~ Chapter 13 ~
Cam waited impatiently outside for Mason and Ryder. They were due and he was anxious to see how things had gone, especially as Grant’s report on the Panther had said that he’d be suited to sentry duties and hunting. That put him squarely within the roles that fell under Mason’s rule.
If things had gone badly then Cam would have to rethink where to place Ryder, and possibly have him working somewhere that didn’t suit his talents. That wouldn’t be good, for the Pack, or Ryder.
Chastity touched the base of his back. “It’ll be all right.”
“Will it? You have more faith in both of them than I do.”
Chastity ran her hand under his shirt, her fingers dancing over his skin and forcing a rumble from his chest. “Chas, stop it or I’ll have to carry you back inside and back to bed.”
“That’s not a bad idea.” She giggled, moving up behind him and kissing the back of his neck.
“It’s a great idea, but I’ve got duties to perform and, oh hell, stop it, you minx.”
Her tongue darted out to flick across his ear, sending shockwaves right through him and filthy messages straight down to his cock. Images of her lying on their bed, her head flying back as she screamed in ecstasy had him hard as steel, turning to grab her to his chest.
“You’re messing with the wrong man today,” he hissed before crashing his lips onto hers, searing her mouth with a kiss full of longing, desire and passion.
Cam drank her in, losing himself in her taste, her scent, her entire being . . . until an embarrassed cough pulled them apart.
“Sorry, Alpha, should we come back later?” Mason asked as he tried to stifle a chuckle and failed miserably.
Chastity bit the side of his lip mischievously, whispering up at him with a cheeky glint in her eyes, “Later.”
“You better believe it,” he rumbled, nipping her back before looking over his shoulder. “Mason, you’re late.”
“We had a little detour on the way back.” His Beta shrugged.
Cam turned all the way around, taking in Ryder and seeing him for the first time in months. His last visit to Scotland had been a while ago. He’d grown since then, filled out and stretched a few more inches . . . taller than Mason now and held himself with an assurance he’d not shown before.
He also sported a bruised face, swollen nose, and blood on his clothes. Cam strode forward to welcome him, but also noted the state of his face and clothes. “Welcome home, Ryder. Did you two sort things out or do we still have a problem?”
Cam’s keen eyes took in their body language . . . relaxed and at ease with each other, and both glanced at the other before grinning.
“We’re good.” Mason clapped Ryder’s shoulder.
Ryder took Cam’s hand in a firm hold. “Thanks, it’s nice to be back . . . I think. And yeah, we’re good.”
Cam looked from Ryder to Mason and back again. “I see two of you but only one has blood and is marked.”
Mason shuffled around, his eyes dropping. Ryder remained silent even when Cam eyed him pointedly. “Well?” Cam asked outright.
Ryder still didn’t respond but Mason did, sighing and throwing his hands up. “All right, it was me. I was an idiot and he stood there offering me one hit to get it out of my system . . . so I did . . . hit him that is. I said sorry afterward but it got it out of me . . . the anger and we managed to talk and, well, we’ve kinda sorted things out. I’m sorry, Alpha.”
“You did huh?” He looked at Ryder.
“Aye.” Ryder shrugged. “He was mad as hell and he was in no mood to listen or talk so I told him to pull over. I thought it was the best way to get it over and done with. Seemed to work too.”
Cam pursed his lips looking between them, stepping closer to Mason he lowered his voice. “Did he go down?”
Mason scowled before he shook his head once. “No. Must have a jaw like stone.”
Throwing his head back Cam howled with laughter. “Hell, Ryder, you survived one of Mason’s punches. That’s something!”
Ryder didn’t laugh, he prodded at his nose and winced. “My nose was out of place, he had to put it back in . . . it hurts like a bitch.”
Chastity flounced between them, prodding each one of them in the chest. “You are all children! You need a good talking to, each one of you!” Then she about turned and stormed away.
“Women.” they all said at the same time.
And that’s when Clayr arrived.
They all sensed her before she stormed toward them, her eyes blazing, and her fury flying. “You hit him! You actually punched him! How could you Mason? Just look at him.”
She stopped in front of Ryder, her eyes wide and full of so many emotions it was hard to latch onto one . . . and then there was . . . her hand reached up, her fingers gently caressing the bruises on Ryder’s face. “You’re hurt.”
He gazed down into her upturned face, his breathing coming in short gasps. “I’m fine.”
“I can’t believe he hurt you.” Her voice hitched and Cam could see it, scent it, sense it . . . the moment she recognized her mate.
It was beautiful, it was breathtaking, it was magical . . . as Ryder reached up to cover her hand with his. The moment his skin touched hers a strangled cry tore from her throat and she sprang away from him, turned and sprinted away.
She ran so fast that she was nothing but a blur . . . leaving them standing there wondering what the hell had just happened.
Ryder’s face whitened with shock, his voice shaking with emotion as he whispered, “What the fuck just happened?”