Chapter 76 Remorseless
Morning crept in quietly after a really tiresome night.
Ryker had been moody for most of the evening and all they did was curl up in her, too tired to make love.
Lyra was still in heat but it was bearable. With her husband's scent and arms surrounding her, she was at ease.
That morning, Lyra woke first, blinking against the pale light filtering through the curtains.
For a moment, she simply lay there, listening to the steady rhythm of Ryker’s breathing beside her.
His arm was still lazily draped over her waist, heavy and warm, as though even in sleep he was afraid she might slip away again.
She sighed contentedly and snuggled closer to the warmth.
These days, it was getting harder and harder to get out of bed. She almost felt like melting right into him, lying next to him was a comfort she missed for so long, now, she couldn't miss any moment of it.
She shifted slightly, and his grip tightened around her waist.
“You’re awake,” he murmured, voice rough with sleep.
She smiled faintly at his rough baritone. “You always know.”
“I always know when it’s you,” he said, opening his eyes. He studied her face for a long moment, then sighed. “I didn’t sleep much.”
“Neither did I,” Lyra admitted. “Everything that happened yesterday…”
Ryker nodded. “I want to see the prisoner.”
She blinked, “what?"
“You know I have to do this."
“Wait? Don't tell me it's what I think."
He sighed at her stubborn tone. “I have to see him."
Lyra stiffened. “Samson?”
“Yes.” His jaw clenched. “I need to talk to him. Face to face.”
She searched his face as if trying to make sure he was thinking straight. “I don't want you to."
“I can't run away from a little trouble, Lyra."
"It went little,” she insisted, "he almost made you kill him!”
Ryker grabbed her face and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. "Do you trust me?” He asked.
She nodded without any hesitation.
"Then believe me when I say I know what I'm doing.”
“Are you sure that’s a good idea?”
“I won’t hurt him,” Ryker said, though she could hear him struggle even to convince himself. “Not unless he gives me no choice.”
Lyra hesitated, then nodded. “I’m coming with you.”
He frowned. “Lyra—”
“I’m not staying behind, we both know he's in there because of me,” she said quietly.
“What he did has nothing to do with you. It's not your fault he's crazy," he replied.
"He's not crazy, he's hurt,” she corrected him softly.
“So is everyone and yet they don't go taking it out on some innocent person. Samson cannot blame you for his rash words or temper. It's all on him," Ryker insisted firmly, “he should be able to handle his emotions better."
Lyra nodded but added. “Still, I want to go with you, please."
Ryker studied her, then finally sighed. “Fine. But stay close to me and no arguments.”
Lyra nodded and they both got out of bed, showered and left for the prison without breakfast.
The prison lay beneath the pack house, carved deep into the earth like an underground tunnel. The air grew colder with every step downward. It was damp and filled with the scent of decay.
Just as they entered, they saw Rex marching towards them.
“Alpha!" She called out, jogging to them with a tray in hand.
“What are you doing here?" Lyra asked and she shrugged.
“Bringing food to the prisoner," she replied.
“The cooks can do that," Ryker said, frowning.”
Rex shrugged. "Apparently, they tried and he refused to eat. I think he plans to starve himself just to prove a stupid point.”
Ryker grunted in frustration. Samson was much more immature than he imagined.
“I'll take that to him," Ryker said but Rex shook her head and moved the tray away.
“Nope, you're my Alpha and I can't let you do that. He deserves a little cool off in the cell,” Rex said.
Ryker nodded and continued down the tunnel.
A few guards guarded the place and they all bowed as Ryker.
“Alpha,” one greeted.
“Open the cell,” Ryker ordered.
The sound of metal scraped against stone as the door swung open.
Samson sat on a narrow bench that looked way too small for his large frame. His wrists were bound in silver cuffs and his face was still slightly bruised from yesterday. But his eyes were still narrowed in anger just as yesterday.
When he looked up and saw three of them, he laughed. “So the Alpha finally came to see me.”
Ryker stepped inside the cell and Lyra stayed just behind him, her heart pounding.
“I expected remorse,” Ryker said coldly. “And an apology.”
Samson snorted. “For what? Telling the truth?”
“You insulted my wife and your Luna. And you challenged my authority.”
“And I’d do it again,” Samson shot back. “Release me, Ryker. I will not apologize for speaking what everyone else is too afraid to say.”
Ryker’s fists clenched. “You lost your family. I know that. I understand why you’re angry.”
Samson’s expression darkened. “You understand nothing.”
“I lost my mother to vampires too—”
“Don’t,” Samson snapped. “Don’t you dare lie and try to compare your pain to mine. You still have your pack and your throne. All you care about now is that little halfbreed whore you dragged back here.”
The word was like a slap and Ryker didn't take it kindly.
He lunged forward, growling as he grabbed the man by the collar. “Say her name again and I swear—”
“Ryker!” Lyra cried, gripping his arm. “Please. He’s hurting. That doesn’t excuse it, but—”
Samson laughed harshly. “Listen to her. I can see she's taming the mighty Alpha already.”
Ryker shook with restrained fury but finally he forced himself to step back. “Enough of this madness. I was thinking of letting you out, but I guess I was wrong. You’ll stay here until you learn respect.”
Then he grabbed Lyra and Rex dropped the tray of food as they all walked out.
“I don't care about your mercy!" He shouted and at once, just as Ryker turned away,
Samson sprang up and immediately shoved one of the guards down.
A guard shouted as Samson ripped a small dagger from a guard’s boot and hurled himself toward Lyra.
“Look out!" The man on the floor yelled.
But it was too late.
Lyra gasped as the blade aimed straight for her chest.
But it didn't land because Rex jumped right in front of her as the dagger plunged right into her chest.
“Rex!” Lyra cried out