Chapter 88 Hidden Intent.
Chapter 88
Lyra's POV
My bare knuckle hit the wooden door persistently.
Not once. Not twice.
Each knock resonated through the air. Its intensity, bigger than the previous one.
I couldn't believe it, that Rosa would trust this type of secret. Trusting me enough to send me to alpha's dominion pack. Not only that, Alpha Ryder's residence. To deliver such an enormous secret to his lover.
The door finally swung open.
An Omega stood in front of me, He blocked the doorway with his enormous frame.
His eyes travelled quickly searching me from head to toe. His lip curled in a sumptuous way, like I was a sumptuous meal to be devoured.
Tell me your business here?” He questioned, his voice thickened
I quickly clear my throat.
“I… I am here because of Alpha Ryder.”
"From whom?" He stepped closer, looking down at me. "You look like a rogue. Sneaking around in the dark hours. What are you really here for?"
My hands trembled at my sides. "Please, I'm just a messenger. I have a letter…"
He didn't let me finish before he interrupted.
"Stay right there." He held up one hand. "Don't move a muscle."
He turned and disappeared into the house I could hear from where I was standing, how his footsteps faded away.
My intention was that this would be a simple task. Deliver the letter, turn and leave Alpha Dominion's pack.
But I was wrong. Nothing about seems simple anymore.
Then footsteps approached me again. It was the same omega.
His expression, still unchanged like before.
Hard. Unfriendly. Intimidating.
"Follow me. And don't dare touch a thing!"
I nodded sheepishly and stepped inside.
My breath caught in my throat.
The living room stretched wide before me, bigger than any room I'd ever seen. Paintings covered the walls, beautiful landscapes, fierce wolves, strange abstract shapes. But some made my cheeks burn hot. Bodies. Naked bodies twisted together in ways that made me look away quickly.
My feet moved slowly across the polished floor. Everything gleamed. The furniture looked like it cost more than I'd earn in a lifetime. Tall windows let moonlight stream in, making the golden decorations sparkle.
Alpha Ryder was rich. Everyone knew that. His father had built power through spiritual strength, but Ryder? Ryder turned that power into gold. Where power goes, money follows. That's what they always said.
A throat cleared behind me.
I spun around.
Alpha Ryder stood there, hands in his pockets. Even in casual clothes, he looked like someone important. His dark hair was perfectly styled. His jaw was strong, clean-shaven.
I dropped to my knees immediately, bowing my head low. "Alpha Ryder."
I reached into my pocket with shaking fingers and pulled out the sealed letter. I held it up to him, keeping my eyes on the floor.
His footsteps approached me. I felt him take the letter from my hand.
Silence.
Paper rustled as he opened it. I heard him reading, his breathing steady and calm. Then…
Rip.
I flinched. He tore the letter in half. Then in half again. And again. The pieces fluttered down around my bent head like snow. He crumpled them into a ball and threw it across the room. It bounced off the wall and rolled into a corner.
My chest tightened. Rosa would want Ryder's say on the revelations behind the letters.
But then something changed.
The air felt different. Heavier.
I glanced up through my lashes.
Alpha Ryder was staring at me. Not at where the letter had landed. Not at the door. At me.
His green eyes moved slowly down my body. Over my shoulders. Along my waist. Down my legs. Then back up again. His gaze felt like fingers trailing across my skin, even through my clothes.
My stomach twisted.
I'm forty-two years old, I wanted to shout. I'm older than you! If I couldn't be your mother, at least think of me as your older sister!
But the words stuck in my throat.
I tore my eyes away and stared hard at the floor. My hands clenched into fists against my thighs.
"Please, sit." His voice was smooth now, almost gentle. "Let me get you something to drink."
I looked up again, careful not to meet his eyes.
“No…”
"I insist." He smiled. It didn't reach his eyes.
My legs felt weak as I moved to the chair. I perched on the very edge, keeping my spine straight, my hands folded in my lap. My gaze stayed fixed on a spot on the carpet.
But I could still feel him watching.
He snapped his fingers. A young maid appeared from nowhere, her head bowed. "Bring ale for the guest."
"No!" The word burst out before I could stop it. "No ale, please. I don't do strong drinks."
Alpha Ryder tilted his head, studying me like I was a puzzle. Then he waved the maid away. "Fine. Bring juice then.”
The maid scurried off.
Ryder stood there a moment longer, his eyes still roaming over me. My skin crawled. Then finally, he turned and walked toward another room.
I let out a breath I didn't know I'd been holding.
What kind of Alpha was this? What kind of lover was Rosa dealing with? He barely looked at her letter. Tore it up without a second thought. And then looked at me like... like...
I shook my head hard. Don't think about it.
The room felt too warm now. Sticky. I stood up from the chair and walked toward one of the paintings, trying to focus on something else. Anything else.
This one showed a forest at sunrise. Beautiful gold and orange streaks across a green landscape. The artist had signed it in tiny letters at the bottom. I leaned closer, squinting to read the name.
Footsteps.
Soft ones this time. Light and quick.
I turned.
A young Omega stood there, carrying a silver tray. The juice glass sat in the center, amber liquid catching the light. But it was her face that made my heart skip.
Freya.
She looked exactly like Rosa had described. Long brown hair pulled back. Delicate features. Wide, frightened eyes that darted toward the hallway where Ryder had disappeared.
Our eyes met.
I moved quickly. I didn't hesitate, my hand slipped into my pocket and came out with a small wrapped parcel.
As Freya approached me with the tray, I eased it underneath, hiding between her palm and the cool silver base.
Her grip tightened. Her eyes flickered wide but she made no sound.
Thank you,” I said.
She didn't utter a word. She only replied with a single fleeting nod.
More footsteps. Heavy ones.
Freya's face went pale.
Alpha Ryder walked back into the room, his eyes moving between us. Back and forth. Back and forth.
The air turned thickened laced with strange concern.
He stopped walking. Stood there, perfectly still. His jaw tightened. He knew something wasn't giving.
"Have you guys known each other from somewhere before?"
My heart stopped beating.
Chapter 90
Lyra's POV
Ryder laughed, the sound violent in his suddenness. It filled the room, rattled the glass, pressed in on us from every side. He bent at the waist, clutching himself, breathless with amusement.
Repeat?" He rose, eyes sharp now. “Are you threatening me?”
"Repeat?" He straightened up, wiping his eyes. "Are you threatening me?"
He crossed his arms over his chest. His smile didn't reach his eyes.
The big room suddenly felt smaller. The air pressed down on my shoulders. I knew Ryder. I really knew him. A spoiled brat . Always wanting his way. Acting like he owned everyone and everything. Just like his father.
My lips curved into a smile that wasn't friendly. "Threatening you?" I tilted my head. "Do I sound like a threat?"
The words hit him like a punch. His eyes went wide. He blinked fast, like someone had splashed cold water on his face while he was sleeping.
"If I sound like one, then you must be joking."
Ryder's mouth twisted. The laughter died. He took one step toward me. Then another. His face turned hard as stone.
"I see." His voice dropped low. "You must be a stubborn omega. One who will still end up warming my bed."
I looked at him, from his perfectly styled hair down to his expensive shoes. I shook my head slowly.
"Me? Warming your bed?" My nose wrinkled. The words tasted bitter in my mouth. "That would be the grandest delusion."
I took a breath. My hands clenched at my sides.
"You were never wrong, were you? Rosa must be making the greatest mistake of her life. Bringing curses upon herself. Fighting for you to be king of Stormfang Pack."
I paused. Let the words sink in.
"It's a pity that won't happen during her lifetime. She will never be queen.” I paused a bit, my eyes locked on him,.. “And you will never be king."
His face changed. Red crept up his neck like spilled wine. Thick veins popped out on both sides of his throat. His jaw clenched so tight I could hear his teeth grinding.
He moved closer. Too close. I could smell his anger.
"If I didn't care about your blood spilling all over my floor..." His finger jabbed toward me. "Especially after what you just said... I promise you wouldn't walk out of here alive!"
He leaned down. His breath hit my face.
"Because Rosa, who sent you here, wouldn't dare tell me that..."
"Maybe she doesn't know yet." I didn't step back. "Maybe she hasn't figured out what kind of animal you are. The kind who can't control what's between his legs."
His face went from red to purple. Every word I threw at him landed like stones. His hands shook at his sides. I could tell from his expression he wasn't prepared for this. Not today. Not from me.
"But since you decided you don't want my blood on your floor..." I shrugged. "My best advice? Don't send your men after me."
I waited. I watched his eyes brewing with anger.
"So what happens if I do?" He stepped even closer, the tension in the room increased.
"Watch and see." My voice stayed calm. "Most of them might not come back home. Just like you left your throne as Beta to hide here. Like a dog in his kennel."
I turned on my heel and replied. "This isn't a threat. It's advice. You can take it or leave it."
My feet carried me toward the door. Each step echoed in the quiet room. I made it several steps away when his voice shot out behind me.
"Is this how you threatened Rosa too? Is that why she trusts you so much with our secret? Why did she send you here?"
I stopped. I didn't turn around.
"What selfish secret?" My words floated over my shoulder. "Secrets that kill innocent people? That makes a once-glorious pack unlivable?"
My feet started moving again. My shoes on his fancy floor.
I didn't look back, but I felt his eyes burning into my back. He stood frozen, shocked, watching me disappear from his sight.
Thank the goddess I'd paid attention earlier. When the omega servant led me through the house, I'd memorized every turn. Every hallway. I knew exactly how to get out, even with all the expensive paintings and fancy furniture trying to confuse me.
I reached the main door. My hand grabbed the handle. I looked around for the servant who'd let me in, but he wasn't there.
Good.
I pulled the door open. Stepped outside. Then I turned back toward the house.
I spat on his fancy doorstep.
"Good riddance."
The journey back to Stormfang Pack wasn't pleasant.
The bus bounced over every bump in the road. My body slammed against the hard seat again and again. Other passengers pressed against me from both sides. Someone's elbow dug into my ribs. The air smelled like sweat and old food.
I tried to find a comfortable position. There wasn't one.
The hours crawled by. My back started aching. Then my legs. Then everything.
Finally, the bus jerked to a stop. The driver's voice called out: "Stormfang Pack!"
I pushed myself up. My legs wobbled. The ache in my body had settled deep into my bones. I grabbed the seat in front of me to steady myself.
Other passengers shoved past me toward the exit. I waited, then climbed down the bus steps carefully. My feet hit solid ground.
A big sigh pushed out of my chest. Home. Sort of.
The bus drove away, leaving me in a cloud of dust. I coughed and waved my hand in front of my face.
My legs didn't want to move. Every muscle screamed at me to rest. But I couldn't stay at the bus stop.
I forced one foot in front of the other. Slow. Steady. Each step hurts.
The familiar buildings of Stormfang Pack rose around me. Even though this place held bad memories, something in my chest loosened. At least I knew these streets.
I'd walked only a short distance from the bus stop when I saw someone.
My feet stopped.
A figure stood ahead. Something about the way they moved made my heart skip.
Familiar. But strange.
Someone I knew.
But what were they doing in Stormfang Pack?