MATED TO THE SECRET ALPHA
Chapter 203: Alpha Reana

Chapter 203: Alpha Reana

"She’s not a thing," Ryder snapped. "And she sure as hell isn’t yours."

The golden mask tilted his head again, thoughtfully. "Is that so?"

Then he raised both hands.

The corrupted wolves shrieked—a sound never meant for mortal ears. Bones cracked. Skin split. They grew larger, twisting into monstrous forms until even the snow recoiled.

Marcus roared, "Form up!"

The seven warriors with the strength of thirty men, surged forward. Claws tore into flesh. Growls and fury filled the air.

But Ryder stood still, eyes sharp and unreadable.

He merely looked at the monsters.

A flicker of thought. A silent command.

’Explode.’

And then—

Boom.

One monstrous wolf burst apart in a spray of dark blood and bones.

Another followed, its body convulsing before detonating mid-lunge.

The air filled with shockwaves and gore, the scent of burnt corruption coating the wind.

One by one, they ignited; crimson bursts lighting up the snow like hellfire flares.

In seconds, silence fell.

Only the masked man remained, untouched. Waiting.

The two men stared at each other; one with a handsome face bared, and the other hidden behind gold.

Neither raised their voice. Neither moved a muscle. Yet the power between them crackled like lightning held at bay.

Clap.

Clap.

The masked man clapped lazily.

"Look at that. Very powerful," the masked man said, voice smooth and aristocratic, almost amused. He didn’t even spare the dead meat a glance as he continued:

"I was told you were possessive, but I didn’t expect that kind of performance. Did you think kissing her in front of me would stop what the bond already knows?"

Ryder didn’t smile. It wasn’t funny.

His gaze was as sharp as a blade.

"She’s mine," he said calmly. "The bond may whisper, but she don’t care. I don’t care. She already chose."

"Did she?" The masked man tilted his head. "Or are you just the temporary thrill before fate comes calling?"

Reana took a step forward, but Ryder’s arm came around her waist, holding her back—not protectively, but possessively.

"Be careful," Ryder said smoothly. "Fate is a pretty word. But I’ve broken prettier things." He casted a fleeting glance towards the army of monsters he just destroyed without lifting a finger.

The golden mask gleamed as he chuckled. "A warning?"

"No." Ryder’s voice was soft. Final. "A fact."

The masked man’s eyes locked with Reana’s for just a second. She felt the pull, the whisper from their bond, of what could’ve been. But her heart didn’t stir. Her soul was already claimed.

The masked man gave a slight bow. "Then I suppose you win this round...?" He chuckled. "We meet again soon, Mate." And with that, he turned, cloak fluttering in the snow, disappearing into the woods like a ghost.

Only once he was gone did Reana realized that her fingers were shaking.

"He just left? Like that?" she whispered.

Ryder turned and pulled her against his chest, hugging her waist. "He came to test my powers."

"And...?" she raised her gaze, locking eyes with him.

"He’s coming back. And he wouldn’t be playing then."

"What do you think about him in general?" she asked.

Ryder’s expression didn’t change. But there was a shift... subtle, like ice creaking before it cracks.

"Why?" he echoed, voice low. "Do you want to know him? Do you find him intriguing?"

Reana blinked. "No. I just..." she hesitated. Then blinked again, finally understanding what he was driving at. "Have you lost your mind!?" she slapped his cloak, soliciting boisterous laughter from him.

She glared at him, though she was smiling.

"He’s dangerous. But also... strangely composed. I don’t understand him. I want to be prepared."

She couldn’t even attempt to read his past and present. He was gifted and she can’t read gifted people.

Ryder turned serious as his jaw ticked. His hand slid up her back, cupping the nape of her neck with firm possession. "Then remember this, Reana. That thing behind the mask? It isn’t a man. It’s hunger dressed as royalty. He doesn’t feel. He doesn’t love. He consumes."

Reana studied his face, heart thudding. "And you?"

"I do feel," he said softly, fiercely. "I feel everything when it comes to you. But anything else..." He shook his head.

She leaned in, forehead against his chest.

Silence settled over them briefly, broken only by the distant sounds of Marcus and his warriors sprinting through the woods.

They’d gone to get the horses that’d ran off in the chaos.

"Your pack members, don’t you care about them?"

"Care?" Ryder’s gaze shifted towards the seven of his men that were disappearing into the woods. "I’ve never thought about that," he said quietly.

Reana looked at him, searching his face. "That’s cruel."

"Maybe," His voice hardened. "But I’ve given them a world where they don’t need my care anymore. They have the strength, the brains, and the freedom, to survive without me," Ryder finished, his eyes narrowing slightly.

The silence between them thickened.

Reana’s jaw tightened. "That’s not leadership. That’s abandonment."

He let out a dry chuckle. "You think coddling makes them stronger? They don’t need my affection—they need power. They need a safe kingdom and I’ve given them that. Wanting my affection is greed."

Reana narrowed her eyes, her palm on his chest, "Are you saying I’m not a good leader?"

Ryder’s lips twitched, his gaze flicking down to her hand on his chest. "Oh, I’d never dare say that. You’re terrifying."

"Good," Reana muttered, lifting her chin. "Because I am a great leader."

"No argument there." Ryder’s eyes glinted, amused. "You inspire your people. They’d probably walk into fire for you. Me? They’d probably ask for hazard pay."

Reana raised a brow. "Because you lead with fear."

"And you lead with those cute, soulful eyes," he teased, leaning closer. "One pout and your wolves melt."

"That’s being sarcastic." She scowled. "I don’t pout."

"You do. Right now, actually." He tapped her bottom lip with his thumb, and her breath hitched. "Very inspiring, Alpha Reana."

"Don’t mock me, you lying..." She glared at him, but she couldn’t summon the fire she hoped for.

"I would never." He chuckled, voice low, taking on that velvet edge that always made her nerves buzz. "I’m simply admiring the view. Passionate. Fiery. Outraged. It’s a good look on you, My Luna."

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