New Alpha-New Rules (18 page)

“Harper…” He
sighed against her damp skin as he followed her down to the mattress. Ryder
untied her hands and pulled them to his lips. He kissed her wrists, palms, then
fingers, one by one. She watched in the darkness feeling more cherished than
she ever thought possible. He pulled her tightly against him and held her
there. “
Mine
.” He said softly. “
All mine
.”

The birds outside
woke Harper again. She opened her eyes to find Ryder studying her. “Hi.” She
nibbled her lip.

“I was beginning
to worry.” He grinned.

“Why?” Her fingers
trailed up the center of his chest.

“You slept a long
time.” He kissed her forehead.

“Did I?” He
nodded.

“It’s after nine.”
Ryder lifted her fingers to his mouth and kissed the tips one at a time.

“Really?” She
turned to look at the clock then tried to get up.

“No, you don’t.”
He pulled her back to him. “You had a long day yesterday and an exerting night.
You stay right here.” He kissed her lips chastely. “Whatever you think you need
to jump up and do, you don’t so just relax.” Harper calmed. The Alpha said to stay
in bed so who was she to argue. She stretched. “You can do
that
any
time.” He murmured and she followed his gaze to her chest. Harper gave him a
playful smack. He growled and caught one of her nipples in his mouth. Harper
arched against him offering herself. She never would’ve done that with Bronson.
She heard the pack outside and in the house beneath them. It distracted her.
“Hey.” Ryder lifted her chin with his finger and kissed her softly. “Are they
bothering you? I can send them on another mole hunt.” Harper giggled.

“No, but I am
hungry and I want coffee.”

“Mmm me too. Get
dressed and I’ll race you to the kitchen.” He grinned. Harper got up and
dressed silently beside Ryder. “Hurry up.” He patted her behind and went out
into the hall through their new door. Harper slid her feet into her flip-flops
and followed. Nicole was in the kitchen and loading two crock-pots with roasts
and vegetables. Ryder sat at the bar with a bowl of cereal and a mug of coffee.
Hers was waiting beside him. The milk was still on the counter and she poured
it over the cereal he poured into her bowl. “If you’re late, this is what you
eat.” He murmured in her ear then kissed it. She shrugged.  

“That looks good
Nicole.” Harper said peering into the crock-pot. Nicole’s lips lifted a
fraction. “Thank you for helping out. I appreciate your efforts.” Nicole’s eyes
softened and she nodded then left them alone.

“That was good
baby.” Ryder said and kissed the side of her head.

“I don’t know if
I’m getting through or if she’s plotting revenge.” Ryder reached out and turned
the crock-pots on then smirked at her. “Plotting. She made the dinner but
didn’t turn it on. That’s twice.” Harper hopped off her stool to follow Nicole.
When she got to her door she knocked then opened it. Nicole was lying on her
bed with a book.

“Nicole.” She
looked up at Harper with a wicked gleam in her eyes. “Even though I appreciate
your efforts of making dinner, we would all appreciate it if your meal was
cooked. Please remember that if you are going to use the crock-pots you must
turn them on.”

“Didn’t I?” She
asked with mock innocence.

“No you did not
and that’s the second time.”

“Are you keeping
track of my errors Harper?”

“Absolutely. If
you prove to be useless in the kitchen, I will have to find different chores
for you. You do cook well and we would hate to lose your talents but if you
think screwing it up will get you out of work, you’re mistaken. It will only
get you different work. If you don’t like cooking, just say so and,” Harper
held up a finger when Nicole tried to interrupt. “And tell me which chores you
would rather perform.” Nicole’s mouth snapped shut. “We will all work for the
good of the pack. Maybe when you move into your new house you can lie around
but not while you are in mine.”

“You just got
here. This isn’t your house. It’s more mine.” Nicole sassed and Harper growled
at her. Nicole backed up and dropped her head in submission. “Fine. I’ll
behave.” Harper nodded.

“Thank you.”
Harper closed the door and turned running into Ryder’s chest. “Are you
supervising my supervising?” She smiled up at him.

“Just making sure
you were safe. I don’t want my girl or my pup in danger.” Ryder pulled her into
a warm hug then kissed her hair. “Let’s go see the new freezer then how the
pack is doing on that house.” Ryder led her back down the stairs to the kitchen
and through to the old laundry room.

“Wow.” She stopped
short. He gave her a wicked grin. “That’s big.” He nodded. When she reached for
the door handle, he stopped her.

“I just want to
see if it’s that big inside.”

“It needs to stay
closed so we can use it.”

“We don’t have
anything to put in there anyway. Let me look.” Ryder pulled the door open and
Harper gasped. “Oh my God Lucy!” Harper rushed forward and scooped her up. Lucy
was huddled in the middle of the floor shivering. Her lips were nearly blue and
there were ice crystals on her eyelashes. Harper carried her out into the
kitchen. “Find Cindy!” She shouted. “Oh baby.” Harper carried her through the
house and outside into the sunshine. Lucy was in her footed pajamas and
mittens. “What were you thinking Lucy?” Harper sat with her in the grass
rubbing her arms. The sun was shining brightly down on them.

“Lee said you
could freeze in there and Jack said that you couldn’t.” She stuttered
shivering. Harper continued rubbing as the rest of the pack surrounded them.

Cindy came
streaking across the yard and burst through the crowd immediately going to her
knees beside Lucy. “What on God’s green earth did you do?” Lucy was beginning
to warm up but Harper still rubbed her vigorously. Her teeth were chattering
and she could barely get the words out.

“They said…”

“I told you to
never mind what they said.”

“I wanted to see.”
Harper motioned for the men to back up. She wanted the sunshine on Lucy. Jack
squatted down beside the little girl.

“I told you to
stay out of there pup.”

“I know but Nicole
knew I was in there. She said it was okay.” Cindy growled low and ferocious.
Harper put a hand on her arm. Ryder and Matt came around the corner on the
tractor. Harper stood, furious.

“Is she okay?”
Ryder and Matt both asked at once jumping off the tractor. Harper gave a nod.

“What’s wrong?”
Ryder asked as Matt squatted down beside Lucy and pulled her and Cindy into his
arms. Lucy was looking close to normal now but still frightened and shivering.

“Nicole knew she
was in there.” Harper fumed. “She let her go in there and did nothing about it.
She went to lie on her bed and read while a pup was freezing to death in our
house. I want a lock on that freezer that only works from the outside and I
want
her
gone.” Harper seethed. “She’s careless. I won’t have that in our
house.”

“I agree but we
vote on everything, okay.” Ryder said quietly. She gave him a sharp nod. “Lee
go get Will, tell him there’s a pack meeting ten minutes. Jack, tell Curtis and
Sidney. Interrupt.” He said when Jack was about to object. “Evan. I want a lock
that only works from the outside on the freezer by dinner.” Evan nodded. “Eric,
I want one of those indicators that the door has been opened.” Eric gave him a
salute. “Everyone go to the living room.”

Harper knocked
once and entered Nicole’s room for the second time that morning. “Oh please,
haven’t I done enough today?” Nicole said lowering her book.

“I’d say more than
enough.” Harper barely contained her shift. She was beyond angry. Kelly and her
brother stopped the game and looked up at Harper. All she ever wanted was pups,
they were precious, and Lucy was no exception. This she-wolf put one in mortal
danger and it could not be allowed. “Pack meeting, five minutes. Attendance is
mandatory.” Harper raised a brow and looked at each one of them. She left
without closing the door.

By the time she got
downstairs, the living room was full of anxious wolves. All of the kitchen
chairs were scattered around the room so they could sit but most were standing
and whispering. She took a seat beside Cindy and Lucy. The little girl was
still shivering sporadically and her teeth still chattered occasionally. “What
now?” Nicole breezed in and flopped on the sofa. Eric and Evan, who sat when
Harper sat, got up from the end of it and went to the other side of the room.
Harper noticed that all eyes were on Nicole. Ryder came in through the front
door following Will and waited while he sat down beside Nicole. They
immediately started whispering animatedly. Ryder motioned for everyone to sit.

“Most of you are
aware of the incident a little while ago, a few are not. Earlier, Lucy was
found in the new walk-in.” Harper watched Nicole. Her face did not change, but
her eyes crinkled almost undetected at the corners. She knew perfectly well what
she did and by the looks of it, it was on purpose. “If Harper hadn’t insisted
that I open the door,” Ryder went on, “she would still be in there and probably
dying by now. She isn’t strong enough to open the door from the inside herself.
She said that Nicole knew that she was in there. Nicole, left her in there and
went on about her day. That was not only careless but destructive.” His focus
shifted to Nicole. “We’re all aware that you think you are above us Nicole but
putting a pup in danger is beyond what anyone is willing to tolerate. This
meeting is to discuss your standing in the pack.”

“I didn’t know she
was in there!” Nicole said standing.

“You did too!”
Lucy cried standing up to face off with Nicole. “You told me it was okay that
you’d come get me in a few minutes and you didn’t come. I even pounded on the
door and I heard you laugh. I heard you!” Tears streamed down her face. Ryder
pulled her up into his arms. “She knew uncle Ry.” Lucy buried her face in his
neck.

“I believe you.” He
said softly. Lucy was sobbing and Ryder just held her until the sobs turned to
silent shudders. “Nicole if you have anything to say in your defense now is the
time.” Harper placed a gentle hand on Cindy’s arm to still her. She could feel
the mother’s anxiety and the anger she was barely containing. Matt was on her
other side doing the same.

“I didn’t know she
was in there. I probably just agreed with whatever she was saying because I was
busy making dinner.” Nicole did her best to look sorry. Harper had to hand it
to her. She could win awards for her acting abilities.

“Not good enough,
you endangered a pup.” Harper hissed.

“You just want me
gone because you think it puts you in charge.” Nicole spat back at her.

“You hateful
witch!” Cindy lunged toward Nicole but Harper pulled her back.

“Let’s vote
Ryder.” Harper said quietly. He put Lucy back down on her mother’s lap. At
least that would keep her in her seat. Harper thought.

“Will?” Ryder gave
him a solemn look.

“It’s okay Ry, I
understand. Take your vote.” His eyes shifted to Nicole. There was no love in
them.

“Do I get to
vote?” Kelly cried just as Ryder was about to speak, he dipped his head
forward. “I vote for me and the boys to stay with the pack. I mean..,” she
swallowed, “we like it here.”

“Kelly!” Nicole shrieked.

“You’ll stay with
your mother Kelly. You aren’t old enough to leave her yet.” Will said sternly. Kelly
crossed her arms over her chest and glared at her mother.

“You all have had
time to think about it and you’ve heard both sides…” Ryder started.

“I haven’t said
anything yet.” Matt stood and Ryder waited. “If you vote to keep her… Matt
trailed off for a second then lifted his chin. “I don’t have anything against
the rest of the family, but if Nicole stays, we go.” He rubbed a hand over
Lucy’s hair. “You all know that she’s our only pup, what you don’t know is that
we can’t have any more. When she was born, well, we just can’t. I won’t stay
here with someone who I can’t trust around my girl.” Matt sat and put an arm
around Cindy pulling her and Lucy closer to him.

Ryder knew what
happened but the rest didn’t. They’d barely made it to the midwife when Cindy
delivered in the back of the SUV. Lucy was stuck and the midwife had to rip her
from her mother’s womb to save them both. If they’d been able to make it to a
doctor, even a human doctor maybe… but the midwife lacked experience. If Cindy
weren’t a shifter, she would’ve died that day. Ryder put a hand on Matt’s
shoulder and gave it a squeeze.

“Hands up, she
goes.” Ryder said loudly. Every hand in the room went up except Nicole’s and
her family. “Will, she’s out by lunch tomorrow. You and the pups are welcome to
stay, I understand if you can’t. They are always welcome back.” Ryder gave each
of them a stern look. “As long as I’m Alpha, you’re each welcome.”

“I want to stay.”
All three kids spoke at once.

“I understand and
I’m happy to have you all, but you need to discuss that with your parents.”
Nicole sniffled quietly then got up and left the room. “Back to work.” Ryder
said when she and Will were gone. Evan clapped Ryder on the back as he passed
him.

“Me and Eric are
headed to town, indicators and locks.” They disappeared from the room. Cindy
picked Lucy up and carried her back outside to sit in the sunshine. She
probably didn’t want to run into Nicole upstairs either.

“This pack has
plenty of drama. I’ll give it that.” Sidney sat down next to Harper. Harper let
out a pent up breath. “Take it easy Harpo, you’ve only been here a week. It’ll
get easier.” Sidney bumped her shoulder with her own.

“How’s…things?”
Harper grinned looking at Curtis.

“Oh my God.”
Sidney fanned herself. “That is one incredible wolf. It’s a wonder that I can
walk.” Harper stifled her giggle. “We’re going to grab a bite and spend the
rest of the day upstairs if that’s okay?” Harper shoved her. “Hey don’t make
fun either, I heard you guys last night. Also, I haven’t been laid proper in
years. I’m making up for lost time.”

“You’ve been laid,
you liar.” Harper giggled.

“I said ‘proper’.”
Sidney batted her eyes.

“I get it Sid.
Have at it. Enjoy him. He works hard around here and you both deserve some
happiness.”

“I will. I’m glad
that wolf is leaving before me and you have pups. There’s no telling what she
would do to them.”

“I know.” Harper
said softly. “I was upset over Lucy, of course but that’s what kept running
through my mind. What if it were my pup? She hates me anyway and she’s a
malicious bitch. If she had a shot at a pup of mine, I have no doubt she would
hurt him.”

“Him?”

“Or her. Stop.”
Harper shook her head. “I don’t even know if I’m pregnant.”

“What did you have
for breakfast?”

“Cereal and
coffee.” Sidney pursed her lips. “See, I don’t think I am.”

“We’ll just keep
an eye on that. If you start craving carbs…” Sidney winked and stood then Harper
saw Curtis waiting. “See you tomorrow.” Sidney grinned and hurried to melt into
his side.

“Come walk with
me.” Ryder was standing over her now. He took her hand and helped her up. “Are
you okay?” Ryder wrapped her in a hug then led her outside away from the house.

“I’m okay. I’m
shaken over Lucy but she’s fine or will be when she thaws.” The corner of her
mouth lifted when she looked over at the tiny blonde in the pink pajamas
stretched out in the sun with her mom. Ryder chuckled.

“I love you, you
know.” Harper nodded. “I want you to always go with your instincts. They’re
very in tune to your surroundings.” Harper’s eyebrow was quirked with disbelief.
“I mean it. Go with your gut Harper, I trust it. Okay?”

“Sure.” He hugged
her again and kissed her forehead.

“I’ll see you
later. Lee asked me to meet him in the barn before all of this happened.” She
leaned up to kiss his cheek and he grinned then jogged away. Harper watched
until he turned the corner then went to check on Lucy.

“Have you melted
yet?” Harper leaned down and touched a finger to the pup’s nose. Lucy giggled.
“Glad to see you’re okay.”

“Thank you
Harper.” Cindy said solemnly.

“It was nothing.
I’ll have one of my own soon and you’ll rescue it one day.” Cindy nodded.
Harper stood and watched the guys working on the foundation of the house. It
would be Cindy’s now. Sidney and Curtis could move to the second floor into
Nicole’s room and she and Ryder could have the attic to themselves again. She
didn’t mind that they were there but the rooms were temporary and not exactly
soundproof. Sidney could hear them and she could certainly hear Sid and Curtis.

The pack was
filling the outline of the foundation with cinderblocks. The rest was loose
dirt but there was gravel coming and something to stabilize the cement. Harper
wanted to watch the project because it fascinated her to see a house spring up
from nothing. She mused at the millions of various precise steps it would take
to create a house. She heard Lucy behind her but didn’t hear what she was
saying. Suddenly, something hit her hard it threw her to the ground before she
was able to shift.

A full-grown wolf
faced off with her. Nicole. Did this bitch ever learn? Harper punched her hard
and threw her aside. Harper’s wolf emerged, ferocious and pissed. She snapped
and snarled back at Nicole who circled then charged. Harper didn’t evade.
Instead, she lunged and caught Nicole by the throat taking her to the ground.
In two quick moves, all of Harper’s anger was unleashed as she flipped Nicole
and tore the she-wolf’s throat out. Nicole whimpered once then her eyes slid
closed and she shifted back to her human form. Ryder was running from the barn
toward her when she stood up and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand then
spat.

“Sorry.” Harper
said quietly. “I had no choice.” Ryder said nothing. He tucked her into his
side and led her away from her kill. Kelly stood on the porch watching them as
they came up the steps. She stepped forward and Harper felt her wolf push again.

“I know she didn’t
give you a choice. No hard feelings.” Kelly said softly. Harper gave her a weak
smile then hugged the sniffling girl.

“I am sorry,
choice or not. I’m sorry you lost your mother.” Harper sniffled too.

“She gave me birth
but really she hasn’t been much of a mother for a long time. I understand what
you had to do, and it’s okay.” Kelly’s smile was small and her eyes misty.

“That’s very adult
of you.” Ryder said squeezing her shoulder.

“Is it adult
enough to stay in this pack?” She sounded like a teenager again.

“Absolutely.”
Harper answered for him.