Nineteen

Carrie’s POV

As we stepped through the portal, I felt a rush of excitement mixed with nerves. I was taking a massive risk by returning Ryder to my pack, but I had no choice. We had to warn them about the rogue wolves, and I knew that Ryder was the only one who could help us.

As we emerged on the other side, I saw my parents looking shocked at my sudden appearance. They were looking at Ryder with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. I could feel their eyes on him, sizing him up.

"Welcome back," my mother said, her voice stern. "I see you've brought a...friend."

I nodded, feeling a sense of pride wash over me. "This is Ryder," I said. "He's my mate."

“Your mate?” my father hollered in disbelief whilst my mother shook her head. “No. How do you know he is your mate? Have you marked her?” she growled and yanked my arm, pulling me from Ryder and inspecting my neck. When she saw nothing there, she loosened her grip on me and turned to my father, who was still glaring at Ryder.