MATED TO THE SECRET ALPHA
Chapter 53: The Feel Of Her Lips

Chapter 53: The Feel Of Her Lips

A knot formed in Reana’s stomach, a mix of trepidation and thrill. His words made her chest flutter, and her pulse racing in response.

Reana’s mind wrestled with the implications of his statement. Not now, not ever. It was a promise, a vow, a declaration of possession. And yet, despite the alarm bells ringing in her head, Reana couldn’t shake off the feeling that she was exactly where she was meant to be – in Ryder’s arms.

"Even if I accept you, Ryder, you won’t become the Alpha," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "You’ll only be my plaything... until winter ends, when I’ll honor my promise and mate the winner."

Reana’s thoughts swirled in contradiction. A part of her genuinely wished Ryder would emerge victorious and become her mate, yet another part rebelled against the idea. He was an enigma - a man who inspired both fear and safety, whose mysterious nature drew her in, even as it intimidated her.

She couldn’t trust Ryder, not when her pack’s safety hung in the balance. That mysterious killer lurking in the shadows only added to her unease. What if Ryder was in league with them? What if his intentions were far from pure?

Yet, despite her mind telling her to keep her distance, Reana found herself drawn to Ryder’s enigmatic presence. She couldn’t explain the strange sense of comfort she felt when he was near, or the way her heart skipped a beat when their eyes met. It was as if her body had betrayed her, refusing to listen to the warnings her mind screamed.

"You can only be my temporary plaything, Ryder," Reana repeated, her voice husky with a mix of warning and temptation.

She hoped he’d take this warning and leave.

Meanwhile, Ryder’s body tensed, his arms tightening around her waist like a vice. For a moment, Reana wondered if she had gone too far. But then, a low, husky chuckle rumbled through his chest, sending vibrations through her entire body.

"Is that a challenge, My Luna?" Ryder whispered, his breath dancing across her ear. "Because if it is, I accept."

Heat rushed through Reana’s veins. She was happy he didn’t back down, at the same time, scared for the future. "You don’t care about being the Alpha?"

The answer she sought didn’t come immediately. Instead, he turned her around, locking eyes with her. "I don’t want to be the Alpha, My Luna," he whispered, his lips grazing her ear as his arm tightened around her waist. "I want to be yours."

Reana’s breath caught in her throat as Ryder’s words washed over her, sending shivers down her spine. The intensity in his eyes, the possessiveness in his tone, and the gentle pressure of his lips almost touching hers, all combined to leave her reeling.

"You want to be mine?" she whispered, her voice barely audible over the pounding of her heart. She loved that so much.

Ryder’s eyes seemed to burn brighter, his gaze holding hers captive. "Completely," he whispered back, his lips brushing against hers, sending sparks flying through her entire being.

"And what happens after winter?" Reana wanted him to know exactly what he was getting into. This was just temporary.

Ryder’s gaze never wavered, his eyes burning with an inner fire. "I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it, My Luna," he whispered, his lips still tantalizingly close to hers. "But know this: I’m not going into this blindly. I know the rules, and I’m willing to take the risk."

His words sent a thrill dancing down her spine. She hadn’t expected him to be so resolute. Lifting her hand, she gently brushed a stray lock of hair from Ryder’s forehead, her fingertips grazing his skin. The touch sent a spark of electricity through her, and she felt Ryder’s arms tighten around her waist in response. "You’re a mysterious one, Ryder," she whispered, her eyes locked on his. "I’m not sure what to make of you."

"It’s enough to know I’m your greatest supporter," Ryder’s words were low and husky, his eyes burning with an intensity that made Reana’s heart skip a beat. "And your greatest temptation," he added, sealing her lips before she could ask about that.

Reana stiffened when their lips touched, her eyes widened in shock. How could he? How dare he! She could push him away and slap him across the face for being so presumptuous.

But she didn’t. Instead, she found her lips hesitantly moving slowly against his. Her stiffened muscles relaxing with his hands roaming her body.

Ryder’s kiss was like a flame that ignited a fire within her, melting the echoes of resistance in her mind. His lips moved slowly, sensually, coaxing hers to respond passionately.

’Perhaps, I truly needed this.’ She told herself and resigned to the inevitability of her desire.

Reana’s stiffness gave way to a softening, her lips parting to allow Ryder’s tongue to dance with hers. The kiss deepened, and Reana felt herself getting lost in the sensation, her senses overwhelmed by the taste, touch, and scent of him.

Ryder’s lips claimed hers in a kiss that was both fierce and gentle. Oh, how he’d missed the feel of her lips and the curves of her body. In their previous life, she was a male, a straight man. One he couldn’t corrupt. And she mated Mirian.

Ryder’s heart ached. Their previous life left him wounded and shattered and in this life, he knew this was too good to be true. He knew the dumb moon goddess wouldn’t let this flow so smoothly. But at least, she made Reana a woman.

As the kiss intensified, his hands, warm and gentle, explored her curves, sending shivers down her spine. Reana couldn’t help but respond, her fingers dug into his long hair. It was thick, soft, and silky to the touch, framing his chiseled features perfectly.

As she tugged gently on his locks, Ryder groaned, the sound vibrating against her lips, sending a thrill through her entire being. His hands roamed lower, cupping her hips, pulling her closer, until every inch of their upper bodies were pressed together, the heat between them seeping into each other.