Chapter 8 Defence
Ryker POV
"He can't take you back. The contract is ironclad. I had the best lawyers in six territories review it before I presented it to him." I rubbed my thumbs over her knuckles. "The clause he's complaining about states that if anyone from Silvercrest harms you—physically, emotionally, or psychologically—their territory becomes mine. Or transfers to you, since you're the rightful Alpha's daughter."
"But what if the Council sides with him?" Her voice shook. "What if they say the contract isn't valid?"
"Then I'll fight the ruling. And if that fails, I'll take you somewhere the Council can't reach. But it won't come to that." I squeezed her hands gently. "Trust me, Maya. I've been playing pack politics for ten years. I know how to protect what's mine."
"Why would you risk so much for me?" The question was barely audible.
"Because you're worth it. Because leaving you there would have destroyed the part of me that's still capable of being good." I stood, pulling her up with me. "And because my wolf would never forgive me if I let our mate suffer."
She swayed slightly and I steadied her, my hands on her shoulders. We stood like that for a long moment, her looking up at me with those wounded eyes, me looking down at her with every protective instinct screaming.
"There's something else you need to know," I said finally. "Something I need to tell you before this gets more complicated."
"What?"
"We're going back to Silvercrest. Tomorrow at dawn." I felt her tense under my hands. "The Council is allowing Marcus to present his case. As the other party to the contract, I have the right to respond in person. And I'm bringing you with me."
"No." The word came out choked. "Please, I can't go back there."
"You won't be alone. I'll be with you every second. So will Kade and Owen. Your uncle won't be able to touch you." I tilted her chin up so she couldn't look away. "But there might be evidence in that pack house that proves he killed your parents. Documents, records, something only you would recognize. We need you there, Maya."
"He'll find a way to hurt me. He always does."
"Not this time. This time you have me. You have my entire pack standing behind you." I could see the war in her eyes—terror versus the desperate need for justice. "I won't force you. But I'm asking you to trust me. Can you do that?"
Her lips trembled. She was silent for so long I thought she'd refuse. Then, so quietly I almost missed it: "When do we leave?"
"Dawn. Six hours from now." I glanced at the clock on my desk. It was nearly midnight. "You should try to rest. We'll need to be sharp tomorrow."
"I won't be able to sleep."
"Then I'll stay with you until you do." I guided her toward the door. "Come on. Let's get you settled."
We walked through the quiet hallways of the pack house. Most wolves were asleep at this hour. Maya's footsteps were nearly silent beside mine—years of being punished for making noise had taught her to move like a ghost.
In our bedroom, I pulled back the covers. "Get in. I'll be right here."
She changed into the oversized shirt she'd been sleeping in and climbed into bed. I settled into the chair by the window, the same one I'd used the night before.
"Ryker?" Her voice was small in the darkness.
"Yeah?"
"What if I remember something terrible tomorrow? About my parents, about what happened that night?"
I considered my words carefully. "Then we'll deal with it together. Whatever you remember, whatever we find, you won't face it alone."
"Promise?"
"I promise, Maya. On my life and my wolf, I promise."
She rolled onto her side, facing me. Even in the dim light from the window, I could see the uncertainty in her expression. "I'm scared."
"I know. Being scared is okay. It means you're human." I leaned forward in the chair. "But tomorrow, when we walk into that pack house, I want you to remember something."
"What?"
"You're not the broken girl Marcus tried to make you. You survived five years of hell and you're still here, still fighting, still brave enough to face your nightmares." My voice roughened with emotion. "You're stronger than you know, Maya. Tomorrow, we're going to prove it."
She was quiet for a long time. Then: "Will you really stay? All night?"
"All night. I'll be here when you wake up."
"Okay." She closed her eyes, her breathing gradually slowing.
I watched her until exhaustion finally claimed her. Even in sleep, she looked fragile, damaged. But I'd seen the steel underneath. I'd seen the way she forced herself to eat even when her stomach rebelled. The way she pushed through physical therapy despite the pain. The quiet determination in her eyes when she'd agreed to return to Silvercrest.
My phone buzzed silently. A text from Kade: Everything set for dawn. Three vehicles, full security team. Zara's packing medical supplies in case Maya needs them.
I typed back: Good. Make sure we have recording equipment. I want everything documented.
Already done. Get some rest, boss. Tomorrow's going to be brutal.
I glanced at Maya's sleeping form. Rest seemed impossible with my wolf pacing restlessly, anxious about taking our mate back into danger. But I closed my eyes anyway, letting my other senses stay alert.
Tomorrow we'd return to the place that had tormented her. Tomorrow we'd face the man who'd stolen her childhood, her family, her very sense of self. Tomorrow we'd start gathering the evidence needed to destroy Marcus Chen completely.
But tonight, for these last few hours, Maya was safe. She was protected. She was mine.
And I'd burn the entire world down before I let anyone take that away from either of us.
The clock ticked toward dawn, each second bringing us closer to the confrontation I knew was coming. I settled deeper into the chair, my eyes on Maya's peaceful face, and prepared myself for war.
Because that's what tomorrow would be. Not a polite Council meeting or a diplomatic negotiation. War.
And I intended to win.