Mated To Alpha Kessler

Lyra’s POV

I was stunned to see the news about Kessler and Annie’s marriage having issues just barely months after their mating ceremony.

Sasha gave a jubilant dance, and I rolled my eyes at her, asking, “You seem happy with the news?”

“Of course, yes! I know she couldn’t stand a chance with you in Kessler’s heart. She manipulated her way into the pack, and I’m glad they will eventually get a divorce.”

“Sasha, I screamed, ‘Don’t be happy at someone else’s downfall!'” She rolled her eyes as I cut the mind-link.

Truth be told, I feel for Kessler over his marriage issue, but one can’t be sure because these blogs and magazines will stop at nothing to bring down one’s reputation with their gossip and unverified information.

I was about to take a nap when I heard a knock on the door. I contemplated whether to open the door or not, but then I heard Conor’s voice.

“Lyra, please open the door,” he bangs on it. “Even if I were sleeping and wanted to ignore him, his persistence would eventually make me open up.”

Reluctantly, I moved to the door and opened it. I was still pissed at him, noticing his hand resting on the door frame. He looked tired but managed to clean up nicely from the flour I poured on him and Zach.

Whatever transpired between him and Zach after I left was none of my business; they sure do have an ugly past, which I am not ready to interfere with.

I tried to stifle a smile when I remembered how they both looked funny with flour all over their bodies while on the floor.

“I know what you are thinking right now, but the good news is I bring a peace offering,” he said. Showing me a bowl of ice cream in his hand.

I soften a bit at his gesture. “Ice cream?” I raised an eyebrow, trying to maintain a glare.

“Who says no to a bowl of ice cream?”

“Yes, your favorite flavor,” he replied with a playful grin.

“I’m still angry with you.”

“You can’t stay angry at me for long,” he said, giving me a peck on my cheek.

Despite my attempts at resistance, a smile tugged at the corners of my lips. “Okay, fine. But only because I love ice cream.”

He chuckled, handing me the bowl. “Exactly my plan.”

“How have you been? Did you miss me?” he asked all at once as he sat on the couch.

Then it occurred to me to ask him, “How did you find me?”

“It was easy, Lyra.”

The way my name rolled off his tongue made me want to suck his lips in an instant. Wait, what’s wrong with me? I can’t be thinking about this with Conor.

“Are you okay?” he asked, looking deep into my eyes as I locked my gaze with his, lost in his gray eyes.

I took a moment to gather my thoughts, breaking the intense eye contact. “I’m fine,” trying to sound composed.

Conor leaned closer, his concern evident. “You seem a bit distracted. Is everything okay?”

“He is undeniably good-looking,” I thought to myself, momentarily distracted. “I… I am fine,” I stuttered but managed to ask him, “Tell me how you found me.”

“I own this goddamn city; nothing happens without my consent.”

I rolled my eyes. “I’m stuck with another arrogant man.”

“Okay, to quench your curiosity, I know the cab man that dropped you, so he had to tell me where he dropped you.”

“Hmm,” is all I could say.

He moved closer, holding my hands, Lyra I’m sorry

“I was stunned as my name rolled out again from his mouth. Could it be the pregnancy hormone?” I wondered, trying to snap out of it and regain my composure.

“So, What have you been up to?”

“Nothing much, just watching the news,” I replied casually.

He offered me the ice cream, and I started scooping it into my mouth, trying to focus on the sweetness and distract myself from the whirlwind of emotions and thoughts swirling inside me.

As I enjoyed the ice cream, Conor’s gaze lingered on me, his expression unreadable. I have a feeling that there was more he wanted to say, but he kept it to himself for the moment.

We talked at length into the night, and Conor’s sense of humor made me laugh so hard that I forgot I was initially upset with him.

What struck me most was how attentive he was to every detail of our conversation. He would make references to things I had mentioned before, showing just how well he listened and how much he cared.

For once in my life, I felt genuinely happy to have a seamless and meaningful conversation with someone who paid such close attention. It was a refreshing change from the usual interactions I had experienced.

The way Conor joked and gestured with his hands just to make me laugh was incredibly funny.

The entire experience was exhilarating, something I had never quite had with anyone else before. Lost in the moment, I didn’t even realize it had passed midnight.

We decided to watch a movie, and as I scooped ice cream, Conor settled beside me. Gradually, I found myself drifting off to sleep, my head resting on his lap. He gently caressed my hair, soothing me into a peaceful sleep.

I felt the baby kick, jolting me awake from my slumber, and I sat up abruptly. Conor gave me a warm smile as he helped move my hair away from my face.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

“What time is it?” I asked, looking around and trying to make sense of my surroundings.

“It’s one am,” Conor replied calmly.

“Aren’t you going home?” I ask, feeling a mix of confusion and comfort in his presence.

“Home is nothing without your warmth, Lyra,” he said, looking me in the eyes.

His words sent a shudder of emotions through me, hearing him say my name with such tenderness.

“Damn it, Lyra, get a grip on yourself,” I scolded myself internally, trying to push aside the overwhelming feelings that threatened to consume me.

“Conor, you know that it’s bound to happen anyway. I can’t continue staying at your place. I’ll have to find my apartment, and you, Conor, will help me,” I said firmly, pointing my finger at his chest.

He took hold of my hand and gave it a kiss, his eyes filled with emotions I couldn’t quite explain.

“I understand, but I’m not leaving your side tonight. I’m crashing here,” then he stood up.

“Okay, but you are sleeping on the couch,” I insisted, wanting to establish boundaries even as my heart fluttered with conflicting emotions.

Conor grinned, and said “Deal.”

That’s the least I can do for someone who has accommodated me for months.

He motioned for me to come closer, and I obliged, standing face to face as he held onto my shoulder.

“The moment I saw you, Lyra, I had the feeling that you had become my responsibility, and I’m going to make sure you are comfortable in any way I can.”

His words made me blush deeply as I tried to comprehend this new kind of feeling and what it might mean for us.

He tilted my face up, his smile breaking the awkward moment. “How is the baby?” he asked, shifting the conversation to a lighter topic.

I nodded, “Very well. It kicked just now, which is why I woke up from my sleep.”

Then, Conor’s tone turned more serious. “I have an important request, and it’s been on my mind for quite some time. Please, Lyra, don’t say no.”

My face squeezed in anticipation of what he wanted to say. “Okay… I’m listening, Conor. What is it?”

“Lyra, please go out on a date with me,” he asked earnestly, his eyes searching mine for a response.