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

86 Do you hate me?

Lyla

I screamed and stumbled backwards.

Just as I felt myself slipping, strong hands reached out, steadying me. I looked up, ready to bolt only to meet Beta Jeremy’s calm gaze. His expression softened as he pulled me to my feet, still keeping me close as his eyes surveyed the garden before he asked.

“Are you alright? Did you see something that frightened you?”

Quickly, I stepped back, straightening my clothes with shaking hands and avoiding his gaze. I was sure of what I had felt. “I’m sorry, I thought… I thought you were someone else.”

Curiosity flashed through his eyes as he stared at me. I know he had questions but he seemed to think better of it and merely nodded, going with my explanation. He took a step back.

“Nathan was worried about you, so I came to fetch you. Come with me, we’ll be leaving soon.”

Without a word, I walked towards him and together, we fell into step beside each other. We walked in silence as we moved through the garden paths with only the light from the moon. I sneaked a look at Beta Jeremy, his hands were clasped behind him, his gaze fixed ahead… I wondered what he was thinking.

Since my return, there was this unspoken tension between us as if he was silently blaming me. for something. When we emerged out of the garden, I stopped. Immediately, he also stopped and turned to me.

“I know you hate me.”

He arched his brow for a moment, studying me quietly. “What makes you think that?”

I wrapped my arms around myself as if I was trying to hold myself together. “Because I’m the reason Nathan was imprisoned for four years, I said. “You… you must hate me for it.

The lines on his forehead flattened as a quiet smile crossed his face.

everything to keep you safe? Yes! I was frustrated that he got involved in the drama between you and your mate… but I didn’t hate you and that’s normal as a parent. You’re like my daughter too, Lyla… I watched you grow up.”

his words. Truly, I had expected a harsher response, some form of

And in the car earlier,

he admitted. “And you already did. As much as I want to protect him from you, I cannot. He’s headstrong and when it comes to you, I feel like no one can give him any advice. Seeing

C

Do you hate me?

be as good to him as you were

words and voice surprise me. I stared at him, my mind racing. “You

again. Seeing that his Beta came to

came because my mother requested it,” I tried to

come for something as trivial as this? He didn’t even have the decency to come to Pack house after your father was pronounced…” he swallowed hard, his

with pain.

whispered

but I need you to assure me that you’ll protect

the distance. When he looked back at me, he

up anything he likes. He’s like

head. “We agreed it was best. I am not the kind

he wants.

to him, Lyla!” Beta Jeremy chuckled. “He’s not obessed with you either… he loves you… the same way my Nathan does,” he sighed. “You have to make it clear this time around who you

mean anything

back to the human

we’re done with father’s burial,” I nodded. “I already have life there and I intend to go back to it.”

neared the front of the hall. Immeldately, Nathan rushed over, grabbing me by my shoulders as he pulled

he murmured. “I