The Alpha and The Witch.

Chapter Nine (Ryder)

I averted my gaze, her intoxicating scent already clouding my judgment. Her rapid pulse betrayed her fear, a frustrating misconception. I couldn't fathom how she'd so swiftly cast me as the villain when Luke had abandoned her without a sober ride. My grip tightened on the wheel as her heartbeat pounded in my ears.

"I'm not going to hurt you," I growled, my voice low. 

"Wh- I didn't say anything!" Her voice was edged with panic. She didn't need to. 

"I can sense your fear," I replied, trying for patience. "Do you honestly think I'd kidnap you?" 

A wry smile touched her lips. "Is that supposed to reassure me?"I rolled my eyes.

"You're impossible. Have you always been this difficult?"

"I really see myself as easygoing," she shrugged, tossing her blonde hair over her shoulder. The scent of lavender and vanilla washed over me in waves, making her earlier nervousness seem almost inexplicable.

"I beg to differ," I replied.

I stole another glance at her, her violet eyes narrowed into slits. A chuckle escaped me. "You really shouldn't glare at a serial killer."

Despite her impassive facade, her heart pounded a frantic rhythm.

"Come on," I pressed, annoyance creeping into my voice. "Do you really think I'd hurt you?"

She groaned, her exasperation palpable. "You're impossible. That's what makes you such a jerk."

"First of all," I adjusted my posture, studying her, "you're incredibly clumsy. I saved you from a nasty fall on that marble floor."

"Clumsy?" She scoffed, her violet eyes flashing with anger. The insult seemed to ignite something within her.

"Yes, clumsy," I replied, a smirk playing on my lips. "Tripping over thin air qualifies as clumsy, don't you think? And then accusing your savior of nefarious acts? That's a whole new level of clumsy."

I could sense her fighting to suppress a chuckle. "Look, I admit I shouldn't have said that—but you could have let it go."

"Why should I?" I retorted, leaning in slightly. "Just because you're courting Luke?"

"Courting?" She twisted her body to face me, a look of bewilderment crossing her features. "What are you talking about?"

"Courting... Dating...""Oh," she sat back. "No, we aren't dating." 

"But you fancy him?" I asked, unsure of why I was even inquiring. It wasn't my business, but he was my brother. So, did that make it my business?

 "Fancy him... Fan-" she repeated, clearly puzzled by the term. "Oh! Do I like him?"I nodded, keeping my eyes fixed on the road. The full moon was the only illumination guiding us along the two-lane highway.

"Not right now, I don't," she huffed. I let out a laugh, "I don't blame you."

Silence enveloped us as I continued down the darkened road. Her scent was intoxicating, a heady mix that was driving me crazy. I'd met countless women, dated a few, but never had I felt this way.

"What perfume—er—do you have on?" I asked sheepishly, my voice barely audible over the engine. "What? Why?" She lifted a strand of her blonde hair and sniffed it, puzzled.

"Just wondering, it's very strong," I replied, my voice laced with honesty. The scent was intoxicating, a strange blend of calming and overwhelming.

"I—I'm not wearing perfume..." she said softly, her voice filled with confusion. "So you're saying I stink?"I stared at her for a moment, my expression a mix of surprise and disbelief.