CHAPTER 72 - Rejection

Lyra Ryan pressed a gentle kiss onto my forehead. We stayed holding each other for a long moment, neither wanting to let go. As all things must end, eventually Ryan stepped back with a pained expression. "We should go," Ryan said sadly. "Before someone sees us." I refused to cry. "Okay." He took my hand, and together we walked back towards the path. As we neared the edge of the woods, we heard voices. Ryan pulled me behind a tree, pressing a finger to his lips. I held my breath, straining to listen. It was Liam and Sally, their voices intense. "Sally," Liam was saying, his tone gentle, "I'm flattered, really. But I can't return your feelings." There was a pause, and then Sally spoke, her voice trembling and filled with defeat. "I understand. I knew it was a long shot." "You're a lovely she-wolf," Liam continued, "but I'm not looking for a relationship right now. I need to focus on my duties as Beta." "Of course,” She sounded so lost… I wanted to cry. "I'm sorry for botheri