On the Ridge by Jayda Marx
Chapter Thirteen
Zane
I clung to Ridge's back as he dashed through the forest towards the mountain he called home. I was excited to arrive and spend some time with his pack; our pack, as strange as that sounded.
Having two strangers willing to protect me and who accepted me into their group without so much as a proper introduction would take some getting used to, but it was also lovely to have a second family.
As for my father, he looked a little puny before Ridge and I left, and he wasn't able to drink much of the breakfast smoothie Ridge made him. I offered to stay with him instead of going out, but Dad said that he just needed some sleep, and it wouldn't be any fun for me to sit around and watch him snore all day. So, we left, but I didn't plan on being gone too long.
Ridge carried me up the steep hidden path which led to the cavern where he lived. I loved when he carried me; not only could we travel faster, but it reminded me how strong he was and just how safe I was in his arms.
When we stepped through the low entrance into the cavern, a huge man emerged from one of the arched openings inside. He was several inches taller than Ridge, broad, and ripped to hell; his muscles had muscles. He had dark eyes and a low brow which gave him an intense expression. He was intimidating, but I reminded myself that he was Ridge's friend, and he'd helped me when I was in need.
"You must be Rider," I gathered, and the big man's face brightened with a smile. He was quite handsome when he smiled, though he was no comparison to my Ridge.
"And you must be Zane. Rowdy told me your name," he explained as I slid off of Ridge's back. "It's nice to officially meet you."
"You too," I shook his outstretched hand, wincing at his strong grip.
"You look much better than the last time I saw you."
"I definitely feel better," I joked, and Rider gave a deep chuckle. "Thank you for helping me out. And for allowing Ridge to...you know…claim me." It was a strange conversation, but Rider didn't seem fazed. He just smiled brighter.
"I'm so happy that you two have found each other. Ridge is a good man and he deserves the love of his mate."
"He's the best," I agreed, nuzzling closer to Ridge's side as he draped his arm over my shoulders.
"So are you, my love," Ridge replied before kissing my head. He looked back at his Alpha and said, "I'll be staying with my mate at his cabin on the north border of the forest. It's where I'm needed."
"I understand," Rider replied with a nod.
"But you're more than welcome to come visit," I interjected. "I live with my dad and I know he'd love to meet you; Rowdy too. I'll cook dinner for you any time you'd like."
"That's very kind of you," Rider answered. "I'm looking forward to it already."
"Did I hear my name?" a familiar voice asked before Rowdy appeared in his doorway.
As soon as he stepped into the common area, Rowdy sniffed the air and clutched his chest. He zoomed over to Ridge and me, enthusiastically smelling our chests and necks. "Sandalwood."
"Oh, no, it's actually bergamot and vanilla," I corrected.
Ridge stroked his hand down my arm and told me, "He's not talking about your cologne," and he and Rider shared a knowing smile.
"I think I'm missing something here," I thought aloud.
"I smell…" Rowdy sniffed me again. "My mate."
Panic gripped me. I shook my head rapidly and burrowed into Ridge's side. "I belong to Ridge. He claimed me!" Rowdy had to be mistaken. I was in love with Ridge and I wasn't interested in sharing or being shared.
"It's okay," Ridge whispered in my ear. "You're mine alone. Rowdy is picking up someone else's scent that is stuck on our clothing." I narrowed my eyes in confusion and he smiled gently. "Who is the only person we've been close to this morning?"
I gasped. "My dad?" He nodded with a bright smile.
"Your father is my mate," Rowdy replied with excitement in his voice.
My heart raced and my hands trembled as moisture clouded my eyes. Guilt had plagued me ever since I learned of the immortal life that Ridge granted me; my dad was dying, and yet I would live forever. But this was the answer to my prayers and the greatest gift I could ever receive; I would never lose my father.
"He's terminally ill and doesn't have much time left," I told Rowdy, and he gripped his chest again as his face tensed with anguish. "But...you can save him?"
He took my hand and nodded. "I can save him. Please take me to him."
I jumped onto Ridge's back and my mate told both of his friends, "Follow me."
Thank you for reading "On the Ridge"! I hope you enjoyed the book. If you did, please consider leaving a review. Stay tuned for the next book in the Collingswood Cougars series, titled, "Get a Little Rowdy", featuring Rowdy and Grayson's story, coming soon!
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Look below for other titles by Jayda Marx!
Other Reads (Free with Kindle Unlimited):
M/M Paranormal Romance:
Once Bitten: Javier Coven Book 1 (Vampire M/M)
Twice Shy: Javier Coven Book 2 (Vampire M/M)
Twice Bitten: Javier Coven Book 3 (Vampire M/M/M)
Release Me: Duff Coven Book 1 (Vampire M/M)
Take Me: Duff Coven Book 2 (Vampire M/M)
Mine to Save: Pine Ridge Pack Book 1 (M/M Wolf Shifter)
Mine to Keep: Pine Ridge Pack Book 2 (M/M Wolf Shifter)
Mine to Protect: Pine Ridge Pack Book 3 (M/M Wolf Shifter)
Shadow Walker: Bay City Coven Book 1 (Vampire M/M)
Into the Shadows: Bay City Coven Book 2 (Vampire M/M)
Magic Touch (M/M Mage)
Daddy’s Bite: Love Bites Book 1 (Vampire M/M Age Play)
Bite Size Daddy: Love Bites Book 2 (Vampire M/M Age Play)
Untitled: Love Bites Book 3 (Vampire M/M Age Play) Coming soon!
On the Ridge: Collingswood Cougars Book 1 (M/M Shifter)
Get a Little Rowdy: Collingswood Cougars Book 2 (M/M Shifter) Coming soon!
Soaked (Dating a Demigod Novella Series) (M/M Demigod)
Rage (Dating a Demigod Series) (M/M Demigod) Coming soon!
M/M Series:
Arrested Hearts Book 1: Gage & Tyson (M/M) *Can be read as standalone
Arrested Hearts Book 2: Chris & Lyle (M/M)
Arrested Hearts Book 3: Mike & Jonah (M/M)
Arrested Hearts Book 4: Sam & Jordan (M/M)
My Everything (M/M) *Can be read as standalone
My Forever (novella sequel to “My Everything”) (M/M)
Head Over Wheels (M/M) *Can be read as standalone
Head Over Wheels: Book 2 (M/M)
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My Grumpy Old Bear (Loveable Grumps: Book 1) *Can be read as standalone
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Housewife Chronicles: Complete Series (M/F)
Luscious: Complete Series (M/F)
