Chapter 114
Lyra’s POV
“I didn’t know what Alpha Kessler had in mind for us. I just couldn’t wait,” I thought, feeling excited and curious. He held on to my hand like he didn’t want to let me go.
I still have that tingling feeling that makes Sasha purr. I miss my wolf; she has been suppressed by the elixir.
I can’t wait to just put this to bed and have the antidote given to me to take out whatever harm the elixir has caused.
“Alpha, what’s on your mind?” I asked Alpha Kessler, breaking his line of thoughts.
He turned to me, a soft smile playing on his lips. “I just want our time together to be special for us,” he replied, with sincerity in his every word.
My eyes sparkled with understanding, and I squeezed his hand gently. “It already is.”
Right now, I want to bask in this feeling. I wish more than anything for it to last and not let it be just a mirage.
I want to enjoy every moment, every breath, knowing that this feeling is precious. But for now, I embrace it fully.
Soon, we found our way to a garden-not the regular garden I used to go to; I never knew another garden existed! I’m awestruck by the things that have been put in place in just a short while.
In the middle of the garden, a white blanket is placed with rose petals strewn delicately across it. The scent of the roses fills the air, and I smile at the beauty around me. There’s something magical about this place.
I walk slowly, taking in every detail. There’s a basket filled with different foods and fruits. He holds onto my hand, guiding me, looking into my eyes for any reaction.
“I had to comment: this is beautiful. I love this.”
“I’m glad you love it,” he answers in a husky voice.
We both sit down on the blanket. I’m in awe that the big Alpha could sit on the floor of the garden with me.
I steal glances at him, admiring his rugged and gentle demeanor. The way he looks at me makes my heart flutter, and I smile in his presence.
“What?” he asks, looking at me. He knows thoughts are flying in my head.
“Nothing,” I say, covering my face so he wouldn’t see the blush on my cheeks.
“You look amazing,” he says with all seriousness as if he means every word.
“Thank you,” I say, not knowing what else to say. My heart races with his compliment.
“Lyra, to say the least, I’ve missed you.”
“You do?” I ask, surprised and not expecting him to say it out of the blue.
“I thought I was going to lose you to Conor,” he continues.
“That piqued my interest, Conor?”
“Yes, Lyra.”
I could see he was vulnerable, letting his emotions show.
He continued “He promised to make you his girl, and with Conor, there is no threat. He meant every word.”
His words catch me off guard, stirring a mix of emotions. I had no idea he felt this way. “Truth be told, all the while I was at Northville, I never stopped thinking about you. Imagine my shock when I discovered I was pregnant with your child.”
“I hope to keep it a secret because I didn’t want to ruin your happily ever after with Annie,” I told him truthfully looking into his eyes.
He looks down, not meeting my eyes. His silence speaks volumes.
“What’s wrong? Did I say something wrong?”
“Not at all, Lyra. I made some decisions I’m not proud of. Annie played on us all, and I fell for it.”
“Just like I told you before, I wasn’t responsible for her pregnancy, though she preyed on my vulnerability to have a way with me.”
I was heartbroken to learn that you were captured by Tristan, and, funny enough, she told Tristan about your whereabouts.
“That piques my interest again. Really?” I ask, my curiosity growing.
“Yes,” he says, nodding his head. “I wish I had done better and fought for us. My mum was bent on me rejecting you, coupled with pressure from Alpha Baynes threatening to sever ties with us, and you kept pushing for a rejection.”
Listening to every word he says, I come to realize that external forces have indeed played a significant role in our relationship. Tears well up in my eyes as I try to process everything.
I am surprised by the revelation that Annie was responsible for telling Tristan my whereabouts. The torture I faced there was something I never wished for anyone.
And to know that Alpha Tristan later started showing feelings for me, which I find so strange to believe because he was cruel and showed no mercy.
I’m tired from sitting, so I rest slightly on my side. Alpha Kessler moves me closer, so my head is resting on his lap. “Thank you,” I mutter as I make myself comfortable.
“What’s on your mind, Lyra?”
“Nothing, Alpha.” My mind is a whirlwind of thoughts, but I don’t want to burden him with my worries.
“Are you sure? Please feel free to say what’s on your mind. I want to be a better person for you and the baby.”
It’s rare to see Kessler bare his emotions like this. Kessler is many things, but he is a man of few words. Seeing him want to talk things out and make himself better means a lot to me. His sincerity is palpable, and I’m touched by his commitment to us.
“I say,” looking into his eyes, “there’s just a lot on my mind lately, especially with everything that’s happened.” My mind goes back to my time at Croftwood Pack.
“Care to share?” he asks.
“It was an unpleasant experience, let me just say Tristan was cruel,” I responded.
I don’t want to say more than that to avoid sparking any controversy between the packs.
“I’m so sorry you had to face that, I wish we had met before now, without so much hassle.”
“Don’t beat yourself over it. I’m here, and you are here. We are both standing; that’s what matters.”
“When are you due for delivery?” he asks, raising his hand with permission to feel the baby.
I nod my head for him to go ahead and reply, “In a couple of weeks. I can’t wait to finally give birth.”
“How often do you see the doctor?”
“Now I see the doctor every week since I’m close to delivery.” The thought of holding our little one soon fills me with anticipation, and I can’t help but smile.
“Any complaints so far?” he asks again.
I raise my head, looking at him with a knowing smirk, and ask, “Are you a doctor or what?”
He places a gentle kiss on my tummy and says, “Just want to be sure my baby is fine.” His gesture melts my heart, and I feel a surge of love.
“I have no complaints, just the usual discomforts that come with pregnancy,” I reply with a chuckle. “But knowing that you’re here makes it all more bearable.”
He smiles, his eyes sparkling with affection.
“Thank you so much, Lyra. If only you knew how desperate I am for an heir. Imagine how devastated I’ll be if I don’t have you and find out that Annie played me all along.”
Our time together is interrupted by a rustling sound. I raise my head, snapping it towards where I heard the sound. I know he heard it too.Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.
To confirm, he asked me, “Did you hear that sound?”
I nod my head, a sense of unease creeping in at the unexpected interruption.
We both listen intently, straining to hear any more sounds.
“Do you think it’s just an animal?” I whisper.
He shakes his head, his expression serious. “I’m not sure. We should be cautious.”
As if on cue, another rustling sound breaks the silence, closer this time. My heart races and I instinctively move closer to Kessler, for protection.
We hear the sound again, like a faint heartbeat accompanied by someone panting for air. It sends chills down my spine, and I realize something is wrong.
I guess the garden is close to the park border because guards are on patrol.
Kessler stands up, and I follow him from behind as we try to trace the source of the unsettling noises. As we approach the gate where the guards are stationed.
He orders the guard to open the gate, and what I see on the other side makes me scream in horror, calling out for help.