He Kissed Me Then Called Me Family

I came back to Mossgate with a scar on my neck and a pup buried under my heart. I thought I was done with mates. Then Ryland Kane found me in the dark. He is my brother's best friend. He is also the biker Alpha of Mossgate now. He kissed me like he wanted me. Then he pulled away and called me family. My wolf calls him mate. He calls me a duty. He gives me a room, a job, and a rule: stay where he can see me. I tell myself his care is not love. But I remember his hands. And when a wounded woman needs him, he goes to her without a second thought. I want to be chosen like that. Not managed. Not protected as a sister. I already told my old mate Drystan no. He still thinks my body belongs to him. Ryland says I am safe under his protection. But safety is not the same as being wanted. If he calls me family again, I might show him what his duty made.