Chapter 36%
“I understand perfectly,” Nok interrupted, his voice like steel. “You had your chance, and you blew it. Lyria is mine now. And I’ll make sure she never feels the way you made her feel.”
My mother reached out toward me, her hand trembling. “Lyria, please. I’m your mother. Don’t do this.”
I took a deep breath, my voice steady as I spoke. “You’re not my mother, you never treated me like one. I was hopeful. But not anymore. A mother loves and protects her child. Febby is the one who’s shown me what that feels like
Febby stepped forward, her eyes locked on my mother. “You heard her. Leave,” she said firmly.
voice low an
and
Damon looked like he wanted to argue, but Nok’s growl silenced him. “You don’t belong here,” Nok said, his voice threatening.
Damon stood slowly, his shoulders slumping. “Lyria… I’m sorry,” he said quietly.
I turned away from him, leaning into Nok’s embrace “It’s too late, Damon,” I said softly
As they left, Nok tumed to me, his hand gently cupping my cheek. “Are you okay?” he asked, his voice filled with concern.
I nodded, giving him a small smile. Tam now.” I said.
Rudina walked in, her eyes darting around curiously. “Why does the air feel like it’s about to explode? What happened?” she asked, tilting her head like she’d missed something important
Nok sighed, stepping forward. He didn’t say a word, just gave me a soft kiss on my forehead. “Til leave you with Rudina,” he said gently, his voice calm but protective. Then he tumed to his mother “Mother, let’s give them some space.”
Febby nodded, giving me a knowing smile before following her son out of the room
As soon as they were gone. Rudina sat herself down next to me, crossing her arms dramatically. “Spill it, Lyria. What’s going on? And don’t even try to say ‘nothing I know that face.“||
I shook my head, leaning back. “It’s nothing, Rudina. Just some unwelcome visitors, I’m fine now”
She frowned, clearly not buying it. “You sure? Because you look like you’ve been wrestling with your wolf and lost.”
I rolled my eyes, trying not to laugh. “I’m fine. Promise
Rudina studied me for a moment, then leaned closer with a sly grin. “Okay, if you’re fine, then let’s talk about something fun. Like your mating ceremony with Nok.”
1
I groaned, immediately shaking my head. “Nope. Not happening.”
“What? Why not?” she gasped, looking genuinely offended. “Lyria, you’re crazy if you think you’re getting out of this. He’s your mate. The ceremony is important.”
“I know you want him to fix your mating ceremony on the same day too so that we can do it at once. I know how you think, Rudina” caught her lies quickly
“But,” She protested.8
I shrugged, playing with a loose strand of hair. I don’t want to deal with his teasing. Rudina. He’s already insufferable enough.” Rudina threw her hands up, exasperated. “Teasing? Lyria, he’s literally obsessed with you! Do you know how many wolves would kill to have an Alpha as their mate, let alone one who’s so head over heels in love?”
I smirked. “Yeah, well, they can have him if they want. I’m good.”
“Stop it” Rudina said firmly, pointing a finger at me. “Nok isn’t just some Alpha. He’s your Alpha. Do you even realize what he’d do for you? The man practically worships the ground you walk on. If you told him to howl at the moon all night, he’d do it without blinking.
I raised an eyebrow. “That’s dramatic.”}
“It’s the truth!” Rudina insisted. “He’s respected by everyone, yet when it comes to you, he’s just this soft, love–struck wolf. Lyria, he adores you.”
“Go talk to him yourself”
2:26 PM
Nok
