Claimed By The Lycan King (Kaia) novel Chapter 90

Chapter 90

Kaia's POV

Nothing was more stressful than having to pretend that I didn't know what was going on between Dylan and Allie and then waiting for her to tell me herself. I couldn't talk to Dani because she was clinging to Caleb which was very much understandable. And I didn't want to ruin Nessa's fantasy about having a perfect mate or a relationship in general.

I gave up trying to figure things out and set out to go look for Kieran but I barely took two steps from where I was sitting in the child's care when Dylan blocked me.

“Shouldn't you be at training?" I asked him.

Without answering me, he took my hands in his, leading me outside. This caused most of the members in the room to look at us, wondering what was going on.

“You’ve been ignoring me, were you ever going to tell me?" He asked. “I mean, you didn't have to tell me, but I thought we were becoming friends at least.”

I sighed, "it really didn't come up in our conversation. And I wasn't hiding it…from you. I was ignoring you because I felt bad you had to find out that way.”

He let out a relieved smile, "It was really cool though.”

"Do you want to get injured so that you can see how cool it really is?” I asked, a smile finding its way to my face also.

"I'd rather not, it looked painful.”

"That was because his condition was critical, you can't blame me for that. I'll make yours less painful.” I joked, and soon enough, both of us were laughing.

"You have to be the coolest wolf I've seen, and now I'm excited to see your form.”

Assuring him that we could go on a run together once things died down. It was surprising how neither of us were talking about when he was going to go back…I doubt Kieran would refuse if he wanted to leave now.

“I’m going to see Allie, I'll see you during the meeting.” He said, bringing me for a hug. I was surprised the first time he did that, but now, I'd be even more surprised if he didn't hug me.

"Bye, take care of her.”

He nodded, and I stared at his retreating figure. "By the way, there's a ghost behind you.” I heard him yell as he left and I scoffed, “what was I? A five year old?"

I still turned back to check just in case and a scream left my lips when I did.

"What the fuck is wrong with you?” I yelled at Ryder, his hair was disheveled, his bloodshot eyes had enough dark circles to show that he hadn't slept in days.

"Bella…" Kieran's voice called immediately, “are you okay?" He asked, worry evident in his voice.

“Yea, I'm okay." I replied, taking another look at Ryder. “I just saw something, I'm sorry for making you worried."

“It's okay. Just be careful, okay? I love you."

“I love you." I told him as he closed the mindlink to continue what he was doing.

My attention turned to Ryder, who does look like a ghost. Kieran had mentioned something about him being away for personal reasons when I didn't see him after the full moon but I wanted to believe that his personal reason included getting some sleep.

“I messed up." He said.

I paused, "what did you do again? So you want to talk about it?” I asked him again.

He nodded and I led the way to the pavilion, which was his favorite spot with Allie but he'd have to bear being there. It was the only place I could think about where we wouldn't be disturbed.

“So, what did you do?"

“I love her, Kaia." He started, and I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. “Took you long enough."

He shook his head violently, “I-I’m not. I swear, I'm not going anywhere." His voice trembled a bit.

“Even if Kieran finds out or she finds her mate?"

“I don't care if Alpha finds out and I'll convince her to pick me…” his confidence falters a bit, “I'll understand if she ends up picking him, but I'm not going to give up.”

His determination to make her his again was sweet and all but I doubt it would be that easy to win her back. And it still doesn't explain why he left. Since he was willing to go an extra mile for her, why did he leave in the first place…especially when they were doing so well.

“Why did you really end things, Ryder?" I finally asked, my brows furrowing in confusion. He looked away, and I stood up, ready to leave if still decided to keep it to himself.

“I-I,” he paused, looking everywhere but at me, "I found my mate." He finally let out.

"Ryder, that's…” I paused, "why didn't you just say so all this while? When did you find her? Who is who?” I fired, one after the other.

"She didn't want me." He began. “I thought that if I showered her with love she would change her mind but she didn't, so I rejected her.” He finished.

"I realized I wanted her because I always wanted to know what the mate bond felt like but the sparks with Allie made me feel alive.” As he spoke, he avoided meeting my eyes.

“That's a lot, Ryder." I started, shaking my head, "I wish you'd have come to me earlier. But now, you'd have to talk to her yourself, she might be willing to change her mind."

Not wanting to promise him anything, I told him I'd only find a way where he could explain but the rest was up to her and he agreed.

Now that I know why he ended things, I felt bad that he went through it alone.

We went our separate ways, me to talk to Kieran about Declan and Ryder…to take a much needed shower and sleep.

I can only hope that things work out well for…both of them.