Mated To Alpha Kessler

Lyra’s POV

I watch him leave my room, and I can’t help but hold my hand to my mouth to stifle the cry that threatens to burst out. I feel numb and drained.

As time passes, I can’t seem to put it together. Eventually, I burst out crying, allowing the tears to flow freely.

I need it for my sanity. I need to let go so I can start all over again. I’m stuck in a circle without any sense of direction.

I cry my eyes out, and before I know it, I drift off to sleep.

Sasha refuses to communicate with me. I understand it’s painful because of the bond she shares with Dolph, but I need to reclaim my sanity.

I feel a presence in the room. I struggle to open my eyes because of the brightness flooding in from the morning sun piercing through my window.

Finally, I manage to look and realize it’s Julie. I muster a small smile, and that encourages her to move closer to me.

“Hi, Lyra,” she says.

Masking the sadness and loneliness clouding me, I reply, “Hi.”

“You are a mess,” she said.

I roll my eyes and reply, “Thank you for stating the obvious.”

“Please run a bath for me,” I request. She leaves and does as told, allowing me to ponder my next step.

I’ll need to check on Shawn to know the latest with Holly. I have to leave the pack during the mating ceremony when everyone will be in a merry mood, too preoccupied to notice if someone is missing or not.

Cara walks in, her voice carrying a sing-song mood. “Morning, Lyra,” she greets.

“Morning, Cara,” I reply, taking a good look at her and noticing she’s glowing. I couldn’t help but comment.

“Damn, girl, you are glowing,” I remark.

She blushes, covering her face with her hands. “Thank you, Lyra.”

Then she asks, “Have you done the deed?”

“Yes, Lyra and it’s way out of this world,” Cara exclaims with palpable happiness. I can feel her joy radiating, reminiscent of the bond I felt with Kessler when we made love.

“I hope you used protection because I don’t think I’m sane enough to become an aunt,” I joke.

Cara bursts out with heart-wrenching laughter. “No, Lyra,” she replies between laughs, “Zach couldn’t wait to start having his pups. He said he’s been denied for too long to wait again.”

“Yurk!” I exclaim, feeling a mix of amusement and slight discomfort at Cara’s blunt description.

“Don’t be like that, Lyra,” Cara chides gently. “And you,” she continues, turning her attention to me, “I see you and your mate are getting along. Gosh, you need to see the way he looks at you when you’re not watching.”

I feel a flutter of warmth at the thought. “Alpha is smitten over you,” Cara remarks, “but I wonder what’s the reason for stalling and not taking you as his Luna.”

I sigh heavily, noticing Julie is now out of the bathroom, her face lighting up when she sees Cara.

“Hi, Cara,” Julie greets.

“Hi, Julie,” Cara responds warmly.

I leave them both and head to the bathroom. Looking at myself in the mirror, I realize I truly look like a mess.

I touch the part where Kessler had marked me, realizing that nothing remains there anymore. There’s no spark, no sensation.

Sasha finally speaks up, “Isn’t that what you wanted?”Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

“Sasha, we are leaving this pack, and it’s not going to be like last time, without a plan. Do you get it?”

“I want to get my life back on track. I won’t make a fuss about my uncle again. I refuse to do his bidding, and as for my mum, I refuse to call that woman my mother.”

She had proven time and time again that I wasn’t her child. My doubts were confirmed, as I couldn’t fathom her reasons for treating me like I meant nothing to her.

I had a long shower, scrubbing my body to rid myself of anything that could remind me of Kessler. But it was of no use; every fiber of my being still missed and craved him.

After a long hour in the bathroom, I step out and find a tray of delicious meals. My stomach growls, and I’m grateful for the food.

I dress up and eat until I’m full. Julie and Cara leave, leaving me feeling lonely. So, I take my journal and jot down important notes of things I’ll be needing.

Stepping outside to my balcony to get some fresh air, I notice the whole pack already decorated in preparation for the mating ceremony. I feel a pang of sadness, but I gather my courage and brace myself for what’s to come.

I hear a soft knock on my door and move to answer it, realizing it’s Shawn.

“Shawn, what are you doing here?” I ask in a hushed tone.

“I didn’t know how to reach you, so I had to sneak my way. Here is a phone so we can communicate better,” he explains.

“Oh, thank you, Shawn,” I replied gratefully.

“I’ll have to hurry before I’m caught anywhere around you. I’ll call you to tell you how it’s going with Holly,” Shawn says before leaving.

I nod my head in understanding as he departs.

Staring at the phone after he’s gone, I realize it’s part of the things I listed to buy, and Shawn was thoughtful enough to give me one.

Julie walks in with a dress bag in hand. “Wow, didn’t know you went shopping,” I commented.

She shakes her head and says, “No, I didn’t. It’s for you.”

“Me?” I ask, surprised.

“Yes, he wants you to wear it for the mating ceremony,” Julie confirms.

“Okay,” I reply cautiously, not wanting to give away any emotions.

I open the dress bag and bring out a gorgeous emerald green gown that sparkles, lighting up the whole room.

It has a small v-cut on the neck and a long slit that would probably reach my thigh. It’s too beautiful for just a guest to wear.

I run my fingers over the fabric, feeling its softness and admiring the details of the gown.

The emerald green color is vibrant, and the sparkles catch the light, illuminating the whole room.

It’s a stunning dress, too beautiful for a mere guest to wear.

What message is Kessler trying to convey by sending me such a dress? And why does he want me to attend the mating ceremony?

“What will Annie be wearing if I’m given this gorgeous gown?” I thought.

“Could it be that he has a plan?” Sasha suggests.

“Whatever plan he has, I’m not ready to be part of it,” I assert.

“Thank you, Julie, and thank Alpha for me,” I express my gratitude.

“I’m glad you like it,” Julie responds, looking at me oddly.

She senses something is amiss but refrains from prying, and I’m not ready to share any information.

In the evening, I check the phone and realize that Shawn has sent me a bunch of text messages. He sent Holly’s contact and her address, mentioning that Holly and her mom are willing to have me with them.

I reply to Shawn, expressing my gratitude and confirming that I’ll reach out to Holly.

Then, I start making plans in my head, preparing myself mentally for the next steps.

My mind wanders to Kessler, wondering how he’s taking the rejection. It’s for the greater good of his pack, I remind myself. And I won’t stand in his way.

With that thought, I drift off to sleep.