#71 Put a Bitch in Her Place

Put a Bitch in Her Place
Ryanna POV

I stepped out of the spa tent feeling like a goddamn queen in the gown Jalynda’s people had lent me. It clung in all the right places, my blonde curls bounced, and the makeup made my green eyes pop like emerald fire. Syrene was restless in my mind, her voice low and warning. “That screeching bitch smells wrong. Rotten magic under the wolf stink. Be careful.”

The chaos hit me the second I looked toward the village edge. Belinda, apparently Rhydor’s ex, was shrieking like a banshee, pointing her finger at my men while half the village stared. Rhydor’s black eyes were storm clouds, Lucien’s shadows curled tight around him, and Darian stood clutching a bouquet of moonflowers like he might hurl them at her.

I raised my hand, silver sparks dancing at my fingertips. “Shut the fuck up,” I said, calm but edged with steel.

Belinda ignored it, storming right up until her sour breath was in my face. “I don’t know who you think you are, mutt, but you’re nothing. Rhydor is my betrothed, and I’ll fight you right now for him!”

She bared her teeth, a low growl vibrating. All petty spite and heartbreak, dripping from her like cheap perfume. I giggled. Couldn’t help it. The entitlement, the rage, it was hilarious. Her face twisted red with fury.

“Oh, honey,” I chuckled. “If you can take him from me, please fucking try.”

Her eyes narrowed. She shifted in a flash of bone and magic, a grey and black wolf bristling and snarling. Syrene growled in my head. “Careful. Directorate taint. End this fast.”

Belinda lunged, teeth flashing. I moved like lightning, instincts from years of ducking bullets snapping into place. I rolled under her, yanked my knife from its thigh sheath, and twisted hard. Her body flipped midair and slammed into the dirt. In a blink, I had my knee in her gut, blade pressed to her throat.

The village gasped. I leaned in close, my whisper colder than steel. “I am Ryanna fucking Varelli. Moon Bound Queen. Mafia blood, demi-goddess fire, and the center of a seven-point star. I’ve got six mates grounding me, and Rhydor is mine. Shift back and walk away, or I’ll slit your throat and wear your blood like perfume.”

She whimpered. Terror filled her eyes. In a blink, she shifted back, naked and shaking. She scrambled up and bolted into the trees, tail tucked between her legs.

I stood, sliding my knife back into place. The village erupted in gasps and whispers. My men stared like I’d just set the world on fire, Rhydor’s black eyes burned, Lucien’s silver gaze darkened with lust, Darian’s blue eyes smoldered.

I grinned. “What? You’ve never seen me pin a bitch before?”

Rhydor dropped to his knees, head bowed. “I’m sorry, my queen.”

I tugged him up easily, pulling him close. “Not your fault, babe. We’ve got bigger shit to deal with than tantrums. But I’ll never hesitate to put someone in their place.”

The villagers broke into cheers, some clapping, some chanting Moon Bound Queen. I waved them off with a smirk. Syrene purred in my head. “Nicely done. The taint’s gone, but stay alert.”

“Where is Kaelan?” I muttered. I reached out through the bond. “Get here now. Drama’s over.”

Kaelan’s reply came quick, breathless. “At the gym, sparring warlocks. On my way, little wolf.”

I rolled my eyes. Of course. Typical. My men gathered close, still staring at me like they wanted to eat me alive. I just laughed. “Save it for later. We’ve got Lefrens to impress.”

Kaelan POV

The gym was open air, sweat and dust mixing as warlock kids circled me. Their eyes were wide as I showed off a spinning kick that could take a vampire’s head clean off. My golden hair stuck to my forehead, my grin cocky as ever. “Weight low, pivot fast,” I told them, showing it again.

They mimicked me, stumbling but eager. I clapped shoulders, chuckling. “Not bad, you little shits. Keep practicing.”

Keir rumbled in my head, sharp but warm. “They’re quick learners. But stay alert, this place hums with power.”

Ryanna’s voice sliced through the link, sharp and urgent. “Get here now, boys. Drama’s over.”

My grin slipped. I waved the kids off. “Don’t break anything while I’m gone.” They laughed as I jogged out, boots pounding dirt. Keir’s hackles rose, a sour scent curling into my nose. “Smells like betrayal,” he snarled. I picked up the pace.

I reached the village edge to find her, Ryanna, radiant as hell in that gown, magic sparking off her fingers. Rhydor looked furious, Lucien’s shadows writhed, Darian still clutched moonflowers like a prop.

“What the fuck happened? And what’s that smell?” I asked, nose wrinkling.

Ryanna’s eyes burned green fire. “Oh my gods, you smell it too? Syrene said Belinda reeked of Directorate scum.”

Rhydor growled, his voice raw. “Wouldn’t surprise me. That psycho was never my choice. Betrothal was forced. She’s just like her father.”

Keir bristled inside me. “The Directorate moves close.”

The villagers still whispered, buzzing with what Ryanna had just pulled. Darian chuckled, shaking his head. “Yeah, especially after that little show.”

Lucien smirked, shadows twisting. “Pinned Belinda like a pro. Hot as hell.”

I groaned. “Figures I missed it. Bet it was sexy as fuck.”

“Alright, boys,” she said. “Let’s get cleaned up. I got my dress dirty stomping that bitch.”

We followed her back, her stride pure Mafia queen. In the suite, we stripped down and changed, pulling on sharp clothes. I wore a fitted black shirt, flexing a little because why not.

Darian presented Ryanna with the moonflowers and a ruby pendant that glowed faintly. She lit up, kissing him so hard the air went molten. “Fuck, Darian,” she purred. “You’re too good to me.”

Keir scolded me. “Why didn’t we bring her something?” My cheeks heated. “Tomorrow,” I muttered. “I’ll find something perfect.”

Rhydor slipped a silver ring onto her finger, his black eyes soft with devotion. I sighed, empty handed, but she caught my eye and smiled. My wolfish grin answered before I could think.

My stomach growled loud as hell. Ryanna laughed, shaking her head. “Alright, it’s time.”

We headed down the hall toward the dining room, stepping in just as Jalynda and Torwyn Lefren entered, regal and stormy, commanding the space.