Chapter 38
Too stunned to speak, I watched Vera walk out of the room in burning anger.
Lief's mind links me to stay calm, and I resume my meal. I could only imagine what was going through Lyra’s mind, but she didn’t say a word throughout. She ate her meal in silence and asked to be excused, which I quietly agreed to.
LYRA’S POV
My entire body was shaking so badly, I needed to find a quiet place to let out my scream.
Why wouldn’t Vera just leave me alone?
“That bitch.” I turned to see Nessa fuming with anger as she closed the door behind her.
“I am so livid right now. She keeps pressing my buttons.” I reply angrily. “It’s not like I want anything to do with Ryker. She can have him for all I care.” I angrily pick up a pillow and sit on the bed with a huff.
“Hey, just ignore her. She’s all noise and no bite.” Nessa smiled sweetly at me as she tried to lift my spirits. “I think she knows Ryker has fallen in love with you, and she is scared of losing him.”
I scoffed. “Love? That Alpha could never love anybody, let alone me.” I reply with a pout.
“You love him, Lyra. Even if you do not want to admit it. He’s won your heart.”
“I don’t want him to have my heart,” I reply sadly, and look out towards the window with a sad expression.
“I can't bring myself to love him after everything he’s put me through.”
“Lyra,” Nessa called my name quietly as she tried to convince me otherwise.
“I know, with the mate bond between us, I can’t help but feel things, but I refuse to love him. I lost my virginity most cruelly at his hands. I still carry with me so much pain, Nessa. How could I forgive such a man? How could I love such a man?” I turned to face her, and she held my face in her hands as she knelt in front of me while my tears slipped.
"The moon goddess knows best, Lyra. However, I am most certain that both of you were meant to be, and I’m sure he regrets that.” She spoke reassuringly.
“But I am weak. Look at me.” I shrugged. “I don’t have a wolf. I am worse than an omega. What kind of life could I ever offer him, if at all? He is an Alpha and a king, and I am nothing. I will just be a burden.” I complained bitterly.
“You are stronger than you think. He needs you more than you need him. This I can assure you.” Nessa spoke with so much conviction as she stared into my eyes.
I wanted to believe her, but a part of me still had doubts.
I didn’t know what the future held for me in this pack or as Ryker’s mate. I didn’t want to get carried away with this version of him who wanted me.
What if he changed his mind?
What if he finally makes that choice and chooses Vera?
What if he decided to break off our mate bond?
What was worse?
Every way I looked at it, I couldn’t bring myself to imagine the level of emotional pain I was going to go through.
Could he love me?
I thought about this when sleep finally took over me.
The next morning, I woke up with so much pain in my limbs, and my mouth felt so sore. Nessa made me some medicinal soup and insisted I stay in bed, but I refused.
I needed to feel the cool air on my skin, and I felt a walk would help my sore muscles relax. She was visiting the hospital today to deliver some food and essentials to sick pack members, and I decided to tag along.
I followed her into the ward and assisted her in handing over food and other items to the sick patients. They seemed lovely and thanked us.
Then we went to the ward where the pups were. The sick pups made my heart ache, so I decided to stay for a while and read them a story. Thankfully, their mothers didn’t disapprove. So, I sat down beside a redhead frail pup whose name is Sally, while I read them kid stories.
Nessa still had other rounds to do in the ward, so she left me with the kids. By the time she was done, Sally held my hand, refusing to let go, and the other kids who weren’t yet asleep wanted me to read them another story.
So, I told Nessa it was fine to leave and that I would be joining her later in the pack.
The kids were lovely and they asked lots of questions. Soon, the kids were exhausted from so much chatter, and their eyes were already droopy. I promised to visit them much later and said my goodbyes.
By the time I stepped out of the hospital, it was almost past noon, and so I decided to explore the grounds. Then someone bumped into me. As soon as I turned, it was one of Vera’s minions who had hit me intentionally.
“Ouch, if it isn’t the mate thief. Tell me something, Lyra, why do you like taking things that aren’t yours?” Lola asked with feigned interest. Just then, I noticed Amara and Cassie walking over.
I ignored her, then turned to walk away, but she dragged my hair, causing me to turn back to drag her hands off.
“Are you sick in the head or something? Why would you drag my hair?” I raised my voice at her as I touched my already sensitive scalp.
“Well, well, well, look who we have here. If it's not the bitch called Lyra.” Cassie smirked at me, and I frowned at them.
“You guys should leave me alone.” I shook my head and scoffed.
“What happens if we don’t? You’re going to tell the Alpha King?” Amara came close to me as though riling me up to fall for her rage bait.
I looked down at her and smiled sweetly. “I think you three should run along like the little dogs that you are to your master. You’re all bark and no bite.” Then I sneered and walked off.