Chapter 108
I can still remember the disappointing look he had while I was alone with him in the office. I know he wished I had trusted him. Then the voice started ringing again in my head: “Don’t fall for him, he’s manipulative.” I held my head in panic, feeling overwhelmed by the voice. I could see the concern in the girls’ eyes, but slowly, I started to regain composure. I gave a weak smile, trying to mask the confusion inside me.
“Are you okay? We can go back to the pack if you don’t feel too well,” Cara asked with concern. “I’m fine,” I reassured her with a smile. “Let’s eat up.” I wouldn’t be happy being the reason our outing was cut short. We enjoyed our food, chatting and laughing about many things, trying to lighten the mood.
As we finished our meal and prepared to leave, I reached for my card to pay the bill when I sensed a presence behind me-someone trying to do the same. I looked back and realized it was Xavier. Stunned, I asked, “What are you trying to do?” Xavier flashed a charming smile and said, “Let me take care of the bill.” His gaze made me shudder momentarily. However, I quickly recovered and playfully smacked him on the chest. He pretended to be hurt, holding onto where I smacked him with an exaggerated expression. The girls exchanged surprised glances, clearly not anticipating this turn of events.
Cara elbowed me gently and whispered, “Looks like you’ve got a secret admirer.” I chuckled nervously, feeling a mix of flattery and puzzlement at Xavier’s sudden generosity. Julie approached and asked, “Xavier, what are you doing here?” “I was with my friends over there when I noticed you ladies, and I thought I should pay for the ladies,” Xavier replied, looking at me with a hint of admiration. I knew that after he cornered me in the kitchen, I’d been wary of him because he kept telling me I looked like someone he knew, perhaps his love interest.
We all looked in the direction he pointed, and I noticed a Greek god with piercing blue eyes. His jawline was perfectly set, and he had a broad chest. He wore a white shirt, folded neatly, with his tie hanging loosely around his neck. His eyes were solely on Julie. Dang, this guy was hot. His steps were like those of a runway model as he made his way to Julie. Julie was lovestruck, unable to take her eyes off him. I’m so happy for Julie; after waiting so long for her mate, he’s finally here. Her years of crushing on Zach were not in vain, because the Moon Goddess blessed her with a Greek god.
“Mate,” Julie muttered in disbelief as she found her way to meet her mate. “This is beautiful,” I chimed in, watching as they locked in a tight hug, never wanting to let go. A soft cough from me brought smiles to their faces as they released each other. “Hi, I’m Ryder,” he said with a face full of smiles. Julie, blushing and unable to contain her joy, responded, “Hi, I’m Julie.” Ryder drew her into another hug, gazing at her like she meant the world to him, the love in his eyes palpable. I couldn’t contain my joy as I exclaimed, “This is beautiful, but can we all go back to the pack?” Ryder and the guys nodded as they made their way back, and the girls and I headed to the car.
She deserves all the love and happiness in the world, and it’s wonderful to see her so happy with Ryder. Ryder and Julie exchanged contact information, promising to meet again soon. As we reached the car, Julie suddenly screamed, “Lyra, pinch me!” I chuckled at her excitement, understanding what she meant. It felt like a dream to her, finding her mate and wanting to make sure it wasn’t just a wonderful dream but a beautiful reality. “This is an open check,” so I pinched her hard. “Ouch, Lyra, that hurt!” I smiled and said, “Oh, sorry about that.”
Julie screamed, “I finally found my mate, Lyra. This is unbelievable.” “I’m so happy for you, Julie, Ryder is quite the catch. He could make any girl swoon in a second.” Julie laughed but quickly added, “No, Lyra, that’s my man. Stop fantasizing about him!” Cara laughed and chimed in, “You better not say this before the Alpha, so he doesn’t castrate Ryder.” Julie smirked and replied confidently, “Alpha dare not do that when I haven’t ridden Ryder’s dick.” She playfully demonstrated by mimicking riding his dick, and we all burst out laughing.
I never knew my friends had this fun and cheeky side to them. Perhaps we hadn’t had the chance to let loose and have fun like this before, but it was a refreshing experience. Soon enough, we arrived at the pack, and Xavier was by my side, ready to walk me. Since it was past seven, I didn’t feel like facing the Alpha just yet. Instead of heading to my room, I decided to go to the garden to relax.
I sat on one of the benches while Xavier took a seat opposite me. He was looking at me intently, as if trying to piece together the dots of my life. Xavier’s gaze was so focused that it made me slightly uncomfortable. I shifted in my seat, trying to ease the tension that seemed to be building between us. “What’s on your mind, Xavier?” I finally asked, breaking the silence that had settled between us. Xavier smiled and said, “Pregnancy suits you.” I returned the smile and replied, “Thank you.”
I hadn’t really taken the time to reflect on whether this statement was true or not, but everyone around me seemed to agree. It was surprising to me because my pregnancy had been relatively smooth so far. I only experienced morning sickness, and after that, everything seemed to fall into place. I didn’t have constant vomiting or excessive cravings that were out of the ordinary.NôvelDrama.Org owns all © content.
“I missed our time here,” Xavier said, still looking at me with a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. I was taken aback by Xavier’s revelation. Our time here had mostly been disrupted by Alpha. So I asked him, “I thought you were never a fan of Alpha.” He rolled his eyes playfully and explained, “We are cousins, and he has been our rock since our parents died. It’s just that he has a different way of showing his emotions.” “Wow, that’s a new one,” I said, impressed by Xavier’s insight into their relationship. “It’s good to have you back. I noticed a glimmer of light in Alpha since you got back.”
I silently thought, “If only you knew that I’m here temporarily. I can’t let my guard down around him, even if everyone feels I bring light or life to him.” Just then, a voice from behind Xavier interrupted our conversation. “Get back to your room. You have said enough.” Without even looking back, I knew exactly who it was. The authority in his voice and the way he commanded respect made it clear-it was Alpha Kessler.