The Alpha Weredragon's Favorite
CHAPTER 67

Ryan

I approached Killian, my rage simmering just beneath the surface. My wolf and dragon urged me to end him, but I fought to maintain control. "We need to talk," I said through gritted teeth. "Privately." Killian raised an eyebrow, a smug grin on his face. "Of course, Alpha Thornton. Lead the way."

We walked to a secluded area, away from prying eyes. I turned to face him, my fists clenched at my sides. "What's this nonsense you've been filling Lyra's head with? The White Wolf legend?" Killian chuckled, shaking his head. "You really need to get over your jealousy, Ryan. It's unbecoming of an Alpha."

My blood boiled, and I took a step closer. "You think this is about jealousy? You're messing with her head, making her believe in some fairy tale!"

"It's not a fairy tale," Killian replied calmly. "Lyra is special, and you know it. You're just too blind to see the truth."

I growled, my wolf and dragon demanding I put him in his place. "You don't know anything about her."

Killian's eyes narrowed. "I know more than you think. And I know you're not good enough for her."

That was the final straw. I launched myself at him, my dragon form erupting from within. But instead of the powerful beast, my wolf emerged, teeth bared and ready to attack.

Killian transformed as well, his body morphing into a silver wolf. The same silver wolf that had attacked me and then helped me save Lyra.

We circled each other, growling and snapping. My mind raced with questions. Why had he attacked me? Why did he help me save Lyra? What was his true motive?

Suddenly, his voice echoed in my mind. "My motive is help Lyra in any way I can?"

I faltered, confusion clouding my thoughts. "What are you talking about? Why do you need to train her when she has a class for that?"

"Lyra and I are family, we are not romantically involved so get over it." Killian's mental voice said in a tone firmer than my abs. "I'm here to mentor the next White Wolf into becoming the powerful being that she is. I shook my head, unwilling to believe him. "Lyra doesn't even have a wolf, you are speaking in riddles."

"Haven't you noticed her super strength even as a human? Her ability to heal faster and faster without a wolf?" Killian's words struck a chord, memories flashing through my mind.

Lyra lifting heavy objects with ease, her wounds from the guard had lingered... but lately... her ankle... the attack, she was up and running the next day. I only kept her at my place because I loved having her in my arms... "She is more than just a wolfless girl, Ryan. Open your eyes and see the truth." Killian's mental voice was almost pleading, urging me to understand.

I shifted back to my human form, my mind reeling. Could it be true? Was Lyra really the legendary White Wolf? The pieces started to fall into place, the strange occurrences, her uncanny abilities.

I looked at a shifted Killian, my anger dissipating. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"Would you have believed me? You were too blinded by your own feelings, your own insecurities." Killian's words cut deep, but I couldn't deny their truth.

I ran a hand through my hair, trying to process everything. "So, what now? What does this mean for Lyra, for the pack?"

"It means she has a destiny far greater than any of us could have imagined. And it's our job to guide her, to help her embrace her true potential."

"I'll do whatever it takes to keep her safe, to help her become who she's meant to be."

Killian smiled. "I know you will. But remember, she needs to find her own path. We can only guide her, not control her."

I opened my mouth to protest, but then I took stock of Killian's words. Maybe he was right. Maybe I had been trying to control Lyra by projecting my own doubts and insecurities onto her.

I sighed, admitting defeat. "You're right. I've been so focused on my own fears that I haven't been the mate Lyra needs."

Killian nodded, his expression softening. "It's not too late to change that. Lyra needs your support, your understanding. She's going to face challenges that none of us can even imagine."

I swallowed hard, ready and waiting to fight all of her unseen foes, but knowing it wasn't my place. "It's going to be hard as hell to let her go... find her path." I met Killian's gaze, my resolve strengthening. "I'll work harder at being the mate Lyra needs. I'll listen to her, support her, and help her embrace her destiny."

Killian smiled, a rare sight. "That's all any of us can do."

I felt a rush of gratitude towards Killian. Despite our differences, we both wanted what was best for Lyra.

I extended my hand towards him. "Thank you, Killian." Funny how I wanted to break him in half the moment I saw him, but at that moment, I almost respected the guy.

He grasped my hand firmly. "We're all in this together, Ryan. For Lyra."

"Let's race to make it official," I suggested, ready to morph into my wolf shape. I craved to run, to escape my duties for a brief moment, and sense the wind against my fur, allowing my thoughts to clear.

I darted through the forest, my paws striking the ground as Killian kept pace beside me. The wind blew through my fur, and the aroma of the woods filled my senses. It was liberating to let my wolf take control, to disregard the obligations and hurdles that were waiting for me back at the pack.

As we ran, I mind-linked with Killian, curiosity getting the better of me. "How come I can mind-link with you when you aren't in my pack?" I asked, my thoughts projecting into his mind.

Killian's voice echoed back, a hint of amusement in his tone. "Being the direct offspring of a White Wolf gives me more powers than most wolves. In my family, all of our powers are different. I mulled over his words, another question forming in my mind. "Is that why I can't change into my dragon while you are around?"

Killian's snout crinkled in laughter, his eyes sparkling with mirth. "Yes...I can stop a being from shifting, and I can read minds, but only if I concentrate and focus on doing so."

I rolled my eyes, a playful challenge rising within me. "Okay, smart-ass, what am I thinking now?"

I pushed myself harder, all four legs pumping as I surged past Killian. His laughter rang in my ears, a sound of pure joy and freedom.

We weren't friends. We weren't enemies. We ere just two guys who wanted the best for Lyra.