I pick up Alyssa, and stop at the snack tent and grab a frozen fruit smoothie, and a big chocolate chip cookie for Alyssa to tide her over until dinner. Then I head towards the fights with Alyssa on my hip.
Beta and Gamma fights have started. Brandon looks fine, so he must not have fought yet. I do not observe my companion, fortunately. I soon observe Ryker seated on the bleacher, exhibiting a swollen eye and lip, yet maintaining a positive demeanour. I approached him, positioned myself in front of him, and enquired, “How did it transpire?””
“I have been defeated,” he concedes, his tone reflecting resignation.
“Securing second place among these warriors is still commendable,” I attempt to uplift his spirits. He acknowledges with a nod.
“The foremost position is superior.” It must be gratifying to know that you surpassed all those women. “I am exceedingly proud of you, Celine,” he states with a smile.
“It is indeed quite pleasurable,” I concede with a playful grin. I observe his swollen cheek and bring my frozen smoothie to make contact with it.
“You ought to be applying ice to this,” I grimace.
He gazes at me and smiles. I have never observed him gaze at me in this manner before. He consistently exhibits kindness towards me. He places his hand on my arm while maintaining eye contact. He gazes at me with an expression resembling adoration. Ryker is a commendable individual; he possesses strength and attractiveness. Even with Alyssa in my embrace, he gazes at me as though I am extraordinary. I recognise the necessity to progress. He would serve as a commendable paternal figure for Alyssa as well. I believe he has not yet discovered his mate, and he is merely 22 years old. Perhaps? I must discuss this matter with him privately at some juncture. However, I require time to comprehend the loss of my companion. I am jolted from my reverie by the sound of a resounding growl.
I turn my head and observe my companion, infuriated, as he approaches me. I am uncertain about his issue.
“Remove your hand from her immediately,” he commands, exuding complete Alpha authority. Ryker appears perplexed and releases my arm.
“What is your issue?”“I enquire, thoroughly exasperated.” He does not desire me, yet no one else is permitted to possess me either.
“May I converse with you?”He enquires, now with a somewhat more composed tone. Does he wish to converse with me now? “Kindly?”He speaks even more softly. I hesitate, yet ultimately nod, and he motions for me to proceed first.
“You need not depart, Celine,” Ryker states, possibly out of concern or jealousy. I am uncertain.
“It is acceptable, Ryker,” I reassure him.
We proceed to a more secluded location, with Alyssa still in my embrace. We are situated in a secluded grassy area, away from others.
“What?”I enquire directly.
“May we take a seat?”He enquires, his eyes imploring, and his tone soft, prompting me to sit on the grass and place Alyssa on my lap. I offer her a portion of the cookie I obtained for her, and she is satisfied with it.
“Mmm, cookie,” she repeatedly articulates.
Her diminutive voice expressing affection for her cookie is exceedingly endearing. I observe Cohen, and he is also smiling. That is painful. Observing the man I desire in every conceivable manner, gazing affectionately at the individual I cherish and am most protective of. He appears exceptionally attractive as well. His t-shirt clings to his arms and chest, revealing his impeccably sculpted physique. Concentrate, Celine, concentrate.
“What was the subject you wished to discuss with me?”I enquire with slightly reduced intensity than previously.
I have committed a significant error. I accompanied you to the hospital last night, believing you, Brandon, and Alyssa constituted a family. I believed that Brandon and you were in a relationship and that you merely experienced a moment of weakness with me.
“What?” Myself with Brandon? “He is my brother,” I declare with disdain.
He smiles, “Indeed, Brandon informed me.”
“Did you converse with Brandon?”
“Indeed, he also informed me that you believed I departed due to your having a child,” he admits, his green eyes regarding me as though he empathises with my anguish. I nod, attempting to suppress my tears.
“Are you entirely unattached?”He enquires, and I affirm once more with a nod.
“Thank the Moon Goddess!”“He exclaims with a sense of relief.” I cannot refrain from smiling slightly.
“Are you unconcerned about my status as a mother?”I confirm, refraining from raising my expectations.
“To be candid, it pains me that you have shared so much with another man.” Conceiving a child is painful, as I believe she ought to belong to us rather than to you and others. It pains me, yet I am unwilling to lose you,” his admission brings me to tears. His declaration of not wanting to lose me causes my heart to swell with joy. Not as it has been perceived throughout the day.
