MATED TO THE SECRET ALPHA
Chapter 89: Sell Out

Chapter 89: Sell Out

"He advised me to ignore you," Ryder said, sighing like a tired old man nearing his grave.

Reana’s eyes narrowed, a spark of irritation igniting within her. "And you listened?" she asked, her voice low and even, but with a hint of hurt and betrayal.

Ryder’s sigh deepened, and he pulled her closer, his arms around her waist tightened. "My fault. I’m sorry. I won’t do that again."

Reana’s heart melted at Ryder’s words, and she felt her tension dissipate. She turned around, wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him down, closer. "Don’t ever do that again," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Ryder nodded calmly, a smile breaking out on his lips, "I won’t," he promised, his breath warm against her skin.

As Ryder’s lips curved upward, she felt a sense of relief wash over her, knowing that they were past the misunderstanding. Ryder’s eyes crinkled at the corners, his gaze burning with affection as he leaned in, his lips brushing against hers in a gentle, sweet kiss.

He pulled away, watching her face for any aversion. If she didn’t want him, he’d stop, but she didn’t turn away. Instead, she leaned in, her lips claiming his in a passionate and slow kiss.

Reana’s lips parted, inviting Ryder’s kiss to deepen. She felt his warmth spread through her, chasing away the lingering chill of his earlier absence. As they stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms, the world around them melted away, leaving only the gentle lapping of the river against the shore and the beating of their hearts.

...

Meanwhile, at the ceremony, Kira watched with amusement as Mirian was pulled onto the dance floor by other women, laughing and spinning to the rhythm of the music.

Her dancing and the music didn’t go in sync but her infectious laughter and carefree spirit made up for her lack of rhythm. Kira couldn’t help but smile as she watched Mirian stumble over her own feet, only to be swept up in the whirlwind of colorful dresses and spinning scarves.

However, shortly after, she felt pressed, wanting to use the bathroom. Kira excused herself, heading for the mansion.

Moments after she left, Zeta Detroit waved through the crowd, his focus on the sunshine feeling the joy and freedom of her moments. Her hips swayed her and there, trying to imitate the others.

Suddenly, she felt a wide hand clamp around her wrist. Before she could react, she was spun around, her eyes locking onto Detroit’s. However, she wasn’t given the time to process the shock of being spun around as he flipped her over his shoulder, tossing her into a fireman’s carry.

The music had been momentarily stopped as everyone watched the brute carry her away, her world turned upside down, hair dangling towards the ground as she let out a startled yelp. She pounded her fists against Detroit’s back, but he just chuckled, his deep voice rumbling beneath her.

"You’re coming with me, Mate," he said, his tone low and commanding, as he strode away from the crowd, carrying her off into the night.

Mirian’s eyes flew wide, mate?! What mate? Why didn’t she feel it?... No, not that, she felt some attraction, but why didn’t her wolf tell her?

’Ran, is he our mate?’ Mirian asked her wolf, her heart skipping a beat as she waited for her wolf’s response, but the silence was deafening. She prodded again, her mind racing with questions. ’Ran, answer me! Is Detroit our mate?’ Still, there was no response, no whisper, no nudge.

It was as if her wolf had gone radio silent, leaving Mirian feeling lost and uncertain. She pounded her fists against Detroit’s back again, this time with a growing sense of desperation. "Put me down, I can walk!"

He halted, as if thinking about her request, before slowly lowering her to the ground. Mirian’s feet touched the earth, and she stumbled slightly, her balance off from being carried upside down. Detroit’s hand shot out, grasping her elbow to steady her. His eyes locked onto hers, burning with an intensity that made her heart skip a beat.

"Where are you taking me?" Mirian asked, trying to keep her voice steady despite the growing unease in her chest.

Detroit’s gaze never wavered, his eyes holding hers captive. "Somewhere quiet," he replied, his deep voice dripping with an air of mystery. "We can’t talk here," he tugged gently on her elbow, urging her to follow him.

Mirian hesitated, unsure if she should trust him, but her curiosity got the better of her. She nodded, and Detroit led her away from the celebration, into the woods. After a few minutes’ walk, they came to a clearing of green grass, surrounded by tall trees that seemed to stretch up to the stars.

A small pond glimmered in the center of the clearing, its surface reflecting the blue and white sky above. Detroit released Mirian’s elbow, and she felt a sudden sense of freedom, but also a growing sense of trepidation.

"Why have you brought me here?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Detroit’s eyes locked onto hers. "I wanted to talk to you, Mirian," he said, his voice low and husky. "About us."

"About us?" Mirian’s eyes widened in astonishment. What could they possibly have to discuss? He was practically a stranger, albeit one who had saved her from a humiliating fall off a horse.

Granted, she couldn’t deny the sparks that flew between them, the undeniable attraction she felt to his rugged charm, his long braids adorned with tiny bones and feathers, his piercing blue gaze, his gravelly voice, and his towering frame that made her feel petite. But that was all it was – physical attraction. Wasn’t it?

"Be mine," Detroit said, his voice low and husky, his eyes burning with intensity. "Be my chosen mate."

Mirian’s eyes went wide, her voice barely above a whisper. "Wh– what?" she stuttered, her mind reeling in shock.

"I like you," Detroit repeated, his eyes never leaving hers. "I want you. And I think you want me too." He took a step closer, his voice dropping to a low, husky tone. "I’m not just asking you to be my mate, Mirian. I’m asking you to be mine, in every way."