Chapter 24: As His Luna Wants It
"How did you know I was hurt?" Reana asked, her voice low and cold.
Her injuries were always kept hidden from the pack members. The warriors, healer, and Mirian knew not to utter a word about her injuries to not alarm the pack members or cause unrest. And with the current tensions running high, it was even more crucial to maintain that secrecy. Yet, somehow, Ryder knew about it.
"I was there," Ryder said, his voice laced with a mix of sadness and regret. "I was standing on a hill, watching you fight. I saw your white fur dyed red with your own blood." He paused, his eyes clouding over with remorse. "I tried to shift, to come to your aid, but my wolf..."
His voice trailed off, and he sighed, his shoulders sagging under the weight of his frustration. "I’m sorry, My Luna. I’m useless." The last words were barely above a whisper, spoken with a depth of self-loathing that made Reana’s heart ache. At the same time, filled with emotions she couldn’t explain.
Her grip on his hand tightened, a fierce protectiveness sparking within her. "Don’t you ever see yourself as useless, Ryder," she said, her voice firm but gentle. "I forbid you from uttering such words. You are mine, and I will not have you belittling yourself." Her eyes locked onto his, burning with an intensity that left no room for doubt.
Ryder’s eyes widened in surprise, his face alight with a mix of hope and longing. "You mean that?"
A subtle gasp escaped her lips when she realized she’d let her emotions get the best of her. Now, it was too late to take back her words. Her eyes darted away, her cheeks flushing with a sudden burst of color.
Suddenly, in a heartbeat, Ryder’s arms wrapped around her, pulling her into a gentle, warm hug. He buried his face in the crook of her neck, holding her close but careful enough to not press her injury.
Ryder didn’t want to let go. For how long had he yearn for this hug, for this proximity, to feel her heartbeat against his...once more?
Reana stiffened, her mind freezing in shock as she felt Ryder’s arms around her. For a moment, she was trapped in a state of suspended animation, unsure of how to react to the unexpected display of affection.
The warmth of Ryder’s breath on the sensitive skin of her neck sent a shiver down her spine, and a slow-burning heat began to rise up her body. Her heart pounded in her chest, its rhythmic beat echoing in her ears, as a fluttery sensation rose in her stomach.
Reana’s senses came alive, and she felt her body respond to Ryder’s ’innocent’ touch, her reaction both thrilling and terrifying.