Rejected by my mate, Claimed by Alpha Ryder Novel - Chapter 21

CHAPTER 21 I sat in the quiet basement , holding Dad's hand . His fingers had moved just a tiny twitch but it felt like the biggest thing in the world . My heart was beating fast . I couldn't stop staring at his hand , waiting for it to happen again . It didn't . My hands slowly closed into fists at my sides until my nails pressed into my palms . I felt a strong urge to shout . I wanted to shake the bed , turn off the machines , do something to make him wake up . Anything was better than standing there and waiting ... watching my hope slowly fade .

" Come on , " I muttered through clenched teeth . " Fight , damn you . You don't get to quit on me . " His fingers stayed still . A low growl came from my throat . I hit the side of the bed hard with my fist . The loud clang echoed through the quiet room . Pain shot up my arm . Good . At least I could feel something . I started pacing across the room . Three steps . Turn . Three steps . Turn . I quickly pulled out my phone and called Ms. D. She picked up right away . " Ryder ? " " Come to the basement . Quick . " I didn't say more . I hung up and went back to holding Dad's hand .

" Come on , " I whispered . " Do it again . Please . " A few minutes later the door opened , Ms. D walked in and closed it behind her . She looked at Dad , then at me . " What happened ? " she asked softly , " His fingers moved , " I said . My voice shook a little . " Just once like he was trying to reach for me . Then he stopped . " Ms. D came closer . She moved to the bed , checked the monitors , she took Dad's other hand and put her fingers on his wrist . Then she placed her palm on his chest . She closed her eyes and stayed very still for a long time . A slow smile curved her lips .

" That's good , Ryder . That's very good . It means the pathways are starting to wake up . Small steps , but they're steps . " 1/4 CHAPTER 21 +25 Bonus I let out a harsh breath through my nose . My shoulders loosened maybe half an inch . " So ... he might- " " He might , " she agreed . " But he needs time and you need rest . You're running on fumes and fury . Go upstairs , eat and rest . I'll stay with him tonight and if I notice any changes ... even a blink I'll call you right away . " I opened my mouth to argue . She raised one perfectly arched brow . " Don't make me sedate you , boy .

I still remember how . " I huffed a humorless laugh . " Fine . But if he- " " I'll call , " she promised . I gave my father one last look , then I turned and walked out . The stairs felt very long as I climbed them . My legs felt heavy and tired . By the time I reached my study , my head was already starting to ache . 1 I pushed the door shut harder than I meant to . The loud sound echoed in the quiet hallway . I didn't care if the whole house heard it . I dropped into the leather chair behind my desk , rested my elbows on my knees , and buried my face in my hands .