The Hybrid

Chapter 49

Ryder sat in the dimly lit room, nursing his last bottle of bourbon. His thoughts swirled as the alcohol numbed the sharp edges of his pain. After a while, he pushed himself up, swaying slightly but steady enough to make his way down the hall.

The looming figure of the guard stationed outside Kyra’s door came into view. The man crossed his arms and glared at Ryder, clearly disapproving of the Alpha’s drunken state. Ryder stopped in front of him, swaying a bit before tilting his head and smirking lazily.

“Relax,” Ryder slurred slightly, his voice thick with whiskey. “I’m not here to start trouble. Just… let me in.”

The guard’s glare deepened, but after a moment, he grunted and stepped aside, muttering something under his breath.

As Ryder passed him, he clapped the man on the shoulder. “Good choice. But hey…” Ryder glanced back with a smirk. “Don’t be a pervert listening by the door. Wouldn’t want me to get the wrong idea about you.”

The guard rolled his eyes, muttering something about Alphas and their egos, but Ryder was already inside, shutting the door behind him.

Ryder closed the door behind him, leaning against it for a moment before his eyes found Kyra. She was sitting on the bed, her legs crossed beneath her, the moonlight casting a soft glow on her porcelain skin. Her face brightened when she saw him, but the faint smile quickly faded as she noticed his slightly unsteady stance and the hazy look in his eyes.

“You okay?” she asked softly, concern lacing her voice.

Ryder took a deep breath, his chest rising and falling heavily. His lips parted as if he was about to say something, but he stopped himself. Instead, he crossed the room in slow, deliberate steps and climbed onto the bed, his weight making the mattress shift beneath them.

Before Kyra could ask again, Ryder reached for her, pulling her into a deep, fervent kiss. His lips pressed against hers with a passion that caught her off guard, his hands moving to her waist as if anchoring her to him.

“Ryder,” she whispered between kisses, her breath hitching as his intensity grew.

He didn’t respond, not with words. His hands roamed up her back, pulling her closer, until their bodies were pressed together. He didn’t want to speak, not yet. Not while the words he needed to say felt like a blade slicing through his chest.

This might be the last night he would hold her like this, the last time he could make her his. He couldn’t bring himself to tell her—not tonight. Not when there was still time to love her the way she deserved.

If this was to be their final night together, he would make every second count. No fights, no pain, no worries about tomorrow. Just him and Kyra, lost in each other, letting their love burn brighter than ever before.

Ryder’s lips trailed down her neck as his hands moved to the hem of her shirt, and Kyra shivered under his touch. She didn’t ask questions. She didn’t stop him. Instead, she melted into him, matching his hunger and passion.

Their bodies moved together, not rushed but steady, as if they were both savoring each moment. Ryder kissed her with a tenderness he hadn’t allowed himself to feel in a long time, pouring every ounce of emotion into each touch, each caress. Kyra responded with equal passion, as if she was anchoring herself in him, using their connection as a way to block out the rest of the world. The heat between them was undeniable, but it was more than just physical—it was a deep, raw emotional intimacy, a silent promise that no matter what came next, they had this.

Kyra pulled him closer, her breath soft and labored against his neck. She whispered his name, and Ryder’s heart swelled at the sound. He had loved before, but the love he felt for Kyra was different—it was deeper, more visceral. It was like she was a piece of him he hadn’t known was missing until now.

Ryder memorized each sound she made when she came, her tone, every detail in her sounds. Memorizing how her body felt, how tight she felt around him as he thrusted, how wet she got for him. How her body trembled and moved fluidly with his like it was made for him. Memorizing how sweet her body tasted, but most of all he memorized her scent, vanilla and roses.

As the night unfolded, their connection became more than just physical. It was a conversation between their hearts. They didn’t need to speak; the way they held each other, the way they moved together, was enough to convey everything they couldn’t say out loud.

And as they lay together afterward, tangled in the sheets, Ryder held Kyra close, feeling her heartbeat match his. It was a quiet night, no words needed. Just the two of them, in each other’s arms, as the world outside seemed to fade away.

Kyra slept soundly across the bed, her body sprawled on her stomach, the sheets covering only part of her bare skin. The soft light of dawn filtered into the room, casting a warm glow that illuminated the curve of her back and the peaceful expression on her face. Ryder sat quietly in the chair across from her, fully dressed, watching her.

Tears welled in his eyes as he took in every detail—her smooth, porcelain skin, the way her hair fell in soft waves across her shoulders, the faint rise and fall of her breathing. Every sound she made, every tiny movement, was burned into his memory. He wanted to keep this moment forever.

A light knock on the door pulled Ryder out of his thoughts. He quickly wiped his eyes, his jaw tightening as he stood. The knock came again, firmer this time but still quiet.

Ryder glanced at Kyra, who stirred slightly, murmuring something in her sleep. He walked to the door and cracked it open, finding Rodrick standing there, his expression grim.

“It’s time,” Rodrick said firmly, his voice low.

Ryder stared at him for a long moment before nodding. “Give me a minute,” he replied.

Rodrick hesitated, as if wanting to argue, but then gave a short nod. “Don’t take too long,” he muttered before turning and walking away.

Ryder closed the door softly and leaned against it for a moment, his heart pounding in his chest. He looked back at Kyra, still sleeping soundly, her face serene in the dim morning light. He wanted to hold her, to stay in this moment forever, but he knew he couldn’t.

Ryder walked over to the bed and leaned down, brushing his lips gently along the curve of her bare back. Her skin was warm, her scent intoxicating, and for a moment, he let himself linger there.

Kyra stirred, a soft moan escaping her lips as she stretched slightly. “Mmm,” she murmured sleepily, her voice muffled by the pillow. “Ryder?”

He pressed a kiss to her shoulder, his voice thick with emotion. “It’s time to get up, love.”

She turned her head slightly, her hair tousled, and gave him a sleepy smile. “Can’t we just stay in bed all day like you promised?” she asked, her voice soft and drowsy.

Ryder’s chest tightened painfully, and he cleared his throat. “Not today, sweetheart.”

Kyra groaned, slowly sitting up and rubbing her eyes. Her gaze drifted to Ryder, and she immediately caught the pain in his expression. Her brow furrowed as she reached out to touch his face. “What’s wrong?” she asked softly.

Ryder inhaled sharply at her touch, his heart aching. He struggled to find the words. “Kyra,” he began, his voice unsteady, “you’re going to go with the Elders… for a while. Just until Wyatt and Evelyn are dealt with.”

Kyra froze, her expression quickly hardening as she shook her head. “No. I won’t go with them.”

Ryder cupped her face in his hands, gently turning her to look at him. “Kyra, do you trust me?”

Tears filled her eyes, and her voice broke as she nodded. “Yes, I trust you.”

He rested his forehead against hers, his voice barely above a whisper. “Then trust me, sweetheart. This is the only way to keep you safe.”

Kyra’s tears spilled over as she gripped his wrists, her voice trembling. “You promise you’ll come back for me?”

Ryder’s own tears fell as he whispered, “I promise.”

Kyra’s arms wrapped tightly around him, and he pulled her close, holding her as if she might slip away. He sang softly, his voice cracking with emotion, “Take my heart, don’t break it, love me to my bones…”

Kyra gripped him tighter, sobbing into his chest. “I love you, Ryder,” she whispered brokenly.

His voice trembled as he replied, “I love you too, Kyra. More than you’ll ever know.”

He held her close for a moment longer, memorizing the feel of her in his arms, before gently pulling away.