?Chapter 88:

I shoved against his chest, mustering every bit of strength I had. “Go to hell! I’m not saying a damn word to you.”

Ryder’s eyes shed, his jaw tightening. “You don’t get to curse at me, Jasmine. I’m not asking. It’s an order.”

Anger red inside me, hot and blinding. He’s giving orders now? “Fuck your orders!” I snapped, poking my finger hard against his chest.

“I’m done ying by your rules. And don’t you dare remind me about the pack. I don’t need that bullshit from you.”

I turned to leave, but Ryder was quicker. In one swift motion, he had me over his shoulder like I was nothing more than a rag doll, his arm locking around my legs.

“Put me down!” I screamed, kicking and struggling, but it was no use. His grip only tightened.

“Ryder, stop!” I pounded my fists against his back, my blows making contact, but he didn’t so much as flinch.

He marched through the hallway, each step echoing my defeat. I recognized the door he kicked open—his room. My stomach twisted.

“Let me go!” I yelled, but Ryder tossed me onto his bed like I weighed nothing.

I scrambled to get up, but he was there, blocking my path, his eyes burning with a mix of fury and something else I couldn’t name.

“What do you want, Ryder?” I spat, my voice dripping with bitterness. “What’s left to say?”

His gaze never wavered. “Us.”

I let out a sharp, humorlessugh. “Us? There is no us, Ryder. I’m just your breeder, remember? And Isabelle… your perfect, future Luna.” The words tasted like poison on my tongue, and I felt something break inside me as I said them.

Ryder’s jaw tightened, his voice lowering. “Are we really going to keep doing this?”

I red at him. “Doing what, Ryder? Stating the truth?”

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He stepped closer, his voice a rough whisper. “I want you by my side, Jasmine. I want you.” His eyes peered into mine, and all I could see was his want. Hunger… This chilling stare made me want to kiss those lips of his and be lost in his arms.

Ryder? The crazy things he did to me… Here I was, once upset, but now, I couldn’t say I was upset.

My heart stuttered, his words slipping past my defenses.

“Why?” I asked, my voice barely audible, trying to hold onto my anger. I should be mad, right? I had every right to be. But what was it about Ryder Kael that had me shutting my mouth?

Ryder’s eyes searched mine, something raw and vulnerable breaking through his usual facade. “Because I do. Because I need you. To hell with Isabelle.”

Wait! My heart sang. Does this mean what I think it does? Is he trying to give me assurance or build a future with me?

His words hit me like a punch to the gut.

“What about the pills?” I whispered, my voice trembling. I knew he was upset with me because I had wanted to take the pills. Was he still upset?

Ryder’s face darkened. “I was hurt when you didn’t want to keep it. I thought…” His voice trailed off, thick with emotion.

“You thought what?” I demanded, my voice firmer now.

“I thought maybe I was being selfish,” he admitted, his voice cracking. “I didn’t think about what you wanted. Maybe I was only thinking of myself.”

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