Chapter 4 ALPHA RYDER's POV.

ALPHA RYDER's POV.

I held Kali in my arms, her fragile body in my arms. I could feel her heart racing, her breath coming in short gasp.

I gently lay her on the bed, and gave the nurse space to attend to her and tend to her wounds.

As Nurse Sarah tended to her wounds, I couldn't help but watch Kali's every move as she opened her eyes. Her eyes darted around the room, taking in her surroundings with confusion evident on her face. I knew she was trying to remember how she got here, and I was willing to bet she was wondering why she was in my estate and who I was.

I remained silent, my eyes never hers. I wanted her to feel safe, to know that she was under my protection. But I also wanted her to know that I was in control, that I had the power to keep her safe or to harm her.

Again, her eyes met mine, but I maintained my mask of cold and unreadable expression.

"Where...where am I?" she stuttered, her voice barely above a whisper.

I could sense her fear, her doubts. And I knew that I had to be careful. I didn't want to scare her off, not yet.

Nurse Sarah helped her sit up, putting pillows behind her back. "You're in Ryder's estate," she explained. "He brought you here after...after the incident."

Kali's eyes widened as she scanned the room again. "Incident?" she repeated, her voice cracking.

I could sense her memories coming back, the pain and fear were back from the pale look on her face. And I knew that I had to be careful, that I had to speak and choose my words carefully.

"The attack, Kali," I said, my voice low and even. "You were attacked by wild wolves."

Her eyes met mine, and I could see she needed answers.

And I knew that I had to keep her safe, no matter what it took for after all she is not a threat, I have done my research on her.

Her voice was barely above a whisper, but I heard her. "Who are you?"

I kept my cold look but secretly I admired her bravery. "I am Ryder, the Alpha of the Riverside Pack."

Her eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly regained her composure. But I just nodded, my expression serious. "Yes. And you, Kali, are a guest in my home. How are you feeling?"

She hesitated, thinking how much how much to reveal, and I knew I had to be gentle yet strict. "I'm...I'm okay, I think. A bit shaken up, but okay."

I nodded, my eyes never leaving hers. "Good. I'm glad to hear that. Can you tell me what happened? How did you end up in the forest, alone and injured?"

As she told me her story, I listened closely, my expression growing more serious with each passing second and word that came out of her mouth. "I see. Well, Kali, you're safe now. You're under my protection, and I promise you, no harm will come to you while you're in my care."

I could see the gratitude in her eyes, and for the first time, I gave her a small smile.

"Thank you, Ryder. Thank you for saving me."

"Anytime, Kali. Now, tell me more about yourself. What do you like to do? What are your hobbies?"

As we talked, I could see her relaxing, opening up to me in ways I never thought possible. But even as we spoke she refused to reveal the one thing I wanted to hear from her mouth. It was then, that I knew I had to ask her what was happening.... If she would confirm what I found out in my research or if she had other things to say about it.

I watched Kali's eyes widen as I asked her the question that had been on my mind since I first saw her research results. "Kali, can I ask you something?"

She hesitated, sensing a shift in the conversation. "What is it?"

I leaned forward, my voice taking on a more serious and formal tone. "Are you cursed?"

Her face suddenly lost its collar, and I could see the fear in her eyes as she furrowed her brows. "W-what makes you ask that?" she stuttered.

I already got my answer from her body language. "Let's just say I've done my research, Kali. I know all about your...condition."

I could see the shifts in her expression, as she tried to understand how I could know about her curse. But I just leaned back in my chair, my eyes never leaving hers. "And that's why I'm willing to make you an offer, Kali. An offer that could change your life forever."

Her expression changed from one of guilt and fear to one of shock and confusion . "What is it?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

I gave her a small smile knowing what I had in mind was unthinkable after all she is a stranger who I met hours ago. "All in good time, Kali. All in good time."

She bit her lips as she tried to calm herself down and suddenly I felt hot. My inner wolf howled at me to take her, to claim her there and then as my own, but I knew better than to let lust take over.

After all, I have also had my fair share of curses that's why I am making her this deal.

"The deal is..."