Fated To The Lycan Brothers
Chapter 43

Suri Nightingale

I was right. Ryder Madden is the celebrity Keith was talking about earlier because the second we stepped out into the lobby, hordes of girls ran up to him like they were dying for human interaction and the last human on planet earth was him.

I was standing a good five inches away from him and was expecting to be forgotten the moment he remembered he was a freaking ladies magnet because, let's be real, I wasn't really anything special and I doubted he would care about losing me when there were twenty girls ready to do whatever he wanted-but to my utter surprise, he turns around and orders one of his two huge bodyguards.

"Take care of Suri for me, will you?" He says before glancing at me and giving me a soft and apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, this will only take a minute. I need to appease the public first."

I shook my head and waved my hand to tell him that it was completely fine and seconds later, bodyguard one is leading me towards the couches. I decided to take a seat while looking at the crowd amused.

They were so enamored by him, their eyes as big as saucers while staring so hard at Ryder thinking he would disappear once they blinked.

I mean, I couldn't blame them, really. The man is very pleasant to the eyes, his face gorgeous and alluring and his eyes are such a beautiful and clear green that you could just lose yourself in them. I can only imagine the kind of fantasies these girls have of him every night and I'm sure the piercings he has make them wonder how much of a bad boy he could be in the sheets, too.

Oh my god, how did I end up thinking about him in bed already? Wes' player ways might be rubbing off on me and I do not like that one bit.

I turned to the bodyguard next to me whose eyes had been glued on Ryder as he stood like a post that cannot be moved. "Is it always like this?" I asked him.

"Mostly, but this is relatively tamer. All the guests this weekend have gone through countless identification purposes before being allowed to stay in the resort, so at least we know that there is no crazy stalker amongst them." He explains without turning to look at

me.

"I see..."

I don't think Keith went through the same thing so it's possible they just investigated guests that didn't fall on the billionaire spectrum. I doubt the girls' parents fawning over Ryder right now were anything less than millionaires, though.

I noticed Ryder is bowing his head to the girls and saying his thank you's, the expressions on their faces turning sad like they didn't want him to leave, and then it changes into absolute jealousy and criticism the moment he turns around and starts walking to me. What the f**k? Did I just end up becoming the number one enemy of fifteen year olds?

Ryder didn't seem to notice as he swaggered down the hall with confidence like every step he took, a million dollars gets deposited into his bank account, his net worth just rising up every millisecond that passes. It would seem so obnoxious, but he doesn't do it in a way that is flaunting. He's merely just... existing.

"I'm sorry you had to wait," he apologizes again like he's not the freaking star and his seconds are more important than mine.

"No, don't worry about it. I was thoroughly enjoying the soft and cottony cushions." I told him and he chuckled, his smile and the sound of his laughter making my stomach flutter.

Wow, getting a reaction from someone really comes easy for him. No wonder the girls over there are already plotting my demise as they give me stink eyes.

"I don't think your fans are very appreciative of my presence around you..." I whispered to Ryder as my eyes awkwardly went from looking at him to them.

"Ah, it's nothing. They could be overprotective, but they're completely harmless. Trust me." He gave me another swoon-worthy smile and I didn't notice how close he was enough to put his arm around my waist until I felt it and I could have sworn my heart stopped beating for a millisecond.

"Do you trust me?" Charisma oozes out of his every word and I take a moment to give him a reply.

I swallowed the lump of anxiousness that had formed in my throat before slowly nodding and letting myself loosen in his hold. "Lead the way."

When I thought the Wolfe's all black golf cart inside their house was excessive, I was in for a big surprise when I saw Ryder's.

This wasn't just a cart. It was a freaking car at this point. The four seater interior is made from leather that reminds me of something you would replace in Italian or German supercars. It's equipped with its own refrigerator, this one filled with champagne, chocolate, and strawberries. There's also a touch screen with its own wifi, bluetooth, and phone connectors which I assume was for music.

The chrome wheels, the sleek glossy black paint job, and the sports car accents around the cart, made me feel even more out of place because who would spend this much on something you can't even actually drive on the road?!

I didn't say all of that, though. I just took a seat right next to Ryder as his bodyguard drove us around the island.

The skies were clear and the views were even more magnificent when you're looking at them up close. There were acres of lush lawns, fields of green, the colors vibrant and exaggerated like you were inside a painting.

There were a lot of activities to choose from, just as Keith said. We passed by three different pools, each with its own unique design. One was made to look like you were in a forest with waterfalls, second was as if you were lounging by the French riviera, and third was for watersports - that one intrigued me the most.

We came across a golf course, complete with all eighteen holes and I only know that because Ryder mentioned he plans to play in it tomorrow. He loves the sport because apparently, it's the only one that gives him time to be alone and forget about his fame for a while. I wondered what his life was like for him to longingly crave for such peace.

I wasn't sure just how long we had been going around, admiring the place, soaking in the sun, taking in all kinds of invigorating smells that surrounded us, but I knew we still had about one fourth of the island to explore.

My stomach, though, could not wait any longer as it sounded off in rebellion.

I buried my face into my hands as Ryder turned to me with a grin. "Hungry?"

I cleared my throat and mumbled, "A little..."

"Nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, I know just the place." He says before mumbling something to his bodyguard inaudibly.

A few minutes later, we're in front of the most exquisite-looking beachside restaurant. It was a more elegant and stylish take of the Caribbean seas mixing tall palm trees in a floor to ceiling wood paneling and velvet upholstery. The best part was that we had a front and center view of the exact rocks I was admiring earlier from my room. The sound of the waves hitting against them made me smile.

"Do you like it?" Ryder appeared next to me, having talked to one of the staff first, and I couldn't help but turn to him with such a wide smile, no longer conscious.

"In love. You certainly know how to impress a girl, Mr. Madden."

He tilted his head with a fairly confident smile, the greens in his eyes lighter as the sun illuminated his face. "I would like it if you just called me Ryder. And you haven't even gotten a taste of the food. If you're impressed with the view, prepare to have the best food coma of your life."

I feel a silly smile tugging at my lips. "I'll hold you to it... Ryder."

-

Yeah so, he wasn't kidding. Six plates, three bowls, and two glasses later, I can't move even if I had to. They'd have to carry or drag me out of here because I'm in an absolute comatose from too much good food. Holy crap.

But it wasn't just the food that was pleasant. It was being able to talk to Ryder like we were friends who haven't seen each other in years, our conversation casual and with no pressure to impress him or the feeling of being judged by him present at all. I was having the time of my life with a person I didn't expect yet was glad to have bumped into.

"I want you to come to my party," he says as he takes a spoonful of coconut bread pudding topped with a brown sugar glaze.

"Really?" I asked, sounding a little too bewildered by the invite.

"Really," he reassured. "I haven't had this much fun in... I don't know, a long time, and I want you there. I need you there, Suri."

The gravity of his words surprised me and I blinked at him.

He must have noticed the hesitation in my eyes because he continues. "Okay, it is a little weird because we've only just met, but I know you feel it, too. You do, don't you? How you don't have to think too hard about what to say? How you can say what you want without being scared of me judging you? How you want to open up even if we've only known each other for a day?"

Oh my god. Yes to all three, but I'm not going to admit that?!

I bit my lip and felt his smoldering eyes on me, waiting for an answer I didn't know I could give him.

Yes it's nice to be with someone like him, but this is just too unreal. I don't know if I can allow myself to stand next to him when people who have adored him for years are shooting daggers at me with their eyes. "Ryder, I don't think-"

"Welcome to the Caribbean Sun, feel free to sit wherever you please." I heard the waitress greet new customers and when I turned to the door, my mind went blank at the sight of them.

No. f*****g. Way.

Out of all the restaurants in this entire island, they had to come here?!

Wes was the first to spot me. He looked like he knew I was already there, but it didn't take him a second to realize what was going on when his eyes glanced over to Ryder then back to me. With a smirk, I managed to read what his lips said and I think it was - "incredible idea, little sis."

What in the world does he even mean by that?

I locked eyes with Atlas the next because Wes, oh my god that dick, decided to walk towards mine and Ryder's table, purposely trying to sit as near as possible to us.

If I thought he looked angry when Keith told him we were to ride with each other to school next week, it was nothing compared to his face now. There's a trail of ice down my spine as Atlas' gray eyes shoot me the coldest glare. I would have thought we were at Antarctica, not the beach.

Then his eyes found Ryder's and I could have sworn he looked like he was thinking of ways to t*****e the man with just a butter knife.

What the hell is his problem?

Once he looked away, Devon appeared from behind him and his expression was the most surprised out of them all.

He stared so long that Ryder noticed I was distracted and he asked me, "Do you know them?"

It took me a second to blink and bring myself back to the present.

"Um... yeah, they're... family friends." I managed to respond and I saw the flex of Atlas' jaw muscle all the way from where I was seated, which was the table right in front of them. Freaking Wes.

"Oh, cool. Let me introduce myself." Ryder said and before I could stop him, he had already stood up and walked over to their table and oh my god, I just wanted to bury myself underground. "Hey," he said so casually I was mortified. Did he seriously have to be that nice?!

Wes was snickering. Atlas was glaring like he can't believe this guy is talking to them. Devon had his mouth agape, still trying to process if he was imagining someone in front of them. "What's up? I'm Ryder. Ryder Ma-"

"We know who you are, Madden." Atlas cut him off and the way he said his last name sounded like he was insulted by it.

Wait, they know who he is? Huh. I guess I'm the only person here that has no idea, but that's probably because I know next to nothing about celebrities.

"You... know me? Well, alright, cool. That makes this introduction a whole lot easier then." Ryder chuckles like the completely unaware and innocent guy that he is.

I managed to get off of my seat and run to where he was in order to put a stop to all of this before it's too late and he's turned into Wolfe's supper.

"Ryder, meet Atlas, Wes, Devon. They're the Wolfe brothers. Okay, wonderful. You've met everyone!" I said as I pointed to each brother as quickly as I could, wanting to get this over with.

Atlas didn't say anything as his eyes moved from looking at me annoyed down to my hand that I hadn't noticed was holding on to Ryder's arm. I wasn't sure if he was jealous of me holding another guy or judging me for it, but it was fun seeing him annoyed so I decided to push some of his buttons and didn't let go, moving my other hand so now both of them were holding him.

He looked infuriated, and I was trying my darned best not to break into a smug smile.

"Nice to meet you, Wolfe brothers. Do you all have something to do later tonight? If not, feel free to come to my party. Suri, you're going too, right?" Ryder turned to face me and even when I couldn't see Atlas' face, I somehow felt his fiery glare on me. Jesus, the temperature went from negative to a hundred degrees celsius.

"... ..."

s**t, I was stuck in the middle. Do I agree? Do I say yes to going to this party when the brothers are clearly on the fence about it right now? What happens if I do? Do I even have it in me to go to something like that? It all seemed so... daunting. I cleared my throat and gave Ryder a timid smile. "I have to go to the bathroom. I'll be right back!"

I hurriedly said to him before turning around and rushing to the girl's restroom, not bothering to turn around and see the faces of the boys I had just left. I couldn't even think about the consequences of leaving Ryder with the brothers. I'm sure they won't do anything to him. Not that they can when he does have his own bodyguards.

I stepped out to the side, the sand instantly getting into my white sandals, and turned to replace the bathroom at the side of the restaurant.

But before I could enter, I heard an angry voice right behind me.

"What the hell do you think you're doing, meat?"

I know that voice, and I've heard those exact words before.

I sighed before turning around and not surprisingly, I saw Atlas looking at me fuming.

Clearly, I'm supposed to be pissed at him for showing up but the handsome idiot was wearing just string black shorts and no top. It took all of my willpower not to stare at the hard ridges of his abs.

This man is walking and talking s ex on a stick. Ugh. I hate him.

"I'm going to the ladies room and unless you have something to confess about your real gender identity then the mens room is on the other side." I told him with a raised brow, using it to mask my fast beating heart.

f**k. How is him looking even more pissed getting me turned on? Oh my god, Suri. I think I need to see a psychiatrist. I wonder if Keith would question it if I sign up for a session?

I let out a soft gasp when Atlas suddenly appeared inches away from me, his much taller and bigger build hovering over me and I felt even smaller.

Damn him and his smell. I'm trying so hard not to inhale his scent and end up looking like a creep.

Suddenly, icy gray depths pull me in and I feel like I'm drowning. Atlas looks at me and I can see the burning fire of hell in his eyes. Holy shit.

"Do not go to that party."

What? That's what he's so angry about?

I stood my ground because no way in hell am I letting this a*****e boss me around.

"And what makes you think I'll do what you say?" I crossed my arms in front of my chest, unintentionally pushing up my chest and showing much more cleavage on my bikini.

I could have sworn I saw something else sparkle in Atlas' eyes before it disappeared and his eyes narrowed on me.

"Trust me, meat. You don't want to replace out what'll happen if you don't." The glare he gives me is equal parts angry and taunting like he's ready for me to not do as he says and he'll actually enjoy tormenting me. Well, f**k you, Atlas.

With or without your threats, I'll do whatever the hell I want.

"I don't give a s**t, and I certainly do not trust you." I hissed at him and he slightly winced at my response. "You've already given me your bull s hit rogue status. Give me your best f*****g shot, Atlie." Atlas' mask of rage flickers and he looks at me unsure. "What the f**k are you-"

But I'm done talking to him so I turned around, went inside the bathroom, and slammed the door shut right in front of his face.

Earlier I wasn't sure I could go to the party, but now I know my answer.

I'll go to that party. I'll go and show Atlas that he doesn't f*****g control me and my decisions.

I guess... even if I have to face the look of wrath from Ryder's freaking fanbase.