Ronan's new reality was a study in painful contrasts. He was now the Head of Global Security for Aura Dynamics, a title that meant he spent his days meticulously vetting Lyra's meetings, clearing her travel routes, and ensuring her safety—a duty he performed with flawless, terrifying loyalty. But he was also perpetually relegated to the edges of her life.
He was in the room, but he was never with her.
He was currently waiting in the outer lounge of a high-end restaurant where Lyra was meeting with her top financial advisor. Ronan stood by the window, his posture rigid, wearing the simple black suit of a highly capable bodyguard, a jarring shift from his previous custom Alpha attire.
The interior door opened, and Lyra stepped out, looking radiant in a sapphire dress. But she wasn't alone.
Liam Devereux, the human tech mogul from the gala, followed her, his arm looped easily through hers. Liam's presence in Lyra's corporate circle was constant, unsettling, and perfectly legitimate, as Aura Dynamics had recently acquired a significant stake in his latest green tech venture.
"The meeting was fruitful, Lyra. But exhausting," Liam said, his voice carrying the easy charm of a man who didn't have to fight for respect.
"It was necessary, Liam," Lyra replied, a soft tone in her voice Ronan rarely heard directed at him. She looked up at Liam, and Ronan watched the subtle, genuine crinkle around her eyes—a smile that used to belong to him.
Liam guided her toward the main exit, spotting Ronan immediately. He didn't show fear, only a slight, polite acknowledgement, recognizing Ronan as the 'Head of Security,' nothing more.
"Ah, Ronan. Thank you for the impeccable security tonight. Truly seamless," Liam said warmly, nodding. He turned back to Lyra. "About the Maldives retreat next month—are you sure you don't want to bring Leo? My private island has excellent educational facilities."
Ronan's wolf snarled deep in his chest. The Maldives? His son? With this human?
"I appreciate the offer, Liam," Lyra said, pausing near Ronan, her scent washing over him—a devastating blend of professional perfume and her faint, unique wolf-magic signature. "Leo is my priority. I'll consider it, but my schedule is tight."
"As always," Liam chuckled, pulling her close for a moment. He leaned down, his mouth near her ear, murmuring something Ronan couldn't hear.
The sheer intimacy of the gesture—the familiarity, the whispered confidence—was a punch to Ronan's gut. He knew, instinctively, that Liam was offering Lyra a life free of Pack wars, ancient bloodlines, and the constant threat of assassination. He was offering her peace.
Lyra straightened, her cheeks slightly flushed, and she simply squeezed Liam's hand. "I need to leave now. Ronan will drive me home."
Liam nodded, completely unthreatened by Ronan's presence. "Until tomorrow, then. Remember, Lyra, my offer is always available. A life where you can simply rest."
As Liam walked away, Ronan was left simmering, his knuckles white. The contrast between Lyra's respectful warmth for Liam and her cold command toward him was agonizing.
They entered the armored vehicle. Lyra settled into the vast back seat, opening her tablet immediately.
"Report, Ronan," she said, her voice immediately business-like.
"The route is clear. The Elders' surveillance team was neutralized near the bridge," Ronan reported, forcing his focus. After a moment, the jealousy flared, demanding he speak. "Devereux is a threat, Lyra. He's human. He doesn't know what you are."
Lyra finally looked up, her golden eyes flashing with controlled annoyance. "Liam Devereux is a genius strategist and a man who respects my autonomy, Ronan. He is also the majority investor in the new data facility that makes Aura Dynamics utterly unassailable. He is a business partner."
"He wants more than a partnership," Ronan growled, unable to contain the Alpha jealousy.
Lyra leaned forward, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "And what does that matter to you, Alpha Kaelen? You sacrificed the mate bond for survival. I am free to choose a life that doesn't involve constant betrayal and bloodshed. Liam is offering a life where I can be a queen without having to fight a war every day."
She leaned back, her expression freezing over. "You, Ronan, are offering me five years of constant groveling for the mistake you already made. If you want to continue to protect the Heir, I suggest you focus on the threat profile of the remaining Elders, and not on the dating life of your CEO."
Ronan took a slow, deep breath, accepting the cut. He was no longer the Alpha of her life; he was merely the shield protecting her options.
He cleared his throat. "Understood, CEO Thorne. There is one other matter regarding the Heir. Leo is asking why I don't look like the pictures of 'Daddy' in his storybooks."
Lyra's face softened almost imperceptibly at the mention of Leo.
"He wants to know why you look 'sad and angry' all the time," she finished for him. She looked directly at Ronan, a challenge in her gaze. "You need to show him the father, Ronan. Not the Alpha. That is an order."
Ronan nodded, the task of connecting with his son feeling more daunting than fighting Alpha Malek. He turned his attention back to the road, accepting the double agony of his new role: protecting the woman he desperately wanted, while watching another man offer her the quiet happiness he had sacrificed.