He paused,a dark,dangerous smirk playing on his lips before he drawled sarcastically,“Do not worry,I know when to cease my territorial sniffing.”
Before Ryder could fully ignite with Alpha rage,the Elder turned to leave.As he melted into the shadows beyond the Keep’s perimeter,he tossed a final,chilling barb over his shoulder:“If you ever require my services for a severance,Alpha.Come to me.I will grant the Claimed Mate a sizable discount.”
Ryder instinctively glared at Elara,his voice cold with suspicion.“My Mate and I share a strong,functional bond,Elder.”
Elder Weston was already gone,lost to the scent trails,so it was unclear if he had heard.
But Lyra definitely did.
She leaned into Ryder,feigning a drunken wobble.Her eyes,magnified by her emotional state,were watery as she whispered,“Ryder...Am I disrupting the sanctity of your claim with Elara?”
Before he could respond,her face crumpled in practiced grief,and she struggled to pull away.“You are no longer my adopted Alpha...You have a Mate now...I shouldn’t be a burden.I must return to my solitary den.”
Ryder seized her tighter,his powerful hands gripping her upper arms.