Page 21

I sigh as the light from the window blinds me, waking me up in the process. I groan and roll over, pressing my face into a pillow. "Good morning, grumpy." A voice chuckles. I slowly pick my head up and glance to my left to see Ryder standing there running a hand through his wet hair.

I raise an eyebrow before I drop my face back to the pillow.

Ryder laughs at me and I hear him pad his way across the room towards me.

The bed dips down under his weight as he sits next to me.

It's quiet for a second until I feel a large hand placed on the curve of my back.

The hand moves up and down my back, "Jade. " Ryder calls out softly.

"Hmm." I hum into the pillow. "Get up baby." Ryder tells me. I groan softly and roll over, Ryder doesn't move his hand so now it rest on my stomach. I look up at him before I cover my eyes with my arm, blocking the blinding light from my poor sensitive eyes. "Why should I?" I grumble out.

My tank top had ridden up while I slept which explains why Ryder starts running his fingers along the bare skin of my stomach.

"Because," Ryder sighs, "you're right." I lift my arm to look at him and raise my eyebrows, "How did those words taste coming out of your mouth?

" I ask teasingly. Ryder's lips twitch into a small smile, "Like vinegar.

" I let out a tired chuckle, "As fun as hearing you say I'm right is, mind telling me what I'm right about? " I ask.

I finally sit up slowly and stretch my arms behind my back.

Ryder's hand now rests on my thigh, tracing the outline of my tattoo.

Ryder looks up at me, "You're right that I haven't been spending any time with you and that I'm always working.

I am missing you just as much as you are missing me, most likely more.

So...I thought that I could make it up to you.

" Ryder tells me and then shrugs his shoulders at the end.

I smirk slightly and get on all fours, crawling over to him.

When I reach him I sit back on my heels and wrap my arms around his neck while my fingers run through the hair on the back on his neck.

"Is that so?" I ask him. Ryder's arms move up to slide around my waist and pull me to him, "Yes it is.

" I nod and a small smile graces my face, "And how do you have planned to do that? " I ask and tilt my head to the side.

Ryder lets out a chuckle, "Now where would be the fun in telling you?

" he laughs. I pout my lips and he shakes his head with a soft laugh.

Ryder leans forward and pecks my lips, "Go get ready love.

" I sigh and let my head fall backwards, "How am I supposed to get ready if I don't know where we're going? " I ask with a tiny groan.

I look back at him and he smiles, "Just wear something casual, you look beautiful in anything anyways.

" he says. I roll my eyes and scoff, "That was such a guy thing to say.

" I say and move myself off the bed. Ryder grabs my wrist and pulls me back to him, hugging me to his body while he sits on the bed and I'm standing in front of him.

I raise an eyebrow, "You know, this whole getting ready thing involves you letting go of me. "

Ryder nods, "Tough decisions." I roll my eyes and pull away from him, "You wanted me to get ready, so that Mi Amor is what I am going to do.

" I say and walk to the closet. I grab a dark gray strappy sweetheart tight crop top and a pair of light pink shorts.

I pick out a pastel pink bra and matching panties then go to the bathroom.

I do my business in the shower and such then start on my hair and makeup. I curl the ends of my hair into large, soft curls and then I did a light gray smokey eye with some light pink lipstick along with eyeliner and mascara.

After I finish, I walk out to the bedroom to see Ryder not in there. I shrug and go to the closet. I bend down and slip on my gray converse. I stand up straight again and feel hands on my hips and a face being put into my neck. I look straight ahead at the mirror that takes up a full wall.

Ryder has his hands on my hips and his face tucked into the crook of my neck.

He was changed into a white crew nick, a gray flannel, black jeans, and black timberlines.

I could also feel the cool metal of his dog tag seeping through my thin shirt.

I smile softly at our reflection and pull out my phone that I had grabbed after I got out of the bathroom.

I turned on the camera and lifted it up to the mirror. I snapped a photo of our reflection and Ryder wraps his arms fully around my waist so I take a picture of that too. Warm lips connect to my neck and smile slightly and lift my hand to run through Ryder's hair.

Ryder starts swaying our bodies side to side and for a few moments we stand there in silence, just enjoying being with each other.

"Mi Amor, we should get going, shouldn't we?

" I whisper softly. Ryder's eyes lift up to mine in the mirror.

He nods, "Yes we should, after you love.

" he says and gestures his hand so I can walk out of the closet.

I laugh softly and walk out with him following me.

I slip my phone in my pocket and Ryder grabs his own phone before taking my hand and leading me down to the elevator.

We step onto the elevator and Ryder presses the silver button that would bring us to the ground floor. Ryder wraps his arms around my waist and pushes me up against the elevator wall. Leaning down, Ryder puts his face in my neck. I hear him breathe in deeply as his nose runs down my neck.

When he reaches the base of my neck, I feel his lips linger over where he will mark me.

My wolf purrs in my mind and Ryder's soft and gentle lips connect with my skin, "Mio luce.

" He whispers softly against my skin. He pulls back and looks me in the eyes, "Ti amo tanto.

" He says and kisses my lips softly. "I love you too. " I say against his lips.

I chuckle softly and Ryder pulls back with a smile on his face, "What are you laughing at?

" I shake my head slightly, "I think it's cute that you are getting in touch with your ancestral side.

" I say. Ryder rolls his eyes, "How do you even know what my ancestors are?

" I raise my eyebrow, "Really? I think you are forgetting that you are a part of the Royal Family and I was that I was born and raised in the Lunar Shadow Pack. " I tell him.

The elevator doors slide open and Ryder grabs my hand, "Come on you smartass." I place my free hand on my heart, "Wow, the pet names sure change quickly with you." I see from the corner of my eye that Ryder rolls his eyes, "Just come on." He says and ushers me into the garage.

Instead of Ryder's usual black Ferrari, Ryder leads me to a large Ram truck.

Ryder opens the passenger door for me, "My lady.

" He says in an awful fake British accent.

I cringe slightly, "I think you should stick with Italian Ryder.

" I say and pat his shoulder. Ryder just laughs as I step up inside the truck.

The door shuts softly and I buckle myself up as Ryder jogs around the car and gets in. He pulls out of the large garage carefully as we start the journey to wherever the hell we are going.

As we drive past the blur of the forest I look over at Ryder, "Can I at least have a hint as to where you are taking me?

" I ask with a slight pout. Ryder glances at me and chuckles softly before picking up my left hand in his and pressing his lips to it.

"I'm sorry love, you'll just have to wait to find out.

" he tells me. I sigh in defeat and look out my window, just getting lost in my thoughts.

As we continue to drive, more and more houses and buildings are taking over the amount of trees.

Soon we are actually in a city. I realize that I have been to the city here, hell I haven't even met the pack I am supposed to be Luna of, let alone Queen of.

I guess that could be my fault for leaving for a month, but then again, that would be Ryder's fault, but that would be my fault because I didn't let him explain but then that would be his fault because he blamed me for things but. ...

Ugh.

Shut up stupid brain with its stupid confusing thoughts.

I sigh and lean back against the seat, I look over at Ryder who is watching the road and driving casually. I sigh again but quieter, long drives I am okay with, but quiet long drives...not so much.

I reach forward and press the button to turn on the radio. A random song that I don't know plays through the car's speakers so I start going through the stations. I scroll until I see a familiar title and smile. I turn up the volume and sit back as the lyrics start and I sing along.

"You would not believe your eyes, if ten million fireflies lit up the world as I fell asleep."

I sing the lyrics as we continue to drive and I notice from the corner of my eye that Ryder keeps looking over a me before focusing his gaze back on the road.

When the song finishes I feel Ryder squeeze my hand slightly.

I look over at him to see a smile on his face, "What?

" I ask. Ryder shakes his head with a large grin still on his face, "What is it? " I ask again.

Ryder looks over a me, "You have a beautiful voice, I would have told you when I heard it the first time but you weren't the happiest with me." He says like he is recalling the first he heard me sing.

Ryder smiles slightly and glances at me, "You hum a lot, mostly when you are just doing random things.

You also sing in the shower. I have heard you sing on multiple occasions but the first time I heard you sing was after I had first found you and I was taking you back to the castle with me. " he says.

My mind goes back to the car ride but it was such distant memory, Ryder's voice cuts me out of my thinking.

"You had just woken up and we were still awhile away from the castle.

I guess it was too quiet or something so you put in your headphones.

A certain song came on and you started to sing along with it.

You didn't even realize you were doing it, I could tell by the way your eyes were zoned out.

It was like you were there, but you weren't." Ryder explains and then I finally remembered.

The song was Gold. "I couldn't help but listen to you sing.

It was so amazing, like I never wanted to stop hearing it. " Ryder added softly.

I felt my cheeks warm up and I realized I was blushing.

Wow, that sure doesn't happen often. I didn't say anything as Ryder turn into a road that had lights and colorful signs down it.

I managed to read the last sign before we turned into a large parking lot filled with excited people, ranging from kids to adults. "Carnival."

I smiled brightly as I could see the rides and flashing light and hear the music playing.

I looked over at Ryder as he put the car in park, "A carnival?

Really?" I asked. Ryder looked slightly nervous, "Do you like it?

If you don't we can go somewhere else." he says quickly.

I smile and roll my eyes. I open my door and run over to Ryder's side where he is stepping out of the car.

I jump up and wrap my arms around his neck while I press my lips firmly to his.

Ryder wraps his arms around my waist and kisses me back after a second.

I pull back with a smile on my face, "I love it.

" I say. Ryder smiles back, "I'm glad." I laugh and grab his hand, "Lets go!

" I say and start tugging him towards the entrance.

I feel my hand being tugged back and I'm pulled into a hard chest, "The carnival will still be there if we walk.

" he whispers in my ear. I lean my head to the side so I can look up at him, "You have no way of knowing that, for all you know it could disappear, a tornado could sweep it away, a freak earthquake could happen, -" my rant is cut off by a hand.

I feel Ryder's chest rumble on my back as he chuckles, "I get the point Mea Lux.

" he says and then removes his hands from my mouth.

Ryder pecks my cheek and grabs my hand and we start walking to the entrance. As we walk through, the smell of greasy food and the sound of people laughing and playing games hits me. I smile graces my face, I haven't been to a carnival since before my parents died.

I look at Ryder at the same time he looks at me, "So what do you want to do first?" he asks. I shrug and look around, "Come on." I say and pull him along. "Alright then." Ryder says from behind me. I stop at the end of the line at a roller coaster called 'The Twister'.

After a few minutes we are being strapped into our seats. I let out a breath as the machine starts to move up the hill leading to my vocal cord's death. I feel a hand wrap around mine and I look over at Ryder, he gives me a smile which I return.

We finally reach the top and it stops. I breathe in deeply, "Here we go." and then...we dropped. Lets just sum it up by saying there was a lot of screaming, turns, and twists.

After a few minutes everyone stumbles off the ride, including Ryder and I. We stop to process the fact we are on the ground again, "Well, now I know why it's call the Twister." Ryder says with a shake of his head. I can't help but let a laugh out at that.

"How about we go play some games?" Ryder suggests.

I nod and smile, "Why not?" We walk over towards the games and I see the cliché throwing balls at bottles game.

"That one." I say. Ryder smiles at me, "Okay.

" he says and hands the woman behind the stand a dollar.

She smells like a werewolf but not from our pack so she must be from a neighboring pack.

Ryder picks up three balls and throws the first one, efficiently knocking all the bottles down.

Ryder smirks and the woman smiles, "Congratulations, pick your prize. "

Ryder wraps his arm around my waist, "Choose what you want Mea Lux.

" he tells me with a smirk. I roll my eyes and look at the woman, "Is a less cocky mate up there?

" I ask, low enough so no humans could here but her and Ryder could.

The woman laughs and shakes her head while Ryder squeezes my waist, "Hey I am right here, you know?

" I smile up and him, "Oh yeah I know." Ryder narrows his eyes at me playfully and I smile at him innocently.

I look at the prizes and see a cute medium sized panda.

I smile and point at the panda, "The panda please.

" I say politely. The woman nods and hands the panda to Ryder who hands it to me.

I hold the panda to my chest and Ryder pressing his lips to my cheek.

"You my dear look as cute as the panda." he says.

I chuckle, "Man, you are so cheesy, but I love you.

" I say with a dramatic sigh at the end.

Ryder chuckles in my ear before looking me in the eyes, "I love you too. " he says and pecks my lips.

We spend a few more hours playing games and going on all kinds of rides.

As the sun starts setting we go on the ferries wheel.

As the wheel starts moving around, I lean my head on Ryder's shoulder and watch the sky fill with bright and amazing colors.

Ryder's arm is wrapped around my waist and he places a soft kiss on my forehead.

I look up him with a smile on my face, "I love you Ryder.

" Ryder smiles at me, showing off his perfect white teeth.

"I love you Jade, more than you could ever know. "

I lean up and softly press my lips to his, Ryder's hand gently caresses my cheek.

After a few minutes we pull away and the wheel stops, "Come on, the day isn't over yet.

" Ryder says and interlaces his hand with mine.

We walk hand in hand away from the carnival and back to Ryder's truck.

We get in and Ryder starts driving again.

I look over at him, "I'm gonna take a wild guess and say that you aren't going to tell me where we are going.

" I say knowingly. Ryder looks over at me with a smile and chuckles, "Not exactly, I can tell you that at the moment we are going to get dinner.

" he says. I sigh and enjoy the scenery as we drive down a long road with lit buildings on either side.

Not too long after, we pull into a parking lot that seems to be hosted by a small diner.

I step out and wait for Ryder who wraps his arm around my waist. I look up at him to see him glancing around a lot.

I put my hand on his back and he looks at me, "Hey what's up?

" I ask him. Ryder smiles at me and pecks my forehead, "Nothing Mea Lux, lets go get some food.

" he says and leads us into the diner. I looked up at the sign to see it is called James's Diner.

It was a cute little diner. It had brown tiles and wooden walls that had pictures and newspapers and such on it.

There was a black counter with silver stools that had red padding on it.

In the rest of the diner were black booths with red padding as well and white tables.

I loved it. It was very homey to me. Also there weren't many people.

One older man, an old couple, and young girl around my age surrounded by books and a cup of coffee in front of her.

We sat down across from each other at a booth and an older woman with dark brown hair that had gray strands in it up in a bun and warm brown eyes walked up to us with menus in hand.

"Good evening. My name is Lily and I'll be your waitress tonight.

Let's start you two off with some drinks.

" She looked at me with a kind smile, "What can I get for you sugar?

" She asks for with a thick country accent.

I smiled at her, "A sweet tea please." I say.

She nods and looks at Ryder, "And for you darlin'?

" She asks. "I'll have the same thank you. " he says politely.

Lily smiles and nods, "I'll be back shortly.

" she says and walks away. I pick up the menu and look over it.

I feel eyes staring at me so I look up to see Ryder staring at me with some kind of look in his eyes.

I smile slightly and tilt my head, "What's that?

" I ask him. "What's what?" I roll my eyes, "That look.

" Ryder chuckles, "What look?" "That look you are giving me.

" Ryder side smirks slightly, "I'm just looking at my beautiful mate.

" He says. I smile, "I'd like to me her one day.

" I say as Lily walks back to the table.

She sits down our drinks, "Two sweets teas.

Are y'all ready to order?" she asks while pulling out her pad and pencil.

Ryder looks at me and I nod, "Yes we are.

Can I please get a hamburger with no onions and a side of fries?

" Ryder asks. Lily nods, "Of course, and for you honey?

" she asks. "I'll have chicken tenders with a side of fries please.

" Lily nods and writes down our orders, "I'll be back with your food soon.

" she says and takes our menus. "Thank you. " We chorus as she walks away.

Ryder sips his drink and puts his hand under his chin while staring at me.

I roll my eyes, "Okay, what is up with you?

" I say with a slight laugh. Ryder puts his hands down and shakes his head, "Nothing is up with me, mea lux.

I Just-I just haven't been with you a lot.

I missed you, given it has been my fault.

" He sighs and then smiles at me, "Now I just can't stop staring at your beautiful face. "

I chuckle and lean forward, "Has sweet talking someone always gotten you what you want, Mi Amor?

" I ask. Ryder leans forward, "99% of the time, Mea Lux.

" I smirk, "I guess I'm with the other 1%.

" I say and lean back. Ryder shakes his head, "You wound me Jade.

" I just smile as Lily comes back with our food.

She sat down the plates, "Here you two are.

Just give me a holler if you need me. Enjoy.

" She says. I smile up at her, "Thank you Lily.

" I say. Lily nods and with a smile, walks away.

Ryder and I dig into our food. After some small talk, none about the pack, we finish our food.

When we finish, Lily comes to clear our plates, "Can I get you two anything else?

" She asks. I raise my eyebrow at Ryder.

Ryder looks at me before looking at Lily, "No thank you.

We're done." Ryder says. Lily smiles, "Okay then, here's your check.

" She says and sits down a small black folder down on the table before going off to the young girl still studying.

I see Ryder reaching for the check but I reach down and snatch it.

I smirk and hold it up, "Got to be quicker than that Mathews.

" I say and wave the bill in the air as I stand up.

Ryder chuckles and stands up, "Is that so?

" I nod, "It seems so." Ryder walks up to me and wraps his arms around my waist. "Well I think," he says as he leans down, "that you," he leans closer, "should practice what you preach.

" He says and I feel the bill being snatched from my hand.

I glare at him and shake my head, "I am so going to get you back for that." Ryder smiles brightly and pecks my lips, "I'm counting on it." He whispers in my ear and it sends shivers up my spine.

Ryder grabs my hand and we walk over to the counter.

There's this older guy with graying hair and crinkles by his eyes, ones that are caused by smiling and laughing all the time.

My father had the same ones. I looked at his name tag, Jessie.

"Evening, how did you enjoy everything?" he asked with a huge smile on his face.

I smile at him, "Everything was wonderful, thank you.

This diner is beautiful." I say and Ryder hands over the bill and money.

Jessie smiles as he starts to open the cashier, "I'm glad and thank you.

My wife and I built this beauty almost 25 years ago.

We worked hard all throughout high school and worked multiple jobs while trying to get through college.

Lily was my high school sweetheart. There were some rough patches but we always got through with them.

We made a living, got a home, we were happy.

I proposed to her one thanksgiving after everything had gone wrong.

Burnt turkey, just everything went wrong.

" He chuckles. "Actually I proposed to her here, it was an old plaza back then though.

We came her for thanksgiving dinner. A few years later we were blessed with a son, James.

He was a wonderful person, handsome too, I like to think that he had gotten that from me.

" Jessie laughs sadly. I furrow my eyebrows, "Forgive my asking, you said he was? " I ask.

Jessie shakes his head and hands Ryder his change, "That's quite alright dear.

"Never stop a curious mind" is what my mother used to say to my father when I would ask a thousand questions.

But if I am honest with you, it was just to justify the trouble I always got into.

" He laughs and I let out a chuckle, as did Ryder.

"James was killed in the line of fire while he was in Afghanistan.

" Jessie says, with an underlying sadness in his voice.

"I'm sorry for your loss." Ryder says with a slight nod.

"Don't apologize for that son. If James was here, he'd give you a smack on the back of your head.

He never wanted people to feel sorry for him.

He wanted his funeral to be celebration of his life, he wanted happiness, not sadness. " Jessie tells us.

"And ever since then, this place has been our baby.

We named it after James." A new voice said and I turned to see Lily walking up behind me and she leaned against the counter next to me.

I smile at her, "It is an amazing place and I'm sure it is named after an equally amazing person.

" Lily smiles, "Thank you honey. Now if I am not mistaken you have somewhere to get going with your man.

" She says with a raised eyebrow. I laugh, "If I'm honest, your guess is as good as mine. He isn't telling me anything." I say.

I look at Ryder who is talking to Jessie.

I look back at Lily and she has a kind and knowing smile on her face.

She motions me closer to her and I do step forward.

"You love him, don't you?" she asks. I small smile forms on my face and I nod, "Yeah I do.

" I say. Lily smiles, "He loves you too, you can tell by the way he looks at you.

Like he can't ever believe he can love someone so much.

It's like he knows that he can never let you go, and if he did, he couldn't live with himself.

" She says to me quietly. I smile at her, "You sound like you speak from experience.

" I say. Lily chuckles, "It is the way I look at Jessie. " She explains.

"Jade, mea lux, we should be heading out.

" I look at Ryder and nod. I turn back to Lily and give her a hug, I usually never really am like this with strangers, especially humans, but there's just something about Lily and Jessie.

"Thank you." I whisper to her. "It's nothing, sugar.

He's a keeper." She says and chuckles at the end.

I pull away and smile at her and then at Jessie, "It was a pleasure meeting you both.

" Ryder says. Jessie shakes his head, "Nonsense, the pleasure is ours.

" Ryder and I smile at them and then Ryder looks at me, "Come on mea lux.

" He says and grabs my hand. "Bye." I say to them and they wave as we walk away.

"Come back sometime, don't be strangers.

" Lily calls. I smile, "No worries, we'll be back.

" I call back and we walk out the front door.

We walk back to the truck and Ryder opens my door.

I step inside and he closes my door for me and then walks around before getting in himself.

I smile at him after we buckle up and he smiles back, "You ready for our last stop of the night?

" I gesture my hand to the steering wheel, "You are the one driving.

" I say and he laughs before we start driving again.

We continue driving until we are out of the town and back into the woods. I turn on the music again and 'Born This Way' by Lady Gaga is on. I start singing along because this song will always be awesome.

After 20 minutes of driving and songs, Ryder turns down the volume and hands me a blindfold, "Put this on.

" He says. I look between and the blindfold.

Ryder looks over at me and scoffs, "I am not an axe murder.

I'm not going to take you into the woods and chop you up.

Just put on the blindfold." He says. I sigh, "Fine but don't forget I can kick you in the balls.

" I say with a smile before slipping the fabric over my eyes, everything go dark.

I feel Ryder's hand slip into mine and give my hand a slight squeeze.

I continue to hum along to songs and around 10 minutes later I guess, the car slows to a halt.

I feel Ryder's hand slip out of mine and then hear his door open and close.

A few seconds my door is open and I'm pull into the arms of my mate.

I squeal and my hands instinctively go around his neck.

"A warning next time, huh?" He laughs. I scoff and laugh, "It would be appreciated. " I say.

I hear a car door close and then Ryder starts walking. After a minute I get too curious to hold my tongue, "So you aren't going to kill me, right?" I can practically hear Ryder roll his eyes, "No Jade, I am not going to kill you...yet." I slap the back of his head and he laughs.

"What's your favorite color?" I ask suddenly. "Huh?" "What's your favorite color?" I repeat. Ryder pauses for a second, "Blue, like the blue of your eyes." He says. I chuckle, "There's my cheesy Alpha." I tease. "Okay miss bully, what's your favorite color?"

"I like a lot of colors, like blue, black, purple.

I guess I would say Royal blue." I tell him.

"Favorite food?" He asks. I smile, "Spaghetti.

You?" "I like a lot of foods, like steak, fries, burgers.

I guess I would have to say pizza." He says in an almost sarcastic way, copying my word choice from the previous question.

I laugh, "Oh wow, look who's the bully now.

" Ryder chest vibrates with his laugh. I hear his footsteps thump against what sounds like wood and I realize we are going up some steps.

Then I hear some creaking before the steps and creaking stop.

Ryder slowly and gently sits me on my own feet and I let my hands slide off his neck.

I feel Ryder's body heat radiating off of him from behind me.

I jump slightly when I feel his hands taking off the blindfold. The blindfold is off and I blink away the adapted darkness. Ryder wraps his arms around my waist from behind and rests his head on my shoulder. I look around and my breath gets caught in my throat. "Do you like it?"

I open my mouth and then close it again. I try again, "I-I love it." I say. I turn around in his arms and place my hands on his chest while he replaces his arms around me. I look up into Ryder's eyes, "What is this?" I ask him as I look around.

We are standing in a large and beautiful wooden cabin. At the moment we are in the entrance of the living room which had a bar off to the side, and it all lead into a beautiful kitchen.

I look back at Ryder and he smiles his beautiful smile, "Our new getaway and my apology for the way I have been acting these past weeks.

" he says and pushes a strand of hair behind my ear.

I lean into his touch and Ryder runs his thumb across my cheek.

"I love you Jade, more than anyone or anything.

" He says seriously as he looks over my face.

"I love you too, you big dork." I chuckle and grab his hand that was on my face. I lean up and peck his lips, "How about giving me a tour of this getaway, huh?" I ask with a teasing smile and wiggle my eyebrows. Ryder rolls his eyes but smiles anyways, "Come on." He says.

He stops in the kitchen, "You've seen the living room, kitchen, and bar.

" I look around and nod, "That's what happen when you have eyes, you see things.

" I say and then smirk cheekily at him. Ryder scoffs, "Okay smartass, up the stairs.

" He says. I laugh and start walking up the stairs that are off of the side of the kitchen.

A few steps up, I feel a sudden sting hit my ass.

I stop in my tracks and look down over my shoulder at Ryder.

"You so did not just slap my ass.

" I laugh. Ryder smirks, "Of course not.

" Ryder raises his hand and another sting hits my ass, "Now move it missy.

" I giggle and jog up the rest of the steps. "Hey wait for me." He says.

I get to the top and a second later, Ryder's arm is around my waist. I feel Ryder's warm breath tickling my ear, "You really need to learn how to listen, mi bella mate.

" I smile to myself and then turn around slowly.

I look up into his eyes and then lean up to his ear, "You will just have to make me.

..Alpha." I say teasingly slow, letting my lips brush his earlobe when I say Alpha.

A low and approving growl echoes throughout the room and Ryder's grip around my waist tightened. Ryder pulls me flush against him and I feel his hands slide down my back and then come to a rest at the top of my ass. "Careful mea lux, I only have so much control." He says with a husky voice.

I pull back with a smirk on my face, "Who said to keep control?" I ask and then wink before suddenly pulling away from him and then jog down the hall to the last door. I open it and stop in the doorway. I slowly walk into the room, taking in everything.

It was a beautiful bedroom. The walls are light brown wood with creamy white carpet and it has a fireplace that had the same white painted on it.

The bed is a king with white pillows and covers.

There is a wooden nightstand with a white candle, flowers, and a lamp on it.

There are two large windows directly across from the door with beige curtains hanging down to the floor.

I feel warmth behind me so I turn to see Ryder with his arms crossed and leaning against the door frame.

"Wow." I breathe as I look around the room.

"This is our room. Next door is our bathroom with a walk in closet for us both, and at the end of the hall is a guest bedroom.

It's not a lot but it's just enough for us to be alone for a while. " He says from behind me.

I turn and walk over to him, wrapping my arms around his waist, "It's perfect," I say and lean up and kiss his lips. I linger there for a few seconds before pulling way, "absolutely perfect." I say with a smile.

Ryder smiles at me and pecks my lips, "You know it is warm outside, and there's one part of the land that you haven't seen.

" He says as he raises an eyebrow. "Oh yeah?

And what's that?" I question. Ryder smirks, "The lake.

" I shake my head, "I think you just want to see me in my underwear. " I accuse.

Ryder detaches from me and walks in to the bathroom next door, I follow and see how beautiful it is but don't linger on it for very long as Ryder slides a mirror panel on the wall which opens up to a large walk-in closet, but the kicker here is that it is full of clothing and shoes and whatever else we may need.

I look at Ryder with a raised eyebrow. "I asked Jason and Krista to grab a few things and then buy the rest before coming here while we were out.

" He says with a shrug. I cross my arms and laugh, "You just have everything figured out, don't you?

" Ryder squats down to a draw, "Pretty much.

" He says as he pulls out a red pair of swimming trunks and then moves to another drawer and pulls out the black and mint bikini I bought at the mall when I was with Krista.

He stands, walks over to me, and hands me the bikini. "I'll meet you at the dock." He says before walking out of the closet. I chuckle to myself and pull off all of my clothes before slipping on the bikini.

I put the clothes in a hamper, the shoes in the corner, and placed my bracelets on the bathroom counter. I rummage through the drawers and find a rag, then I take my make up off. I open a smaller closet and pull out a beach towel from the bottom.

I go down to the kitchen and decide to take a detour to the fridge.

I open it up, and of course, it is full with all kinds of foods and drinks.

Including alcohol. I look through the selection and just pull out a grape Smirnoff Ice and a Bud Light for Ryder.

I close the fridge and look around until I see a glass door slid open to what looked like the backyard.

I walk towards it and soon see a huge and beautiful lake that has a dock splitting it.

The dock has fairy lights hanging around it, lighting it up and reflecting off the dark water.

It wasn't pitch black yet but it was pretty dark.

I made my way down to the dock where I see Ryder on the sand of the bank.

As I get closer I can see that he is making a fire in a fire pit.

I mask my sent and run up to him quietly as possible.

When I am close enough, I place the cold beer against his bare back.

"Shit." He hisses and flinches away from the bottle.

I start laughing, "Thirsty?" I ask and hold up the Bud Light.

"Parched." He said with an eye roll and a sarcastic tone.

He feeds the fire some more wood before standing up and wiping his hands on his shorts.

I hold out the beer and he takes, pops open the lid, and takes a swig of it.

I do the same with my own and then walk over to the dock with the bottle swinging in my hand.

I bend down and place the bottle on the dock. All of a sudden I hear, "AHHHHHH!" I turn to see Ryder charging at me. He's too close and I am too late to get out of the way. Ryder crashes into me and wraps his arms around me, taking me into the down into the lake with him.

I gasp for breath before I hit the water. Ryder's arms let go of me and I push through the water to the surface. I gasp for air and second later Ryder is doing the same. He starts laughing and I smile and shake my head. I lift my hands up and force the water from the surface into Ryder's face.

"Oh it's on." He says and immediately starts splashing tons of water at me. I scream slightly and start splashing him too. "Okay truce! Truce." I laugh. "Oh no. This is my payback." He chuckles and splashes some more. Okay two can play at this game.

I dive under the water and swim down deeper and start swimming towards Ryder. A moment later he stops splashing and through the water I can see him start to swim around and slightly hear him saying something, not that I can really make it out.

I swim up behind me and then jump out of the water and onto his back. "BOO!" I yell. "Jesus Jade!" He jumps. I wrap my arms around his neck from behind him, "I know I'm amazing but you don't have to call me Jesus." I say and giggle a little.

Ryder grabs my arms and pull me around to the front of him. I wrap my arms back around his neck and then wrap my legs around his waist. Ryder slips an arm around my waist and one rests on my ass.

"You are so mean to me." Ryder pouts. I play with the hair at the back of his neck, "I do it because I love you.

" I tell him. Ryder leans up and softly touches his lips with mine.

I kiss him back and then we deepen the kiss a bit.

I push my body closer to his and tighten my legs around him.

I feel Ryder grip my ass more and bring my body even closer to him.

Ryder nips my bottom lip and I open my mouth, allowing his tongue to enter.

I pull away for air a moment later. I rest my forehead on his and we both pant slightly.

I chuckle and peck his lips, "Maybe enough swimming today, huh?

" I laugh softly. Ryder smiles and kisses me again, when he pulls away I grab his bottom lips between my teeth and let it go.

Ryder leans his head in my neck, "Mea lux, you are making this so much harder. " He groans into my neck.

I unwrap my legs from him and kiss his neck softly, "Lets head back to the shore." I say and swim back to the dock. I pull myself up and squeeze out my hair. I pick up my drink and take a few drinks while Ryder gets out of the water.

We walk over to the fire Ryder lit early and I wrap myself in the towel I brought out.

I sit in front of the fire on a slab of rock.

Ryder grabs his beer before he sits down next to me.

His arm slips around me and pulls me closer to him.

I feel his warm lips place a kiss on the top of my head.

I close my eyes and lean up against him as I feel him drag his fingers up and down my side.

As time passed, the sky got darker and it got colder.

Ryder leans down to my ear, "You ready to go inside?

" His warm breath contrasting with the cool night sends a shiver down my spine.

"Yeah." I say quietly. I stand up and pick up our now empty bottles as Ryder grabs a bucket of lake water and dumps it on the fire.

Once it is out, we head back to the cabin.

Ryder closes and locks the doors while I throw away our bottle and head for the bathroom.

I drop the towel in the hamper and go into the closet for some clothes.

I am looking through my clothes only to see a lot of them look like lingerie.

I pull open a drawer and see a note place neatly on top. I pick it up and read the neat writing.

I scoff and groan when I see my panties and bras, I am so going to kill this girl when I see her again.

Fuck it. I think to myself and pick up so white lace panties that has a small black bow on top and then grab a pair of black silk pajamas that consists of shorts and a tank that a has lace on top of the boobs and around the bottom. Kill me now.

I lay my clothes down and hop in the shower, washing the lake water off of me. I finish soon after I get in and grab a towel from the side, drying my body and hair. I reluctantly slip the pajamas on and brush my hair and teeth, etc. Once I finish my bathroom necessities, I walk over to the bedroom.

I open the door to see that the fireplace is going and that Ryder is typing on his phone.

I walk over to him and kiss his neck, "The shower is yours.

" I whisper in his ear. Ryder looks up and then he looks down at my outfit.

Ryder growls lowly, "Jade Collins you are actually trying to kill me.

" I chuckle softly and nibble at his ear, "You can thank your sister. This is her payback to me."

"Mea lux," he growls deeply, "unless you want me to lose all control and take you right now and claim what is mine, I suggest you stop.

" He warns with his husky voice. I giggle, "Whatever you say Alpha.

" I tease and pull away from him and go the other side of the bed.

I pull back the covers and lay down, burying myself in the soft and warm covers.

I hear Ryder sigh and then then bed shifts. I feel his lips on my forehead, "I'll be back in a few minutes." He tells me, "Okay." I sigh tiredly. I hear Ryder laugh softly before his footsteps recede from the room.

I start to drift off to sleep until I hear Ryder come back into the room.

I sit up and rub my eyes tiredly. I look at him moving around the room, move small things around and then putting his phone of the charger.

He is wearing black basketball shorts and has small beads of water still falling from his head onto his chest and back.

Ryder notices I'm up, "I'm sorry I woke you up baby.

" He says as he walks to the bed. I smile and lift up his side of the covers, "Come to bed mi amor.

" I tell him. Ryder climbs in and turns off his lamp.

He scoots closer to me and I curl up to him, placing my head on his chest and my hand over his stomach.

Ryder slips one under my back and puts one behind his head.

Ryder gently rubs my back and my eyes can't help but to get heavier and heavier.

"Goodnight Mea lux." He whispers. "Goodnight.

" I manage to mumble out before darkness takes me hostage.