' He remarks, following me.

''I didn't say thank you.'' I inform him. He grunts in annoyance.

''Why do you always have to be so stubborn? Just accept the compliment!''

''Don't tell me what to do,'' I warn him. ''I don't like that.''

''That doesn't work for me.'' He shakes his head, but a smile plays upon his lips. What is he thinking?

''What do you mean?'' Expecting some lame excuse about how he's the Alpha and demands respect, the reply I get is very different.

''That doesn't work for me in bed. I like to be in charge.''

I whirl around and slap his arm.

''We will never-that will never-ew!'' I stumble over my words, unable to truly express my disgust. ''Shoot!'' He yells, drawing all the attention of half the crowd. His arm is quickly turning a bright red color. An outline of my handprint is clearly visible.

''Impressive hit,'' A voice murmurs. I lift my hand to strike again until I realize it's only Elison.

''Thank you.'' I grin.

Ryker stomps over to us, I hold up a hand. ''Don't even give me that ''What was that for?'' crap, because you know very well that you deserved it.''

''Did you have to slap me?!?''

I pretend to think for a moment. ''Yes.''

When he opens his mouth to something rude, I interrupt. ''Be glad it wasn't your face.''

''Kimbr-'' I clap a hand over his mouth.

''Don't. Even. Think about it.''

Elison stands there uncomfortably until I release Ryker and acknowledge him.

''Did you need something?''

''Uh, yeah.'' His eyes dart between Ryker and I. ''An Alpha from some neighboring pack has come. He wants to give his congratulations to you finding your mate, and to meet her.''

''And if I don't want to meet him?'' I encounter.

''You're going anyway. And be respectful.'' Ryker snaps. I smile and pinch his cheek. ''How many times do I have to tell you that you don't control me?'' I coo in a baby voice. He wrenches his cheek from my grasp. Right as he's about to yell at me, Elison interrupts.

''Please, just do it, Kim.'' He pleads.

''Well, since you said please.'' I agree, making Ryker more furious.

''Ryker.'' Elison grabs his arm. ''You need to calm down.''

To my surprise, Ryker scoops me into his arms, and starts... smelling me? Even further astonishing me, it seems to calm him. He relaxes, and for a moment, I'm stunned into doing nothing but standing stiffly in his arms.

Then I realize that I'm letting him hold me, and I wrench out of his grip. Shamefully, I enjoyed it, which was even worse than letting it happen in the first place.

Seeing the tenseness of my body language, Elison places a hand on my arm and explains.

''Smelling your mate can help calm you down.'' Ryker growls at Elison, who's hand still on my arm. He rapidly removes it.

''Thanks for the warning.'' I mutter sarcastically.

''Would you like to smell me?'' Ryker opens his arms as if for a hug, rudely implying that I need to be calmed down.

''Ryker, I swear to you, if you push my buttons one more time-''

''Let's go meet that Alpha, yes?'' Elison interrupts again.

''Good idea.'' I say gritting my teeth.