Chapter 22 The Morning After
Lyra woke to the feel of warm hands brushing lightly across her back in a slow, soothing pattern.
She blinked her eyes open, her vision hazy at first, then slowly clearing up. She was lying on a thick blanket, slightly damp with morning dew. A leather jacket draped over her shoulders, and she burrowed into the familiar scent.
When her gaze cleared, she found Ryker kneeling beside her.
“You’re awake,” he said softly in relief.
Lyra nodded slowly and looked down at her feet. Her ankle had been carefully bandaged, but when she shifted even slightly, a sharp pain shot through her.
“Ow.”
“Careful,” Ryker murmured, leaning closer. “The wound won’t take long to heal. Sorry.”
Lyra swallowed hard, cheeks warming with embarrassment. “I think I haven’t gotten over snakes.”
He let out a breath. “I’m sorry you had to go through that. I didn’t know you still had that phobia. Especially now that you’re a half-breed.”
Lyra stared at her hands. “I guess I’m still me. Some part of me still remembers my fears.”
“Yeah, you're right. Not everything about you has changed,” he said again, gentler. “I think you’re just trying to be tough so you can protect yourself.”
Lyra stiffened immediately. She didn’t like the sound of that. She pushed herself upright despite the pain.
“I have to protect myself because no one else can.”
“But I'm here, Lyra, and I'll keep you safe. It's my duty.”
“You failed at it once. You might fail again. I don't want to find out.”
Ryker sighed and rubbed his face. “When will you give up the struggle? What's so hard to forgive?”
Lyra looked away, trying her hardest to blink back the tears, and sarcastically nodded. “You’re right. Cheating on me wasn’t such a big deal.”
Ryker swore under his breath and reached out instinctively. “Lyra, wait! I'm sorry, I didn’t mean—”
“It doesn’t matter,” she cut in quickly. “It was just a snake bite. We should keep moving.”
She slipped out of his reach and limped away before he could say another word.
Rex was standing by the doused fire, stirring something in a hanging pot. When she saw Lyra approach, she lifted her hand in greeting. “Morning. How’s the leg feeling?”
Lyra forced a small smile. “Better. I’ll survive.”
“Good,” Rex grinned. “Because I made breakfast. Rabbit and potatoes, mashed together into a vegetable soup. Smells better than it sounds, I promise.”
Lyra hadn’t realized how empty her stomach felt until the scent hit her. “I’ll take some,” she said quietly.
Rex ladled soup into a wooden bowl and handed it to her. As Lyra took a careful sip, Rex folded her arms and studied her face.
“So,” Rex started, “what happened with Ryker? Did you guys fight again? Although he didn’t sleep once last night. Kept pacing around like a restless animal.”
Lyra’s head snapped up. “He didn’t sleep?”
“Nope. And judging from the way he just stormed off,” Rex nodded toward the trees where Ryker’s bike roared to life, “he’s angry now.”
Lyra turned just in time to see Ryker riding away, disappearing down the narrow path.
“I don’t know what’s up with him,” she mumbled. “I guess he just needs to blow off steam.”
Rex hesitated, then said quietly, “Maybe it’s time you let go of the past. I doubt Alpha Ryker is still the same man he was five years ago. A lot has changed, you know.”
“You weren’t the one who got killed all because you were fighting for your unfaithful husband.”
Rex sighed. “I know nothing I say will make sense. And maybe you’re right, I don’t know how it feels to be that badly betrayed by your mate. But I do know the Alpha who protects me and the rest of the IronFangs. Ryker is a good man. And maybe you should give yourself a chance to get to know this new version of him.”
Lyra scoffed. “One heartbreak is enough for a lifetime, Rex. I’m not doing it again. And besides, it’s complicated.”
“How complicated?”
“I’m a half-breed now. I can never become his mate. Whatever bond we shared died the day I died. To me, he’s just like any other man.”
Rex scoffed. “I don’t know how long you think you can keep telling yourself that, but what you share with him is more than chemical bonds. But—” she held up a hand before Lyra could argue. “I know when to shut up. I’ll go get ready for the ride.”
She walked off, leaving Lyra alone with her soup and her thoughts.
She didn’t know how she would deal with the Blood King. Her only chance at staying sane was living like a human, never transforming, never summoning her half-breed form, and hoping the Blood King didn't find another way to summon her.
Goodness! She had to learn about the ways of the bloodsuckers.
Soon, Dax approached.
“How’s the leg healing?”
“It’s fine,” she replied.
He crouched down and gently inspected the bandage. “We’ll have to apply some balm when we reach the Bronx Pack.”
Lyra nodded. “Sorry for making everyone worry last night.”
Dax shook his head. “It’s fine. Really. I just never knew you were allergic to reptiles.”
“It’s more like an extreme fear,” she admitted. “I’ve always been that way since I was little. Ryker knows about it.”
Dax studied her, then asked, “Lyra, when this is all over, and you come back to the pack, do you think you might start over again? With someone else?”
Lyra sighed deeply, staring at the firepit. “I don’t know about love anymore. But I know I’m done with your brother. Maybe I’ll join another pack and find someone I might love.”
“What if the IronFangs still need their Queen?”
“I wasn’t much of a Queen,” she said bitterly. “Ryker wouldn’t even let me make decisions for the pack. And clearly nothing’s changed. He still doesn’t listen.”
“But what if you could change things?” Dax pressed. “You came with us to the Gold Crest raid and we succeeded. Catelyn and Aleck won’t dare challenge us again. You helped make that happen. My brother would never have done that without you.”
“I’m not sure I’m ready for all this. There’s a lot I have to figure out, including this new… abomination that I am.”
“Lyra.” Dax took her hand gently. “You’re not an abomination. You’re a little different. But you’re still you.”
His words felt comforting, and she smiled. “You’re the best brother-in-law anyone could ask for.”
“You’re welcome, Lyra,” he said with a small smile.
They stood together, and by the time Ryker returned on his bike, Rex already had the camp cleared and packed.
Lyra walked toward Ryker’s bike. He didn’t say a word as she climbed on behind him, resting her hands lightly on the seat instead of his waist.
They were just about to pull out onto the road when a small figure stumbled into their path, blocking their way.
A young boy staggered in front of them. He was bloody and bruised, with his
clothes ripped open.
His hands reached toward them desperately.
“Save me!” he cried out.
Ryker slammed the brakes.