The Alpha and the Mistake novel Chapter 21

"Alright everyone," Ryder's mom said, coming into the room. "I need to do a checkup so everyone out."

"Come on Dean," Andy said, grabbing him and pulling him up and off the bed.

"Hey, I'm family," Dean argued.

"Out," his mother told him.

Dean pouted like a three-year-old but left with everyone else. Ryder however still sat in the corner with an expression I hadn't managed to read when his mom flashed a light in my eyes.

I jerked back and glowered at her. She just laughed at me. "That looks good. How are you feeling? Any nausea."

"I'm alright. A little sore. So what happens now?" Andy had told me Ryder's dad didn't like violence. I'm pretty sure they weren't going to give me a get out of jail free card.

At first, Emily didn't reply but instead continued her examination. She took my temperature, checked on my left arm, and made me follow a small penlight with my eyes. "I'd thought to give you girls kitchen duty, but seeing your state, I'm inclined to give it all to Beth."

"You're kidding right?"

She gave me a curious look. "Why would you say that?"

"Beth hates me."

Ryder's mom frown and shook her head as if asking me "and your point is?”

"You give her all the kitchen duty, and she'll kill me. No, she insulted me, but I am the one that started the fight. I'm in the kitchen right along with her. I will not be looking over my shoulder every time I leave my room.

Emily nodded. "Okay, if that's what you want." When Ryder's mom finished, she gathered her things and stood. "Kitchen duty or not you need to take it easy. No using your left arm and no more fights. You've been extremely lucky with your concussion. Let's not push that luck."

When she left whatever had been keeping Ryder so quiet was gone. He sat where his mom and been and smiled before giving me a peck on the lips.

I jerked a little surprised. "What was that for?"

"Well, I like kissing you." He grinned more. "But also because you did well."

"What do you mean?"

"Mom offered you an out, and you didn't take it."

Something in me froze, and I narrowed my eyes at him. "Was this all some kind of test?"

Ryder stilled with what really looked like a guilty expression. "No, not at all, but if it was, you would've passed."

Narrowing my eyes even more at him. "Yeah? And what would've happened if I failed? You all decide it's not worth war and send me back to Mike and his dad?" The words came out a lot more bitter than I'd intended.

"What? No!"

"Or is it, they're trying to see if I'm good enough for their son. Can I be a good little mate? You know what, tell them to stop wasting their time - I'm not good 'mate' material."

Ryder held up his hands. "Whoa, wait."

"No, I don't think I will." I threw back the sheets of the bed and stood, ignoring the throb of pain through my head. Now wasn't the time to show weakness.

"Brook," Ryder said, sliding off the bed.

"If they want to rescind their offer of protection that's fine too. I can be gone like that!" I snapped my fingers. I started for the door when Ryder stepped in front of me.

"Brook."

"I don't want to hear how you rationalize this bull shit, Ryder. Just get out of my way." I sidestepped him only to have him move with me, but before I could complain his mouth was on mine. With a startled squeak, I took a step back. Ryder took a step forward, his lips still pressed against mine, and he followed me until I bumped into the wall. My anger melted into something else, something warmer and darker, and I returned the kiss.

Ryders slid his hand around my waist, pulling me to him as he broke the kiss and instead, pepper softer kisses along my jaw, moving towards my ear. Stomach tight and heart racing, my eyes closed on their one as each touch of his lips on my neck sent an electric jolt streaking through me right down to my toes. My breath hitched in my throat as his teeth graze the skin between my neck and shoulder.

Ryder started to suck and nip at the skin there, each time was harder and sharper than the last. I gasped when it started to hurt. He stiffened then relaxed, stepping back. "Sorry." Embarrassment colored his face. "Instincts kicked in, I only meant it to be a quick kiss because...you weren't letting me talk."