Page 35 of Lycan Prince's Secret Baby

With a low growl, Roman lunged first, his speed a blur as he aimed to connect with Kyle’s flank. Kyle sprang, his wolf muscles coiling and releasing like a spring. He twisted around Roman, a calculated move showcasing his intelligence.

My wolf stirred restlessly within me, watching, waiting, torn between feeling betrayed and yearning for this man, this wolf, who could save my daughter.

The two fierce beasts circled one another, each sizing the other up. Roman’s red fur shone brighter as he lunged again, this time aiming for Kyle’s neck. Kyle anticipated the move, zigzagging backward just in time, using the cavern’s rocky terrain to his advantage.

Kyle darted closer to Roman’s side, causing the red wolf to spin, glistening fangs snapping inches away from Kyle’s snout. The sound sent a tremor of fear through me. The crowd gasped, too, the tension in the chamber stifling. What if Kyle failed? What if he was wounded and couldn’tsavemy daughter?

Then, Kyle surged forward, launching himself against Roman with a primal roar that echoed against the cavern walls. They collided—fur and flesh, power and purpose—two Alphas of ancient packs vying for dominance. Roman’s slightly larger frame threatened to overwhelm Kyle, but Kyle pushed back with raw determination, his muscles clenching as he grappled with the red wolf.

Gritting my teeth, I clung to Lina’s little bundle, desperate to will Kyle strength. I could feel the connection in my chest, my wolf clawing at the chains of bitterness suppressing her. It wasn’t just that I wanted him to win; deep down, my wolf ached with a fierce protectiveness over him. The instinct surged within me, not merely to save Lina but to shield our fated mate from harm, to ensure he emerged unscathed. The weight of that desire thrummed through me, intensifying with every heartbeat as I fought to keep our bond strong against the looming danger. In that instant, something shifted. Kyle, growing impatient,executed a fleeting roll beneath Roman’s powerful body, muscles rippling as he leaped with an agility I’d never witnessed.

With a surge of momentum, Kyle unleashed a powerful strike at Roman’s underbelly, a desperate gamble that landed perfectly. Roman let out a low growl, surprise flickering in his blue eyes. Time slowed. Roman charged into Kyle’s flank. Dust and stones erupted around them, scattering into the air like chaff in the wind.

Panting heavily, their eyes locked, both wolves seemed to sense the weight of what was at stake. Kyle was fighting for redemption, and Roman was protecting what was his. In a heart-stopping instant, they surged forward in a final, explosive clash. Jaws snapped, and claws raked as they twisted and turned. With a final burst of effort, Kyle thrust forward, head bent low, powering through Roman’s defenses just as the red wolf was beginning to recapture his hold. It was a swift, decisive bite on Roman’s shoulder, a powerful move asserting dominance, yet it was given as a show of strength and trust. Kyle’s deep bite into the red wolf’s flesh declared that his strength was worth allying with for our pack and was strong enough to save my daughter.

Roman halted, the powerful weight of his frame adjusting, the glow of surprise reflected in the depths of his azure eyes. An unspoken understanding passed between the two wolves. As the dust settled, both Kyle and Roman stood their ground, panting. My heart surged at the sight. With a final growl that resonated with both pain and pride, Roman stepped back with his head dipped in an acknowledgment of Kyle’s strength.

The tension in my chest slackened, relief flooding me. Kyle’s gray wolf stood tall, determination gleaming in his eyes as hemet my gaze, a silent vow to give whatever he could to my daughter.

Shifting into his human form, Roman said, “Welcome, Kyle, to the Blood Moon Pack.”

Kyle’s muscled human figure filled the heart of the chamber once more, too.

With my heart thundering, relief surged through me. Lina was going to receive the help she needed. And my best friend had done exactly what he’d promised, shielding me from the bond with Kyle I refused to acknowledge.

Chapter 19

Kyle

The small room was a stark contrast to the cavernous hall where the blood oath and fight had taken place. It had a rustic charm, though. Its rocky walls and open-beamed ceiling hummed with protective enchantments. In one corner, a modest fireplace sat, its stones cold.

At least there was a fireplace and coals, I reminded myself. My thoughts traveled to the Blood Moons back in our pack lands, and I hoped that the hard-won improvements that I’d managed to attain for them, such as heating, hadn’t already been overthrown by my father.

I set the clothes that Roman had given me, simple khaki pants and a plain, well-worn shirt, down on the narrow bed. It was made up with handwoven blankets, offering little assurance against the Alaskan night. I slipped on the clothes. The fabric felt foreign against my skin, a reminder that I was a visitor in this place. Once again, I thought of the Blood Moons back in our pack lands, of those horrendous gray overalls they wore. Wasn’t this a tiny taste of what they’d experienced?

As I finished dressing, regret haunted me. Then, a soft knock broke my thoughts, and a rush of adrenaline coursed throughmy veins. I knew that sound deep in my bones. That was Leah’s knock. Anticipation pulsed in my ears as I hurried to the door. My heart drummed with the promise of finally having the chance to speak to Leah. It was a moment I’d both yearned for and dreaded since she’d escaped.

But, as I drew back the door, the breath in my lungs hitched. My heart lurched in confusion and apprehension at the sight of her.

“Leah, come in,” I said, my voice low. I was torn between wanting her forgiveness and an overwhelming urge to simply drink her in. The wool jumper she wore was a pastel blue, complimenting the stormy depths of her eyes.

Yet, the moment she crossed the threshold, the cabin seemed even colder. Leah’s eyes were frosty with caution, cloaking the vulnerability that had once danced freely in them.

I noticed the way she shifted her weight, cradling her baby close as if shielding the child, or herself, from me. My heart sank at her guardedness. Each tense breath she let out was a reminder of the irrevocable mistakes I’d made.

“Thank you for agreeing to this,” she said. “Lyvia will be along in a moment.” Her voice was carefully neutral as if she couldn’t trust herself to show emotion. I had imagined this moment of finally being reunited with Leah a thousand times. But now, beneath the weight of her pain, the fantasy crumbled.

“Of course,” I began, swallowing hard. Her thanking me felt wrong onsomany levels. I’d do anything to try to make up for the way I’d treated her in the past. On top of that, her daughter’s suffering from this illness was caused by me and my pack. We were responsible for robbing the Blood Moon Pack of their lands and Lina’s wolf of her strength. But I didn’t know how to expressall that, so I said, “I want to help in any way I can. I know it won’t make up for everything that happened in the past, but if I can help you and your family in any way, I will.”

The tiny girl in her arms stirred slightly as if she sensed the tension hanging between us. Or, perhaps, she was simply responding to her mother’s tension. As she moved in Leah’s arms, her fragile face came into view, and an onslaught of emotions surged within me: despair, guilt, and…affection. I knew this was the child of the woman I loved andanother man, but that couldn’t overshadow my desire to help her and her mother.

The child was both a miracle in her own right and a reminder of Leah’s life without me. The baby was a testament to the bond and potential family I could have had with Leah if I hadn’t made so many mistakes.

A knock sounded at the door, and I went to it, feeling as if it were a lifeline amidst the chaotic feelings threatening to choke me.

Lyvia, the witch, stood outside my door. Her long, glossy hair shimmered in the lamplight like the midnight sky, framing her vibrant golden skin. The dark green velvet dress hugged her figure, lending her an aura of elegance and mystique.

“Kyle,” she greeted me. “I’m so pleased you’ve been brought here to help Lina.”

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