Chapter 184
LYRA’S POV
As soon as I left my father’s study, I decided to take a walk in the garden to clear my head. I don’t know why I was angry. I know Ryker had no intention of getting down with the Sophie girl and had seen right through her courtesy of the mate bond between us. Yet, I couldn’t help but feel angry that he was planning to follow through with investigating her.
To me, he was just paranoid. He was an impossible handsome Alpha, and a King for that matter, countless women were dying for his attention. Maybe he hadn’t noticed because all he focused on was me ever since he got here, but the lingering looks, the clumsy attempts to get his attention by various ladies in the court, and even the omegas in the palace hadn’t gone unnoticed. It was a brutal world after all, and a woman’s power was affiliated with her backer. Everyone wanted to bag an Alpha, a man of strength, a man with influence and position, never mind what position they took, be it Luna or mistress.
‘You’re jealous.’ Liora’s voice drifted in my mind. She was grating on my nerves.
I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. “I’m not jealous.” I huffed, plucking a flower rather too harshly in frustration.
‘Yes, you are. Rider says you don’t have faith in Ryker. He says you’re still shaky in terms of your feelings.’
“Shouldn’t I be?” I snapped. I hated to think that she was right. I thought I was over Ryker, but apparently I wasn’t. The last trial at the forest of Xemir proved that much as well as the point of my ascension. Even with my memories gone then, I was still helplessly drawn to him. It was so real for me then and even now.
‘It’s okay for you to feel the way you do, but trust the mate bond. Trust how it thrums in your blood, what it sends to your heart. Only if you do, will you truly know how he truly feels. If you ask me, I think you already know he is madly in love with you and wants to set things right.’ Liora added.
I released a shaky sigh. Why was I scared?
I knew the truth about his feelings, and mine. And yet…
Was it because a part of me was still scarred, too afraid to place my heart in someone’s hands, too afraid that if I gave too much, I could shatter, or was it because I couldn’t let go after the miscarriage?
The clouds had changed again, turning dark, just like my mood. I came here to clear my head, but instead, I couldn’t sort out my emotions.
Suddenly, a scent hits me, making me recoil. I didn’t need a fortune teller to know it was no other person than Varkas. His scent always made me feel nauseous. And his oppressive aura made it all worse.
“If I didn’t know any better, I would think you were stalking me, Varkas,” I turned to face him with a narrowed look. A smile tugged at the corner of his lips where he stood. He was a fine-looking man, tall, huge, broad-shouldered, Alpha material, but that was as far as his qualities went for me.
“That’s because I am.” He answered, bridging the gap between us.
“And why is that, if I may ask? You just keep lurking, sniffing, are you that jobless? Last I checked, you weren’t part of my security detail.” I hissed, pissed that he only seemed to find what I was saying amusing.
“I think you know, princess—exactly, what I mean,” He spoke with not just his lips but his eyes, slowly sweeping over my frame in a possessive way with a dangerous glint in his eye.
“Dream on,” I hissed, attempting to side-step him, but he placed a hand on my arm, keeping me in place.
“You don’t even like your mate. I’m offering myself instead.”
“You’re crazy,” I spoke between gritted teeth. Liora was already pissed, restless, clawing through my mind as she wanted me to give her control. She didn’t like Varkas. She always said she sensed dark energy around him.
“Yes, crazy for you,” He leaned closer. His nose flared as he inhaled my scent.
“This is a violation, Varkas,” I barked, yanking my hand off. “I’m mated and marked. You will do well to remember your place and not cross my mate. I am your soon-to-be queen.” And with that, I walked out of the garden furious and didn’t notice the murderous glint in Varkas’ eyes.
I was just about passing by Ryker’s room when I noticed him come out. As soon as she saw me, she lowered her head, but not before giving me a wry smile.
Bitch. I scoffed.
I’ve seen her type before, but I wasn’t going to waste my time on inconsequential background characters, and as for Ryker, he could do hell what he wants.
I ignored her and was ready to move past when I met Ryker’s piercing gaze.
“Lyra,” He called out, walking over.
“Get lost,”
I walked away, ignoring him, and went to my room, swiftly locking the door behind me. I should have known Ryker wouldn’t take my antics lightly. He came knocking, and when I refused, he actually pulled down my door.
“What the hell, Ryker!” I growled, jumping to my feet. If he thought I was going to let him invade my space like this.
“What is wrong with you? You’ve been giving me attitude all morning.” He blew hot.
‘Yes, and? Is that why you had to break down my door?” We kept going back and forth, with me not backing down. Seeing Sophie come out of Ryker’s room had made my blood boil with anger. I don’t care what he thought. Allowing her close to him just because he thought there was a bigger conspiracy going on didn’t sit right with me.
“Lyra, behave,” He warned.
“What?!” I couldn’t believe this guy. I was livid now. “Me? Behave? And what about you? How well-behaved are you? Were you behaving just now with her in your room alone?” I fumed, staring daggers at him.
“You’re jealous,” He answered with a smile.
“Me, Jealous? Don’t kid yourself.” I rolled my eyes and tried to walk past him, but he wouldn’t let me.
“Ryker, just get out of my way.” I turned to face him.
“No, I won’t,” He drew me closer and growled. His face scrunched up in a frown, and he flared. “What were you doing with Varkas?”
I couldn’t help but scoff. I didn’t like Varkas, and Ryker didn’t either, but if he could go ahead and entertain Sophie, then fine. Two can surely play this game.