THE CHASED MATE

Chapter Thirteen

Kael avoided her in the days that followed, throwing himself into pack duties and training. Lyra told herself it was for the best, that she was protecting both of them by keeping her distance. But the hollow ache in her chest told a different story.

Ethan, however, wasn’t content to let things lie. He cornered her one evening as she returned from a hunt, his smile smug and infuriating.

“Trouble in paradise?” he asked, blocking her path.

Lyra glared at him, her patience worn thin. “What do you want, Ethan?”

“You,” he said simply, his tone laced with mock sincerity. “You belong with me, Lyra. Not some golden boy who doesn’t understand what you’ve been through.”

Her stomach turned at his words. “I don’t belong to anyone,” she said firmly.

Ethan’s smile twisted into something darker. “You think he can protect you? That he’ll stay when he sees the real you?”

Lyra’s fists clenched, but before she could respond, a familiar voice cut through the tension.

“She doesn’t need me to protect her,” Kael said, his presence commanding as he stepped into the clearing. “But if you touch her again, you’ll regret it.”

Ethan smirked, but there was a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes as he faced Kael. “This isn’t over,” he said, backing away.

Kael didn’t relax until Ethan disappeared into the trees. Then he turned to Lyra, his expression a mixture of anger and concern.

“Why didn’t you tell me about him?” he asked.

“Because it’s my problem,” she said, her voice weary.

“It’s our problem now,” Kael said, stepping closer. “I told you I’m not going anywhere, Lyra. That includes dealing with your past.”

She looked up at him, her defenses crumbling under the weight of his determination. “I’m scared, Kael,” she admitted, her voice breaking. “Every time I let someone in, I lose them.”

Kael cupped her face, his eyes fierce. “You won’t lose me. I’m not him, Lyra. I’m not anyone else who hurt you. I’m here, and I’m staying.”

The sincerity in his words brought tears to her eyes. For the first time, she let herself believe that maybe, just maybe, he meant it.

As she leaned into his embrace, she knew the road ahead wouldn’t be easy. But with Kael by her side, she was willing to fight for the future they could build together.