Chapter 5

When Ryder hinted at claiming my body, nerves prickled through me like tiny needles. Despite our marriage, the reality lingered: we had only just met. Technically, he was still a stranger, so the idea of being intimate with him felt awkward.

"Claim my body? Are you going to devour me? I mean... are you going to... hurt me?" I stammered, clutching the fork tightly, considering it as a potential weapon for self-defense.

"Hurt you? Why would I harm my wife?" Ryder's confusion was evident.

"You mentioned wanting my body, Ryder," I reminded him.

"Oh no, darling. You've misunderstood. Anyway, please continue eating," he said, placing the food on the nearby table before opening the window to let in some fresh air.

As he opened the window, memories flooded back of my home in Mooncrest. I often left the windows open at night, feeling safe on the upper floor, shielded from the threat of burglary or other crimes. Besides, my father's reputation as the best hunt