The Alpha Weredragon's Favorite
CHAPTER 98

Ryan

I raced through the woods, my powerful wolf body propelling me forward. The thick forest canopy enveloped me, rustling leaves turned whispering secrets as moonlight sliced through the branches. My muscles rippled under my fur with each stride, but my mind was a million miles away.

As always since she came back to me, I wondered about Lyra. Did she miss me? Did she think about our brief time in the forest as much as I did? I wonder if she

Suddenly, a scent caught my attention. It lingered at the edge of my mind, teasing me with its familiarity. I pushed on, trying to shake the distraction.

I ran on, muscles straining as I jumped over a gorge, grinning as my paws found purchase on the other side. I could run for hours, expel this pent-up energy. This damn frustration at-

A low growl erupted behind me. I spun around, the scent hitting me again. Realization dawned. That scent I smelled earlier was from that Wolfsong rogue, Darian.

"Alpha Thornton," Darian said, stepping out from the shadows, naked and scarred from shins to face. "I apologize for startling you."

I shifted back to my human form, fighting stance at the ready. "What are you doing out here, Darian?"

"I was actually hoping to run into you so we could talk."

My head cocked as I studied Darian carefully, trying to discern his intentions. He seemed at ease, casual. After a moment, I nodded. "Go ahead."

"I know I'm new to Moonshadow, and I haven't earned your full trust yet. But I want you to know that I'm here to serve the pack in whatever way I can. If there's anything I can do to help lighten your burden regarding Night Moon, you need only ask."

I appreciated his offer, even though a part of me remained wary. Darian seemed like a capable warrior and a loyal pack mate, but old suspicions refused to completely fade. Still, given the weight of my worries, I couldn't refuse genuine support.

As a test to the bond between an Alpha and his pack, I mind-linked with Darian, curious if it would work. Although the connection felt rough, like sandpaper against my consciousness, he came through loud and clear, respect and civility in his tone.

"What do you want, Darian? You have more to ask of me I can tell."

"Alpha Thornton, I want to be the liaison between Night Moon and Moonshadow," he replied, laying his cards on the table.

Intrigued by his proposal, I mulled it over for a moment. The idea of having a direct line of communication with Night Moon instead of sending Conner over there to check on things could be beneficial.

"Join me on my run," I said, motioning for him to follow. "Let's talk more about this and see if we can replace a way to make it work."

We shifted at the same time and as we set off into the forest, our strides fell into a synchronized rhythm. As we jumped over fallen logs and crunch small pebbles into dust with our paws, I had to wonder what had prompted Darian to make this bold move. Was it a genuine desire to help streamline communication or did he have ulterior motives? Only time would tell, but for now, I was willing to hear him out and explore the possibilities.

We ran together, our paws pounding the earth in sync. I was impressed with Darian's stamina and speed. At least he had that going for him.

During the run, Darian shared stories of how he had helped out Wolfsong in the past.

Wolf was really trying to sell himself for the liaison position.

"I once protected the pack from rogue wolves," he said, his voice steady and sure in my mind. "It was an intense fight, but I used my strength and the fact that there was a ravine nearby to herd them to the edge. They ran away after their back paws nearly slipped off into oblivion. "

I huffed, impressed by his bravery and quick thinking in the face of danger.

"Another time, I led a successful defense against a rival pack encroaching on our territory," Darian continued, his eyes gleaming with pride. "It took bravery and leadership, but we held our ground. I rallied the others, coordinated our attacks, and we showed those intruders that our land was not to be trifled with."

"That's commendable," I said in the mind-link, acknowledging the strength it must have taken to lead his pack in such a high-stakes situation.

"And then there was the rescue mission," Darian added, his tone softening slightly. "Some pack members were in danger, trapped and injured, and I went in to save them. It was all about putting their lives before my own. I didn't hesitate for a second, knowing I had to bring them home safely."

I looked at Darian with newfound respect, seeing him in a new light. His selflessness and dedication to his pack were truly admirable qualities.

But would he betray me in the long run?

I would just have to wait and see.

When we ran back to where he'd first joined me and we shifted, it was then that I posed my final question.

"What did you think of Lyra when she was part of Wolfsong?" I asked. I had purposefully waited to ask this question so I could gauge his expression. Darian took a deep breath before answering. "The entire pack was brainwashed to despise her, Alpha Thornton."

"Brainwashed?" I furrowed my brow.

"Yes. The Alpha and Luna portrayed her as a selfish, whiny brat. But it was Viola who was actually that way."

I remained silent, absorbing his words.

Darian continued, "I regret not helping Lyra when she was a growing pup. I should have seen through the lies."

"It takes courage to speak the truth, Darian and I prize that quality in my pack members above all else. You can be the liaison between the packs." Darian threw back his head and let out a yip of satisfaction. I bet if we were still in our wolf forms he would have chased his tail. "Thank you, Alpha Thornton. I won't let you down.

I nodded and turned to go back home. Darian calling out stopped me in my tracks, "Alpha..."

I motioned for him to go on.

"I know you care for Lyra," he said softly. "Rumors have even reached us here at the way you look at her, the way you protect her."

I stiffened. "Darian, I—"

He held up a hand. "I mean no disrespect. I just wanted to say... don't let your duties blind you to what your heart wants. Life is too short for regrets."