The Alpha Weredragon's Favorite
CHAPTER 57

Lyra

I walked to a secluded clearing past the Quad, far away from prying eyes. It was early morning, and few wolves were about. The grass was still damp with dew, and the air smelled fresh and crisp. Birds chirped in the trees, their songs echoing through the quiet forest.

I reveled in the quietness and solitude. It was a welcome change from the constant buzz of activity at the university. I took a deep breath, letting the peacefulness wash over me. For a moment, I could forget about all my worries and just be. As I tied my shoe laces on a fallen log, my thoughts drifted back to Ryan in my dorm room and the way Whitney's face had looked after catching us together.

Her initial shock quickly turned into a sheepish smile when she realized what she had just walked in on. With our hair mussed and my lip gloss covering Ryan's mouth, what else could she think? "Oh! I'm so sorry," she said, her cheeks turning pink. "I didn't mean to interrupt."

I felt my own face flush with embarrassment. "It's okay, Whitney. What did you need?"

"I was just looking for the class notes from Killian's lecture," she explained. "I missed it because I was looking for Liam. He hasn't been in contact lately, and I'm starting to get concerned."

I felt a twinge of disappointment as Ryan pulled away, his attention shifting to Whitney. He cleared his throat and gave her an apologetic smile.

"I'm sorry for not informing you, Whitney. Liam is actually running an errand for me. He should be back soon," Ryan explained, his voice steady.

Whitney's eyes widened. "Oh, thank goodness! I was so worried." She let out a sigh of relief, her shoulders relaxing.

The intimate spell between Ryan and I had been broken. I tried to hide my frustration, knowing it was for the best. I had a lot of schoolwork to catch up on anyway.

Ryan seemed to sense my thoughts. He turned to me, his blue eyes apologetic. "I should probably get going. I have some pack business to attend to."

I nodded, forcing a smile. "Of course. I understand."

Ryan hesitated for a moment, as if he wanted to say something more. But then he shook his head slightly and headed for the door. "I'll see you both later. Good luck with your studies."

As the door closed behind him, I felt a pang of longing. I wished we could have had more time together, but I knew our responsibilities had to come first.

Whitney decided to stay and we studied late into the night, our textbooks and notes spread out across the floor. She chattered incessantly about Liam, gushing about how handsome and brave he was.

"I can't wait for him to come back," she sighed dreamily. "I miss him so much."

I made noncommittal noises of agreement, my mind still on Ryan. Whitney didn't seem to notice my distraction, or if she did, she didn't mention it. She certainly didn't ask about the disheveled state Ryan and I had been in when she first entered the room.

As the hours ticked by, I found my eyes growing heavier and heavier, yawing every other minute or so, Whitney never took the hint, only gathering her books when Sally came in from her own study group.

As I came through the trees, I saw that Killian already there, stretching his muscular legs. He was wearing tight workout clothes that hugged his toned physique. With a gorgeous face to match, no wonder most she-wolves found him so attractive.

But for me, Killian had become more than just a handsome face. Over the past few weeks, our relationship had evolved into something deeper. He was becoming like a brother to me, someone I could rely on and confide in. Killian looked up and grinned as I drew near. "Ready to get your butt kicked, Lyra?" He winked playfully.

I rolled my eyes and laughed. "In your dreams, Killian."

We began our usual training routine, sparring and practicing various combat techniques. Killian was an excellent teacher, patient and encouraging. He pushed me to my limits, but never beyond what I could handle. As we worked up a sweat, I couldn't help but admire Killian's strength and agility. His movements were fluid and graceful, like a dance.

After a while, I begged for a break, flopping down on the grass and gulping down water.

As Killian sat beside me, I decided to ask him about the White Wolf and my parents, curious to know more about my heritage and the mysterious powers I possessed.

"Killian, what do you remember about my parents and the White Wolf?" I asked, taking a sip of water.

Killian's eyes grew distant as he recalled the memories. "I was just a toddling young pup when they were killed. But I do have vivid memories of the anguish it caused my relatives. It was a dark time for our pack."

I nodded, my heart heavy with the knowledge of my parents' tragic fate. Killian then began to talk about his homeland in the South, describing its breathtaking beauty and the warm, welcoming people who lived there.

"You should come with me to the South during the Winter Solstice break, Lyra. I think you would love it there," Killian suggested, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "You could meet your relatives... replace your place among them."

I hesitated, my thoughts drifting to Ryan. What would he think if I went on a trip with Killian? But then a sobering realization hit me. By the time the Winter Solstice arrived, Ryan could have a Luna by his side, and it might not be me if I didn't participate in the Luna trials.

Killian seemed to sense my inner turmoil. He leaned forward, his gaze intense. "Lyra, are you going to participate in the Luna trials?"

I sighed, chewing on my lip anxiously. "But what about my wolf? She hasn't manifested yet. Can I even enter?"

Killian shook his head. "There's nothing in the rules preventing you from participating, Lyra. It would be extremely difficult, but not impossible. However, I advise against it. Ryan isn't worthy of you."

I felt a surge of anger at Killian's words. "You don't know him like I do," I snapped, my eyes flashing.

Killian scoffed. "I know he treats she-wolves like trash, discarding them one for the other as soon as he grows tired of them. Take Brittany, for instance. She asked me to be on her team, one to make Ryan jealous and two to win. I told her no because if you needed me, I would be on your team."

I was touched by Killian's loyalty. I bumped my shoulder against his, a small smile tugging at my lips. "If I do join, I will certainly take you up on the offer."

But even as I said the words, I felt a wave of hesitation wash over me. There was nothing I wouldn't do for Ryan, but the Luna trials were on another level. I had heard rumors of the dangerous and often unfair tactics contestants resorted to in order to win. And even if I did emerge victorious, would Ryan eventually grow tired of me and cast me aside, as he had done with so many others?

I had a lot to think about.