Chapter 95: A pill I can't swallow

Chapter 95: A pill I can't swallow
Gwendolyn followed behind Kieran as he stepped out of the pack house.

Ryder and Odin had just arrived, looking completely weary.

When Ryder spotted her, the look in his eyes softened, like he was happy to finally see her. But it disappeared the moment he turned to Kieran.

Kieran must have noticed it too because he instantly became possessive. He gently pulled her against him, fingers curling tight around her waist.

His expression was neutral, but his eyes held a silent warning.

"What happened?" He asked.

Ryder cleared his throat. "Kade is dead."

"You told me this through the mind link. How did he die?"

"Aconite, Alpha." Odin answered. "When we stopped to get some rest, he tried to escape. We chased after him, but before we could catch him, he had already emptied the vial of aconite on him."

"How did he get a vial of aconite?"

"We think it was with him. Hidden." Ryder answered. "Before he died, he said Ragnar already killed his mate and his daughter. He felt the broken mate bond. He said he had nothing else to live for."

"I guess Ragnar didn't trust him to return." Kieran murmured. "And I know Ragnar. He hasn't gone to the Immortals yet. Something is stopping him from going."

"What if we find out what he wants?" Gwendolyn suggested.

"He wants you, my love. And that's not going to happen." Kieran said. "Ragnar wants everything I have. You, my pack, my position. And he doesn't try to hide it."

"What are we going to do now?"

Kieran gazed at her softly. She was worried, and maybe just a little bit scared even though she tried to hide it.

He stroked her face and smiled. "Why don't you go back to the house, my love. Let me have a talk with Ryder."

Gwendolyn didn't want to leave. She wanted to stay there and listen to whatever he had to tell Ryder.

But she smiled and nodded. "Alright."

Kieran leaned down and kissed her, right in front of the entire pack members. When he pulled back, her face was aflame with a blush.

He gave her waist a soft squeeze and released her. "Odin, go with her. Stay there until I return."

"Yes, Alpha." Odin nodded and silently followed Gwendolyn.

Kieran waited until she was gone before turning his attention back to Ryder.

"The lycan escaped." He began.

Ryder gasped in shock. "Julian? How?"

"Lilithia helped me escape. And I'm willing to bet she did it because she discovered they were mates."

He started to walk away, hands clasped behind his back. Ryder followed beside him.

"If they're truly mates, why did they just find out?"

"You know how the mate bond works, Ryder. It chooses its own time. That's the only reason Lilithia would betray me and help Julian escape."

"How's Gwen taking it?"

"How do you expect her to take it?" Kieran asked curtly. "He turned against her. And I know the bastard is up to something. I know he will be back."

"Then what are we waiting for? Let me lead the warriors to find them."

"That won't be necessary. Lilithia is dead."

Ryder was shocked yet again. "What? How do you know this?"

"The pack's bond connecting me to her is broken. I feel the emptiness. She's dead."

"And you think Julian killed her."

"I don't think. I know. The man is sick in the head. As it stands, there's only one woman he wants. And that's Gwendolyn."

"Why would he kill his mate for another woman? The mate bond..."

"There are a lot of things greater than the mate bond, Ryder. One of them is obsession. Once love turns into obsession, it blinds the person. That is Julian's state right now. He would go to any length to take Gwendolyn from me, even if it means getting rid of his own mate. I won't be surprised if he's already planning a way to get rid of me too."

"Then we must find him." Ryder said. "I'll assemble the warriors. Every pack will be searched until he's found."

"Good. But that is not the only reason I wanted to speak to you."

Ryder looked away. He already knew what Kieran was driving at.

"It's about Gwen, isn't it?" He murmured.

"She's pregnant."

Ryder looked up sharply. A strange emotion crossed his eyes and disappeared instantly.

"She's carrying my child." Kieran continued. "I'm going to crown her my Luna."

"That's... that's wonderful news, Kieran. She will be a great Luna."

"But your feelings for her aren't gone, are they?"

Ryder's eyes widened. "You knew? Did she...?"

"No, she didn't tell me." Kieran lied. "I'm not blind, Ryder. Did you think I wouldn't notice my best friend's infatuation for my woman? Only it isn't mere infatuation anymore. You love her."

"Kieran, you know me." Ryder sighed. "I would never betray you, or come between you and Gwendolyn. You're not just my best friend. You're my Alpha. My loyalty comes first."

"It doesn't stop your feelings from growing. I talked about love becoming obsession. Being a hybrid made me realize just how strong a lycan and a Wilding's feelings are. It can quickly grow into something stronger. Something darker."

He placed a hand on Ryder's shoulder. "I know you love Gwen. But she can never be yours. She will never return your feelings. And Ryder, you'll find your mate someday. I don't want this to cause a rift in our friendship. I love Gwen more than words can express. And knowing my best friend loves her too is a pill I can't swallow."

Ryder took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I understand you, Kieran. If I were in your shoes, I'd do the same for the woman I love. The thing is, I never meant to fall for her. It just... happened. And I let it happen because I thought you were going to reject her someday."

Kieran chuckled. "Yeah, I thought so too. Until I realized she was the reason for my existence."

Ryder grinned slyly. "Look at you. Who knew the ruthless alpha hybrid of Nightshade pack would fall for a woman? His own enemy?"

"I guess love makes you do unexpected things. When you find your mate, you'll understand."

Ryder chuckled drily. "You have my word, Kieran. I swore my loyalty to you, and nothing would ever change that. What I feel for Gwendolyn will pass. I assure you."

Kieran tapped his shoulder and smiled. "Now to more important things. I was planning on crowning Gwen in two weeks. But I'm bringing it closer. There's a lot at stake. And Khal has Gwen's mother in Tartarus."

Ryder frowned. "He appeared to you?"

"He did. I swore never to step foot there, but when it comes to Gwen, I'll do anything. Her powers are getting out of control. I want to bring her mother back, then find a way for her to control it before the Immortals find out."

"Alright." Ryder nodded. "What do you need me to do?"

"Take a dozen warriors to Silvercrest pack. I want to know every move Ragnar makes. A lot of things are about to start happening."