The Alpha and the Mistake

"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?"

out,

I narrowed my eyes at him. "Was this all

like a guilty expression. "No,

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

"What? No!"

their son. Can I be a good

up his hands. "Whoa,

the sheets of the bed and stood, ignoring the throb of pain through my head. Now wasn't the time

said, sliding off

too. I can be gone like that!" I snapped my

"Brook."

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

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

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

kissed me to shut me?" I should've been

didn't think you were going to give me a chance to apologize before you stormed

to apologize? Shouldn't your mom be the

doesn't like games. It was just me sticking

didn't let you apologize. So I-Owe, what are you a vampire too," I complained when I touched the

actually turned bright pink. "Sorry, instincts..." he shrugged. "At least it

mark? Did you...did you give

embarrassment turned into

want. When my mom sees this she's going to

"Then you could grant

answer is no," I

Dean." He laughed, running a hand

He took my hand and with a tugged, led me out of