MATED TO THE SECRET ALPHA

"How did you know I was hurt?" Reana asked, her voice low and cold.

Her injuries were always kept hidden from the pack members. The warriors, healer, and Mirian knew not to utter a word about her injuries to not alarm the pack members or cause unrest. And with the current tensions running high, it was even more crucial to maintain that secrecy. Yet, somehow, Ryder knew about it.

"I was there," Ryder said, his voice laced with a mix of sadness and regret. "I was standing on a hill, watching you fight. I saw your white fur dyed red with your own blood." He paused, his eyes clouding over with remorse. "I tried to shift, to come to your aid, but my wolf..."

His voice trailed off, and he sighed, his shoulders sagging under the weight of his frustration. "I'm sorry, My Luna. I'm useless." The last words were barely above a whisper, spoken with a depth of self-loathing that made Reana's heart ache. At the same time, filled with emotions she couldn't explain.

Her grip on his hand tightened, a fierce protectiveness sparking within her. "Don't you ever see yourself as useless, Ryder," she said, her voice firm but gentle. "I forbid you from uttering such words. You are mine, and I will not have you belittling yourself." Her eyes locked onto his, burning with an intensity that left no room for doubt.

Ryder's eyes widened in surprise, his face alight with a mix of hope and longing. "You mean that?"

A subtle gasp escaped her lips when she realized she'd let her emotions get the best of her. Now, it was too late to take back her words. Her eyes darted away, her cheeks flushing with a sudden burst of color.

Suddenly, in a heartbeat, Ryder's arms wrapped around her, pulling her into a gentle, warm hug. He buried his face in the crook of her neck, holding her close but careful enough to not press her injury.

Ryder didn't want to let go. For how long had he yearn for this hug, for this proximity, to feel her heartbeat against his…once more?

Reana stiffened, her mind freezing in shock as she felt Ryder's arms around her. For a moment, she was trapped in a state of suspended animation, unsure of how to react to the unexpected display of affection.

The warmth of Ryder's breath on the sensitive skin of her neck sent a shiver down her spine, and a slow-burning heat began to rise up her body. Her heart pounded in her chest, its rhythmic beat echoing in her ears, as a fluttery sensation rose in her stomach.

Reana's senses came alive, and she felt her body respond to Ryder's 'innocent' touch, her reaction both thrilling and terrifying.

"You've made me very happy, My Luna," he whispered, his breath caressing her skin. "I'm so happy I could die." The raw emotion in his voice couldn't be ignored.

But just as Reana's body was still basking in the weird but sweet sensation she was feeling, the word, 'die' jolted her back to reality and she suddenly broke away from his hug, her eyes blazing with fury. "I dare you to casually use the word 'die' again."

Ryder was startled at first, but his face soon dissolved into a heart-warming smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Forgive me for my careless remark," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "I won't utter those words again, My Luna. Your concern for me is...everything." His voice dropped to a whisper, and he took a step closer, his gaze holding hers with a deep affection.

How could Reana remain angry when faced with Ryder's disarming smile and sincere apology? Her fury dissipated, replaced by a warm, fuzzy feeling that spread through her chest. She felt her expression soften, her eyes locking onto Ryder's as she searched for any sign of insincerity. But all she saw was genuine remorse and affection, and her heart skipped a beat in response.

Clearing her throat awkwardly, Reana attempted to compose herself, trying to contain the heat creeping up her neck. She turned away, her eyes scanning the surroundings as she hastily changed the topic. "Stick around me at all times," she ordered, her voice firm but slightly husky. "We don't know what dangers lie ahead, and I won't have you wandering off without protection."

"As My Luna wants it." Ryder's smile grew wider, his eyes sparkling with mirth. His voice dripped with affectionate teasing, as he inclined his head, resting it on Reana's shoulder.

So clingy. Reminded her of how she was with her father and brothers.

A wry smile tugged at the corners of her lips. Just yesterday, she was deliberating on putting a distance between them, but today, she was pulling him closer. Reana couldn't help it.

She didn't even know why she was drawn to him like a moth to flame, or why her resolve crumbled whenever he looked at her with those piercing, yet gentle dark blue eyes. All she knew was that there was something about him that made her powerless, a quiet strength that dismantled her defenses and left her breathless, vulnerable, and yearning for him. At the same time, want to protect him so badly.

Meanwhile, their little 'affair' didn't go unnoticed by Mirian, who had been observing the intimate exchange between the two. Her eyes blazed with fury as she glared at Ryder, her fist clenched and her teeth gritting in a silent snarl. Her glare was so potent that Ryder certainly felt it, because he looked over.

When their eyes locked, Mirian recoiled from the sheer intensity of Ryder's piercing gaze. She felt exposed, like he was staring straight into her soul, and it sent a jolt of primal fear coursing through her veins. Her heart stuttered, skipping a beat before launching into a frantic, wild rhythm, as if it was about to burst free from her chest. Mirian's eyes widened in horror, frozen on her spot.

W–what was happening to her!?

But the strange, suffocating sensation didn't last long, because, as Ryder smiled at her before walking away with Reana, the feeling evaporated as of it was never there, leaving Mirian shaken and bewildered. She stood there, her chest heaving, beads of sweat lining her forehead as she struggled to make sense of the intense, primal fear that had gripped her.

"W– what just happened? D– did I imagine it?"