Ryker-With Ryan’s help, I pulled myself up from the sewers. We were now above ground, in the middle of the city. Glancing at Taelin, I didn’t think she was in any shape to move right now.“Ryan, Sara, and Carter.” I looked over at them, where they were standing side by side. “Make sure we are in the clear for now. Check the building over there to see if it is safe for us to rally there until we figure out our next move.” I pointed to one of the abandoned buildings.Once they did as they were told, I focused my attention on the others. “Stand guard.” I ordered.Moving to sit next to Taelin, who was sitting on the ground with her knees pulled to her chest, I placed my hand on her hands. I could feel she was shaking, more than likely she was in shock. Not that I blamed her.This entire situation was a mess, and I understood the pressure she was under. I already tried explaining she wasn’t responsible, yet it appeared she didn’t believe it. I wanted to help her, but all I could do was co
Taelin- “Hey, are you okay?” Sara asked as we continued to walk through the forest. We were headed to the dirt road, where the truck was waiting. Barely halfway there and someone was already asking me the question I had been dreading. The thing is, I wasn’t okay, but I couldn’t let that keep me from doing what I needed to do. The breakdown I had after getting out of the sewers could have been catastrophic. I knew better than to allow myself time to think about what happened. Maybe Ryker was right, and it wasn’t the time to fall apart after losing someone. It wasn’t like I knew them that well, but I still felt their deaths deeply. I wasn’t sure if it was because I did blame myself for failing them or if it was because I was now a member of the pack. One thing I knew for sure, I couldn’t tell her the truth, at least not until we were safe once more. “I’m fine.” I responded, keeping my attention ahead of me. I was taking the lead, with Ryker taking up the rear. In the hope that I co
Taelin-I wasn’t sure how long we walked. The sun was moving lower in the sky, which meant if we didn’t find shelter soon, we would need to camp outside in the open. The roads were deserted, and it would still be a while yet before we reached a town.We haven’t come across any rogues, nor humans. There had been one abandoned vehicle we found on the side of the road, but it was in much worse shape than the truck had been. We couldn’t even salvage much from it, but Leo did pull the battery out of the car.I was glad that we haven’t had any more attacks, but I also knew that when the darkness covered the land, we wouldn’t be so lucky. We were walking up a hill, unable to see what was on the other side. I was hopeful that we would find something before we had no chance but to camp out in the open.I was getting tired from not having slept well last night. Nearing the top of the hill, I sent a silent prayer to the Moon Goddess. Just as my view came over the hill, I let out a breath of reli
Taelin-Everything inside of me burned, like a fire was growing inside of me with each touch Ryker placed on my body. One hand was gripping my thigh, positioning my leg at his hip. While the other roamed over my wet body.All the other times I have been with him, it had never felt this good. Don’t get me wrong, they had been amazing, but there was something different. Like my body felt more alive and was begging for his touch.His mouth broke away from mine, only to find the tender flesh of my neck as he began suckling. A moan fell from my lips, echoing around us. His lips continued to suck as it moved over my neck, creating small goosebumps on my skin.“Fuck you taste so good.” Ryker groaned against my flesh.All I could do was release another moan in response when his teeth grazed my neck. Needing to touch him, I placed my hands against his chest, feeling the way his muscles constricted under my touch. He felt hot, to the point I was sure he was feeling the same kind of burning insi
Ryker-I still couldn’t believe it, I was mated. I have spent most of my life thinking this day would never come. Now I was not only mated, but I was also mated to the most amazing woman I have ever met.She was everything I could imagine for myself and so much more. To think I was this lucky to have been gifted with Taelin as my mate was beyond anything I have fantasized of. It was like I was floating above the clouds.After our shower, I had taken Taelin to bed, claiming her a second time and a third time. Now she was asleep in my arms, curled up against me. The sound of her breathing was soothing, almost enough to fall asleep.I couldn’t sleep though. I needed to make sure that she was safe enough to sleep. If that meant I didn’t sleep but a few hours every night, that was what I was willing to do. No matter what happened, I just needed to know she was alright.After seeing her fall apart on me, I realized just how much pressure she was under. It was different when we felt safe, no
Taelin-Waking up to the sun rising, I was a little confused why no one woke me up to help keep an eye out. I understood why they hadn’t the night before, but this was just getting ridiculous. It was my responsibility to protect everyone.If they were all tired during the day, it would be difficult to keep everyone safe. It didn’t take me long to get in another shower and change into fresh clothing. Making sure I had everything, I headed out of the bedroom to find out what was going on.Besides, they could have tried to wake me, but I had just been too exhausted. I can’t remember the last time I slept so soundly. It would have been nice if Ryker had at least slept with me a bit, but I guess some things stayed the same.When I made it down the stairs, I found Ryker, Leo, Sara, and Ryan sitting around the kitchen table. It appeared as if they had all been talking but suddenly stopped when I entered the room. Their eyes met mine and I could tell whatever they had been talking about they
Taelin-I wasn’t sure what to make of all this. Heck, I didn’t even know what it was all about. Looking around the room again, I tried to piece everything together.It seemed to me that they did all this for me, I just didn’t know why. It was sweet and thoughtful of them, but didn’t we have bigger things to worry about? Returning to look at Ryker, I saw how eager he was for my response.“What is all of this?” I asked, careful not to give him the impression that I wasn’t grateful because I still didn’t know how I felt about it.“Well, it isn’t under ideal conditions, but we thought it would be nice to have a bit of normalcy and this is to officially accept you as my mate and our Luna.” He responded with enthusiasm.My eyes widened at his words as I looked around the room once more. Now that I understood what this was about, I was completely surprised. They did all this to accept me into their pack not only as a member but as their Luna.Fighting back the tears that now blurred my visio
Taelin-I woke up alone, once again. When I found Ryker, he had been asleep on the couch. I wasn’t sure when he got out of bed, but it slightly bothered me that he didn’t sleep beside me through the night.It would be one thing if I found him awake. Finding him asleep downstairs only made me think he didn’t want to sleep with me. I had thought that now that we were mated it would be different, but I suppose I couldn’t complain too much.He had fallen asleep with me last night, it was an improvement I suppose. It would have been nice if he felt comfortable enough to sleep with me as most couples do. Instead of letting it bother me too much, I brushed it off.“Good morning, Luna.” Carter said when I entered the kitchen.I couldn’t help but cringe at being called Luna. Not that it was bad, it was just going to take some time to get used to. Settling next to him at the kitchen table, I was surprised that the place was already clear of the celebration that went on last night.“Good morning