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Chapter Thirty-Two

I stared at Ryder, a chill creeping up my spine as I tried to process what was happening between us. For the most part, other than the absolute infatuation with Ryder, I felt the same as I always had.

More scared and afraid for my life, but I didn’t think that had anything to do with the imprinting.

“So, um, do I have to obey your every command now?” I asked, hating the quiver in my voice. I couldn’t deny that the connection between us felt both exhilarating and terrifying.

Ryder’s expression softened. “No, Everly. That’s not something I’d ever enforce. I’m not looking to control you.” He ran a hand through his hair, seeming just as overwhelmed as I was. “If you wanted to leave badly enough, I think the SUV would start. The bond’s strong, but it’s not a prison.”

“So, it’s breakable?” I asked, raising a brow.

“Do you want to break it?” he asked.

I opened my mouth but snapped it shut.

“I mean, to be totally honest, I don’t know enough about it, having never experienced it before,” Ryder said, running his hand through his hair. “I’m sure there are ways… I’ll need to talk to?—”

“Right now, when you told me to stop walking, I did,” I said, chewing my lip. “If you’re not my master or whatever, then why did I stop? I didn’t even think about it… my body just responded.”

“It’s a deep connection,” he said quietly. “I think on some level we just don’t want to be apart.”

I looked out at the trees. “I am very worried about all of this.”

“I promise I won’t order you around like some kind of submissive,” Ryder said, looking into my eyes. “That’s not what I want. I just want to protect you. Be with you. I would do anything to keep you safe.”

“This is a lot,” I said, chewing a nail.

“I’ll learn more about it,” Ryder said, glancing over his shoulder. “I will, but this Kellan bullshit has to come first. He’s far too big of a threat to you and to my pack.”

I looked down at my feet. “And to you.”

“Please,” Ryder said, pulling me into his arms. “I’m not afraid of Kellan.”

“What if I am?”

“I’m older, I’ve been a pack leader longer?—”

“Why does it feel like there’s something you’re not telling me?” I asked, burying my face against his chest.

Ryder sighed. “There is probably a lot that I’m not telling you, but it’s for your protection.” He cleared his throat and gestured toward the house. “You should go inside. Do you think you’ll be okay here alone, or should I send Gage or Trevor?”

“I’ll be fine,” I said.

“Good,” Ryder said, placing his hand on the doorframe. “Do I need to tell you to lock it?”

I cocked my head. “Are you ordering me already?”

“Whoa,” Ryder said, taking a step back. “That night when you were in danger… I’d felt it. That’s part of the?—”

“Imprint,” I said, finishing his sentence.

His head bobbed. “Good. If it happens again, at least I’ll know what it means.”

“Let’s hope it doesn’t,” I said, my shoulders dropping. “I never want to be near a vampire ever again.”

“Lock the door,” Ryder said, taking a step back. “Call if you need anything.”

“Please be careful,” I said as I closed the door.

I watched through the front window as Ryder’s truck kicked up dirt as he sped down the driveway. When he disappeared down the road, I let out a breath and pressed my forehead against the cool glass.

Imprinting. I’d just been imprinted on by a werewolf. Was this real life?

The pull I felt toward Ryder was undeniable — a strange magnetic connection that had happened days ago. And there wasn’t anything we could do about it? It was hard to make sense of it all.

I wandered through the empty house, the silence suddenly overwhelming. My footsteps echoed against the hardwood floors as I made my way to the kitchen. Without anything better to do, I poured a cup of coffee and curled up on the couch, wrapping myself in one of the throw blankets.

There wasn’t much I could do, other than wait for Ryder to take care of things. What did that even mean? Weren’t people going to wonder what happened to Paul when they didn’t see him or when he didn’t show up for work?

Oh shit. The Timber Tavern.

Paul wasn’t the only one who wasn’t going to be showing up. I grabbed my phone, staring at the screen for several minutes before typing out a message.

Hey Steven, I don’t think I’ll be able to make it in next weekend. Something’s come up. Sorry for the late notice.

I hit send and set my phone down. That money would have been nice, but something told me that Ryder would not allow it, at least not anytime soon. For all I knew, I wouldn’t ever be able to leave this house again.

Steven didn’t respond, but that was fine. Normal, even. He was probably busy with one of his many businesses.

The sun began to set, casting long shadows across the living room. I pulled the blanket tighter around my shoulders, suddenly aware of how vulnerable I felt. Every creak of the house settling made me jump. Every shadow seemed to hide a threat.

I used to enjoy being alone, but now it turned my stomach. I didn’t want to watch TV, and I didn’t want to read my book… all I could do was sit there and wonder and worry.

Around dinner time, my phone buzzed. My heart skipped a beat when I saw Ryder’s name flashing on the screen.

“Hey,” I said, trying to sound casual.

“How are you doing?” Ryder’s deep voice filled my ear, somehow making the empty house feel less vast.

I glanced around at the darkening rooms. Without thinking, I got to my feet and moved around the house, turning on the lights one by one.

“I’m fine. Just... feeling really alone here,” I said, wishing I didn’t sound so freaking pathetic.

“I know,” he said softly. “That’s why I called. I could feel it.”

I pressed my lips together. “I’m not sure how I feel about that.”

“Sorry,” Ryder said, his voice low. “I wasn’t trying to. It’s just inside me.”

I returned to the couch, sinking back into the cushions. “Having someone in my head, knowing what I’m feeling… it’s kind of… intrusive.”

“I can’t help it,” Ryder said. “If I could shut it off, I would. Maybe I’ll be able to control it better, eventually. This is all new for me.”

“When are you coming back?” I asked, picking at a loose thread on the blanket.

“Soon. We’ve dealt with the situation, but that’s about it so far.” He didn’t elaborate, and I didn’t ask. “Just need to tidy up a few things, then I’ll be right there. Will you be okay until then?”

I let out a breath. “Don’t you already know the answer to that question?”

“I’m not psychic, Everly,” Ryder said.

“Yeah,” I said, resting my head back. “I’ll be okay.”

After hanging up, I bustled around the fully lit house, straightening pillows, rinsing my coffee mug — anything to keep busy until Ryder arrived. I washed my face and then ran a brush through my hair and considered painting my nails, but decided against it when I noticed how shaky my hands were.

As full darkness settled in, I heard the familiar rumble of Ryder’s truck coming up the driveway. The headlights swept across the front windows, and I hurried to the door, eager not to be alone anymore.

I opened the door and stepped out on the patio to greet him. He held up a hand, a growl rumbling deep inside him.

“Go back inside,” he said, his voice tense.

I froze. “What’s wrong?”

He growled as he turned toward the trees. “We’re not alone.”