MATED TO THE SECRET ALPHA
Chapter 58: Deadly As He Sounds

Chapter 58: Deadly As He Sounds

Reana’s eyes flashed with shock, then outrage, and finally, a betraying shyness, as Ryder’s lips claimed hers in a brazen, public kiss that left her reeling.

But unfortunately, she liked it. She loved the public display, the attention on them, the way his kiss was both aggressive and persuasive.

The air seemed to vibrate with tension as the group watched, transfixed and agog, their eyes wide with wonder and their mouths hanging open in stunned silence.

"Th– this, this isn’t happening!" Mirian stuttered, her voice trembling as she took a step back, her eyes darting wildly between Ryder and Reana, who still stood frozen, her lips still touching Ryder’s.

"Be good, Reana," Ryder whispered, his eyes filled with warmth as he brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, his touch sending shivers down her spine.

Reana didn’t react. She tried to speak, wanted to chastise him for treating her so tenderly, for raising the bar of romance so high, even though he knew they couldn’t end up together. What if her mate wouldn’t treat her this way? Wouldn’t she crave Ryder then?

Reana wanted to discipline him for taking advantage of her in front of her warriors, for making her look so small, so vulnerable, for reminding her once more that this was the kind of life she desired, but her voice caught in her throat.

Her lips trembled, and her eyes stung with whatnot, betraying the turmoil brewing inside her, despite her cold exterior. She felt like she was drowning in a sea of emotions, unable to escape the undertow of Ryder’s gentle touch and loving gaze.

"I’ll be back," his thumb grazed her bottom lip, eyes sparkling with amusement as he planted a soft kiss on her forehead, nose, then lips again before turning to leave.

Reana’s cheeks flushed, her heart thundering as she watched Ryder turn and walk away, his confident stride leaving her feeling bewildered and confused.

Her mind screamed once more, sounding a serious warning to her, but Reana ignored it.

She had control over this mess. She would indulge him for the few months they would be together so he wouldn’t feel cheated after the breakup, she told herself.

"Luna, you–" Kira was the first to snap out of her trance-like state, her voice hesitant as she approached Reana. "Are you...alright, Luna?" she asked, her eyes darting towards Ryder’s retreating figure. She had a lot to say and at the same time, nothing to say.

Reana didn’t reply. She knew Kira was curious, but what was she to say? Her eyes followed Ryder until he disappeared out of sight, then she lowered her gaze, as if contemplating. But when she raised her head again, her expression had transformed, her mask of composure firmly back in place.

Voice firm and authoritative, she gave the order, "Get on your horses, we–"

She began, but the dazed Mirian suddenly snapped when Ryder’s message replayed in her mind. She didn’t know why she believed he would truly kill her, but somewhere deep within her, she believed he wouldn’t hesitate.

"Luna, Ryder said–" Mirian didn’t get to finish before Reana shot her a death glare, her eyes flashing with a warning that silenced Mirian instantly.

"Perhaps, you should listen to him, Luna." Kira ventured, her voice laced with caution as she eyed Reana’s rigid posture. "Ryder seemed... adamant about your safety, Luna. Maybe we should–"

Reana’s gaze snapped towards Kira, a hint of warning flickering in her eyes. But the Gamma wasn’t intimidated. "He knows the creatures best. The West Wood Pack members are there to assist him. Going there will only divide his attention."

"The Gamma is right, Luna," Tara joined in. "We should trust the servant’s–"

"Ryder," Reana suddenly snapped, feeling a rare agitation.

Tara and the others blinked, exchanging uneasy glances, sensing the subtle shift in Reana’s demeanor.

"He has a name, Ryder." Reana added, a hint of softness creeping into her voice.

"Yes, Luna." Tara swallowed her curiosity to finish her words, "He’s risked his life to protect us this far. We can’t let it be in vain."

Meanwhile, everything they were talking about eluded Mirian, whose mind was reeling with shock;

Ryder finally got to the Luna? He’d kissed her in front of everyone, and the Luna hadn’t erupted in anger. Instead, the Luna was feeling restless over him?

What did that mean? Had Ryder somehow managed to chip away at the Luna’s defenses, or was this just a momentary lapse?

But why was she feeling cheated on? No, this feeling had nothing to do with her cousin brother’s interest. This was a feeling from deep within her - from that same place that wanted her to protect Reana from Ryder at all cost.

If she were a man, she might have thought she was in love and was jealous, but no, she was a woman, and didn’t sway both ways, so why was she feeling upset... No, jealous?

Mirian’s thoughts swirled with confused questions as her eyes darted back to Reana, who now seemed lost in thought.

"Look! It’s the serv– Ryder!" One of the male warriors exclaimed, pointing at the battleground.

The group fell silent as they hurried to stand atop the hill, with Reana in front, their eyes fixed on the chaotic scene unfolding below.

Ryder strode with ease, as if he owned the place, his confident swagger commanding attention. The wolves halted their futile attack at the monsters, as they bared their fangs, snarling, and growling at the approaching stranger.

But Ryder didn’t give them the chance to attack him, because right at that moment, where the wolves were so agitated, frustrated, furious, and desperate, they could assume that Ryder was with the monsters.

Considering that he had the Black Moon Pack scent on him, the West Wood Pack could interpret it as an attack from the neighboring Black Moon Pack. Creating such menace for his Luna was not something he cared for.

Ryder’s eyes locked onto one of the Nightwing monsters who was descending on one of the wolves, hoping to pluck him away from his companions like they’d been doing.

The brazenness of these creatures. They were bullying the wolves, exploiting their fear and disorganization. Reana thought, a bitter taste in her mouth. Because Ryder killed two without injuries didn’t mean he would go unscathed this time.

There were six or more Nightwings out there! Reana was extremely worried, and hated Ryder for not letting her come with, at least, to have his back.