The Alpha's Fated Outcast Rise Of The Moonsinger novel Chapter 212

Lyla

As soon as the door closed behind Beta Jeremy and Nanny, Nathan came to me, his eyes were red and glassy with unshed tears and pain across his features. He looked completely broken and for the first time in forever, I didn't recognize him –, this shattered version of himself had replaced strong Nathan I'd known had replaced the strong Nathan I'd known.

He closed the space between us, grabbing my shoulders, as his fingers trembled against my skin. "Did I ever mean anything to you?" His voice cracked.

I froze completely as I stared at him, not knowing what to do or say.

"It's been only three days, Lyla. Three days since our wedding didn't happen. Do you have any idea what I've been doing to try to fix it? To keep us together? How I've had to put up with your sister's whining every fucking single night because I won't be with her? And you…" his voice faltered and his grip on my shoulders tightened. "You've already tumbled into his bed."

My breath caught in my throat. "Nath, it's not like that…"

"Don't you dare, Lyla," he cut me off with a laugh that sent chills down my spine. He released my shoulders and began pacing the room like a caged animal.

"Gosh! I'm so stupid!" He threw his head backwards laughing like a madman. "Nathan Tanner, you're so fucking stupid!" he growled, gritting his teeth before he turned to me again. "Do you know how much I didn't want to believe it? When I was told Ramsey spent the night in our pack? At the same hotel room, you were lodged, on the same floor, in your fucking room…"

A tear rolled down his eyes. He marched to the mini bar and picked up a decanter with a drink, smashing it on the wall opposite him. I flinched, taking a step backwards. I've never seen him angry.

He stalked back to me, his eyes were brimming with sorrow and rage at the same time. They saw him, Lyla. They fucking saw him leaving your hotel room. Now, I cannot trust you."

"Nathan, please," I tried to interject, but he wouldn't let me speak.

"Did you fuck him again?" he pointed his index finger at me. "Of course, you did. Why else would he leave your room the next morning? If you wanted to be with a man so much, I am here, Lyla. My body burns for you, craves your touch, wants you…"

"Nathan, I tried again. "If you can just listen to me for a second.

But he wouldn't. He didn't want to hear anything I was saying. "

"What does he have that I cannot give you? Tell me, Lyla… what does he have?"

"Nathan, you're twisting this!" I snapped, tired of being shut up. His eyes widened as he turned to me. "Yes!" I continued, giving him a pointed stare. "I never asked you to be loyal to me. Hell, I wasn't, except of course when we were together."

"Here we go again!" he threw his hands in the air, in exasperation.

"But that's the truth. I didn't ask you not to perform your marital vows. Why are you trying to guilt trip me into thinking all of this is my fault when you were there when everything happened? And you made that choice…"

"I did it to save you!" he yelled. "They would have taken you away and locked you up. I did it because I wanted to save you."

"Well, you shouldn't have, Nathan. I don't need saving neither did I ask you to save me. I was ready for whatever was going to happen."

"So, you expect me to sit back, do nothing and watch you be taken away?"

"I am not your responsibility, Nathan. I understand you want to help me and all but I am not your responsibility. You don't owe me anything. You keep doing things for me, knowing fully well that I'd never be able to pay back. I appreciate everything you've done but…"

"I love you!" he thundered, looming over my face. "I L-O-V-E you, Lyla. How else am I supposed to say this to be heard? I am not doing this because I am loyal. I want to protect you, to keep you safe…" his voice cracked again and a tear rolled down his cheeks.

"Lyla, please!" he cried "I love you. Can't you see? Can't you see that I want to be with you? What else do you want me to do? How can I convince you? Tell me, and I'll do anything."

I stared at him for a minute, suddenly feeling weak. I cared about Nathan, but I wasn't crazy about him. If he was put side by side, with Ramsey, I would choose Ramsey without a second thought.