The Alpha Weredragon's Favorite
CHAPTER 95

Ryan

Walking to my office a week after the most incredible night of my life, and I still had trouble clearing my mind of how Lyra felt under me. Around me.

The taste of her. The feel of her.

Not that I wanted to, but holding meetings, or settling pack differences while my pants bulged in the front was not ideal.

Ever since our night together in the woods, she was all I could think about. It was like a piece of me was missing when she wasn't around.

I tried to focus on my duties as Alpha, but my mind kept drifting back to her. The way her skin looked in the moonlight, those stunning eyes... widened as she came, sexy lips parted with my name...

It was like nothing I had ever experienced before.

I couldn't even bring myself to say goodbye to her before the next trial. It felt like a wild beast had ripped out my heart, chewed it to minced meat added half a dozen ghost peppers and shoved it back in my chest. In short: it hurt way too damn much.

And here I was... this strong, unshakable Alpha.

I had been until Lyra came back into my life. She had a way of breaking down my walls... making me feel vulnerable in a way I never had before.

I had never needed someone so badly in my life.

If she didn't win the Luna trials, I didn't know what I would do. The thought of losing her kept me up most nights. The bags under my eyes were so pronounced, even my wolf healing had a hard time healing them. Sometimes, while I was in yet another meeting, or listening to someone bitch and moan about why the pup next door kept kicking a ball in their yard, I drifted off, wondering if being Alpha was even worth it if I couldn't have Lyra by my side. When my father passed, I wanted to take over his legacy, to lead Moonshadow into the strongest pack in the land. Growing up, I had always been so sure of my path, but lately I had been questioning everything.

Lyra had changed me in ways I never could have imagined. She had awakened something in me that I didn't even know existed. And now that I had experienced it, I knew I could never go back to the way things were before.

***

After a round of tedious meetings where I wanted to tear my hair out by the roots, I found myself in last one for the day. It was my weekly meeting with Liam and Conner-a catch up of pack business.

My first question went to Conner. "How's it going with the rogues from Wolfsong? Have they found a place in Night Moon?"

"They're settling in well, Alpha," Conner reported. "Darian and his group have been valuable assets so far. They've given us intel on Wolfsong's defenses and are eager to help even more."

"That's good." More than good, actually. It was a relief that Darian's group followed through on what they promised and didn't turn out to be Wolfsong spies. "It's important that they feel welcomed and supported. We need their loyalty and commitment to the Moonshadow Pack."

"Agreed," Conner replied. "They seem to respond well to your leadership, Alpha. They're grateful for the chance to start fresh and contribute to a stronger pack."

"But keep an eye on them still. We can't afford any surprises."

"Of course, Alpha," Conner assured me.

"For now, you'll be overseeing the Night Moon pack until after the Luna Trials. After that, we'll discuss a more permanent option." "Understood, Alpha.'

As an afterthought I asked, "Is the information Darian and his group provided real intel we can use?"

Conner nodded. "Yes, Alpha. Myself and a few other soldiers went to validate what the rogues gave us and it all turned out to be true. Did you know that they rotate their guard only once a day? That means that those on duty have to stay awake, eat, and well...you know, all while on duty."

Liam shook his head in disgust and I hid a small smile. I didn't care what those still loyal to Viola and Blake were going through. I only cared how low their morale was and how easy my soldiers and I would have it conquering and vanquishing Wolfsong.

Conner went on, "Lots of pack members have left as well. Some going to Silver Tail, some beyond. I guess most of them don't come here because of all the lies the former Alpha and the current one is spread about you and Lyra."

A red film crossed my vision. "What lies?"

Conner shifted in his seat, his gaze on the floor. "Um... well, uh-"

Liam interrupted. "Does it really matter, Ryan? They just want you to get worked up so you will retaliate. Keep a cool head, okay?"

Damn good thing Liam was around to talk me down. I was ready to shift into my dragon and light things up in Wolfsong.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm the rage bubbling within me. Liam was right - I couldn't let Wolfsong's lies get under my skin.

"Alright, let's move on. How are things going with the adumbra stones? Has Wista made any progress in figuring out how to use them against the dark magic threatening Lyra?"

Liam leaned forward; his brow furrowed. "I've been helping her to research the stones in the ancient texts, but there's still a lot we don't know. From what I can gather, the stones need to be charged with a specific ritual under the full moon. But the details of the ritual are unclear."

"Keep digging. We need to figure this out before the next trial. I won't let anything happen to Lyra."

Conner cleared his throat. "Speaking of Lyra, how's she holding up? I heard she did well in during the last trial."

A smile tugged at the corner of my mouth. How she handled herself on the field was nothing short of stellar. I didn't see it myself. I was too afraid I'd want to intervene, but I'd heard reports. Several members of my pack expressed to me how they had changed their mind about Lyra. she had gone from an under-wolf to a top contender in their eyes. "Yes, she's a force to be reckoned with. I have no doubt she'll make it to the final round."

But beneath my pride, a flicker of worry gnawed at me. The dark magic targeting Lyra was still out there, waiting for the right moment to strike. Neither of us could let our guard down, not even for a second.

"I want to double the security around Lyra. And I want updates on any suspicious activity, no matter how small. We can't afford to miss anything."

"Yes, Alpha."

Turning to Liam, I asked, "What about the situation with the Silver Tail pack?"

Liam sighed; his expression troubled. "Silver Tail is demanding an immediate answer about the treaty right after the Luna Trials. They want a firm decision on which land they'll receive, and they're growing impatient." "They want either our farmland or the mineral-rich land, correct?"

Liam nodded. "Exactly. Both choices come with significant drawbacks. The residents won't be happy with either option, and we need more time to find the best solution without causing unrest."

I drummed my fingers on my desk, my mind racing. "Can we buy some time?"

Liam's eyes lit up slightly. "I plan on asking Whitney to intervene on our behalf."

"Will she do that?" I had to admit that I was surprised she would. Liam practically jilted her at the mating bed. Why would she want to help him? Help us?

Liam's eyes went glassy and then they snapped back "She will if I ask her."

"Do what you must."

As Liam laid out a plan my thoughts wandered to the weight of being a leader. Some days, being an Alpha weighed heavily on me, constantly needing to mediate and manage petty disputes. A break from it all would almost be a relief - no politics, no disagreements, no endless decisions...

"And the land," I said aloud, looking like I was paying attention. "Which one can we afford to lose less - farmland or mineral-rich land?"

Liam frowned. "That's the dilemma. Losing farmland affects our food supply while losing mineral-rich land impacts our economy. Neither option is ideal, and the residents will protest either decision."

"I'll set aside some time to consider it," I said, massaging my temples. "But for now, keep pushing for that extension through Whitney."

"I'll continue negotiating with them, Alpha," Liam promised. "I'm confident we can find a solution that benefits both packs."

"Good. We need to secure our borders and ensure our people's safety. These alliances are crucial for the pack's future."

As the meeting wrapped up, my thoughts drifted back to Lyra. I long to see her, to hold her in my arms and reassure her that everything will be alright.

Since I couldn't see her, all I could hope for was that it damn well better be alright.