Ryker, page 9
part #2 of The Moonstone Pack Series
“Really?” Cora’s eyes widened in surprise. “That’s…unexpected.”
“Unexpected? Is that all you have to say?” Ivy exclaimed, finally looking up. “Cora, he kissed me last night.”
“Wait…what?” Cora gasped, her deep brown eyes growing even wider. “Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”
“Because I was…I don’t know, scared, maybe?” Ivy admitted, feeling her cheeks grow warm with embarrassment. “It’s not like it changes anything. Ellerson still controls this pack, and we both know how he feels about other male wolves getting close to me.”
“Or any female wolf, for that matter,” Cora muttered, her expression growing dark. “He’s been even more possessive and paranoid ever since he took over as alpha.”
Ivy sighed and leaned against the wall, her bright green eyes clouded with worry. “I know, but there’s something about Liam that makes me feel…safe. It’s strange because I’ve never felt that way with anyone before.”
“Listen,” Cora said, her voice soft but urgent. “I understand that you might be drawn to Liam, but you have to be careful. You know what Ellerson’s like—if he finds out you’re getting close to another male wolf without his permission… I don’t even want to think about the consequences.”
Ivy nodded. “You’re right. I need to be cautious. I just wish things were different, you know?”
“Believe me, I understand,” Cora said, placing a comforting hand on Ivy’s shoulder. “But sometimes, we have to make the best of the situation we’re in, even if it means putting our own desires on hold.”
For now, she would have to keep her distance from Liam and her feelings for him under control. She would attend the pack gathering tonight, but she would do so with caution, knowing all too well the danger that lurked just beneath the surface of their forbidden connection.
That evening, Ivy stood before the mirror in the central bunkhouse room, her fingers deftly braiding her hair into an intricate updo. Cora watched her, a thoughtful expression playing on her delicate features.
“Listen,” she began hesitantly, her brown eyes soft and sincere. “I know I told you to be cautious, but… Don’t forget to follow your heart too, all right? Sometimes, we have to take risks for the things that really matter.”
Ivy met her friend’s gaze in the mirror. “Thank you. Your support means everything to me.”
“Of course. Just remember—be true to yourself. You deserve happiness just as much as anyone else.”
As Ivy finished her braid, the sound of footsteps approaching the bunkhouse reached her ears. Her pulse quickened, breath catching in her throat. She knew it was him—Liam. She could sense his presence like a magnetic pull, drawing her toward him despite her reservations.
“Here goes nothing,” she whispered, turning to face the door.
The door creaked open, revealing Liam. His lean, muscular form filled the doorway, his blue eyes sparkling with anticipation.
“Ready to go?” he asked. His eyes roamed over her appreciatively, taking in her carefully chosen outfit and elegant hairstyle.
“Yes,” she said, feeling an unfamiliar warmth rise within her. She glanced at Cora one last time, seeking reassurance. Her friend gave her an encouraging nod.
“Shall we?” Liam offered his arm, a playful smile dancing on his lips. Ivy hesitated for a moment before placing her hand in the crook of his elbow, feeling the heat from his body through the fabric of his shirt.
They began their walk toward the pack gathering. The sounds of laughter and celebration echoed through the trees, beckoning them closer.
“Are you nervous?” Liam asked, concern etched into the lines of his handsome face.
“Terrified,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “Everything feels so…uncertain right now.”
“Hey,” he said softly, stopping in their tracks. “I promise you, whatever happens tonight, I’ll be by your side. You can trust me.”
As she looked into his eyes, Ivy felt a spark of hope ignite within her chest. For the first time in her life, she was feeling a connection that went beyond pack loyalty or duty—it was something deeper.
More profound.
A true mate bond.
And maybe that bond could be trusted.
She swallowed, her chest constricting with terror at the possibility of believing in something good.
But for once, she chose to push down the fear rather than the bond.
“Thank you,” she murmured, her voice thick with emotion. “That means more to me than you could ever know.”
Hand in hand, they continued toward the gathering, the moon rising high above them, casting a silver glow upon their path.
She and Liam stepped into the clearing where the party was in full swing. The air was alive with the scent of roasting meat, laughter, and someone’s cell phone broadcasting a lively tune over speakers. Firelight danced across the faces of the pack members as they mingled, their voices rising and falling.
“How long has it been since you’ve had a get-together like this?” Liam asked.
“Too long,” Ivy admitted, her voice almost lost in the din. Anxiety tightened her chest, but she tried to focus on the warmth of Liam’s presence beside her, steadying her like an anchor.
“Come on, let’s get something to eat,” he suggested, guiding her toward a table laden with mouthwatering dishes. As they filled their plates, Ivy noticed how close Liam stayed, his arm brushing against hers whenever someone jostled them. It was a small, reassuring gesture that helped keep her anxiety at bay.
“Would you like to dance?” Liam asked once they’d eaten their fill, nodding toward the makeshift dance floor where couples swayed to the music. Ivy hesitated, biting her lip as she considered his offer.
“Okay,” she agreed, a tentative smile tugging at her lips. Liam’s answering grin made her heart skip a beat.
He led her onto the dance floor, their hands clasped together as they moved in time to the music.
“Is it always like this?” Ivy asked breathlessly as they twirled around the dance floor.
“Like what?” Liam asked.
“Magical,” she whispered, her eyes shining as she gazed up at him.
“Only when I’m dancing with you,” he murmured, pulling her closer until they were a breath apart. The heat of Liam’s body enveloped her like a protective cloak.
“Liam,” she breathed, her voice trembling as emotions threatened to overwhelm her. He gazed down at her with a fierce intensity that both thrilled and terrified her.
“Let yourself feel it,” he urged, his thumb brushing across her cheekbone in a featherlight caress. “Allow yourself this moment of happiness.”
Ivy’s throat went tight with unshed tears.
He was asking her to take a leap of faith, to trust him with her most fragile, vulnerable self. And against all reason, she found herself wanting to do just that.
“Okay,” she whispered, closing her eyes and allowing herself to be swept away by the magic of their dance, their forbidden romance blossoming beneath the moon’s approving gaze.
The music swelled around them, filling Ivy’s senses as she and Liam moved in perfect harmony across the moonlit clearing. She felt as though they were floating on air, their bodies entwined like a pair of graceful swans, each one complementing the other in an intricate dance that transcended time and space.
“Promise me something,” Liam whispered into her ear, his warm breath tickling her skin and sending heat racing down her back. “Promise me you’ll always remember this moment, no matter what happens.”
Ivy hesitated. For just this brief instant, she wanted to believe anything was possible.
“I promise,” she murmured, her voice barely audible above the pulsing beat of the music.
“Good,” Liam said. “Because I don’t ever want to forget how it feels to hold you like this.”
As the dance came to an end, Ivy reluctantly pulled away from Liam’s embrace, feeling bereft without the warmth and strength of his body pressed against hers. Suddenly, the world seemed brighter, more alive with possibilities than ever before. A newfound hope began to blossom within her chest.
“Thank you,” she said softly, their eyes locking once more. “For tonight, for everything.”
“Always,” he whispered back, a hint of sadness lingering in his gaze.
But then their tender moment was shattered by the harsh sound of hands clapping together, demanding attention.
A chill ran through Ivy as she saw Ellerson standing atop a large rock in the center of the clearing, his eyes glittering with cold menace.
“Attention, everyone!” he barked, his voice carrying an unmistakable note of authority that caused the music to die down and conversations to halt. “I have an important announcement to make.”
A sense of impending doom settled over Ivy. The joy she had felt just moments before was now replaced with dread, as if the universe itself was conspiring against her newfound happiness.
“Please let it be something else,” she prayed silently, her hands instinctively seeking out Liam’s for comfort. “Anything but this.”
But deep down, she knew that fate—or rather, Ellerson—would not be so kind.
Ellerson’s voice echoed throughout the clearing like a sinister wind, making Ivy’s heart drop and her blood run cold. She could feel the sudden tension in the air, as if all the happiness and joy had been sucked away in an instant. Her grip on Liam’s hand tightened, her fingers trembling with fear.
“Pack members,” Ellerson continued, his voice dark and commanding. “It has come to my attention that there are those among us who seek to defy our traditions and laws—those who think they can act without consequences.”
Ivy’s breath caught in her throat, her chest tightening as she exchanged a worried glance with Liam. She wondered if their stolen moments had been noticed and now they would pay the price. Around them, the pack members whispered and murmured, casting sidelong glances at one another, wondering who had crossed the line.
“Such actions cannot be tolerated,” Ellerson snarled, his eyes sweeping over the gathered wolves. “We must remind ourselves of our duty to the pack and uphold our values.”
Is he talking about us? Ivy thought, unable to fully voice her fears even within her own mind. She could feel Liam’s strength through their entwined hands, his thumb rubbing gently against her skin in an attempt to calm her nerves.
“Tonight, we will make an example,” Ellerson declared, his gaze finally locking onto Ivy’s, making her shudder involuntarily. “So that no one forgets the importance of loyalty and obedience.”
No, Ivy silently begged. Please don’t let him take this away from me, not when I’ve only just found it.
Chapter 13
THIS IS GOING TO be bad, Ryker thought, his mind racing as he formulated plans to escape whatever the alpha had planned and then discarded them just as quickly.
A growl rumbled from Ellerson’s throat as he stood on the rocky outcropping, his wolfish eyes reflecting the flickering firelight.
The Idaho Pack members around Ryker shifted uneasily, their expressions a mix of curiosity and unease.
Moonlit shadows danced across the ground, creating an unsettling atmosphere that mirrored Ryker’s mood.
The scent of pine and wolf musk filled his nostrils, a bitter reminder that he stood surrounded by the Idaho Pack, without any backup should this mission go awry.
Ivy’s hand tightened around his.
No—he wasn’t entirely alone, Ryker realized.
But I can’t count on Ivy to fight. This is her pack.
The chance that she would rise up against Ellerson was minuscule.
The alpha was drawing out the moment, savoring the underlying dread that clung to like a second skin to practically every member of the Idaho Pack.
“I’ve been informed that we have traitors among us, conspiring against our pack!”
A ripple of shock and disbelief spread through the crowd.
Ryker’s stomach dropped, and he went completely still, trying to process what he’d just heard.
I’ve been discovered.
“Whispers have reached my ears,” Ellerson continued, his tone low and threatening. “Secret meetings, alliances with our enemies… You think I wouldn’t find out about your treachery?”
His words hung heavy in the air, a challenge that dared anyone to deny his accusations.
No one spoke up, their silence only fueling Ellerson’s obvious rage.
Ryker forced himself to think past the icy shock of discovery, and his muscles tensed as he prepared to leap into action, even though he knew he would never be able to fight his way out of this mob of other shifters.
“Mark my words,” the alpha growled as he stared down at the cowering faces below him. “I will root out every last traitor in our midst, and when I do, there will be no mercy.”
A dark haze drifted across Ryker’s vision as his inner wolf whined to be released. He swallowed, forcing back the shift that threatened to take him over.
Not yet, he told his wolf, holding himself balanced on the knife’s edge between his human and wolf forms. But soon.
Ellerson continued to stare out across the silent pack. The tension in the air was an electric current that jolted through Ryker’s very bones.
“Let it be known,” Ellerson finally said, another growl simmering beneath his words, “that I will not tolerate disloyalty.”
The alpha’s gaze swept across the faces of his pack members, each one a study in submission.
Ryker realized he was the only shifter in the group who didn’t stand with his face and eyes downcast.
I’m the only chance this pack has.
His wolf pawed at the cage of Ryker’s will, growling in agreement and ready to fight to save the Idaho Pack. Ryker stood a little taller, preparing to take on the entire clan if necessary.
Ellerson’s eyes locked onto Ryker’s, holding his defiant gaze for a long moment. Then his attention flickered down to take in Ryker’s hand intertwined with Ivy’s. The alpha’s gaze narrowed, and his nostrils flared, his displeasure at the younger shifter’s silent rebellion emanating from him like a red cloud of fury.
Then Ellerson glanced away from Ryker and spoke again. “Gary Bonham.”
Wait. What?
The name echoed through the clearing like a roll of thunder, causing several pack members to exchange nervous glances.
Ryker looked around in surprise, and his wolf whimpered inside his mind, as confused as Ryker was.
Had he not been discovered after all?
What was going on here?
As the crowd parted to reveal a shaking Gary Bonham, Ellerson slowly gave a dark, predatory smile.
Ryker recognized the accused shifter as one of those who had met him at the Idaho Pack’s borders when he had first arrived.
Bonham’s face contorted in a mixture of rage and fear as he realized the gravity of his situation. He clenched his fists, shifting his weight from one foot to another, clearly preparing to fight for his life. However, before he could make a move, three burly enforcers closed in on him.
Ryker frowned. Where was Stefan? From what he’d seen of the pack dynamics, Ryker would have expected the lieutenant to be involved in capturing Bonham.
“Let go of me!” Bonham snarled, attempting to break free from their iron grip. But despite his desperate struggles, the trio of muscular wolves easily overpowered him.
“Bring him,” Ellerson ordered, his voice dripping with venomous anticipation. The enforcers dragged Bonham toward their alpha, roughly shoving him down onto his knees before Ellerson.
“Gary Bonham,” Ellerson began, surveying the terrified man with barely concealed contempt, “I have received reports that you have been collaborating with our enemies—the Moonstone Pack.” His words sliced through the tense silence like a sharpened blade. “What do you have to say for yourself?”
Ryker blinked, forcing himself to remain still. But he knew Ellerson’s words were a lie. They had to be. Gary Bonham had no connection at all to the Moonstones.
This was all for show, Ryker realized. It was a ploy to assert Ellerson’s dominance over his pack. Nausea swirled in his stomach and crawled up his throat at the thought of an alpha who would do this to his own pack members.
Bonham’s eyes darted from side to side, sweat beading on his brow. The scent of his fear permeated the air. “Please, Alpha,” he stammered, casting his eyes downward in a show of submission. “It’s not true—I would never betray my pack!”
Ellerson erupted into cold laughter. “Do you take me for a fool, Bonham?” he taunted, his lip curling in disdain. “Did you think your treachery would remain hidden forever?”
“Alpha, I swear—” Bonham protested, but his words were cut off by a vicious backhand from the largest of the enforcers. The sound of flesh striking flesh reverberated across the clearing, and Bonham’s face twisted in pain.
“Enough!” Ellerson snapped.
“I’m innocent!” Bonham’s voice cracked as he desperately tried to free himself from the enforcers’ hold.
“Your whining will change nothing,” Ellerson snarled, his voice carrying a deep rumble that spoke of barely contained violence.
“Alpha, listen to me,” Bonham pleaded, tears streaming down his face. “I’ve been loyal to this pack my whole life. I’d never betray you or our people!”
“Bart, hold him still,” Ellerson said to the largest enforcer, his voice booming across the clearing and silencing any murmurs of dissent among the gathered pack members.
As Bart tightened his hold on Bonham’s arms, forcing him to his knees, Ellerson paced around the broken man.
Ryker’s jaw clenched as he restrained himself from moving to rescue Bonham.
“Your betrayal is a cancer within our pack,” Ellerson began, his words slicing through the tense silence like a knife. “And I will not allow it to fester any longer.”
Ryker took a deep breath and tried to push down the rage that bubbled in his chest. Ivy glanced up at him, her eyes filled with worry, her face twisted with helpless pain. He couldn’t bear to see her like this.
