The Alpha Weredragon's Favorite
CHAPTER 62

Lyra

The chatter of the guests filled my ears while I shifted from foot to foot or nervously sucked in the lip gloss off my bottom lip. I had to keep reapplying it while I waited for Ryan's arrival.

In an attempt to calm my nerves, I admired the decorations - the twinkling candles and delicate fairy lights, the rich blue banners, and the crisp white tablecloths adorned with shimmering blue place settings. However, my brief moment of distraction broke as snippets of conversations swirled around me.

"Can you believe it? Our Alpha is finally coming into his own," an elderly wolf said, his eyes shining with pride. "He's grown so much these past few years. A true leader."

"And he'll have a mate soon," added a young she-wolf, her voice filled with eager curiosity. "I wonder who it will be? There are so many strong, beautiful she-wolves that are eager to sign up for the trials. There will be fists and fur flying over him, mark my words."

"Whoever wins will be a damn lucky she-wolf," another wolf chimed in, grinning. "Imagine being mated to such a powerful, handsome Alpha."

I attempted to block out their excited gossip, but my insides coiled into tight knots despite my efforts. The mere notion of Ryan picking his lifelong partner, of him being claimed by another, caused a sharp, indescribable pang in my chest. Applause suddenly erupted from the entryway. I whirled around to see the crowd make way for Ryan. Their eyes gleaming with clear reverence. He embodied authority and magnetism, a genuine Alpha in every aspect. He carried himself with poise and self-assurance, his well-fitted suit emphasizing his strong, wide shoulders. His eyes roamed the space, taking in the festivities and the well-known faces of his pack members. He acknowledged them with smiles and nods, but there was a faraway quality to his gaze...

That is, until a bevy of females flocked to him, their giggles ringing out like wind chimes as they competed for his focus. His face lit up then as he engaged with each of them one by one, his low, resonant tones creating gooseflesh on my arms. I lingered... and lingered... waiting for him to glance around, to check if I had come.

After ten minutes, he never did.

My hands clenched into fists at my sides, jealousy burning in my chest like wildfire. I wanted to be the one he looked at, the one he spoke to with that intense gaze. I longed to be his true mate, to stand by his side as an equal.

Killian's words echoed in my mind. A haunting melody that refused to be silenced. "He'll grow tired of you, Lyra," he had said, the pity in his gaze stirring my unease. "He'll leave you, just like he's done to many, many she wolves before you." I wanted to believe otherwise, to trust in the connection that Ryan and I shared. But doubt buzzed inside me like a fly that refused to be caught.

I watched as Ryan laughed at something one of the women said, his eyes shining with amusement. He looked so at ease, so comfortable in his role as Alpha. It was hard to reconcile that image with the man who had held me close, who had promised to stand by me. Was it all just an act, a carefully crafted facade to hide his true intentions?

I wanted to trust Ryan, to believe in him. But the fear of being hurt, of being left behind, was a powerful deterrent. I had already been rejected once by my own pack, by the people I had trusted and loved. I wasn't sure if I could survive another heartbreak.

Yet, if I didn't ask, I would never know.

Steeling myself I stared to weave through the crowd, on my way towards him. I would face Ryan, would confront my doubts and fears head-on. I owed it to myself to replace out the truth.

And if Killian's warnings proved to be true, then I would deal with the consequences. But for now, I would fight for what I wanted, and Ryan was the one. Sure, it was a risk to laying my fears and doubts bare before him, but one that had to be done.

I was a foot away when I finally caught Ryan's eye. The hunger in his gaze sent a thrill through me, but there was something else there too, something that made my heart clench with fear. Was it anger? Hurt? I couldn't be sure, but it made me hesitate, made me question my decision to confront him.

Before I could say anything, a man grabbed Ryan's arm and pulled him aside. "It's time for your speech, Alpha," the man said, his voice low and urgent.

Ryan's mouth hardened into a thin line, and he nodded curtly. He mouthed the words "later" to me, and I could only nod in response.

I watched as Ryan made his way to the front of the room, his expertly cut suit hugging his muscular frame. The blue of the fabric brought out the olive tones in his skin, and his wavy brown hair was styled perfectly. He looked every inch the Alpha, and my heart swelled with pride and longing.

Ryan stepped forward, his deep blue eyes scanning the room. "Thank you all for being here," he said, his voice full of confidence. "I am honored to be your Alpha, and I promise to lead you with strength and wisdom." After the cheers and howls died down, Ryan cleared his throat, and the room fell completely silent. "Two years ago, I lost my father," he began, his voice steady and strong. "He was a great man, a wise leader, and a loving father. I only hope that I can live up to his legacy, that I can lead this pack forward to even greater heights."

The crowd erupted into applause, and Ryan waited for them to quiet down once more before continuing. "As tradition on an Alpha's 21st birthday, I hereby announce the opening of the Luna Trials. It is time for me to choose a mate, to replace the one who will stand by my side as we lead this pack into the future. From today, she-wolves will have one week to indicate their participation to a Luna Trials Council member." Ryan indicated to the two women and two men on stage who stood to his right. "After that period closes, the trails will start the next day and be completed on Winter Solstice with the winner announced during the Feast that night. I now turn over the stage to Council-woman Shelia Wekbaum." The woman walked to the podium and began speaking Ryan stood to the side watching her.

During his speech, he hadn't once looked at me. Hadn't once acknowledged my presence. It was as if I didn't exist, as if our connection meant nothing to him.

I couldn't bear to stay any longer, couldn't bear to watch as he continued to ignore me. I turned and fled, pushing my way through the crowd and out into the cool night air.

I leaned against the wall of the grand hall, my breath coming in ragged gasps. I had been such a fool, had let my heart lead me astray. I should have listened to Killian, should have trusted my own doubts and fears.

I heard footsteps behind me, and I turned to see Whitney and Liam standing there. Whitney's eyes were red and puffy, and Liam looked uncomfortable and guilty.

"What happened?" I asked, knowing it was none of my business, but my friend was hurt... and I was damn tired of men taking what they wanted then walking away.

"It's all on me," Liam said, his voice apologetic. "I can't be with Whitney anymore. It's not fair to either of us."

Whitney's face contorted with anger, and she took a step towards Liam. "You can't do this to me," she hissed. "I won't let you."

I could see the fire as well as the agony in her eyes. She wouldn't give up without a fight, that she would do whatever it took to get what she wanted.