The Alpha's Unwanted Luna (by Miss L) novel Chapter 140

Chapter 140

75 – Kennedy

Everyone’s eyes are fixed on me, and it’s the one thing I despise the most—the pity that lingers in their gaze. It’s a look that makes me feel small, as if I’m some fragile creature broken beyond repair. But the truth is, none of us could have changed what happened. I’ve come to terms with that much. The circumstances are what they are, unalterable and cruel. What still haunts me, though, is the memory of sitting there, utterly trapped, surrounded by my parents’ lifeless forms.

I inhale deeply, trying to steady my racing heart. Ryker pulls me closer, his arms wrapping around me protectively. I only just realize that he’s holding me like this, out here in public—and surprisingly, it doesn’t make me uneasy at all.

“It’s been over three years,” I say softly, my voice barely above a whisper. “I’m not saying it doesn’t hurt sometimes, but I can’t keep playing the victim forever. The nightmares have eased up, which makes things a little more bearable.” I glance up at Ryker, a sudden realization dawning on me. My nightmares lessened when I moved here. Even during my lowest moments with him, they never came back. Has he noticed the change too?

“What?” he asks, pulling back enough to look me squarely in the face.

“I’m not sure,” I admit, feeling the confusion in his eyes. I can’t quite put it into words myself.

We finish our meal in silence, the quiet between us comfortable rather than awkward. I bundle up again, ready to head to the training grounds together. This time, I ride with Ryker in his truck. The hum of the engine fills the space between us, but no words are needed.

The moment my feet touch the cold ground, I’m suddenly lifted and tossed over someone’s shoulder amid a chorus of laughter.

“What the hell?” I protest, pushing against the broad back holding me. It’s Danny. “What are you doing?” He’s skipping—literally skipping like a carefree child—and it’s making it hard to keep a straight face.

Danny comes at me again, thinking I’m distracted, but I’m ready this time. I duck under his arm and deliver a sharp smack to the back of his head for his cockiness before pushing him away. It feels incredible to be out here, moving and sweating. I know he’s still going easy on me, but I don’t care. I had to shed my coat and snow pants a while ago, and now I’m working out in just my thermal leggings and top—another form-fitting distraction for Ryker. I smile to myself as Danny and I reset.

When the session finally ends, Ryker strides straight toward me with a fierce look in his eyes. Danny chuckles, presses a quick kiss to my temple, and bolts like his life depends on it.

“COWARD!” I call after him, laughing.

Ryker doesn’t slow as he crashes into me, lifting me off the ground. My arms wrap around his neck, and my legs barely manage to lock around his waist. He’s staring right into my eyes, so I have no idea how he’s navigating without looking where he’s going.