The Alpha's Secret Omega

Lyra's POV

I wanted to snap at Kael after he engulfed me in a hug, but before I could open my mouth, Dr. Melora's voice cut through. "What you need is rest, Lyra. Not arguments." Her tone was firm but gentle, and I decided not to push my luck.

Kael glanced at me one last time before leaving the room. He seemed hesitant, like he wanted to say something, but I ignored him, closing my eyes to feign sleep. When I woke up later, the sun had gone down, painting the room in a soft, golden glow.

I felt better—much better. The sharp ache in my body had dulled. Hope stirred as well, her presence like a soothing balm to my frayed nerves.

The door creaked open, and I turned to see Kael stepping inside. The moment he locked eyes with me, I felt a surge of irritation. Without thinking, I shot him a glare.

To my surprise, Kael just smiled.

"Well, look who's strong enough to glare at me now," he teased, crossing the room in a casual stride. "A couple of hours ago, you looked like something the wind dragged in. I don't think you'd have even recognized yourself."

I scoffed, folding my arms across my chest.

"And I'm supposed to laugh at that?"

"Maybe," he said, leaning against the wall with a smug expression. "Although, if you think about it, I'm not wrong."

I tried rolling my eyes but I couldn't help it—a small smile tugged at the corner of my lips before I wiped it away.

"I'm not in the mood for your jokes, Kael."

For a second, he hesitated, and I thought he might actually say something serious. But instead, he shrugged.

"Well, jokes are better than silence. Or worse—arguing. Don't you think?"

I didn't respond, but I didn't look away either. Hope, on the other hand, was practically wagging her tail like an overexcited pup.

"You're happy to see him?" I questioned her silently, trying to mask my emotions.

Her reply was immediate. Of course, I am. He's our mate.

I sighed inwardly, trying to rein her in. "Aren't you tired of all this?"

She didn't even dignify me with a response, her joy radiating through me like sunlight.

Kael seemed to notice the slight change in my demeanor. "So," he said, taking a seat near the edge of the bed. "Are you finally going to admit I saved your life?"

"Saved me?" I raised a brow. "Last I checked, I wouldn't have been in danger if it weren't for you."

"Ouch." He placed a hand over his chest dramatically. "That cuts deep, Lyra."

"It's the truth," I shot back, but my tone lacked the bite it usually carried.

"Fair enough," he said, leaning forward slightly.

I didn't know how to respond to that. His words hung in the air between us.

We continued talking. Our conversation was going smoothly, almost too smoothly. Kael sat at the edge of the bed, relaxed for once, and his jokes were beginning to make me genuinely laugh. It was strange—being this comfortable with him after everything.

But then he leaned forward slightly, his expression shifting into something more curious. "So…" he began, his voice casual, but I could tell he was testing the waters.

"Have you ever done it before? You know, what you saw between Selena and me?"

I blinked at him, pretending not to understand. "Done what?"

"You know what I mean," he said, his gaze sharpening.

Oh, this was too good to pass up. I tilted my head, feigning thought.

"Oh, you mean that?" I asked innocently, dragging it out.

His jaw tightened. "Yes. That."

"Well," I said, tapping my chin as if I needed to think about it. "Yes, actually. I have."

His entire demeanor changed in an instant. His wolf growled audibly in my head, and I caught the low rumble from Kael himself as his eyes darkened.

"You what?"

I couldn't help the grin that spread across my face.

"I said yes. Why? Is that a problem?"

Kael's hands curled into fists at his sides.

"Who?" he demanded, his voice rough and filled with raw possessiveness. "Who dared to touch what's mine?"

"Oh, Alpha," I said sweetly, trying to hold back my laughter. "He was… exceptional."

Kael's growl deepened, his face a storm of rage and jealousy. His wolf surged forward, and I could feel the tension radiating off him like heat.

"Lyra," he said, his voice dangerously low, "tell me who he is. Now."

I bit my lip, fighting the urge to burst into laughter. The sight of him so riled up was amusing, and if I could get him like this, why not push it a little further?

"You're so easy," I teased, shaking my head.

Kael didn't find it funny. "I'm not joking," he growled, standing up and looming over me. His eyes bore into mine, his possessiveness practically suffocating. "Tell me."

"Oh, calm down, Alpha," I said, waving him off as if he were being ridiculous. "I was just messing with you."

His glare didn't waver, and I could still feel the tension in the air.

"Lyra…"

"Relax," I said, this time with a chuckle. "There's no one. I just wanted to see you squirm."

For a moment, Kael just stared at me, his chest heaving as he tried to rein in his wolf. Then he ran a hand through his hair, muttering something under his breath.

Kael shook his head, a faint smile playing on his lips, softening his features for just a moment. Then he motioned for me to come closer.

"Come here," he said, his voice low.

I raised an eyebrow, confused.

"What for?"

He sighed, shaking his head as if I were being difficult.

"Never mind," he muttered. "You're sick anyway, so I'll come to you."

Before I could question him, he closed the distance between us in a few long strides. My breath hitched as he leaned in, his hand cradling my jaw. His eyes locked onto mine, a storm of emotions swirling in them.

"Kael—" I started, but he silenced me by pressing his lips against mine.

The kiss was soft at first, so light it felt like a whisper. His lips moved against mine with a hesitance that almost felt like he was asking for permission. My mind froze, unable to process what was happening. His warmth enveloped me, his breath mingling with mine, sending shivers down my spine.

When I didn't pull away, he deepened the kiss, slow and deliberate, like he was savoring every second. His hand slid to the back of my neck, his fingers tangling in my hair, tilting my head slightly so he could claim my lips fully.

I gasped softly, and he used that moment to explore further, his tongue brushing against mine with a tenderness that left me breathless. The kiss grew hungrier, more passionate, as if he couldn't get enough of me.

Then his other hand moved to the small of my back, pulling me closer until there was no space left between us. The warmth of his body seeped into mine, and my heart pounded so loudly I was sure he could hear it.

But he didn't stop there. His hand moved up, tracing my sides until it reached my chest. I froze for a moment, his lips never leaving mine. His hand cupped my breast gently, his thumb brushing over my nipple through the fabric of my top.

I let out an involuntary moan, and the sound seemed to drive him wild. He growled against my lips, a deep sound that made Hope stir with excitement.

"You like that," he murmured against my lips, his voice rough and filled with heat.

Before I could respond, his hand moved lower, teasing me with deliberate slowness. My breath hitched as his fingers brushed against my stomach, inching dangerously close to my core. But just as I thought he would go further, he stopped, pulling back abruptly.

His forehead rested against mine, both of us breathing heavily. His eyes searched mine, dark and filled with something raw.

"Lyra," he said, his voice low and strained, "you don't know what you do to me."

I swallowed hard, my heart still racing. I couldn't form a response, couldn't find the words even if I tried.

A small, satisfied smile tugged at his lips. He reached up and brushed a strand of hair away from my face, his touch light.

"You're mine," he said, the possessiveness in his tone sending another shiver through me.

I was still trying to process everything when the door suddenly flew open, slamming against the wall with a loud bang.

The moment shattered. I jumped, my eyes darting to the doorway as Kael turned, his body immediately going tense.