The Alpha's Mate Who Cried Wolf novel Chapter 6

"How do you know I worked there?"  

"I've seen you in there when I drive past to work." 

"Right." I turn to walk away.

"Wait, take this." He hands me his business card. 

I take it reading it, Zenith Creations CEO, accompanied by a contact number. I look at Zenith, confused. 

"If you need a job, call me," he says.

"Thanks, but I'm sure I'll be fine," I say, handing the card back. 

"No, keep it. Just in case. I'll see you around, Astrid." He gives me a wink before his window ascends, shielding him from view. 

"Hey!"I yell as he drives off. "How did you know my… name?"

I stand there watching the car drive further and further away. The diner is up ahead. I don't want to walk past it, but there is no other road to take. The woods are the only other thing around. There are more cars at the diner than there usually would be.

A few of the same men I served the other night are standing outside the diner. They're staring intently at me. One man nods, and another enters the diner. I quicken my pace, knowing Ryker might be with them. I am left unbothered for a while, and I think this will be a non-event before Ryker suddenly stands in front of me. You've got to be kidding me. How did he get here so quick? I step around him. 

"Astrid," he says. I keep walking, and Ryker keeps pace with me. "Astrid." he repeats himself. I keep my head down and keep walking. He grabs my wrist, and I feel a subtle sensation from his touch.

"Ryker! Let me go!"I yell. 

"No. I looked for you all night when you ran off and all day yesterday and today. So, we are going to the diner to talk," he says. 

"There is nothing to talk about!"I say, trying to pull away.

Ryker grabs me by the waist and lifts me over his shoulder. I cry out in pain from the injuries I sustained. Ryker quickly puts me back down. 

"What's wrong?" He asks. 

"Nothing, just please don't touch me," I say. Ryker pushes my hoodie down. 

"Astrid. I need you to look at me, please," he pleads. He can see bruises on my neck.

I look into his blue eyes, tears rolling down my cheeks. I feel so ashamed of myself.