Chapter 74 Devil's Dare
Lyra’s hands were shaking before she even realized she had started moving.
The dining hall felt impossibly large now, filled with so many faces she'd no doubt seen before. But that afternoon, it felt different.
Every step she took toward Ryker felt like walking into some sort of judgement seat. Her heartbeat thundered so loudly in her ears that she wondered if anyone else could hear it.
Her palms were suddenly damp and she rubbed them softly against her dress, her knees weak, and for a terrifying second, she thought she might trip in front of everyone.
She hated that she felt this way.
She had died. She had come back. She had endured worse than a room full of judgmental wolves.
But this was different. Somehow it felt like being led down the freaking slaughter.
Ryker turned fully toward her, and the moment his eyes locked onto hers, something in her chest loosened. Just slightly.
He saw her shaking. She knew he did. He always did.
“Come here,” he said softly, but his voice was loud enough that it sounded across the room anyway.
She swallowed hard and took the last few steps.
The instant she reached him, Ryker grabbed her hands. His grip anchored her in place, grounding her when her legs felt like they might give out.
“You’re okay,” he murmured under his breath, meant only for her. “I’ve got you.”
Lyra nodded even though her throat felt too tight to speak.
Ryker turned to the pack, lifting their joined hands so everyone could see them clearly.
“Look at her,” he said.
The murmurs and whispering in the crowd died instantly.
“This is Lyra,” Ryker continued. “And she is back.”
A wave of whispers began to form through the hall. Some shrugged like that was old news and others just stared openly.
Before Lyra could process any of it, Ryker moved.
He released one of her hands, cupped her face, and kissed her.
It was a fierce domineering kiss and Lyra froze for half a heartbeat. Then instinct took over and her fingers curled into the front of his shirt as her cheeks burned hot with embarrassment.
She could feel every eye on them, but Ryker kissed her like none of that mattered.
When he finally pulled away, she was breathless, flushed, and acutely aware of just how red her face had turned.
Ryker didn’t look at anyone else. He kept one arm around her, holding her close as he spoke.
“I, Alpha Ryker,” he announced, his voice echoing through the hall, “do take Lyra back as my wife and renounce all I may or might not have said to nullify our union.”
For a moment, there was silence.
Then a loud applause broke out.
Some clapped loudly. Others hesitated, then joined in. Lyra stood there beside Ryker, stunned, overwhelmed, her heart racing so fast she could barely keep up with it.
“She might be different,” Ryker went on, tightening his arm around her waist, “but she is still your Luna. And she deserves all your respect and power.”
A few voices voiced agreement immediately.
“Yes, Alpha.”
“She’s Luna.”
“We accept.”
Lyra finally dared to breathe. They accepted her. They all still wanted her as their Alpha's wife.
But that all ended when a voice sounded loudly, drowning out the rest.
“I don’t think so, Alpha.”
The applause died instantly.
Lyra turned slowly, her stomach dropping.
The man stepped forward from the crowd and stood right in front of Ryker.
He was Samson.
She recognized him immediately. The same man who had spoken of tearing the pack apart when she had first returned. He didn't like her and he never bothered hiding it.
“I have followed you for many years,” Samson said boldly, “and yet you won’t ask for our permission before all this?”
“Permission?” Ryker repeated calmly.
Samson nodded. “Yes.”
Ryker tilted his head slightly. “What do I need permission for, Samson?”
Samson’s lip curled. “To bring an abomination into the pack. She isn’t a werewolf. She isn’t one of us.”
Lyra stiffened.
Ryker’s growl was low and dangerous. “She is Lyra. She is your Luna. And she deserves your loyalty.”
“Have you forgotten so soon,” Samson pressed, “how vampires have fought us over the years? They are our arch enemies. How can we accept her?”
“She’s not a vampire,” Rex snapped from the corner of the room and stood out.
Samson whirled toward her. “And maybe you’re part of this too. Being friends with the fucking halfbreed.”
Rex didn’t flinch. “Yes, maybe I am. Because I’m not some entitled old man clinging to archaic beliefs that no longer serve us.”
Samson growled. “You little girl! How dare you speak to me that way!”
He stepped closer aggressively and for a second, his fist lifted.
A deep, rumbling growl came from Ryker.
“That’s enough,” He hissed.
Samson halted, but the defiance in his eyes remained.
“Alpha Ryker,” Samson said mockingly, stepping forward again, “perhaps you’ve grown soft.”
Everyone was stunned at such audacity. No one spoke to the Alpha like that.
“I have been lenient with the IronFangs,” Ryker replied coldly. “We’ve been like family. Perhaps I’ve been too soft with you all.”
“Oh really?” Samson sneered. “Or perhaps we’ve been stupid to think you could lead us properly. All it takes is some hot pussy to sway you.”
Lyra stepped forward despite herself. “It’s okay,” she said shakily. “I shouldn’t be the reason you fight.”
Samson rounded on her. “Shut up, halfbreed! You have no right to speak in our presence. You should be the lowest slave!”
Ryker moved instantly.
He stepped in front of Lyra, completely blocking her from view.
“That’s my wife you’re speaking to,” he snapped. “Put your anger in check, soldier!”
Samson shook his head. “Perhaps we were wrong about you. We accepted a leader who can’t even keep his dick in check.”
That was it.
Ryker grabbed Samson by the collar and slammed him into the floor with brutal force.
The impact echoed through the hall and Samson groaned as blood spilled from his nose.
Ryker stood over him, eyes blazing.
“One more word,” he hissed, “and you’ll be sleeping in the cells. Don’t test me.”
Samson laughed through the blood. “You’re not my Alpha anymore, Ryker. I’d rather be killed!”
Then he spat.
Right at Ryker’s feet.
The room collectively gasped.
Ryker hauled him up and slammed him back down even harder. The floor cracked beneath the impact. Ryker raised his hand, sharp claws extended.
“So be it—”
“Ryker, please!” Lyra cried, rushing forward and grabbing his arm. “I beg of you. Don’t become a monster because of him.”