MATED TO THE SECRET ALPHA
Chapter 64: Cunning Fox

Chapter 64: Cunning Fox

She’d be damned if others saw her looking so vulnerable.

Young omegas entered carrying buckets of warm water, oblivious to the tense atmosphere.

"Your bath water, Luna Reana," one of the maids announced, her eyes fixed on Reana’s back.

"To the washroom." Ryder was the one to answer, his deep voice commanding attention, as if it wasn’t husk with lust a moment ago.

The maids scurried off to the washroom, pouring the steaming water into the tub. Reana’s shoulders relaxed slightly as the commotion died down, but Ryder’s gaze remained fixed on her, the air thick with unspoken tension.

Suddenly, she felt his presence behind her. No! Not now!

But those were only her thoughts as she felt his arms wrapped around her waist, jaw resting on her shoulder, his chest brushing against her back, the contact sending sparks flying through her body.

Reana’s hands clenched into fists, her nails digging into her palms as she struggled to maintain her composure. What was he doing?! There were people in the room.

"You’re on heat, My Luna," he whispered to her ears, "Your pheromones are calling to me, and I can barely resist." His warm breath sent shivers down her spine as his hands tightened around her waist, pulling her closer.

Reana wished the ground would open up and swallow her right now. Whose fault was it? And the stupid servant wasn’t intending to make things easy for her!

Her eyes darted to the maids, who were busily preparing her bath, oblivious to the intimate moment unfolding before them.

"Ryder," she called, but choked when he suddenly cupped her breast, fondling it. "Stop it," she bit back a moan, trying to maintain some semblance of control.

"I can’t. Unless I have to go lower." His voice was low, husky, hand moving down to her waistband.

"N– No." Her voice hitched in her throat, her gaze darting back to the omegas one more time. "You’re overreaching," she said through gritted teeth.

Ryder’s hand paused at the waistband of her pants, his fingers teasing the edge. "Am I?" he whispered. He could hear her thundering heartbeat. She wanted more, just like him.

Reana felt frustrated. How did she get herself into this mess? Had she known that she’d be put in this state, she would have allowed Mirian to tend to her instead. But who was she kidding? She expected it. In fact, she might have seduced him had he not taken the initiative.

Her thoughts swirled with a mix of emotions - irritation, embarrassment, and a hint of excitement. Ryder’s proximity was intoxicating, making her feel like she was drowning in his presence. She knew she needed to push him away, but a part of her didn’t want to.

"What would make you stop?" She knew bargaining with a servant was the stupidest thing she had ever done. She could have easily told him off, but she didn’t want that. A part of her wanted her to continue, to see where this spark would lead them.

Ryder’s eyes gleamed with amusement, as a deep sigh escaped his lips, as if he was having a hard time deciding. "What are you offering, My Luna?" he asked, his voice low and husky.

"Name your price, Ryder."

Ryder’s amusement deepened, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Anything, My Luna?" he repeated, his voice dripping with skepticism. "I’m not sure you’re ready for the price I have in mind."

"Is this a blackmail?" Reana didn’t like to be blackmailed. She turned around and yanked him into a fierce kiss, her lips crashing against his in a burst of passion and frustration.

Ryder’s eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly recovered, his arms wrapping around her to deepen the kiss.

The omegas were done by now, but they were met with such a scene and their eyes grew large, their faces flushing with embarrassment. They exchanged nervous glances, unsure of how to react. One of them, seemingly the boldest, took a step forward, "L-Luna Reana, shall we...um...leave?"

But just as Reana was about to pull away, Ryder’s hands slid up her back, his fingers tangling in her hair, holding her in place. His lips moved against hers, deepening the kiss, and Reana felt her resolve weakening.

The omegas’ nervous coughs and shuffling feet were a distant hum, fading into the background as Ryder’s kiss consumed her.

Seeing the Luna wasn’t intending to speak to them, the omegas hurried out to report to their Alpha.

The minute they left, Ryder broke the kiss, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of satisfaction and amusement as he gazed at Reana’s flushed face and swollen sore lips. "I think that’s enough for now, don’t you, My Luna?" he whispered, his breath dancing across her lips.

Reana’s eyes narrowed, her chest heaving with ragged breaths. She looked like she was torn between slapping him and kissing him again.

"I’ll step out now." With that, he bowed his head slightly, his eyes never leaving hers, and backed away, but just as he turned to leave, Reana barked;

"Stop right there!"

Ryder’s movements froze, his back still turned to her. For a moment, there was complete silence. Then, slowly, he turned around, his eyes locked onto hers, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Yes, My Luna?" he asked, his voice dripping with innocence, but his eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Why did you do that?" Reana’s eyes narrowed, her mind racing with suspicion. She wasn’t foolish – she sensed that Ryder’s interruption, stopping her from speaking to the omegas, was more than just a coincidence. It was deliberate.

Ryder’s eyes sparkled with feigned innocence, his voice dripping with courtesy. "Whatever you mean, My Luna?"

"Ryder!" Reana’s voice was low and menacing, a warning growl that made the air vibrate with tension. "Speak, or so help me, I’ll slap you senseless!"

Ryder’s smirk faltered for a moment, before he regained his composure. "As you wish, My Luna," he said, his voice tinged with a hint of amusement. He bowed his head slightly, his eyes never leaving hers. "Alpha Julius has eyes for you."

"And you made me kiss you in front of his omegas to pass a message?" Reana’s voice was laced with accusation.

A glint of satisfaction dancing in his eyes. "Exactly, My Luna," he said, his voice dripping with triumph. "As the Luna, you’re bound to mate within the Black Moon Pack. Alpha Julius was testing the waters, but after today’s...display, he’ll think twice before making another move."

Reana’s gaze lingered on Ryder’s face, her mind racing with the implications. She couldn’t detect even a hint of deception in his words.

A grudging admiration crept into her chest; Ryder had outmaneuvered Alpha Julius, shielding her from potential conflict.

For a moment, she forgot to be angry, impressed by his wit.

But Reana failed to see the bigger picture.