MATED TO THE SECRET ALPHA
Chapter 49: Ryder, An Asshole

Chapter 49: Ryder, An Asshole

The next morning, Reana prepared to depart from the pack, leaving the new Beta, Thane, in charge. She assembled a small entourage, comprising Gamma Kira, Delta Tara, and a handful of skilled warriors.

"Get me a carriage," she instructed, but her request was met with stunned silence.

The group exchanged bewildered glances, wondering why the Luna would require a carriage. It was well-known that Reana despised carriages, considering them a waste of time.

As an avid horseback rider, she relished the freedom and wildness that came with riding long distances. She loved the feeling of galloping at the forefront of her entourage, the wind in her hair, and the sun on her face. It was a sensation that filled her with exhilaration and a sense of unbridled power. So, why the sudden need for a carriage?

The group soon got their answer when Ryder arrived, limping. The group’s expressions twisted in disdain, their sneers a mixture of disgust and contempt. What kind of man couldn’t ride a horse? Didn’t he have any pride? Carriages were for fragile women and pampered princesses, not for robust men like themselves.

Ryder, seemingly oblivious to the disdainful stares and whispered opinions, walked straight up to Reana, who was gently stroking the mane of her majestic bay stallion. Her hands moved with a calming gentleness, a stark contrast to the fiery spirit that burned within her.

Ryder’s approach was quiet, yet Reana sensed his presence, her eyes flicking up to meet his as he drew near.

"Morning, My Luna," Ryder greeted, his eyes shining with warmth, a softness that was reserved solely for her.

Reana bobbed her head almost imperceptibly. "How do you feel?"

Ryder smiled gently, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I’m fine, My Luna," he replied, his voice low and soothing. "A bit sore, but nothing to worry about."

The entourage rolled their eyes with disdain. He should be ashamed of himself for acknowledging that to a woman.

"Let me see," Reana said, gesturing with her jaw for him to lift his shirt. Without missing a heartbeat, Ryder lifted his shirt, revealing the bandaged wound beneath.

The gauze was fresh and clean, meaning, his wound had been tended this morning.

Reana’s eyes narrowed as she inspected the dressing, her fingers itching to examine the injury more closely.

"Luna!" Mirian exclaimed, rushing over with a bundle of cloth tied to her back, her breath coming in short gasps. Ryder’s eyes flickered with amusement, while Reana’s gaze narrowed, her attention fixed on the maid’s approach.

"Is the maid coming along too?" Ryder inquired, a hint of sarcasm edging his tone.

Mirian’s eyes flashed, detecting the subtle jab. "If a frail male servant can join the journey," she shot back, baring her teeth at Ryder, "why can’t I?"

The entourage erupted into laughter, with the exception of Kira, whose expression remained stoic. The others, however, were thoroughly entertained by Mirian’s sharp tongue, particularly her biting reference to Ryder as ’a frail male servant.’

Ryder shrugged, "I’ve been called worse," he said with a wry smile, his eyes glinting with amusement.

"What are you doing here?" Reana asked, her voice icy and unforgiving as her blazing glare pinned Mirian down.

The Luna’s demeanor silenced the entourage and they lowered their gazes, concluding that their Luna didn’t like how they humiliated the servant.

Mirian’s eyes widened, and she swallowed hard before lowering her gaze in submission. "I– I wanted to come with you, Luna," she stammered, "to look after you, as is my duty."

"Return. You’re not–" But before Reana could finish, Mirian’s knees crashed to the ground, and she burst into a frantic wail.

"No, Luna! I beg of you, don’t send me back! Please, let me stay by your side. I want to serve you, to protect you. Don’t make me go back!" she implored, her words tumbling out in a desperate plea.

Mirian’s mind was racing with the consequences of her actions. She had refused to administer the medicine to Reana, defying Xavier’s orders, and now she feared his wrath. Today, of all days, she couldn’t bear the thought of facing him. Escape was her only hope, and serving Reana was her ticket to temporary freedom.

Mirian was aware that her defiance would have far-reaching consequences, putting her family in the crosshairs of Xavier’s anger. Yet, she had steeled herself for this decision. She simply couldn’t bring herself to harm the Luna, no matter the cost to herself or her loved ones.

"Mirian, return to the pack," Reana repeated, her tone firm but measured.

Mirian shook her head, her eyes welling up with determination. "No, My Luna."

Reana’s gaze narrowed. "I said it’s ’Luna’ to you."

Mirian took a deep breath, her voice trembling as she made a bold proposal. "I won’t call you ’My Luna’ anymore... if you let me come with you."

Light flashed in Reana’s eyes. "Are you making a deal with me?" she asked, her voice low and husky, a hint of intrigue dancing in her tone.

"I dare not, My Luna, but—" Mirian began, but before she could finish, Ryder cut her off, a sly glint in his eye.

"My Luna, dare I propose we take her along? Orion might demand something in return... we could trade her for—"

Mirian’s face contorted in outrage and panic. "Ryder! You asshole!" she cried out, her composure shattered. She didn’t know what or who Orion was, but coming from Ryder, he absolutely couldn’t be a good person.

Ryder burst into a puddle of laughter, his eyes sparkling with mirth. "Oh, Mirian, you should see your face!" he chuckled, clearly entertained by her reaction.

Reana’s gaze drifted to Ryder, her eyes softening as she was captivated by the warm, carefree sound of his laughter. For a moment, she forgot about the tension and the weight of her responsibilities, her attention solely focused on the joy that radiated from him. A faint smile played on her lips, a rare and gentle expression that suited her elegant features.

Seeing how the Luna’s countenance had changed because of a servant’s laughter, her entourage exchanged knowing looks. They had been on the verge of joining in on the banter, but Reana’s subtle display of displeasure had been enough to quell their amusement.

Instead, they watched their Luna with a mixture of concern and sadness. It was clear that Ryder had unwittingly charmed her, and they couldn’t help but feel a pang of sorrow. They knew that when the time came for Reana to choose the pack’s Alpha, her heart would be heavy with the knowledge that she couldn’t be with the one who had captured her attention - a lowly servant.

Everyone believed that the servants and low-ranking warriors couldn’t outdo the high-ranking warriors in this competition that had been thrown out - it was just a formality, they believed. So, no one conceived that a servant like Ryder would ever sit with the Luna.

"Luna, the carriage is here."

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