Chapter 60 A Haunting Desire
Later that night, Lyra stood by the window in the Alpha’s quarters, arms wrapped around herself, staring out at the darkened forest.
Her skin still tingled where Ryker had touched her earlier, where he had pulled away just as quickly, like she was fire.
Halfbreed. That was what he'd said.
But what did that have to do with anything? Is that why he'd been turning her down like she was poison?
“That didn't stop him the first time we made love,” she scoffed.
She could still recall it like it was yesterday. She'd been raw and without any memories of who she was. But one touch from him had ignited a flame in her that wasn't quenched even until now.
But she couldn't deny that maybe being a half-breed had its consequences, and perhaps Ryker had decided she wasn't worth it.
Behind her, the door opened softly and someone walked in.
She didn’t turn. She didn’t need to turn to know who it was.
Ryker’s presence filled the room instantly. His scent followed him in, pine and smoke and something spicy that made her heart stutter.
“What are you wearing?” he asked, grabbing a blanket and throwing it over her shoulders.
“It's warm in here, can't you feel it?” she cursed and tossed the blanket aside. What was wrong with him and his sudden modesty?
“You shouldn’t be near the window,” he said.
She exhaled slowly. “You locked me in here anyway. What difference does it make?”
He stopped a few steps behind her. “It makes all the difference.”
She finally turned, meeting his gaze.
“You’re hiding things from me,” she said quietly.
“Yes.”
She snorted in irritation. “At least you’re honest about that.”
“You don’t understand how dangerous this is.”
“Then explain it to me.”
He hesitated, and that hesitation hurt more than any harsh word ever could.
Lyra took a step closer. “You said I’m in danger. From who? From the pack? From your enemies? Or from you?”
She knew she hit a nerve when he hissed. “Don’t, Lyra.”
“Don’t what?” she challenged. “Ask questions? Feel things? Exist?”
“I told you I'd keep you safe. Isn't that enough?” he barked in frustration.
“What do you think I am? A five-year-old naive girl you can lock up? Is this some Rapunzel story to you?”
As she spoke, she was poking at his chest angrily, slamming her little fist against him.
“You’re pushing me,” he growled, but didn't move.
“Good,” she said, voice trembling. “Because you’ve been pushing me for months.”
The space between them felt charged, electric, like one wrong move would set everything on fire.
“You think this is easy for me?” Ryker snapped. “Knowing what you are now? Knowing that I have no idea how to deal with all this?”
Her heart thudded painfully. “Say it.”
He didn’t.
“Say it,” she insisted, stepping even closer. “Whatever you’re afraid of, say it to my face.”
His control was wearing thin, and she could see it in his eyes. But she wasn't backing down.
“Tell me what the doctor said, Ryker.”
“Not in a million years,” he blurted.
She pulled back, staring at him. “So this is now, huh? We keep secrets from each other, right?”
“You've been great at that lately. I'm just following suit.”
“Fuck you, Ryker!” she spat, slapping him across the face. Or at least she tried.
Because her hand didn't land before he grabbed it, holding it in the air.
"Don't do that, woman,” he grunted warningly.
"Let me go! You oaf!” she struggled, tugging at his wrist, but just one hand was enough to hold her in place.
Her strength was feeble compared to him, and he didn't flinch despite her assault.
Lyra knew she had to flip the switch. She didn't think twice before grabbing his neck with her left hand and leaning in for a kiss.
For a second, Ryker froze, and she kissed him, her soft lips playing against his while he stood there, unmoving.
His chest tightened as her scent hit him, and he inhaled deeply, unable to stop himself.
Slowly, his hands melted away from her wrist, and he grabbed her waist before he could stop himself.
But just before he deepened the kiss, Lyra pulled away.
“That’s what scares you?” she whispered, licking her lips and driving him insane.
He laughed bitterly. “That’s not even the worst part.”
“Then what is?”
He reached out before he could stop himself, fingers grazing her wrist. The moment skin met skin, he froze.
She was still burning, something that made his wolf surge violently inside him, and he didn't know when he growled loudly.
“Ryker,” she breathed.
He pulled his hand back like he’d been burned. “This is why you’re staying here. Away from everyone.”
“So you can watch me?” she asked softly.
“So I can stop myself,” he shot back.
Her lips parted. “From what?”
His gaze dropped to her mouth before he could stop it.
“From tearing you apart and begging you to stay at the same time,” he wanted to say, but he didn't.
She stepped into his space deliberately this time. And as if she read his thoughts, she said, “I’m not afraid of you.”
“You should be.”
“But I’m not.”
Her hand slid up his chest, feeling the rigid muscle beneath his shirt, the way his heart thundered against her palm.
“You don’t get to touch me like that,” he said hoarsely.
“I’m your mate,” she replied. “And your wife. Unless you’ve forgotten.”
He caught her wrist, grip firm but trembling. “Don’t use that against me.”
“Then stop acting like we are no longer together.”
Slowly, carefully, Ryker loosened his hold but didn’t let go.
“You don’t know what being near you does to me,” he admitted quietly.
Her voice softened. “Tell me.”
“It makes me forget every promise I made to myself to let you go.”
Her chest ached. “I never asked you to let me go.”
“You didn’t have to,” he said. “I decided it for you.”
She shook her head. “You shouldn't have. You know me, Ryker. I don't like being ordered around.”
“Lyra, your stubbornness can't save you this time.”
“I don't want to be saved,” she smiled.
“And what is it you want?” he asked.
She leaned in until her lips were just shy of his ear. “You.”
His control snapped. He backed her toward the wall in a single, fluid movement, bracing his arm beside her head, caging her in without touching her.
“Say that again,” he warned.
“I want you,” she repeated huskily. “All of you.”
His forehead dropped to hers, and he clenched his fist. “This doesn’t end well.”
“Neither will pushing me away.”
For a heartbeat, he hesitated.
Then he slammed his fist into the wall, breaking the sore flesh open again.
Lyra gasped, looking into his fierce eyes.
Ryker groaned, pulling back abruptly. “This is exactly why I shouldn’t.”
“But you want to,” she whispered.
“Yes,” he admitted. “And that’s the problem.”
When he pulled away, he was visibly shaking, and Lyra was speechless.
“Sleep, Lyra. I'll be out for evening patrol tonight.” Then he left and locked the door behind him.