Mated in Mist (Talon Pack #3)(19)

Ryder stood up then. He took the four steps that separated them and stood right in front of her. When he cupped her face, she stopped breathing, rendered unable to think by his touch.

“They will not have you, Leah. One day I will tell you the story of the Alpha and Heir of the Pack before Gideon and me. I will tell you how they did the same thing to another woman as the Coven did to your mother. I was too young, too weak to protect that woman and her child, but I know them now. Know they are safe as Redwoods where they weren’t as Talons. We will not allow you…I will not allow you to be given up to the Coven like a sacrifice. We will work it out. I am meeting with the Coven in two days, and you will come with me. We will face this head-on.”

She sucked in a breath, her lungs burning. “Ryder…”

“They will not have you. Your father, if you can call him that, was the one in the wrong. He had no right to call upon your death, no matter what Coven decree he made. I don’t care what they think. As for what happened on camera? I was part of the Unveiling. I was one of the wolves who were shown to the world. And yet, I live. I will not allow you to be punished for others’ actions.”

“You can’t tell the Coven what to do, Ryder. It’s not that easy.”

“Then we’ll make it that easy.” His thumb brushed her cheek, sending shivers down her spine. “You deserve more than a life on the run, more than a Coven to punish you.” His voice lowered. “You deserve more than me.”

With that, he brushed his lips over hers, once, twice, in the gentlest of kisses. She closed her eyes, relishing the slight pressure of his lips to hers.

It was over before it had begun, but she knew that kiss had meant something.

Only it didn’t mean everything.

Because despite the fact that he’d kissed her; despite the fact that he’d promised he would protect her; she would have to protect herself. She wasn’t good enough for him, wasn’t his mate in truth.

She was just a witch with no home.

Forever alone.

****

Ryder closed his eyes and told himself he was ready for what was to come. It was only a meeting between two Packs and a Coven of witches that would set the tone for their relationship during a time of war and uncertainty.

Add in the fact that his wolf craved the woman at his side and that the woman came from a dark past of betrayal and abandonment tied to that exact Coven, and Ryder knew there were more questions than answers.

No pressure at all.

“I’m not trying to read your emotions, but you’re screaming them at me,” Brandon said from his side.

Ryder had heard his brother come to his side, of course, but he hadn’t said anything. There wasn’t much to say with everything going on in his mind. He didn’t particularly like Brandon’s powers as Omega. He wanted his emotions to remain his own, but he knew Brandon couldn’t control it.

“Unless I’m about to break down and tear off the Coven leader’s head, just ignore them.”

Brandon let out a sigh. “I can’t ignore it,” he said softly, almost a whisper. “I never can. Speaking of Coven leaders, are you going to be able to handle Leah at your side while you meet her father?”

Leah had told his family about her connections to the Coven the day before so there wouldn’t be any surprises. His siblings had taken it surprisingly well. Leah would be joining them for the meeting, not as a representative for the Talons, but as a guest who needed to be present because of what had brought her to their den in the first place.

Ryder hadn’t said Leah was his mate or that he’d rejected the mating urge and bond.

He should have known he wouldn’t be able to hide it from Brandon.

“I won’t hurt the Pack,” he growled out.

“Never thought you would. I’m more worried about you hurting yourself.”

Ryder turned to his brother. “Leave it, Brandon.”

Brandon just met his gaze, not quite a challenge, but close enough. Ryder was Heir, slightly higher in rank than the Omega. Their dominance couldn’t be changed, but they could piss off their wolves.

“What’s going on?” Leah asked as she came up to them. She’d gone to a nearby stream as soon as they’d made it to the meeting location so she could wash her hands. She’d been nervous and had needed the water for her magic. Ryder had been able to hear her the entire time, and would have run to her side in a moment if there were trouble. And since they were on neutral ground and not within wards, trouble could come at any moment.

Because they were in the middle of a forest, they had some cover in case there was an issue, at least. With the humans always on the hunt, and hate groups hidden around the area, Ryder wasn’t going to take chances. As soon as the Redwood Heir and Omega arrived, they’d make their way into the meeting area and get started. He didn’t like being out in the open as they were.

“Ryder?”

He shook his head at Leah’s words. “Nothing’s going on. We’re just having a brother issue.”

She studied his face then licked her lips. He wanted to do the same but held himself back.

The sound of two people coming through the trees, purposely stepping hard as to announce their presence, hit his ears and he turned on his heel, grabbing Leah’s wrist and tugging her close at the same time.

She didn’t pull away, but he did feel water sliding up his fingers. It seemed his little witch was more powerful than he thought.