Claimed By The Lycan King (Kaia) novel Chapter 23

Chapter 23

Allie's POV

I sighed as Kaia pulled away from the room and my brother, who was confused about what she was talking about.

“How did you know?" I asked, crossing my hands on my chest.

For the longest while, I thought I hid it well. But with her comment a few minutes ago, it was obvious I was only deceiving myself and I wasn't as sneaky as I thought.

She shrugged, “I mean, it's really obvious. And except they choose to play along, I'm pretty sure everyone can see it." She replied and a loud groan escaped my lips.

“But I hid it so well!"

Kaia snorted, "you look at him like he stole your candy. And I would know a lot about that.” She said, a sad look flashed through her eyes and I sighed again.

My crush on Ryder began the moment I knew what it meant…which was really young. But even at a young age, I found him really charming. I always thought he was good looking and kind because even as my brother's best friend, he made me feel included.

Then I learnt the concept of mates…it became a prayer, begging the moon goddess to make him mine. When he didn't find his mate on his eighteenth birthday, I was relieved, hoping it was a sign of answered prayer but I was heartbroken when on my eighteenth birthday, when nothing happened.

“I-i’m wasting my time,” I said, taking a deep breath. "He's waiting for his mate.”

‘Does he know?"

I nodded, “I probably mentioned it before traveling to the city, and I thought it'll be easier to move on, b-b…”

"Moving on isn't as easy as you think, I'm sure you know that now."

“I know!"

“Good thing he isn't a player, that's the worst." I took another deep breath, I don't think I was going to survive if he was.

She tried to comfort me before going back to the children. And instead of going back inside, I went towards one of my favorite places in the pack, where I could think without interruptions.

As I approached the bench in the pavilion, a smell I was all too familiar with hit my nose. I debated between going forward or finding another spot…he'd avoided being alone with me, I didn't want to make it any worse.

‘You can't keep avoiding him.” Rhea, my Lycan said.

My Lycan also finds Ryder irresistible. We wanted a mate, but there was just something about him that drew us in. Was it his striking blue eyes, well built body…or his beautiful smile?

“I can't face him. I'm going to leave." I told Rhea.

"He smelled you the moment you entered. If he wanted to leave, he wouldn't be sitting down there.” She assured me.

Just as I took another step close to him, he stood up and turned to face me. "Allison” He called, his gaze meeting mine.

“H-hey…” I said.

"I was just leaving. I have training in a few minutes.”

If he hadn't been avoiding me, I probably would've bought it.

"We can still talk right? We're friends after all.” My voice was low and calling him ‘friend' sounded bitter coming out of my mouth.

He thought about it for a few minutes before nodding his head reluctantly.