Mated To Alpha Kessler

Kessler holds me close as if I mean the world to him. His scent is comforting. “Please, get me water,” I tell him as he stands up, goes to the kitchen, and brings back a bottle of water.

I sit up and look at Ryder, realizing he is almost lifeless on the floor. I guess it’s the impact of the syringe he brought to inject me.

I rushed to Ryder’s side. My heart races as I check for signs of life, hoping for any flicker of movement. “Ryder, can you hear me?” I whisper, my voice trembling with worry.

Fear grips me as I realize I could have been almost lifeless like him, and I doubt I would survive it.

I can’t begin to imagine the trauma that would follow. Someone wants me dead for sure, and now I don’t think Ryder can say anything to reveal who sent him.

I was consumed with worry, but my thoughts turned to Julie. How would she handle the revelation that her mate is not who she believes him to be?

Just then, Kessler walked in with the bottle of water in hand and handed it to me. “Thank you,” I said to him, grateful for his support.

As I take a sip of water, trying to calm my racing thoughts, I can’t shake off the concern for Julie.

As Kessler moved closer, concern etched on his face, he asked, “How did this happen? I felt your emotions running high, followed by a scream, and that made me rush down to your room.”

“That’s Ryder,” I said, pointing to where he lay almost lifeless on the floor.

“I know him, Julie’s mate,” Kessler said with a look of disdain in his voice.

“I knew he was up to no good when he came to this pack, he claimed he came to visit his aunt here,” Kessler added, with conviction.

“He was on a mission to eliminate me,” I concluded.

“Did you get any information from him,” Kessler asked while comforting me.

“I don’t think I had the time,” I continued, shaking my head. “Seeing him with the syringe made me think fast on how to save myself and the baby.”

Feeling his embrace tighten, I can sense Kessler’s gratitude and concern mingled together.

“Thank you, Lyra, for taking action,” he murmurs, resting his face on my neck and inhaling my scent. “Because I can’t imagine losing you again, especially with the baby on the way.”All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

“How is Annie?” I ask, looking into his eyes, my worry evident.

He wears a distant look on his face as if debating whether to share something with me or not.

“What is it, Kessler? I hope she’s fine,” I ask, my concern growing

Kessler shifts to balance himself, his eyes still reflecting concern. “Yes, she’s still at the pack hospital.”

“Of course I know she’s at the pack hospital,” I respond, my impatience evident as I wait for him to continue.

Kessler takes a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before sharing the update. “The doctors are doing everything they can, but Annie’s condition is deteriorating.”

“However,” he continues, “the doctor was able to deliver the baby. It’s a baby girl.”

“Wow, that’s good news,” I said, relieved at the baby’s safe arrival. “I hope she is well again soon to take care of her.”

“Hopefully,” Kessler replies.

Just then, two men entered the room and carried Ryder away. I watch them go.

Turning to Kessler, I ask, “Where are they taking Ryder?”

“They are taking Ryder to a secure facility outside the pack grounds, where the doctor can make him stable. We’ll need to act quickly if we want to find out more about why he did this and who may have been behind it.”

I stood up and watched them take Ryder away, feeling a pang of sympathy for him. It saddened me that a young man with his whole life ahead of him could be led astray into mischief.

As they disappeared from view, I followed them outside, where Kessler and I stood, contemplating our next steps. Just then, I noticed Julie approaching us.

“Lyra, Kessler, what’s going on?” Julie asked, her voice filled with worry.

Julie noticed the person being placed on the stretcher and recognized him as her mate, Ryder, emerging neither from Kessler’s nor my room. Panic seized her as she rushed to his side, shaking him gently, only to realize he appeared paralyzed, almost lifeless.

Her eyes searched mine for answers, but all I could do was shake my head, my heart heavy with sorrow. “I’m so sorry, Julie.”

She launched at me immediately, slapping me across the face. My head turned to the side from the force of the slap. I saw Kessler moving to defend me, but I raised my hand to stop him. This was my battle to handle, and I knew I could face Julie on my own.

I was angry that she could take Ryder’s side over mine someone she just met yesterday over me, whom she had known for some time. Blame the mate bond, but it is what it is.

I looked her dead in the eyes, moving closer to her. My anger was growing, fueled by the realization that she was choosing him over me.

As I approached, I could see fear in her eyes as she stepped back, but I kept walking toward her, unable to contain my frustration and hurt.

“Let this be the last time you lay your filthy hands on me. Do you understand?” I say firmly, standing my ground as Julie’s back presses against the wall, leaving her with no means of escape.

She breaks down in tears, collapsing to the ground. “I’m sorry, Lyra. I don’t know what to do or how to feel,” she sobs uncontrollably.

It’s heartbreaking to see Julie in such a vulnerable state. She doesn’t deserve any of this pain and confusion.

I knelt beside her, wrapping my arms around her in a comforting embrace. “It’s okay, Julie,” I reassured her.

“I’m sorry, Lyra. What happened, I know I shouldn’t have slapped you like that, I ought to have asked decently what happened between you two. Why was he in your room or Kessler’s room in the first place?” Julie blurts out all at once.

I feel for her deeply, knowing that she had hoped for a mate for a long time and now seeing that he was a douchebag.

I explained everything that had happened between me and Ryder, watching as Julie’s eyes widened with shock and fear, especially when I mentioned the syringe.

“Oh, Lyra, I’m so sorry I lashed out at you,” Julie apologizes, with regret.

As I continued, recounting the part where I unleashed my powers, I noticed Julie moving closer to me. She had witnessed my abilities before, so her concern for my well-being, especially with the baby, was genuine.

“I’m fine, Julie,” I reassure her with a nod, appreciating her concern.

Julie nods, her expression filled with relief. “I’m glad you’re okay,” she says softly.

I looked at Kessler and noticed a proud look on his face, a small smile playing on his lips. I blushed crimson red, feeling giddy in his presence. However, I didn’t want to dwell on that as my attention was traced back to Julie.

I told her how I used the syringe to pierce him instead. She let out a gasp, realizing that it could have been me. Julie asked again, bringing me into another hug, saying, “I’m so sorry, Lyra. I’m so sorry.”

I hugged Julie back, “It’s okay, Julie.” I said patting her back.

Kessler’s body tensed, and I immediately noticed the shift in his demeanor. “What is it?” I asked, concern lacing my voice.

He spoke only one word, “Annie.”