The Hybrid

Chapter 45

Rodrick excused himself for the night, muttering something about needing rest before the council’s arrival. Ryder stayed behind, pouring himself another glass of whiskey. He stared at the amber liquid, swirling it absently, but his mind wasn’t on the drink. The thought of Wyatt hurting and violating Kyra burned through him like fire, his blood boiling with every replay of her words in his mind.

The chair next to him creaked as Gregory sat down, his usual lighthearted demeanor replaced by quiet concern. “Hey, big guy,” he said softly, leaning on the bar. “What’s going on?”

Ryder downed his glass in one swallow, slamming it onto the counter before pouring another. His voice was low, his tone rough. “Kyra told me what Wyatt did to her. The things he…” He clenched his jaw, unable to finish the sentence.

Gregory’s expression darkened as anger flickered across his face. He reached for a glass, filled it with whiskey, and drained it in one swift motion. “That bastard,” he muttered, his voice laced with venom. “If I ever see him, I’ll—”

“You’ll do nothing,” Ryder interrupted, his tone firm. “If anyone takes him down, it’ll be me. No one else.”

Gregory nodded, his fingers gripping the edge of the bar. “Fair enough. Just know I’ve got your back when the time comes.”

Ryder gave him a curt nod, appreciating the sentiment but still consumed by his own rage. He stared into his glass, the whiskey offering little comfort as his thoughts swirled.

“The council’s coming in the morning,” Ryder said after a long pause, his voice quieter now. “We need to be ready. Get some sleep.”

Gregory patted him on the back, standing up from his chair. “Don’t stay up too late,” he said with a half-smile, trying to lighten the mood. “You’ll need your strength when you’re facing a bunch of grumpy old wolves tomorrow.” He winked before heading down the hall to his room.

Ryder stayed behind, finishing the rest of the bottle in silence. When the last drop was gone, he finally stood, his movements slow and deliberate. The weight of the night hung heavy on him as he walked back to his room.

Ryder’s head was swimming slightly from the whiskey, but his senses sharpened as he reached his door. He paused, taking a deep breath to steady himself before opening it slowly. The soft glow of moonlight bathed the room, illuminating Kyra’s naked form sprawled across the bed. She lay on her stomach, her porcelain skin glowing in the silver light, her hair cascading around her like silk.

Ryder froze, his breath catching in his throat as his skin prickled with desire. The weight of the evening momentarily lifted, replaced by something far more primal. He swallowed hard, his eyes lingering on the curve of her back. Slowly, quietly, he undressed, letting his clothes fall to the floor.

Moving to the bed, he crawled onto the mattress with deliberate care, his body taut with anticipation. He leaned down, brushing a kiss against the soft skin of her back, then another, trailing gentle kisses up and down her spine. His beard grazed her, drawing a soft shudder from Kyra, followed by a light giggle.

She turned her head slightly, brushing her hair away from her face, her lips curling into a teasing smile. “It’s about time you showed up,” she whispered, her voice soft and sultry.

Ryder chuckled lowly, the sound rumbling deep in his chest. “Couldn’t stay away from you, love,” he murmured against her skin, his lips moving to the crook of her neck.

Kyra shifted beneath him, turning onto her back to face him fully. Her burgundy eyes glimmered in the moonlight, their intensity stealing his breath. She reached up, her fingers brushing against his jawline, her touch light but deliberate.

“Ryder,” she said softly, her voice carrying both affection and need.

He leaned down, capturing her lips in a kiss that was deep and consuming, his hands exploring her body. Kyra melted into him, her fingers tangling in his hair as their bond pulsed between them, stronger than ever. For a moment, the chaos of the world around them ceased to exist—there was only the two of them, locked in a moment of passion and connection that neither could deny nor resist.

Kyra wrapped her legs around Ryder, gasping as he entered her. Ryder loves the sounds she made, it made him want more. He thrusted harder and faster, making her moan each time. Ryder’s lips moved feverishly against Kyra’s, their bodies tangled in a rhythm that felt timeless and primal. The bond between them surged, igniting every nerve with an intensity neither had ever experienced before. Ryder’s hand slid up her side, his touch firm yet tender, as if trying to memorize every inch of her.

As they reached the crescendo of their passion, Ryder leaned down, brushing his lips against the sensitive skin of her neck, just above the curve of her shoulder. The urge to claim her, to make her officially his, burned inside him. His teeth grazed her skin, his instincts urging him to mark her as his mate, to solidify the bond that already felt unbreakable.

“Ryder,” Kyra gasped, her body trembling beneath him. Her hands gripped his shoulders, and she turned her head slightly, giving him access to her neck. But as his teeth grazed her skin again, she suddenly stiffened.

“Ryder, no,” she whispered breathlessly, her hands pressing against his chest to stop him.

He pulled back slightly, his bright blue eyes filled with passion but also laced with confusion. “Why?” he murmured, his voice husky and raw. “Kyra, I need to claim you. If I mark you, no one—Wyatt, Evelyn, anyone—can challenge our bond. You’ll be mine, officially, forever. And I’ll always be able to protect you.”

Kyra shook her head, her fingers tracing his jawline as tears welled in her eyes. “Ryder, as much as I want that—more than anything—I can’t let you take that risk. We don’t know what claiming me will do to you. What if it changes you? Hurts you? I couldn’t live with myself if something happened to you because of me.”

Ryder placed his hand on her face, his thumb gently brushing away the tears that slipped down her cheeks. “I’d risk anything for you, Kyra,” he admitted, his voice heavy with emotion. “You’re my mate, my heart. I’ll face whatever comes if it means keeping you safe.”

Kyra’s heart ached at his words, her love for him growing even deeper, but the fear in her heart held her back. She placed her hand over his, pressing it against her cheek. “That’s why we need to wait. Until we know it’s safe, we can’t take that chance.”

Ryder stared into her eyes, searching for any sign of doubt, but all he saw was unwavering love and determination. He let out a frustrated sigh, resting his forehead against hers as his breath evened out. “I hate this,” he admitted, his voice cracking slightly. “I hate that I can’t protect you the way I want to.”

“You already protect me,” Kyra said, her voice firm. “Every day, in every way, just by being you.”

Ryder nodded, though the yearning in his chest didn’t subside. He kissed her deeply, pouring every ounce of his love and devotion into it. “When the time comes,” he murmured against her lips, “I won’t hesitate.”

Kyra smiled softly, her fingers trailing down his neck. “When the time comes,” she echoed.

Ryder thrust hard and deep into Kyra making her moan loudly, arching her back with pleasure. Ryder felt her body vibrate as she came, causing him to fill her with his c*m.

Ryder looked Kyra in the eyes breathing heavy, “I love you Kyra.”

Kyra’s breath caught in her throat, she passionately kissed his lips. “I love you too Ryder.”