An Alpha's Duty

Chapter 36

Lenah's mind was blank as Ryan silently led her through the magnificent house. It couldn't be more different to the pack house, with it's high glass windows and wooden frame. The building was two stories high and extremely inviting. She'd never seen anything like it and it took her breath away

Ryan led her passed dozens of rooms, some finished, others still with work to do. She gasped when he led her into the master bedroom. It was the one room that was completely furnished and completed. She couldn't stop her gaze from drifting to the large king sized bed that dominated the room. The whole room smelled like Ryan but it was faint as if he hadn't been there in a long time.

She had no idea why they were here, only that Ryan had now let go of her hand. She quickly created some space between them and heard him sigh. It hurt her to know her actions were causing him pain but she was afraid of how he would look at her.

It didn't escape her notice that this was the first time they were truly alone since she'd woken up but she was nervous. He'd seen her memories, had witnessed her killing someone without a thought, how could he ever look at her the same way?

She knew that a Luna should always be the mother of the pack, it was not their duty to fight or kill and yet Lenah knew that was who she was. There was a darkness to her that she'd long come to terms with but it was the first time that Ryan had ever been touched by it and she couldn't help but freak out a little.

Ryan lifted her chin with one of his fingers and brushed his fingers against her cheek. She couldn't help but crave his touch. Her body had been without it for two weeks and she simply couldn't pull away from him.

"I'll be right back." Ryan couldn't resist any more. He crushed his mate against his chest and buried his head in her shoulder, breathing in her delicious scent. It sent his wolf crazy but Ryan ignored the pull to mark her. Because he hadn't marked her after the challenge ceremony he would now have to wait to mark her at the next full moon.

The need to mark her was getting stronger but he ignored it and pulled away from her, walking towards the en-suite bathroom.

Lenah watched him go unsure of his plans. She got a glimpse of the room he'd walked into but all she could make out were cream tiles before he shut the door behind him. Not knowing what to do she decided to walk towards the set of patio doors. They led out to a large private balcony which she could look out onto the vineyards from but as the sun was fading she remained inside.

She'd felt the cold nip in the air when she'd walked with Ryan so was reluctant to leave the warmth of the room. The door behind her opened and she watched as Ryan entered again with a towel in his hand. Gently he wiped away the remaining blood from her hands and arms that she'd missed herself. Her clothes however weren't going to be so lucky. They were smeared with Michael's blood.

The clothes didn't bother her but the reminder of what he'd seen had her skin crawling. She knew the pack would understand she had no choice but still it would remain in their minds. It would be impossible for them not to see her in a different light after this and it saddened her. She wanted to be a Luna they could be proud of and yet she'd already proven she was unfit to do the job.

"Come." Ryan's soft words broke her out of her thoughts as her eyes landed on his outstretched hand.

Cautiously she slid her hand into his, loving the feel of his skin on hers, and let him lead her into the bathroom. She heard the sound of running water before she'd even crossed the threshold.

Looking around the luxurious bathroom she couldn't help but be impressed. Immediately her eyes fell on the large freestanding bathtub where the water was slowly filling.