Turn of the Moon (Royal Shifters #1)(40)

I turned to him and set my cup down. “I did. We talked a lot. I think she has a thing for Sebastian.”

“Oh hell, who doesn’t? How did it go with him when you said goodbye?”

“Fine. I know he wanted to go with his brother, but he wasn’t happy about leaving. I guess, until we’re mated, I’m still vulnerable.”

“But you have me to protect you.”

“I know that, but there’s a reason female royals have royal-blooded protectors. You have to admit Sebastian has powers that even you don’t.” A low growl escaped his lips and he tensed. “Ryker, I’m not saying he’s physically stronger than you. Besides, you have a couple of powers he doesn’t possess.”

“Oh yeah, and what are those?”

Smiling, I climbed onto his lap and kissed him. “The power over my heart.”

His body relaxed and he kissed me again, his tongue taking claim of my mouth. “And what’s the other?”

I shoved my hand between us and rubbed his growing arousal through his jeans. “The other one is so big—so obvious—I don’t think it bears mentioning.” I smirked as I squeezed his length.

Thrusting into my hand, he growled his approval. Standing up with me in his arms, he carried me up to his bedroom and laid me down on the bed. I moved back and he crawled on top of me, lifting my shirt.

His fingers tickled me as he rubbed circles along my stomach. “After we complete our bond during the next full moon, you’ll officially be mine. We’ll both be alphas of this pack, making all of the decisions together. It’s not going to be easy, but you’ll always have me by your side. I want you to be happy.”

“What about you?” I asked, combing my fingers through his hair as he laid small kisses along my stomach. “What will make you happy?”

He looked up and met my stare. “I will be the happiest man alive when you bear our children. We were robbed of our families at such a young age, and to have one of my own is something I’ve dreamt about for years.” Covering me with his body, he wiped away the tear I couldn’t stop from rolling down my cheek.

“And I promise to fulfill those dreams. I won’t let you down,” I whispered softly.

“And neither will I,” he murmured. Lifting my shirt over my head, Ryker unclasped my bra. He freed my breasts and suckled them, his teeth growing slightly. I could feel the razor edges grazing my nipples. “I want to taste you. Will you let me?”

I groaned and bit my lip. “As long as I can taste you as well.” I was nervous to see what the next vision would be like. Before he could unzip my pants, a howl sounded in the distance. “Is it one of your wolves?” I asked.

Jumping off the bed, Ryker rushed to the window and peered out, eyes glowing. “It’s Cedric. Something’s wrong. I need to go.”

Sliding off the bed, I dropped my jeans and underwear to the floor. “I’ll come with you,” I offered. Ryker stepped in my way before I could let the magic of the shift take over my body.

“You’re not coming, Bailey. I need you to stay here, where you’re safe.”

“What if you need my help? I can shield your presence.”

Growling low, he cupped my face firmly in his hands. “I know, but I can’t risk you. Shield yourself and stay here. I’m not going to put you in harm’s way again. Just stay close in my mind so I know you’re there. If I tell you to run, I want you to listen to me, got it?”

“What?” I gasped frantically. “There’s no way in hell I’d ever leave you! Don’t ever ask me to do that.”

“I just did.”

He kissed me long and hard before taking off. I quickly grabbed my shirt and threw it on, racing after him to the door. Before he could shift, I grabbed his arm. All I could do was stare into his bright green eyes.

Sighing, he brushed a finger down my cheek. “Lock the door and shield yourself. If no one can find you, you’ll be safe. I love you, angel.”

“I love you too.”

He kissed me again before the magic shimmered across his body and turned him into a giant, white wolf. His wolf was beautiful and majestic, but also a deadly killing machine. Taking off into the forest, he disappeared from sight.

“Be careful,” I said.

“Always.”

Closing my eyes, I concentrated on my magic and made sure to shield my presence. When I was in college, I had run into other wolves from time to time, but none of them realized what I was. It was nice to know I could stay hidden. I didn’t need them pissing all over my yard, trying to mark their territory.

The phone rang.

“Hello?”

“Bailey, what’s going on?” Tyla asked.

“I don’t know. Ryker took off a few minutes ago.”

“Do you want me to head over there? I don’t have a good feeling about this. My father called and said something’s going down and to stay out of the woods.”

“He’s right, stay there,” I commanded.

“What if it’s the Yukon pack again? You don’t need to be alone.”

I looked out the window and there was nothing amiss. “I’ll be fine. The last thing I want is for you to be here if they are around.”

She huffed. “Fine, but if you need me, I’ll be there. Maybe Sebastian should’ve stayed. He’d be there to protect you right now.”