Rejection From The Start

Chapter 3: Bad Premonition

Rose's POV

It was almost 6 pm and Ryder hasn't come back yet. I was beginning to get worried but frowned seeing how I didn't even know who he was having a meeting with and where. I went outside to the patio of the pack house and stared at the sky; letting my mind wander off when someone broke the silence,

"If you keep worrying about Ryder like that, you're gonna get wrinkles."

I frowned hearing Cassandra's teasing voice coming from the kitchen and turned to her. Pressing my lips into a thin line, I reluctantly groaned rubbing the back of my neck thoughtfully,

"I can't help it. Ryder's reckless and instinctive, you know that."

"Yeah. I do,"

she huffed out folding her arms across her chest. She looked as if she was in deep thought before quickly adding,

"-but he's also our Alpha."

I stayed silent, understanding what she was trying to say. Understanding that what she meant by that was that Ryder was just fine and that I was being overprotective. Alphas are strong and are more than capable in taking care of themselves, but before being an Alpha, Ryder was just Ryder, and he's still the same to me no matter his 'status'. I glanced at Cassandra who was already looking at me with eyes indicating she was trying to study me. Looking away, I tried not to pay too much mind it.

Cassandra had long fiery red hair and is Vincent's mate. She was also the second person I placed my trust in. She was like a sister to me, something Ruby used to be until she back stabbed me. But that's in the past, I don't think much of what happened anymore and try to just move passed it. After all, the past is the main reason why I'm here now.

Again my mind was drifting as silence fell upon us, but like before with Cassandra that silence didn't last very long,

"Cassandra, Second Alpha, the Alpha has returned."

I looked at Zack and nodded before heading to Ryder's office. Sure enough when I got there, Carter was already outside the door, but strangely, he wasn't going inside. He stood there like he was guarding the door, and the guards who would usually be there were nowhere to be seen.

Ryder must've ordered them out.

"Second Alpha, the Alpha wishes to see you,"

he glanced at Cassandra and quickly turned back to me with a hard look,

"-alone."

He finished. The atmosphere was tense, but I nodded to Cassandra who got the hint and watched as she walked away. Carter moved aside for me the moment she was out of sight and I walked to the office without another word.

Sure enough when I opened the door, the sight of Ryder sitting down at his desk made me let out a sigh of relief. Nothing had happened to him and he seemed to be doing just fine,

"Where were you?"

I asked as his eyes flickered over to me. Ryder instantly got up from his seat once his eyes met mine and offered me a small, gentle smile,

"I had something to take care of. Just some Alpha stuff."

he waved his hand back and worth, gesturing it wasn't such a big deal making me crack a smile. I grinned and raised a brow at him,

"You had some 'Alpha Stuff' to do?"

I asked making sure I heard him right. He nodded and leaned against the desk before opening his arms out for me,

"Yep, and it was very very complicated Alpha Stuff."

He emphasized the word as an attempt to show me how "serious" it was and failed horribly. I didn't hesitate to walk straight into his arms and hug him tight. His warmth enveloped me and I can honestly say his arms were the only place I ever felt safe and right at home. Ryder stroked my hair back as he rested his chin on top of my head,