Her meaning was now as sharp and clear as a fresh wound.
Lyra had only entered the previous Mating contract due to Pack ethics and necessity.Now that nothing stood in the way—no legal tie,no claimed Mate—she and Ryder could finally complete their destined bond.
Elara slowly swirled the ceremonial mead in her glass and asked lightly,“So,what you are declaring is...you desire your Alpha,Lyra?”
Lyra’s face flushed instantly,a deep,tell-tale red.
She lowered her head and whispered,“I...I don’t know.I’ve just always depended on him for my safety and protection.”
Her voice took on a nostalgic,possessive tone as she continued,“When I was a sick pup,my Alpha stayed by my side all night,guarding the entrance to my den.When I was targeted by the rogue teenagers at the training grounds,he personally went to confront the Clan Leaders of their families.Even when I first experienced my first internal cycle,my Alpha ran out to secure the necessary human supplies…”
Elara listened,feeling a crushing,hollow emptiness grow inside her.She suddenly realized that even though she and Ryder had been pups together,she could never compete with the primal,familial bond that he and Lyra shared.