My cheek had grown cold from leaning against the window for so long. Sitting up I kept my gaze to the woods as I watched hundreds of wolves moving around the grounds. Some in their human forms others in animal. Never in my life had I seen so many other wolves in one place. Coats of all colors shifted through the staggering castle grounds. A deep ache filled my chest as I watched a group of young pups roll through the lawn, nipping at each other as they dashed around. Why couldn't I have had that? Why can't I shift? Jacob was right there is something truly wrong with me. How could I ever expect to be accepted here if I couldn't even shift, I may as well go and live in the human lands. I would be more accepted there than here.
We hadn't even begun to see the Alphas yet as Ryker was still getting some work done at his desk. Breakfast had been brought to us but my stomach was in such a knot after seeing all the people that I couldn't even finish some tea. Moving my gaze back over to Ryker I watched as he leaned over his desk deep in thought as he read over some papers. Shinning dark hair falling into his eyes, everything about him seemed as tense as I was.
Slowly I stood from the window seat where I had been sitting, I needed to be there for him today, I could wallow in my own issues later. He was all alone now ruling this kingdom, he needed to be strong and show the other alphas how capable he was.
Walking over to him I wobbled slightly on the silver heels that had been brought to me with breakfast. Apparently, my flats weren't dressy enough for today, scowling at the shoes I quickly chucked them off to the side before coming to rest against Ryker's desk next to him. He hadn't turned the page in a while so I knew he was no longer truly reading. Unable to stop myself from reaching out I brushed the loose strands of hair back from his face, they felt like silk against my fingers.
Ryker looked up to me his face covered in concern, and self-doubt. Ever so slowly I ran my fingers down from his hair to lightly press at the line forming between his brows massaging it away. His steel eyes closed, body relaxing under this simple touch. "You're not alone in this Ryker, I know today will be hard but I'm here and I'm not going anywhere I promise," I whispered to him, before pressing a soft kiss to the place I had been massaging.
Moving away so that I could take a seat once more by the window, leaving the devilish heels on the ground. Like hell, I was putting those torture devices on again. This time I rested with my back leaning against the window, facing the room. Ryker took one more moment to compose himself before standing. I watched as his powerful frame walked over to the door. Opening it he spoke to one of the guards outside letting him know he was now seeing alphas. Turning back Ryker's gaze met mine smiling at me for a moment before stepping back behind his desk once more.
Group by group the Alphas entered the office. They would come six at a time to meet with Ryker. They all seemed a bit surprised to see me sitting by the window when they entered but none dared to comment on my presence. Many of them bowed to me as well some even said hello. But Ryker always grabbed their attention quickly so they could get down to business. He got updates from all of them on their territories and would give them a summary of everything that went down with us and Jason. Even though he had told the story a dozen times by now I couldn't stop my body from tensing up. It was an automatic response anytime Jason's name was mentioned.
Hours later the last group of Alphas finally exited to office. Ryker leaned back in his chair resting his head back. By now I had moved to the other side of the room and was currently resting in a plush chair by the endless shelves of books covering the far end of the office. Ryker turned to me, I could see how tired he was in his silver eyes. As I watched he stood from his chair. Standing tall he raised his well-musled arms over his head and stretched deeply. Unable to help myself I watched as his body flexed under his buttoned shirt. I felt my face heating as I quickly moved my gaze away from him, turning back to glance across the room to the windows I listened to him move towards me.
The lightest touch grazed over my cheek, sparks flew over my skin causing it to prickle. I grew even hotter at the slight touch. Turning towards him once again, Ryker sat before me kneeling. His hand was barely a few inches away from my cheek, I could feel the heat washing towards me from it. Without thinking I leaned forward, gabbing his hand I pressed it to my cheek holding it tightly to me. My body seemed to hum with happiness at the contact now. Ryker closed his eyes pressing closer to me. He leaned forward resting his head against my knees. Reaching out with my other hand I ran my fingers through his silky hair, rubbing soft circles on his head. After a few moments his shoulders relaxed, he leaned more heavily into my lap till Ryker's head now rested all but in my lap. His one hand brushed his thumb lightly across my cheek, as the other ran soothingly up and down my leg.
It was so peaceful just to take comfort in each other. We didn't have to say anything, the feeling of our light caresses was enough. I don't know how long we sat there but by the time Rykers had stopped brushing my leg his other arm and lowered to my waist wrapping around it. He held me close, it made my heart flutter every time his fingers whispered over my hip. Rykers touch now sparking different parts of me. It made my stomach jump, but Ryker made no other movements. I relaxed after a while seeing that he wasn't pushing for anything. Silently I went back to playing with his hair.
More time passed, till Ryker lifted his head from my lap. Flashing a smile at me he slowly stood pulling away from my touch. The chill I felt the second his body left mine was shocking. It made me all but want to jump back into his arms. Taking in a breath I worked to keep myself from springing at him. "Rose, would you join me for a run before dinner?"
That made my attention snap right back to him, a run? "But I can't shift? I would never be able to keep up on a run." My heart clenched in the chest, memories of Jason's pack flooding through my mind. "I wouldn't leave you behind, I really need to burn off some energy before I meet with the alphas again. You can always ride me if you don't want to run." Ryker said with a smerk.
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Long time no update! Hey, yall here's a little longer chapter for you! I hope you enjoy it, more will be coming soon life has just been so crazy! As always make sure to vote and comment if you enjoyed the chapter. Stay healthy and happy! I will see you in the next chapter!
XOXO
S.L Holland <3

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Prince Ryker
Hombres Lobo* Currently Publishing the Final Edits! Will be completed by the end of 2021! * Book #1 of the "Ryker" series Prince Ryker is the one and only heir to the werewolf throne. But four months ago, his royal highness disappeared after a rouge attack on...