The Alpha's Unwanted Luna (by Miss L) novel Chapter 137

Chapter 137

I curled my knees tightly against my chest, making sure I was wrapped up as much as possible. My eyes scanned the room cautiously. Ryker could start the conversation whenever he was ready—I had no intention of pushing it. His room looked familiar, though my memory of it was hazy from last time. Back then, anger clouded my attention. The space was dominated by dark tones—deep blacks and cold steel grays. Everything was spotless, but I couldn’t tell if it was because Ryker preferred minimalism or if the omega responsible for cleaning had an obsessive streak.

Without a word, Ryker slid his arm around me, pulling me snugly against his side. I instinctively leaned into him, as if this closeness was meant to be. “Before your mind spirals into whatever wild theory it’s cooking up, let me explain,” he began. “Your clothes had to come off. You were nearly frozen solid, and I needed to raise your core temperature. You were barely breathing. Then the healer said skin-to-skin contact would speed your recovery. And second, I don’t understand why you give me such a hard time when I look out for you, but when Bennet asks you not to do something, you obey without hesitation.”

I didn’t voice it aloud, but the explanation about the clothes made sense. “It’s pretty simple, really. He’s not my mate.”

Ryker waited only a moment before pressing, “Care to explain what you mean by that?”

“There’s not much else to add,” I said quietly. “As a mate, you’re compelled to protect me. But I’m a liability—being human is a flaw in this world, and that makes me a target. Bennet can’t resist the urge to keep me safe, so I don’t do anything that might make his job harder. You, though, have the choice to focus on me or something more important—like the attack earlier today…”

“A week ago. And you are important,” Ryker interrupted gently.

I turned fully to face him, no longer caring if the sheet covered me or not. “Wait, what?” I asked, confused.

“The attack, and everything that happened in my office—it was a week ago.”

“Then why am I not hooked up to a bunch of machines in the hospital?”

“Apparently, Bennet and I both have a serious problem with locked doors when it comes to you.”

“You didn’t… not again,” I groaned.

“It wasn’t me this time. Your Gamma was so furious when you sent him away, he got back before me and destroyed the door.”

He muttered the last part quietly. “And I might have done some damage to your patio door too. We’ve already moved all your things in here. This is where you belong.”

I sank into his side, feeling a strange mix of frustration and comfort. Despite everything, this place—this moment—felt like home.