The Alpha Weredragon's Favorite
CHAPTER 63

Lyra

I sat with Whitney on a bench outside the grand hall, my arm around her shoulders as she poured her heart out to me. Tears streamed down her face as she confessed how lost and alone she felt after Liam ended their relationship. "I've loved him for so long, Lyra," she said, her voice breaking. "I even transferred schools just to be with him. I thought he was my forever mate." She looked up at me, her eyes filled with despair. "What will my father say?"

I hugged her tightly, trying to comfort her. "Hey, there are plenty of other wolves in the forest," I said softly. "You will find true love, I promise."

As I spoke those words, a twinge of pain twisted in my own heart. Ryan's rejection stung, sure. That was nothing compared to what Whitney was going through. She loved Liam while I...

No. No. I do not love Ryan.

Whitney sniffled and wiped her eyes. "Thanks, Lyra," she said, managing a small smile. "You're a good friend."

I smiled back, but my mind was already wandering. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Ryan walking outside, his head turning as if he was searching for someone.

'Probably another she-wolf,' I thought bitterly.

"Hey, are you okay?" Whitney asked, noticing my distracted expression. "You seem a bit out of it."

I blinked and shook my head, turning my attention back to her. "Sorry, I just... I'm worried about you," I said, squeezing her hand.

As Whitney continued to vent about Liam and their failed relationship, I tried to focus on her words. But my gaze kept drifting back to Ryan, watching as he scanned the crowd. My heart raced as I imagined what I would say to him if I had the chance.

In a burst of emotion, Whitney clung to me, sobbing on my dress and making a wet spot on the material.

"Is she okay?"

It was Ryan, staring down at us, worry etched in his face.

As if it were all his fault my friend was sobbing her eyes out, I answered with a bite in my tone, "No, she's not. Liam broke up with her."

Ryan motioned and two women came up. Dressed in black shirts and pants, they were on guard duty. "See that she makes it to her apartment and stay with her until she falls asleep."

"Lyra..." Whitney sobbed, clinging to me even tighter.

I glanced between Whitney and Ryan, my heart torn. Part of me wanted to stay and comfort my friend, but another part yearned to finally confront Ryan.

Before I could make a decision, Liam appeared out of nowhere. He gently pried Whitney away from me, murmuring soothing words to her.

"I've got her, Lyra," Liam said, giving me a reassuring nod. "I'll make sure she gets home safe."

Whitney clung to Liam, burying her face in his chest as fresh sobs wracked her body. I hesitated, not wanting to abandon her in her time of need. But Liam seemed genuine in his concern, and I knew he would take good care of her. "Okay," I said softly, squeezing Whitney's hand one last time before letting go. "Call me if you need anything, alright?"

Whitney managed a weak nod, and then Liam was leading her away, his arm wrapped protectively around her shoulders. I watched them go, a bittersweet feeling in my chest. At least Whitney had someone to lean on during this difficult time. I turned back to Ryan, steeling myself for the conversation to come. He stood there, hands in his pockets, his eyes fixed on me with an intensity that made my heart race.

"Can we talk?" I asked, rubbing my palms on my dress.

Ryan nodded, gesturing for me to follow him. We walked in silence for a few moments, the tension between us thick enough to cut with a knife. I took a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts.

"Ryan, I..." I began, but he held up a hand to stop me.

"Not here," he said, glancing around at the crowds of people still milling about outside the clubhouse. "Let's go somewhere more private."

I nodded, my stomach twisting with nerves as I fell into step beside him. I had no idea what I was going to say, or how he would react. But I knew one thing for certain-- I wasn't going to run. I would listen to what he had to say and make my decision based on all the facts.

We walked in silence into the forest. When the lights of the clubhouse appeared smaller than fireflies, he turned to face me.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves as Ryan spoke. His words washed over me, but all I could focus on was the distance between us, both physical and emotional. He talked about the reason for Liam and Whitney's breakup, and about the alliance he wanted to propose to Whitney's father in lieu of Liam mating Whitney.

To maintain the peace and keep Silver Tail as an ally, Ryan wanted to promise that if tensions escalated between Silver Tail and Wolfsong, his pack would fight alongside Silver Tail.

I listened, my heart sinking with each word. Was this really all he had to say to me? Pack business?

"I wanted to run it by you, see if you were okay with it," Ryan said, finally meeting my eyes, instead of looking at a point past my shoulder.

"My father is gone. His wife, his daughter, and the new Alpha deserve what they get." I paused, then added, "Just promise me one thing." "What is that?" he asked, his brow furrowing.

"Will you do all you can to minimize bloodshed and not hurt the innocent... the pups and the elderly?" I searched his face, hoping to see a flicker of the man I once knew, the one who cared about more than just politics and power. Ryan held my gaze for a long moment, then nodded. "I promise, Lyra. I'll do everything to protect the innocent."

I swallowed hard, fighting back the tears that stung my eyes. "That's all I can ask for." "Because it doesn't seem like you will give me anything else,' I added to myself as, with shoulders squared and head high, I turned and walked away.