MATED TO THE SECRET ALPHA
Chapter 75: The Human Village [2]

Chapter 75: The Human Village [2]

"And you’re not happy that she’s avoiding you," Steve added, a sly grin spreading across his face.

Ryder’s gaze narrowed, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "You noticed, huh?"

"Everyone does, but no one wants to mention it," Steve said, biting into the jerky as he sat down on a nearby log, his eyes never leaving Ryder’s face.

Ryder’s gaze lingered on him for a moment before he turned to look back at Reana, who seemed to be oblivious to his attention, and his expression turned grim, a hint of frustration etched on his face.

It’s been three days that she’d been avoiding him. She wouldn’t speak to him, answer him when he spoke to her, nor would she let him near her at all.

"But I could give you some advice on how to win her back," Steve said, his voice cutting through Ryder’s thoughts.

Ryder’s eyes narrowed, a hint of warning in his voice. "You know what I’d do if you gave me a stupid advice?"

Steve swallowed hard, his head shaking slightly in a subconscious gesture of apprehension.

"I’ll gouge out your eyes and pull out your tongue," Ryder said, his voice low and menacing, the threat hanging in the air.

Steve’s eyes widened, his face paling slightly, the jerky forgotten in his hand.

Suddenly, Ryder’s face broke into a wide grin. "Cheer up, I’m just kidding," he said, his voice laced with amusement. But his eyes told a different story, their glint hinting that he wasn’t entirely joking. "So, what’s this dashing advice, Steve?"

And for some reason, Steve couldn’t shake the feeling that Ryder was fully capable of carrying out the gruesome threat he’d just made.

But Steve quickly shook off the unsettling thought. Ryder was, after all, a member of their Black Moon Pack. He wouldn’t do such a thing to a fellow pack member, otherwise, he’d earn the Luna’s ire.

Steve smiled warily, he must have conjured this villainous image of Ryder after Ryder’s awe-inspiring display of battle prowess - a skill that left the rest of them in his shadow.

Clearing his throat, Steve replied, "Ignore her. When you don’t talk or look her way for days, if she really care about you, she’d be the one seeking you out, trying to make amends." He paused, studying Ryder’s reaction. "If she doesn’t, then you’ll know where you stand."

Ryder scoffed, a low, dismissive sound. "Why should I do that?" he countered, his eyes glinting with a hint of frustration.

Reana was stubborn and prideful. Ignoring her would only make her keep pushing for distance. And on the other hand, Ryder would become even more desperate for her attention.

"That’s karma," Mirian chimed in, her voice dripping with satisfaction, as she bounced over, her eyes sparkling with satisfaction.

Seeing Ryder’s brow had risen, she added, "I pray to the moon goddess that she doesn’t look your way ever again," she said, as she gazed at Ryder with an uncharacteristic warmth - a warmth that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

This servant had put her on edge, made her a shell of herself for days just to get her out of the picture, so he could take advantage of her innocent Luna, Mirian thought.

And that only made her hate him the more...

No, hate was a strong word.

In truth, Mirian didn’t know what she felt for Ryder. She just knew he wouldn’t be good for the Luna. Aside from that, she maybe, liked him a tiny, little bit, especially after he killed those monsters.

Steve wanted to laugh, but the look on Ryder’s face, although smiling, was far from amusement. So he held back his laughter.

"Do you believe that I could get you married in this village, make you human, never to return to the Black Moon Pack, Mirian?" Ryder continued, "And the moon goddess won’t say a word about it?" His brow arched, incredulity etched on his face.

"You ca–"

"Ryder, when are we leaving?" Reana’s voice cut through the tension, her voice cold and sharp.

...

A few moments later...

The group resumed their journey, their horses, now rested and revitalized, thundered across the forest floor, their hooves pounding out a rhythmic beat for nearly thirty minutes.

As they emerged from the dense foliage, a clearing unfolded before them, revealing a breathtaking expanse of emerald green stretched out before them, a seemingly endless canvas of lush vegetation, with no trees, rock, or flower to break the uniformity of the vibrant hue.

The group stood awestruck, their mouths agape, as they drank in the breathtaking vista. But their wonder was short-lived, as Ryder guided them to the right, tracing the edge of the emerald expanse. As they rode towards the cliff at the far end.

Shortly after, the group stood at the edge of the cliff, awed by the view below

Their gaze swept over the sprawling city, taking in the mix of colorful wooden and stone structures that seemed to defy the notion of a typical "village".

The layout was too deliberate, too strategic, with curved walls and tiered architecture that spoke of a more sophisticated design.

Towering spires made of a glittering white stone pierced the sky, reflecting the fading light of evening and casting a warm, ethereal glow over the entire village, rather, city.

Some homes were even carved into the living rocks, almost blending seamlessly into the natural terrain.

Trees and greenery claimed every available space, thriving in the areas devoid of structures.

The city’s design was a masterful blend of nature and architecture, as if the structures had grown organically from the landscape itself.

Every detail, from the intricate stonework - from the streets to the buildings, to the gentle curves of wooden bridges, under which clear waters flow, to the well trimmed flowers and greenery around homes, created a breathtakingly beautiful view that took their breaths away.

"I– is this the human village?" someone asked.

"This is beautiful!" Mirian purred.

"You’ll blend in just perfectly," Ryder smirked and without waiting for her to retort, veered his horse towards the path that led down the cliff.

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