CHAPTER 12 - Fairy Lights

Ryan "Connor told me he'd been captured," I said, my voice a deep, menacing growl. Rage pulsed through my veins at the thought of what that traitorous cur had done to Lyra. Liam nodded, his own face grim and apologetic. "Yes, he's in holding now under heavy guard. I'm so sorry, Ryan. If he wasn't Whitney's cousin, I never would have hired him. It was a lapse in judgment on my part." I waved off his apology with a dismissive hand, knowing Liam wasn't to blame for the guard's despicable actions. "You couldn't have known he would betray us like this. The fault is his alone." My mind was already racing ahead, planning a severe punishment. In my pack, respect for she-wolves was absolutely non-negotiable - no exceptions. Any transgression against one was dealt with swiftly and harshly. The guard would pay dearly for what he had done. I would make sure of it. Personally. Liam shifted uncomfortably in his seat, the gesture jarring me out of my vengeful thoughts. He was thinking about Whitney, his intended mate. She had been pushing for the union between them for months, and Liam had been coming up with excuses, staving her off. Liam had lost his true mate in a skirmish with some rogues two years ago, and although he was ready to move on, he didn't want to do so with Whitney. I didn't know the reason, and I wasn't about to pry. It was his business. Same as Lyra was mine. Those who are mated talk of souls entwined. I would never know such a thing. My mate bond was severed long before I was born. A twisted sort of freedom, I suppose. "Liam," I said, my voice taking on a gentler tone. "You know you don't have to go through with the mating if you're not ready. Whitney will understand… she'll comprehend your position." Liam shook his head, a sad smile playing on his lips. "It's not that simple, Ryan. The pack needs this union. Whitney's family holds sway and influence. It will strengthen our alliances and secure our position." I sighed, the weight of his words settling heavily on my shoulders. As Alpha, I was all too familiar with the burden of responsibility, the necessity to prioritize the pack's needs over personal happiness. But it didn't sit right with me, seeing Liam force himself into a mating he didn't truly desire. "Just... don't rush into anything," I advised, my voice steady and firm. "Take your time, consider your options. This is a big decision, Liam." Liam nodded, but I could see how the constant rain cloud over his head gnawed at him like a wolf with a juicy bone. It made me worry about my Beta. And then there was Lyra. What the hell was I going to do with her? Catching the distant look in my eyes, Liam’s eyebrows arched in amusement, a mischievous twinkle lighting up his gaze. "Oh, and I almost forgot! I slipped a little extra something into Lyra's welcome package—a diamond ring, you know, just in case you wanted to make things official." He winked, a broad grin spreading across his face as he anticipated my reaction. The mention of the ring jolted me from my daydream of the the feel of Lyra's lips. I snapped my head up, my brown drawn up. "Uh-huh, sure, that’s fine," I mumbled, my voice distant as I struggled to cease all images of my little-one. Liam’s laughter filled the office, rich and unrestrained. "Oh man, you have it bad for her, don’t you? The big, bad Alpha, reduced to a lovesick pup! Feelings getting in the way of your plans for revenge?" He doubled over, clutching his stomach as tears of mirth streamed down his face. A growl rumbled deep within my chest, my eyes flashing dangerously. In a swift motion, I slammed my fist onto the desk, causing Liam to flinch. "Watch it, Liam," I growled, my voice low and threatening. "I don’t have feelings for her. I just wanted her comfortable so she won't see me coming for her." Liam raised his hands in mock surrender, his infuriating smirk still plastered across his face. "Sure, Alpha, whatever you say. But you can't fool me. I see right through you." His words grated on my nerves, stoking my temper. I didn't like anyone teasing me, especially not about her. But I forced myself to let it go, remembering how Liam had been there for me, helping me come back to myself after being held captive by Lyra's father. For hours Liam had sported his goofy grin as he juggled apples, at least half of them ending up bruised on the floor. He was ridiculous, with his tongue between his teeth, silly curses falling from his lips when an apple fell. After a couple of days, and half an orchard wasted, I couldn't help the tiny chuckle that escaped my lips. It was the first time I had truly laughed since returning home after being held by Lyra's cruel father. The bad memories were still there, but for a little bit, Liam's goofiness had made them disappear. I was thankful to him for bringing some happiness back into my life, even if it was just through a friend's laughter and some messed up apples. I shook my head, dispelling the memory only to see that Liam's expression held concern. "Hey, Ryan, you okay? I didn't mean to..." "It's fine," I cut him off, my voice gruff. "Just... don't push it, okay? Lyra's off-limits." Liam nodded, his expression serious. "Got it, Alpha." Yes, he 'got it' alright. That was until he teased me again about her. I sighed, knowing it would happen sooner rather than later. "Liam," I said, all harshness gone. "I appreciate everything you've done. Not just with Lyra, but... you know, back then. When I came back." Liam's eyes softened, a genuine smile replacing his usual smirk. "Hey, that's what friends are for, right? I'm more than just your Beta. I always have your back, Ryan. No matter what." "Thanks, Liam," I managed, clearing my throat. "I mean it."