Mated To Alpha Kessler

Lyra’s POVContent (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

I cautiously approach, my heart pounding in my chest. Opening the door, I see a figure sitting on my bed.

Immediately, he sees me, relief washing over him. It’s as if he was scared that something bad might have happened to me. He approaches cautiously.

I furrow my brows, trying to deduce what could make him look so worried. Despite the dark bags under his eyes, he still looks incredibly handsome. The tension in the room is palpable as we silently assess each other.

He was wearing blue jeans and a white t-shirt that hugged his body perfectly. His abs were visible, drawing my attention involuntarily.

I gulp and avert my gaze, not wanting him to catch me checking him out. He still had that effect on me.

Sasha purrs with pleasure at the proximity of my rejected mate, her satisfaction palpable.

He wears a conflicted expression as he moves closer, clearly wanting to touch me.

But the look on my face makes him stop, so he clenches his hand into a fist and steps back.

Finally composing himself through gritted teeth, he asks, “Where the hell have you been? I was worried sick that something might have happened to you.”

I wonder what business we have together to make him worry about me, so I ask, “Anything the matter? I should be the least of your worries.”

He gives me a menacing look and answers, “There was an uproar in the pack. A shadowing creature was going around, causing fear and panic among the pack members.”

A sense of unease settles over me as I realize the gravity of the situation. My eyes widened with panic, but I managed to ask, “I hope no one was hurt.”

He looks at me, trying to read my expression, silently asking if I am willing to disclose whether I am responsible or not.

Should I tell him the truth, or should I just pretend like all is well? But if I pretend, how will I inform him about my uncle’s impending attack on his pack?

The weight of the decision hangs heavily on my shoulders as I struggle to find the right course of action.

“Lyra,” he calls, and that brings me out of the whirlwind of thoughts swirling in my mind.

Startled, I asked, “Umm…?”

“Are you even listening to anything I’ve said so far?”

Looking at him, I apologize, “Oh, sorry. What were you saying?” My mind races as I try to refocus on the conversation, realizing I have been lost in my concerns.

“I know you have shadow power, and it can be destructive if not well harnessed. It tends to be more prominent around the full moon,” he says cautiously, looking me dead in the eyes. “I hope you weren’t the one.”

Looking down, guilt consumes me. He tilts my head up with just his finger, and that sensation sends a wave of sparks and electricity down my spine.

“Why do I still feel like this?” I wonder to myself. I can’t stand him being around me. He still has that effect on me, and I doubt if I would be able to control myself around him, especially now that he would be mated to Annie.

I make a mental note to speed up my departure from this pack unnoticed. I can’t leave tonight since Jack is planning to attack, meaning I must look for the perfect timing.

The situation weighs on my mind as I contemplate my next move.

I look up to him, the intensity of his gaze makes me feel exposed, vulnerable, and uncertain of how to respond.

But I managed and slowly said, “My uncle is planning an attack on your pack, and I need to warn you. The pack will be in a celebratory mood, and he wants to use that as the perfect time to attack.”

He steps back, looking conflicted and struggling to find his words, but manages to ask, “How do you know that?” still trying to process the information I’ve just shared with him.

Of what value is hiding what he already knows? He just wants confirmation from me if I was responsible for the cloak of shadow going around.

I gulp hard, stuttering, “T… the cloak of s… shadow took me to his pack, and that’s where I’m coming from.”

“Lyra, you should be careful next time,” he says solemnly. “I could feel your emotions like you were in serious trouble.”

His concern was like a reminder of the risks involved in harnessing my powers and being cautious in the face of danger.

“I was scared that something bad must have happened to you, but thank goodness you are fine,” he says, engulfing me in a hug.

I stiffened for a few seconds, taken by surprise. I didn’t expect his sudden display of emotions.

Sparks erupt all around us. He still cares. But I place my hand on his chest, attempting to release myself from his hold.

The conflicting emotions inside me make it difficult to fully reciprocate the embrace.

“I don’t want trouble for myself,” I think to myself, realizing the potential complications of being caught in a compromising situation with him, especially with his mating ceremony just hours away.

He slowly releases me from the hug and says, “Thank you for telling me.”

I nod my head and reply, “You’re welcome,” my voice barely above a whisper. I step back, mentally preparing myself for the events that are about to unfold.

His hand is placed behind the back of his neck, a gesture that suggests he wants to say something but can’t find the words.

“What?” I inquire, curious about his sudden change in demeanor.

“Do you like your dress?” he asks, his tone casual.

“Oh, that. Thank you, it’s okay,” I reply nonchalantly.

I see a hurt flash in his eyes, but I don’t dwell on it. What does he expect, for me to swoon over the gown like a lost puppy? My focus remains on the task at hand, despite the tension lingering between us.

“I’d like to see you there,” he finally says.

I want to give him a witty comment, but I refrain from saying anything.

“Okay, I’ll try,” is all I say in response.

“As for your uncle, he will be well taken care of.”

“Thank you,” I managed to say.

He nods a solemn expression crossing his features. “Be careful, Lyra. And if you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”

I nod in response, acknowledging his concern. With a final glance, he turns and leaves, leaving me alone with my thoughts.