The Hybrid

Chapter 46

Ryder woke slowly, the warmth of Kyra pressed against him. He didn’t move at first, savoring the moment. Her head rested on his chest, her soft breaths tickling his skin. The early morning light painted her peaceful face in soft hues, and for a moment, everything else faded away.

Her voice echoed in his mind: I love you too Ryder.The memory made his chest swell with emotions he hadn’t felt in years—love, joy, and something deeper, something he couldn’t quite name. He had loved Kari, and her death nearly destroyed him. The mate bond they shared had been everything to him, and when it was torn away, it almost killed him. For years, he carried that pain like a wound that wouldn’t heal.

But then Kyra came into his life. She saved him in ways he didn’t even realize he needed. The pain he once felt for Kari began to fade as soon as he met her, replaced by something new and overwhelming. He couldn’t shake the thought—was Kyra supposed to be his true mate all along? It didn’t matter to him whether fate or something else brought them together. He was hers now, completely.

Carefully, Ryder shifted out of bed, doing his best not to wake her. She stirred slightly but didn’t wake, her body still relaxed in sleep. He leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

He padded quietly to the bathroom, deciding a hot shower would be the best way to clear his head—and to wash off the lingering scent of their night together. One less thing for the council to nitpick, he thought grimly. Turning the water on, he stepped under the spray, letting it wash over him as he tried to focus on the day ahead.

The sound of the bathroom door opening pulled him from his thoughts, followed by the scent of vanilla and roses that made his heart skip a beat. He felt soft hands brush against his back, and then warm lips pressed against the back of his neck, sending a shiver down his spine.

“Morning,” Kyra’s voice was soft, husky from sleep.

Ryder turned, his eyes locking onto her as she stood there, biting her lip. The sight of her stole his breath—her damp hair framing her face, her bare skin glowing in the steam-filled room. He didn’t say a word, just pulled her to him, kissing her deeply.

Kyra melted into the kiss, her hands sliding up his chest as the water poured over them. Ryder turned her gently, pressing soft kisses to her shoulder and neck as he positioned her against the shower wall. Her gasp of pleasure mixed with the sound of the water as he moved with her, his hands roaming her body, his lips never leaving her skin.

Even in this moment, Ryder couldn’t get enough of her. She was everything—his peace and his storm, his salvation and his purpose.

Ryder and Kyra stepped out of the steamy shower, their bodies warm and relaxed. Ryder grabbed a towel, wrapping it around his waist before handing one to Kyra. She took it with a small smile, wrapping it around her body as she watched him.

For a moment, there was silence, just the sound of the water droplets falling from their hair. Kyra leaned against the sink, drying herself off as Ryder ran a hand through his wet hair.

“You know,” Kyra said, her voice soft, “I almost forgot what it feels like to just… exist like this. No running, no hiding. Just you and me.”

Ryder looked at her, his eyes softening as he stepped closer. “You’ll never have to run or hide again. I’ll make sure of that.”

She smiled faintly but didn’t respond. Ryder could see the tension in her shoulders returning, the weight of what awaited them pressing down on her.

He leaned down, cupping her cheek. “Hey,” he said gently, “I mean it. You’re safe now. With me.”

Kyra leaned into his touch, closing her eyes for a brief moment before nodding. “I know. It’s just… everything’s about to change, isn’t it?”

Ryder’s jaw tightened. “Yeah. But no matter what happens, we’ll face it together.”

They dressed in silence after that, the mood shifting to something more serious. Kyra tugged on her jeans and reached for her boots, but her hands trembled slightly as she tried to pull them on. Ryder noticed immediately.

Without a word, he knelt in front of her, gently taking her hand to steady her. “Let me,” he said softly, helping her slip her foot into the boot.

Kyra watched him, her chest tightening with emotion. “You’re too good to me,” she whispered.

Ryder glanced up, a small smirk on his lips. “Someone’s got to keep you grounded.”

When her boots were on, he stood, his hands still lingering on hers. “It’s going to be okay,” he said, his voice firm. “I promise.”

Kyra took a deep breath, trying to shake off the nerves. “I’d rather stay in bed naked all day with you,” she admitted, her lips quirking into a half-smile.

Ryder raised an eyebrow, pretending to seriously consider it. “As much as I’d love that, we have to face this. But,” he added, his voice dropping an octave, “I promise you, we’ll have that day. Just you, me, and nothing else.”

Kyra’s cheeks flushed, and she gave him a playful shove. “You better keep that promise, Alpha.”

Ryder’s eyes darkened slightly at the way she said it, his body igniting at the thought. He inhaled sharply, leaning closer to whisper in her ear, “You can count on it.”

Kyra chuckled, though her heart was still heavy. Taking his hand, she nodded. “Let’s get this over with.”

Together, they left the room, hand in hand, ready to face whatever awaited them.

Ryder and Kyra walked into the lounge together, her hand gently tucked into his. The warmth of his grip was the only thing keeping her nerves from spiraling out of control. As they entered, the room’s atmosphere shifted. Gregory was lounging in an armchair with a magazine in hand, Rodrick sat at the bar with his usual martini, and the fire crackled softly in the hearth.

Rodrick’s eyes narrowed the moment he saw their intertwined hands. His disapproval was almost tangible as he set his drink down and straightened his posture. “I suggest not doing that when the rest of the Elders arrive,” he said in a clipped tone, his eyes darting between the two of them. “I didn’t exactly tell them everything over the phone… like you two being mates.”

Ryder, defiant as ever, smirked slightly and raised Kyra’s hand to his lips, placing a deliberate kiss on it before letting go. “Noted,” he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Rodrick pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling sharply. “You’re going to make this far harder than it needs to be.”

At that moment, Allie, Amber, Ethan, and Kyle entered the room, laughing quietly about something. Rodrick shot them a glare as well, his irritation only growing. “And you four shouldn’t be here either. The Elders also don’t know that others are aware of Kyra’s true identity. The fewer complications, the better.”

Allie opened her mouth to argue, but Kyra raised a hand to stop her. “It’s fine, Allie,” she said gently. “I don’t want anyone getting caught in the middle of this.”

Allie frowned but nodded reluctantly. “Fine, but if they try anything—”

“They won’t,” Kyra said firmly, cutting her off.

Amber snorted. “You don’t have to tell me twice. I’d rather avoid a lecture from a bunch of crusty old wolves anyway.” She turned and walked out, Ethan and Kyle following closely behind.

When they were gone, Kyra sighed softly and moved toward the window. She rested her head against the cold glass, watching the snow drift lazily to the ground. The silence in the room was heavy, broken only by the faint rustling of Gregory’s magazine and the occasional sound of Rodrick flipping a page of his newspaper.

Ryder stayed near the doorway, his sharp eyes scanning the room. His focus eventually landed on Kyra, her figure bathed in the soft glow of the snowy morning. His heart ached for her, knowing the weight she carried.

Rodrick glanced over his newspaper, noticing Ryder’s lingering stare. His lips pressed into a thin line, but he said nothing.

Gregory, sensing the tension, tossed the magazine onto the coffee table with an exaggerated sigh. “So, how much longer until these Elders show up? Sitting around waiting isn’t exactly my idea of a good time.”

Rodrick folded his newspaper neatly and placed it beside him. “Any minute now,” he replied curtly.

Gregory smirked and leaned back in his chair. “Great. Can’t wait to meet the council of joy.”

His remark drew a soft giggle from Kyra, her shoulders shaking lightly as the sound filled the room.

Ryder’s lips twitched into a smile at the sound of her laughter, but when Rodrick noticed, he shot him a pointed glare. Ryder ignored him, content to let the moment linger for just a little longer.

But the peace was short-lived. A sudden knock at the door shattered the fragile calm, and the room went silent.

Rodrick stood, straightening his jacket and smoothing back his hair. “They’re here,” he announced, his tone grave.

He cast a warning glance at Ryder and Kyra. “Remember, let me do the talking.”

Ryder’s jaw clenched, his instincts roaring to protect Kyra from whatever was coming. But he nodded, his eyes meeting Kyra’s briefly in a silent promise: No matter what happens, I’ve got you.

Rodrick walked to the door, his movements stiff with tension. He pulled it open, revealing three imposing figures standing in the doorway—the Elders. Their presence filled the room with an undeniable weight, their sharp, calculating gazes sweeping over everyone inside.

The storm had arrived.