The Alpha's Fated Outcast: Rise Of The Moonsinger by Ejiofor Dorcas

Chapter 12: The mate who doesn’t want me…

Lyla

My heart skipped a beat as I recognized who it was.

It wasn’t Alpha Ramsey as I had secretly hoped, but Nathan. I mentally chided myself for even entertaining the thought of him coming to save me. He had made it clear enough that he wanted nothing to do with me.

What a fool I was to expect anything from him after everything.

My legs finally gave way as I fell onto the soft grass, wincing with pain. The wound on my back hurt. Nathan attacked the wolves, fighting them off. The fight didn’t last so long, as the wolves seemed to be weakened, while Nathan was fighting so ferociously that they didn’t stand a chance. Finally, they scrambled away taking along with them their injured leader.

Silence fell over the clearing once more. Nathan shifted back to his human form and came towards me.

“Nathan?” I whispered, gritting my teeth. “What are you doing here? Are you alright?”

He didn’t answer immediately, his gaze first scanned the area before they finally settled on me, darkening with annoyance.

“Are you out of your mind, Lyla?” he snapped, his chest heaving from the fight. “What the hell were you thinking?” he demanded again. “Do you have any idea what could’ve happened to you out here?”

I flinched at his angry tone but forced myself to meet his gaze. “I… I wasn’t….”

“Damn right, you weren’t thinking!” He interrupted me. “Walking through the forest alone? Do you have any idea how dangerous this forest is? Or do you just not care anymore? Those weren’t just any wolves, Lyla. They weren’t Rogues, they were Ferals and you’re lucky to be alive!”

“Ferals?” A shiver ran through my spine. “That would explain why they look different. Thank you for saving me, Nathan.”

“Is that all you have to say?” He bellowed, enraged. “Why didn’t you want to see me yesterday?” He asked. “I drove all the way from Blue Ridge only to be told that you didn’t want visitors. The butler said you were fine, but since you’re out here in the forest, you’re clearly not! What is wrong with you, Lyla?”

“Not now, Nathan,” I sighed “I’m too tired to argue. Besides, I’m not a child. I’m an adult and I can handle myself. You shouldn’t have come here in the first place,” I muttered.

“Handle yourself?” he retorted “Is this the thanks I get for saving you?”

“Well, I didn’t ask for your help either,” I spat back, rising to my feet, my body was still shaking. “I didn’t ask you or anyone to come save me!”

“You don’t have to ask, I am your friend. I have to always look out for

gathered in my eyes, blurring my vision at his words. I wanted to

go now,” I said without looking

he sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration. “Let’s get out of

I said immediately, pushing away from

mean, no?” His

I can’t. Not after everything. Besides, my parents would not be thrilled to see

know there’s friction between you and them but do you think they’d actually turn down their child after this awful

please!” I laughed bitterly. “You don’t know my parents, Nathan. Besides, I don’t belong here with

he looked at me again. “I’m guessing the worst of it has passed right?

“It’s everything. The whispers, the stares, the pity…and next month, I’d have to deal with another episode of pheromones. I can’t take

in the middle of a

I gritted my teeth as another episode of pain flashed through me. I didn’t want Nathan

life out here?” he gestured to the forest around us. “That’s not a solution, Lyla.

judge me!

in front of me, forcing me to meet his eyes again. “Stop with this self-pity act! You always do this – you push everyone away, always refusing help, acting like you can take on the world alone! And for what? To prove some point? That you’re stronger than everyone else? Because

true!” I protested

sighed, reaching for my hand. “You never let anyone in. It’s like you have this wall around you. Please let me in…help

not trying to

voice softening, though I could tell he was

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over “I am a deviant, Nathan. I have no business existing. Even the one person who could have helped me… who could have made me less of a freak… doesn’t

confusion. “What are you talking about? Who doesn’t want anything to do

the word tasting

you found your mate? You have a mate?” He

showed him Ramsey’s mark at the back of my neck, sniffing back tears. “But it doesn’t matter again.

“The mate bond

sure,” I cut him off. “You should have seen the way he looked at me, Nathan. Like I

moment, as though he

it? Who’s your mate,