MATED TO THE SECRET ALPHA
Chapter 62: Alpha Julius Of The Silver Ridge Pack

Chapter 62: Alpha Julius Of The Silver Ridge Pack

Alpha Julius chuckled, "Don’t be so rigid, Luna Reana. Your older brother and I once fought monsters side by side. We shared blood, sweat, and tears together. I’m not just any Alpha, I’m an old friend of your Roughman family." His eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, "You’ve traveled a long way, Luna Reana. Come, rest and refresh yourselves. It’s evening, we’ll talk about the reason that brings you to our pack tomorrow."

Reana’s guard faltered slightly, her expression softening, especially after seeing how exhausted Mirian was. But only for a moment. She couldn’t shake off the feeling that Alpha Julius was hiding something behind his warm smile.

But whatever it was, she knew he wouldn’t dare make an attempt on her life, as that would mean a bloody war with her pack.

"Thank you for your hospitality, Alpha Julius." Reana’s voice was polite, but her eyes never left his face, searching for any sign of deception, but when she saw nothing, she nodded to her warriors who allowed their horses to be taken away to be fed by the Silver Ridge Pack’s omegas.

But Reana’s stallion refused to move an inch away from Reana. It neighed loudly, its eyes rolling wildly as it sidestepped, its hooves pawing the ground.

"Hey, Rebel," Reana reached out to stroke its neck, her touch calming the stallion’s frazzled nerves. "It’s okay," she whispered softly. "We’re among friends here. Be nice." The stallion indeed stopped its restless pawing, its ears perking up as it nuzzled Reana’s chest.

Alpha Julius watched with a soft expression on his face, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Rebel, huh? I think that’s a fitting name for a spirited stallion like that." He paused, his eyes locked on Reana’s. "And for its rider, too, I think."

Reana said nothing, still coaxing her horse.

"If I remember correctly, he was Reginald Roughman’s stallion," Alpha Julius said, his voice low and thoughtful.

Reana’s eyes flickered up to his, a hint of wariness in their depths. "Yes," she replied, her voice neutral. "He was. My oldest brother gifted him to me before he..."

The words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken meaning, and Alpha Julius’s expression turned somber, his eyes clouding over with a mix of sadness and curiosity. "I’m so sorry for your loss."

Tara’s eyes dimmed, and she lowered her gaze as her shoulders sagged.

"Take him away," Reana said to the omega of the Silver Ridge Pack who was waiting for Reana to be done placating her horse.

This time, Rebel didn’t cause trouble, but it hesitated for a bit before leaving. After the horses and omegas were gone, Alpha Julius and his entourage took Reana and her group to the pack house, showing them to their rooms in the guest quarters.

"Please feel at home, Luna, I’ll have the servants prepare your bath and dinner," Alpha Julius smiled.

"Thank you," Reana nodded curly, her expression a mask of polite gratitude.

After the Alpha left, Reana turned to her pack members, "Go inside, get some rest." Her warriors nodded, their faces drawn with exhaustion, and began to disperse towards the lodges.

Kira, however, lingered. Reana arched a brow, "Something on your mind, Kira?"

"I don’t trust them. I’ll stay by your side," Kira said, her voice firm and resolute.

Reana’s expression softened, a hint of gratitude in her eyes. "I appreciate your loyalty, Kira. But I need you to rest. We don’t know what lies ahead, and I need my best warriors sharp." She paused, "Besides, I can take care of myself."

Kira hesitated, then gave a curt nod before leaving.

Only Mirian and Ryder remained standing before Reana. Servants don’t enjoy the same privileges as warriors, so they weren’t given rooms. But as the Luna’s personal servant, Mirian was supposed to be with Reana, attending to her needs, while Ryder attended to the others.

But Ryder stood rooted to his spot, his eyes fixed intently on Reana. His intention was obvious; he wouldn’t serve anyone except her.

"I’ll take care of the Luna, you go–" Mirian didn’t finish before Ryder cut her off.

"We have a wounded warrior. You should go look after him. I’ll tend to My Luna’s needs."

"I’m the Luna’s personal servant, it’s not my job to tend to others. Moreover, you’re a man, it’s only right that you tend to a fellow man." Mirian was annoyed. Was Ryder going to take her job too?

Goddess saved him that she wasn’t in her best form, she would have torn him apart for overreaching.

Mirian was looking for ways to speak to Reana in private, but with Ryder getting in the way, it was difficult.

Ryder’s expression remained unchanged. "With all due respect, Mirian," and there was nothing polite and respectful in his tone. In fact, his words dripped with sarcasm, the corner of his mouth twitching ever so slightly, as if he was barely restraining a sneer.

"The Luna’s safety is my priority. I’ll ensure her needs are met." He waved his hand dismissively, "Go on, go save a life."

Mirian’s eyes flashed with anger, her face burning with indignation, but before she could respond, "Why aren’t you saving the life!?"

"Because I already did." Ryder’s gaze locked onto Mirian’s, his eyes glinting with a challenge. "What use are you if you can’t do anything for your pack member? You’re better off returning to the pack."

Mirian’s eyes widened in outrage, her face burning with indignation. "How dare you say that? I’ve served the Luna faithfully for years, and you think you can just waltz in here and take my place?" She took a step closer to Ryder, her hands clenched into fists. "You’re just a kitchen servant, what do you know about serving the Luna?"

"Faithfully." Ryder fought back a chuckle, but a hint of amusement danced in his eyes. "I know that the Luna’s safety is paramount, and that I’ll do whatever it takes to protect her." He paused, his lips curling slightly. "Even if it means stepping on your toes, Mirian."

Mirian felt a chill run down her spine as Ryder subtly reminded her of her unfaithfulness. Her throat constricted as her bravado deflated like a punctured balloon.

She moved her gaze to Reana, hoping she didn’t catch that subtle exposure, but Reana’s expression was unreadable.

Smiling warmly, Ryder grasped Reana’s wrist and gently pulled her away, disappearing into the room. Mirian was left standing alone, her fearful thoughts swirling like a maelstrom.

Her heart sank, her mind reeling with the terrifying possibility that the Luna might have discovered her secret betrayal. But a small, rational voice in her head protested, offering a glimmer of hope. If the Luna knew, she would have punished Mirian by now. Wouldn’t she?

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