Claimed, but not by my Mate

Chapter Six

 “Dang Ryder you scared me.” I laughed lightly but I could tell by the look on his face he was pissed.

“You couldn’t have told me?” He growled

“The same way you could have told me about your deal with me.” I said evenly back and his face fell immediately, holding guilt.

“He told you?” He asked and I nodded. “I’m sorry, I should have told you but I didn’t think you’d want to know.”

“I was happier not knowing but I’m glad I do.” I told him and he nodded before hesitantly opening his arms to me. Smiling at his caution I let him wrap me in his arms. He rested his cheek against the top of my head and I breathed in his scent deeply, having missed it. James’ was more manly and intoxicating while Ryder’s was just familiar and smelt like home.

“I’m sorry.” He said and not even a nod of the head or a sound was needed to know that he was forgiven. “Let’s go inside, it’s kind of chilly.” He said and I nodded. He pulled me close and led me back into the house.

“How was it?” He asked as we settled comfortably onto the couch.

“Sweet, peaceful.” I said, surprised at his calmness.

“I may want you for myself but I’m happy if you are.” He said and I smiled before curling myself into his chest, his arm pulling me even closer.

“What did you do while I was gone?”

“Not much.” He said, his hand now a fist.

“Relax.” I said rubbing my hand along his chest. He sighed and I saw his hand relax beside me. “You’re always so tense.”

“Just lots to deal with lately.”

“Can you tell me?” I asked and he shook his head.

“It would be worse for you to know. I’m just trying to stop you from worrying too much.”

“I always worry.” I replied and he chuckled.

“Don’t I know it.” He said and hit his chest lightly before wrapping my arm around him and pulling myself closer. He dropped a small kiss on my head and I sighed deeply.

“I wish this moment would never end.” I said and he nodded in agreement. “What time is it?”

“It’s about seven, why do you ask?”

“It just feels closer to ten then it does seven.” I shrugged and yawned. I saw a mischievous smile on his face before I was suddenly lifted into the air and cradled against his chest. “Put me down.” I protested and he shook his head before using his speed to carry me to his room. I was dangling precariously over his balcony moments later.

“Ryder.” I screamed in fear as my legs dangled over the railing. We were only a floor up but I didn’t like heights. “Ryder put me down.”

“Like this?” He asked and dropped me lower.

“Ryder!” I screamed again and began to thrash wildly in his arms, trying to get a hold of the railing. When I accidentally hit his arm, causing him to loosen his grip on me, I slid down a little further and grabbed onto the railing before his hands could slip completely out from under me. “Ryder.” I whimpered in fear and without uttering a sound he lifted me back up and onto the balcony.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. I was just teasing.” He said as I hid myself against his chest. His arms wrapped around me to hug me and I sighed.

“I know but you know how much I hate heights.” I said against his chest and he kissed the top of my head. He lifted my chin to meet his gaze.

“I really am sorry.” He said and kissed me softly. It was amazing to me how much feelings could change in a matter of days.