Mated To Alpha Kessler

As I descend the steps, my heart races with unexpected shock at his presence. How did he slip away from the pack unnoticed? My mind races with worry, hoping Kessler won’t track him down here in Northville. Thoughts whirl in my head as I sprint down the stairs.

They both notice my approach and attempt civility, but it’s clear they’ve been in a heated argument. He steps closer, wrapping me in a hug. I reciprocate, but my face betrays my confusion.

I notice the worry etched in his gaze as he looks at me.

Breaking the silence, I address him, “What brings you here, Shawn? I hope you’re alright. And I pray no one will trace you down here,” I inquire all at once.

His small smile brings warmth to the tense atmosphere. “You worry too much,” he teases gently, “And you haven’t changed.”

In an attempt to lighten the mood, I play along, asking, “Is that a positive observation or otherwise?”

“Whichever you choose,” he responds with a wry retort.

I glance behind me and find Conor’s grumpy expression. My gaze shifts between the two of them, a knot of concern forming in my stomach. “Are you two okay?” I inquire, searching for any sign of explanation.

Conor remains silent, his actions speaking volumes as he walks past us with a curt remark, “I’ll allow you two to catch up.”

As he leaves, a sense of unease settles over me, wondering about the underlying tensions.

I exchange a perplexed glance with Shawn, silently questioning what might be bothering Conor. Despite the awkwardness of the moment, I turn back to Shawn, determined to focus on our conversation.

“So,” I begin, “were you two arguing?”

He puts his hand behind his head and replies, “Nothing, just some guy’s stuff.”

It didn’t look like ‘just some guy’s stuff’ to me, but anyway, “How have you been?” I ask, trying to shift the focus away from the tension.

He gives me a long, scrutinizing stare, his gaze piercing through me. “Lyra, you look more beautiful and calm here in Northville.”

“Thank you,” I reply softly, a sense of warmth spreading through me at his compliment. “And how is everyone back at Moonpeak?”

“By ‘everyone,’ do you mean Kessler?” His response catches me off guard.

I shoot him a cold glare, but he seems unfazed by my reaction.

“To reply to your question, Kessler is fine with his Luna, and they are running the pack so well,” he responds casually, oblivious to the pang of jealousy surging through me. I had been hoping for something different but his words only confirmed their stability and success.

Suppressing my emotions, I suggest we move to the lounge. I ask Emma to help prepare snacks for me and Shawn while we catch up, hoping the distraction will ease the tension building inside me.

Sitting down on a chair, I ask, “What brought you here?”

He meets my gaze earnestly, his expression sincere. “I just wanted to be sure you are fine, and I’m sure you were surprised when you met Holly”

I’m beyond shocked when I realize who Holly is, so many thoughts race through my mind, as if history wants to repeat itself. But so far, she’s been a darling.

Shawn chuckles, his expression distant as if lost in his thoughts.

I hold his hand, and it prompts him to snap his face toward me, his gaze locking onto mine as if he’s assessing my soul. Lost in his mesmerizing eyes, I sense the torrent of emotions swirling within him, as if he’s on the brink of unleashing them.

Gradually, he moves his lips toward mine, and confusion clouds my mind. Why is he suddenly showing interest in me after telling Kessler he dared not do so?

Could it be that there’s something he’s not telling me? I let out a small cough, breaking the spell of whatever fantasy he was lost in.

“Oh, sorry, I got carried away.”

“It’s okay, Shawn,” I reply softly, trying to ease the tension that hangs between us. “We both got carried away.”

“What is the latest about Jack?” I ask, my curiosity piqued.

“He’s still in the dungeon,” Shawn responds solemnly. “People have been coming to testify against him, especially Alpha Tristan. He feels he was manipulated by Jack.”

I nodded, absorbing the information. “And what about his pack?”

“The Alpha King has taken over Jack’s pack,” Shawn explains, “but he appointed my dad to oversee its smooth running.”

“Thank the moon goddess that everything is back to normal,” I say with relief.

“I need to ask you again, Shawn,” I continue, hoping he’ll be straightforward with me and not play games.

His interest piques. “Okay, I’m listening,” he responds.

“What were you two arguing about?” I inquire, my curiosity getting the better of me.

His face falls, and he seems to weigh the consequences of telling me. Eventually, he opens his mouth and says,

“Kessler has sent a search party to look out for you, and Conor’s calls might have triggered that,” Shawn reveals.

I’m shocked by the new revelation. Kessler and Conor-how are they two related? Do they know each other?

After a long pause, Shawn finally says, “Yes, they are cousins.” The pieces start to fall into place and understand the connection between them.

Sasha purrs with the news about Kessler looking for me. I don’t know if I should be happy or sad about him declaring a search party for me.

But that thought makes me wonder: I haven’t talked to any of the brothers about Kessler. They only picked me up at the gate. So how is he able to know I’m linked to Kessler?

“He knows, Lyra,” Shawn confirms. “I couldn’t convince him enough, so I had to explain the circumstances surrounding your coming.”

“So Kessler does know where I am now?” I ask, seeking confirmation.

Slowly, he nods his head in affirmation.

“Lyra, please don’t do anything stupid because of your condition,” he pleads with me.

His words catch me off guard. I thought he didn’t know that I was pregnant because he didn’t mention it when he first saw me.

“I gave him my word, Shawn. I won’t,” I assure him. “I like it here, and I’m gradually building my life in Northville.”

“Please be safe, remember, not everyone should be trusted,” he adds, the latter part whispered only in my ear.

I nod in agreement, absorbing his words, but I can’t shake the curiosity about why he felt the need to emphasize that caution. After much catching up, he bids farewell and goes his way, leaving me to ponder his cryptic warning.

I walk into the living room and settle onto the couch, absentmindedly scrolling through channels on the TV. Eventually, I settled for a musical station, the soothing melodies helping me to relax. Gradually, I begin to doze off, feeling a sense of calm wash over me.

However, even in my half-asleep state, I can sense a presence looming around me, a feeling that sends a shiver down my spine.

Scared, I snap open my eyes and find myself lost in his mesmerizing gaze. I’m momentarily disoriented, wondering if I’m still dreaming. What could he be doing here?

Quickly, I sit up in haste, feeling a surge of adrenaline coursing through me.

“Careful so you don’t harm the baby,” his voice calming. “I’m not here to harm you, little one.”

His words ease some of my apprehension, but questions still swirl in my mind as I try to make sense of his unexpected presence.

“I know you won’t do that,” I reply softly, summoning my courage, I ask him directly, “What are you doing here?”