The Alpha Weredragon's Favorite
CHAPTER 56

Lyra

I drifted through my classes in a haze, my mind consumed by thoughts of how Ryan and I had finally overcome our shared past and became closer because of it. Lighter and freer, a weight had lifted from my chest now that I understood the reason behind his grudge against me.

Ryan had believed I betrayed him, but it was all Viola's doing. Everything was out in the open except for the story of my parents, my birthright and that my father was in fact my uncle. For that, I needed to speak with Killian first.

I would have asked my questions as Killian and I made our way to campus, but I couldn't. A group of giggling she-wolves swarmed around him. They batted their lashes and tossed their hair, peppering him with questions about his lectures that were clearly just excuses to flirt. I rolled my eyes, watching as they hung on his every word.

Killian smiled politely, but I could see the discomfort in the set of his shoulders and the way his eyes kept darting to me. He was too much of a gentleman to brush them off, but I could tell he wanted to escape their clutches.

I bit my lip, debating whether to intervene. Part of me wanted to march over there and take him out of the huddle. With six against one though, I didn't stand a chance.

With a sigh, I adjusted my backpack and hurried down the path towards my first class. I would have to catch up with Killian later.

As it was, I could barely focus on the lectures, my pen hovering idly over my notebook as I replayed the heated moments Ryan and I had shared together in my head, a small dreamy smile playing on my lips.

After my last class of the day, Killan's class to be exact, I lingered in the classroom, tapping my foot impatiently as the last love-struck she-wolf finally left. I approached him at the front, my heart racing with anticipation for my shopping trip with Ryan later. I tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear nervously, trying to appear nonchalant.

"Killian, can we meet early tomorrow morning in the clearing behind the Quad? We could start my training there," I said, worrying my bottom lip.

'As well as get more answers,' I added silently.

"Sure." He raised an inquisitive eyebrow, studying my face intently. "Is everything alright, Lyra? You seem...nervous."

I shivered involuntarily, thinking about my plans with Ryan tonight and subconsciously hugging my books tighter to my chest. "Oh, no, I'm fine. It's just... I'm meeting Ryan later."

Killian's expression immediately darkened as a frown creased his brow. "Be careful, Lyra. Ryan is a magnet for half of the she-wolves in the area. He'll end up hurting you one day," he warned somberly.

I forced an airy laugh, waving a dismissive hand as I tried to lighten the mood. "Well, I guess you must have the other half in your pocket then, huh?"

Killian looked utterly horrified, his eyes going wide as I couldn't help but giggle at his cartoonish reaction. "Don't worry, we're just testing things out. Taking it slow," I assured him, fighting back a blush.

He nodded slowly, but the concern didn't leave his eyes as they bored into me. "And what about the Luna trials? Have you two discussed that?"

I shifted my weight from one foot to the other uncomfortably, avoiding his probing gaze as I stared down at my shoes. "I'm not sure about all of that yet. Can I even enter if my wolf hasn't manifested?" I paused, chewing on my lip anxiously.

"In any case, Ryan and I will talk about it tonight." The announcements would happen during Ryan's 21st birthday party. Afterward, there would be a two-week window to sign up.

I had to decide in that time frame, one way or the other.

Killian sighed heavily, taking off his glasses to pinch the bridge of his nose for a long moment. As he cleaned his lenses meticulously with the hem of his robe, he said, "Alright, Lyra. Just remember, I'm here if you need anything at all. Don't hesitate to come to me."

"Thanks, Killian," I said gratefully, my smile brightening as I pulled him in for a quick, friendly hug. "I'll see you tomorrow morning."

I stepped into the store with Ryan, his warm hand enveloping mine as we weaved through the aisles. Despite his initial reluctance to go shopping, a playful grin soon tugged at the corners of his mouth. Grabbing a ridiculous oversized hat, he plopped it on his head and struck an exaggerated pose, his eyes twinkling with mirth. I couldn't stifle the burst of laughter that bubbled up.

We moved on to try on sunglasses next, making silly faces at each other in the mirror as we modeled the frames. Ryan's deep chuckle reverberated through me, sending pleasant shivers down my spine. As we browsed, our hands found each other again and again, fingers intertwining as if drawn together by an invisible force.

After our shopping adventure, we settled into a cozy booth at a café nearby for lunch. Over sandwiches and iced tea, our conversation flowed easily, and I found myself unconsciously leaning in, opening up to Ryan as I shared my deepest dreams and fears.

"I've always wanted to train wolves," I confessed, my eyes downcast as I fiddled nervously with the paper wrapper from my straw. "But without a wolf of my own, what can I do?"

Ryan reached across the table, his fingers gently tilting my chin up to meet his warm, reassuring gaze. "Why don't you start training the pups on Sunday afternoons? I'm sure they'd love to learn from you."

My heart swelled with excitement at the prospect, and I sat up straighter, my eyes going wide. "Really? You think I could?"

He nodded, his thumb caressing my cheek in a tender gesture. "Absolutely. You have a gift, Lyra. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."

I felt my cheeks flush with warmth as a wide smile stretched across my face. "Thank you, Ryan. For everything."

As we walked back towards my dorm room, the air between us seemed to crackle with unspoken desire and possibility. His scent of eucalyptus and mint wafted to me as our shoulders brushed together sending sparks of awareness tingling through my body. At my door, Ryan hesitated, his eyes smoldering with a longing that mirrored the aching want flooding my veins. My breath caught in my throat.

Unable to resist the magnetic pull between us a moment longer, I rose up on my tiptoes and pressed my lips to his in a hurried, searing kiss. It was meant as a quick goodbye, but the instant our mouths met, an intense fire ignited low in my belly.

With a hungry growl that reverberated through me, Ryan's powerful arms encircled my waist, crushing me against the solid wall of his body as he deepened the kiss. I melted bonelessly into his embrace, my fingers tangling in the thick strands of his hair as our tongues met and danced with rising passion.

A sudden loud knock on the door breaking off our lip-lock, our chests heaving.

"Lyra? Are you in there? I need your help!"