chapter 48 "Do You Want Him?"
Dorian's POV
I fled the bathroom like a coward, my heart hammering against my ribs. The taste of her lips still burned on mine, and my wolf howled in protest at the separation.
"You need to rest," I managed, my voice barely controlled. "We'll talk tomorrow."
I closed the door between us with more force than necessary, leaving Lyra standing alone in the steamy bathroom. Through the thin walls, I heard her confused whisper: "What did I say wrong?"
Everything. She'd said everything wrong by calling me Caleb's name while kissing me with such desperate tenderness.
The rage that followed was irrational and consuming. She'd kissed me, but whispered another man's name. Even drugged, even confused, she thought of him.
I paced the small living area like a caged animal, my hands clenched into fists. Why did it matter? She was supposed to forget me after the trial mate bond ended. She was supposed to be free.
But the thought of her finding comfort in Caleb's arms, of her choosing him over the monster she believed me to be, sent fury coursing through my veins.
Before I could stop myself, I was back at the bathroom door, pushing it open without ceremony.
"Do you want to kiss him?" The words erupted from me, harsh and demanding. "Caleb. Do you want him?"
Lyra startled, wrapping a towel around herself. The medication had left her eyes unfocused, but she met my gaze with surprising clarity.
"What kind of question is that?"
"Answer me." I stepped closer. "Are you in love with caleb?"
She blinked slowly, processing my words. "Caleb is my friend. I've never thought about kissing him before." She paused, her voice growing softer. "But now..."
The incomplete sentence hit me like a physical blow. She didn't deny her growing feelings for him.
"Now what?" I demanded.
"Now I don't know anything anymore," she whispered, tears gathering in her eyes. "I don't know who to trust, who to fear, or why my heart feels like it's breaking every time I try to remember."
I wanted to tell her the truth. Wanted to drop the pretense and show her that the man she'd kissed was me, not Caleb. But her terror when hearing my real name held me back.
"Rest," I said finally, backing away. "The medication needs time to work."
--
Lyra's POV
The medication's effects faded slowly, leaving me alone with racing thoughts and the phantom sensation of lips against mine. I touched my mouth, still feeling the heat of that desperate kiss.
My wolf remained restless, pacing within my consciousness.
Something's wrong, she insisted. The scent, the touch, the way he held us...
I replayed the moment in my mind—the way Caleb had kissed me back with such fierce hunger, as if he'd been starving for that contact.
When he'd pushed me away, his expression hadn't been rejection. It had been pain. Rage. The look of someone fighting against every instinct.
Sleep eluded me. Near midnight, I rose and stepped onto the small porch, seeking fresh air to clear my head. The forest was quiet except for the rustle of wind through leaves.
That's when I saw them.
A Gamma wolf approached Caleb where he stood in the moonlight, bowing his head in the formal submission reserved for pack hierarchy. They spoke in low voices, but I caught fragments:
"...border patrol reports..."
"...territory markers need reinforcement..."
"...your orders, Alpha heir..."
Alpha heir.
I pressed myself against the doorframe, my heart racing. Gammas didn't report pack business to Betas. They reported to Alphas.
--
Morning sunlight streamed through the windows as I found Caleb preparing breakfast. The air between us crackled with unspoken tension, both of us carefully avoiding mention of last night's kiss.
"Your injuries should be much better," he said formally, not meeting my eyes. "The medication typically provides twelve hours of healing enhancement."
I studied his face, noting the exhaustion evident in his features. "You look tired. Did something happen last night?"
He avoided my gaze, focusing intently on his coffee. "Nothing that concerns you."
"Speaking of concerns," I said, settling into my chair with deliberate calm, "I've decided how to use my gambling victory. My moon oath request."
His head snapped up, alert. "What request?"
"That Silvercrest Alpha seemed quite charming," I said casually.
His grip tightened on his mug. "You're a mated wolf, Lyra."
"He appeared very interested in my research. I think collaboration could be beneficial."
"I don't think he would approve any cooperation with Northern Territory wolves," his voice grew cold.
"I want him to allow me to attend tomorrow night's Moon Shadow Bay charity auction with Eric Silvercrest."
The mug slipped from his fingers, nearly shattering on the table. "Absolutely not! The Northern pack has territorial disputes with Silver Moon."
"Eric invited me to discuss Eclipse Syndrome research. This is important for my academic career."
"He won't agree to it. Choose another request, Lyra."
I leaned forward, challenge in my voice. "Moon oaths cannot be broken. If he's an honorable Alpha, he must comply."
He rose abruptly, his entire body radiating tension.
"How does a Beta develop such possessive instincts?" I asked quietly. "Such Alpha-like territorial behavior?"
"I'm following orders to protect you," he said stiffly.
"Really? Then why do your eyes flash gold every time I mention Eric? Beta eyes don't change color like that."
Before he could deflect again, knocking echoed from the front door. I moved to answer it, spotting a Northern Territory messenger through the window.
The wolf handed me an elegant invitation. "Silvercrest Alpha invites Nightfall Healer as his honored guest at tonight's Moon Shadow Bay charity auction."
I accepted the invitation gracefully, then turned to "Caleb." "It seems I won't need to use my moon oath request after all."
Fury blazed in his expression. "I'll accompany you."
"The invitation specifies private academic discussion. I prefer to go alone."
"No. It's too dangerous."
I raised an eyebrow. "Are you commanding me, Caleb? That doesn't sound very Beta-like."
A Gamma approached the porch, and I moved to open the door. Through the window, I watched his deferential posture toward "Caleb."
"I'll handle this," I said, reaching for the handle. "But tell me something, Caleb, or should I call you by another name? Alpha heir? Why exactly do Gammas come to you for orders?"