Page 6 of His to Defend

“Honestly?”

Nina nodded.

“He’s probably going to try to stop it.”

She spoke so casually about it that Nina almost spat out her wine.

“Are you serious?” Nina put her glass down. “Why would they invite him then?” The idea that anyone would try to ruin her best friend’s wedding enraged her. Even if it was the incredibly sexy mountain of a man who’d flipped her stomach inside out earlier. “He shouldn’t be here.”

“He’s family, Nina. He’s like a brother to us, and Axel loves him.”

“But he’s—”

The argument died on her lips when the door opened and the subject of their discussion himself entered the room. Heat rushed through her body and there was no doubt that Nina’s face turned a bright red. But it wasn’t until Ryker turned and looked right at her that she felt the heat move directly to her core.

Ryker had to admit, the tour of the ridge had been impressive. Even in the dark, Axel had been proud to show him the outbuildings, including the adventure building where they kept the mountain bikes, snowshoes, and other toys for the guests to enjoy the outdoors. There were at least a half dozen smaller cabins tucked into the woods. Axel explained that each of the Jackson siblings had their own private cabin to live in, and they’d proved to be a very popular draw with the guests as well, so they’d set to work building a handful of cottages that guests could stay in as well.

He’d been suitably impressed with what his cousins had managed to build in such a short time. No wonder Grizzly Ridge had become so successful so quickly. They were obviously passionate about what they were doing.

And they were happy.

The fact that each of his cousins were happier than he’d ever seen them had not escaped Ryker, and he hadn’t even seen Kira yet. If he was honest with himself, he was a little nervous to see his little cousin. She’d always been a bit of a princess among the boys. Not because she was too girly to get dirty with them, but because they’d always just naturally protected her and his sister Natalia. The bond wasn’t as strong obviously as it was with her brothers, but Ryker had been hit hard too when he heard the news that she’d run off and left the clan. Now she was back and that should be a good thing. But she was mated to a wolf. A dog.

More than once on his tour of the ridge, Ryker had found himself simply shaking his head. How could his cousins have all chosen such wildly unsuitable mates? How could they have all stood by and let it happen?

“It’s impressive, cousin,” Ryker said when they found themselves back on the steps of the Den. “I mean it.” And he did. “I can see how you’d choose this over Jackson Valley. I mean, family stuff aside.” He chuckled. “This place definitely holds some appeal.” Not the least of which he’d run into in the woods earlier. A little treat to scratch his itch might be just what he needed to relax into this family holiday.

“I’m glad you think so,” Axel said. “It means a lot.” He turned and put his hand on the door handle, but hesitated before pulling it open. “And Ryker? I really am glad you’re here, man. I know this isn’t easy. I know how Grandfather feels and I know more than anyone how that can impact a man. But I really hope you can see that despite all the rules that we grew up with, there’s more to life. A lot more.”

Ryker let his cousin’s words sink in, but before he could rebut, Axel pulled the large wooden door open and they stepped into the warmth of the Den. Immediately they were met with a room full of laughter and chatter.

And the scent of honey and apples.

His gaze found her immediately.

Nina.

What would have happened if Harper hadn’t interrupted them earlier? He didn’t even have to speculate. He knew exactly what would have happened. Ryker would have threaded his fingers through her hair and held her head in place while he tasted every inch of that sweet mouth, taking his fill of the deliciousness he knew he’d find there. When he’d drunk his fill of her, his hands would have stripped her bare to expose the luscious curves that were only barely contained and—

“Hey, come and see Kira.” Axel interrupted his thoughts. “She’ll be so excited to see you.”

Instead of immediately following, Ryker hesitated, jarring Axel, who’d already started making his way across the room.

“What the hell, Ryker?”

“I was just…” He scratched his chin, fully aware that he was being ridiculous. “Just, who is that? The woman with Kira?”

Axel turned to face him, his shit-eating grin so wide Ryker had to refrain from punching it off. “I already introduced you. That’s Nina, remember? Harper’s best friend from Los Angeles.”

“Yes, I know.” Ryker shook his head but he couldn’t take his focus off the woman. “But who is she?”

“You wouldn’t be interested,” Axel said with just enough of an edge that Ryker took note. “She’s a human.”

Of course.

“I know.”

“So why the interest?”