The Lunas Second Chance Mate
Chapter 38

Alyson's

POV

I was enjoying my time with the Harris family. Lilla invited Michelle and I every afternoon for tea, and Dylan joined us for dinner. They were a merry bunch with lots of jokes and laughter, they included their servants in the teasing, and even the more submissive servants seemed to be treated well enough that they also joked with them.

I made sure to send money that settled Michelle's debts for her brother's doctors. Having her company really settled my anxieties since I was away from Ryan, even having her sleep in my room so that I was never alone with my thoughts and worries about him. Dylan knocked on my door one day, and I answered. Michelle was there, learning how to sew as Lilla had instructed. She was practicing, but I also knew she was listening.

"The trade is on!" Dylan said. I've been working hard for a few days, and it's going great. I've sent a few trusted employees to harvest it, and we should begin soon." "That's great news," I said. "Any word about Ryan, or from him?"

"Sorry, not yet."

I wilted inside, touching the necklace pendant that I wore even in sleep these days. I wondered if Ryan had arrived yet, and if he was ok, or if he'd fainted again. I could not know. As soon as Dylan shut the door, Michelle asked, "What trade?"

I hadn't told her about much, "It's nothing too interesting. Just a trade arrangement between him and Alpha Ryan."

"I'm only curious," Michelle said. "I'm still trying to learn more so that I can serve you the best possible."

"Serve me? I'm happy for your company." We hadn't really talked yet about what she was still doing with me, although I'd seen multiple attempts that she intended to serve me.

She nodded thoughtfully, "I can never repay you for how you helped me brother." She'd been pretty shy up until now, but she listened intently so I could be sure that she picked up on a lot. Even if she was very pretty, she had a knack for falling unseen into the background.

I shrugged it off. "I am happy to help when I can."

"You risked your life for me," Tears were in her eyes. "You helped with my brother. I owe you my loyalties and life."

That talk made me feel a little odd, I didn't like thinking of anyone owning another or using another. "If you must serve me, I can hire you as a maid. Then you never have to sell your body again."

I had never seen more lively excitement in her eyes, "That would be the greatest honor of my life."

"Ok, it's settled then," I was pleased to have acquired my own lady's maid. It could only help me as I would not be alone when I returned to Crowalt.

It made me think of Ryan, and how much I missed him. I wasn't sure what he was to me, but I knew that he was very important, and I could hardly draw breath without him. I did not want to live a life without him. Jacob could not take anything else from me. It was later that evening when I heard Dylan calling me from down in the dining room. "Alyson!"

I lurched to my feet, and Michelle followed close behind me. We bolted down the stairs, there was an urgency to his voice that could only mean one thing.

"What did you hear?" I said.

He was breathing hard like he had run to tell me. "I just received some news from Crowalt. It's Ryan, he has challenged Jacob. They will present their talents soon and it is a challenge that is up for judgment of the Elders. If Ryan wins, he might be up for becoming Alpha even, if the elders vote on it."

I wasn't sure what to feel, but I knew I had to be there. "We need to go!" I was terrified. 'What happens if Ryan loses?"

"If he loses, then that won't be good for him," he said reluctantly, purposefully to avoid confirming my worst fears.

"I have to be there!" He needed me, how could he not without a blood provider, he would be no match for Jacob. "When is it?"

"In three days."

"Let us leave today!" I cried out, looking to Michelle who was nodding. "Do not try to stop me, Dylan, or I will fight you." "You're much safer here." He said.

I sighed with exasperation. "I will go, so help me or not, I will be there."

"Ryan would not want you to go." He said.

"Ryan needs me there; he just is too stubborn to admit it." I spoke more softly, "Please, Dylan. I will go, whether you like it or not, but if you help me that would be safer than me sneaking away." I stared up at him with pleading eyes, grasping both his arms firmly in my hands.

I could see his resistance as he considered for a moment how to prevent me. "Ok, go if you must, under my family's protection. I don't think I can come with you, so it's risky. Are you sure? We could hear from here what happens."

"Not good enough, I need to be there." I swallowed a large lump in my throat. "I'll travel with Michelle, so I won't be alone." It sounded like as good a plan as any when I entered the territory of my enemies.

"I wish you'd wait for me, I could attend the actual games in a few days."

"I want to get there as soon as possible." I made sure he felt the resolve in my voice.

Was I ready to face Jacob? I would see him in the match against Ryan. What about if I saw Jennifer? Would she recognize me? I couldn't let these concerns stop me.

"I'll have them prepare a carriage for you to leave as soon as possible." Dylan said.

"Thank you!" I had felt as if a piece of my heart had been missing this whole time, but I was about to replace it again.

I hugged Dylan, a small bit of me remorseful that we would part ways for now, but I was sure to meet him again. I had to replace Ryan as soon as I could, and before the games so that he could have some of my blood.