CHAPTER 19 - The Makings of a Widow

Ryan As I entered my office, the windows were shut, blocking any chance of fresh air. I opened one to let in the breeze, ignoring how my reflection mocked me – strong jaw, troubled eyes. The conversation with Lyra didn’t sit well with me. My emotions were a tangled mess. When she walked away, shoulders set in a tense line, I felt a keen regret. I wanted to reach out to her, to make her understand that my intentions were genuine, but the walls she’d built around herself were higher than I could jump. Lyra was like a skittish animal, ready to bolt at the first sign of danger. Who could blame her? She’d been through a lot, starting with her awful stepmother. I knew that firsthand. After everything she’d faced, the betrayals she’d suffered, it was no surprise she had trouble trusting anyone – especially me. I desperately wanted her to trust me. I needed her to know I wasn’t like the people who’d hurt her. I wanted to be a safe place, a bit of peace in a world that had been so cruel to her. That turned my thoughts to the guard and the meeting with his wife. Other she-wolves had come forward in the past few hours, and the mind-links I’d received from Liam, chilled me. Most not as bad as what Lyra went through, though some... yes, some were even worse. "He came to my job and whispered my name like it was poison." "His hands were everywhere, cold and rough." "He told me no one would believe me." "I saw him yesterday, watching me." "I flinch at every shadow now." Those were just a sample of statements from those the guard had wronged. Doing the right thing was always important to me. I listened to everyone before making decisions. But this situation... it felt wrong. I’d told Lyra that the guard was a pack member, but that wasn’t quite true. He was paid by me, but on loan from another pack. But since he was under my charge, I had the right, and the responsibility, to decide his punishment. Yet, it wasn’t that simple. Maintaining the alliance with his Alpha was crucial. I also had to consider their laws. Still, that wouldn’t stop me from handing out the justice I’d already planned. I looked at my watch, noting the time. The guard’s wife would be here any minute. As Alpha, I had to listen to her. But a dark part of me just wanted it to be over, to hand out the punishment he deserved. Right on time, she slipped into my office. Her eyes darted around, never quite meeting mine. She was tiny, her coat seeming to hang from her. Fear was clear on her face, in her trembling hands gripping her bag. Yet, there was a small flicker in her eyes too – defiance, a spark of strength that wouldn’t be put out easily. "Thank you for agreeing to see me, Alpha," she said in a low whisper. She cleared her throat, straightening her shoulders. "I suppose you think I’ve come to beg for my husband’s life?" I leaned back in my chair, studying her. There was a tension in her posture, a brittleness that spoke of pain and suffering. I’d seen it before, in those broken by cruelty. And I knew then that she too had suffered at her husband’s hands. "I’m not here to beg for his life," she said, her voice stronger. "I came here to seek his banishment or worse. I have to protect my kids." Her plea hit me like a punch. She was scared, but there was a fire in her eyes too. Ready to sacrifice everything – pride, safety, her whole life – for her pups. A wave of respect washed over me. She was like a mama wolf, teeth bared, ready to take on the world to keep her pups safe. As Alpha, it was my job to give her what she needed, the justice she deserved. "I understand," I said, trying to match her strength. "I promise your children will be safe here." Tears welled up in her eyes. "Thank you, Alpha," she choked out. "That’s all I wanted." I could practically feel the relief pouring off her. It was just a tiny bit of weight lifted, but it was something. She was trusting me with her most precious treasures, and I wouldn’t let her down. The woman left, and I carried a heavy heart. Here she was, caught in the mess her husband made. Her own pack’s rules meant she couldn’t stay in her home. She’d have to rely on others, all to keep her kids safe. It wasn’t right, this wasn’t how things should be. But the world wasn’t fair. The least I could do was offer her a place in our pack, with a job helping me out. It wasn’t much, but it was a start. The door creaked open and Liam slipped into my office. "How did it go?" he asked. I smiled. "Not so bad." "What did she ask you to do? Spare his life?" I shook my head. "No. She wants him gone." He raised an eyebrow. "Really? And will you do it?" "It was already on the cards for what he did to Lyra, but now it’s set in stone." He nodded, a grim satisfaction settling in my chest. Justice would be served— first in public, then in private. I pulled back my shoulders and lifted my chin, ready to tackle the last loose end and tie it up. "And Whitney?" I asked. "Will she give you trouble over her cousin?" Liam shrugged, a wry smile tugging at his mouth. "I’ll deal with her when she visits during fall break from Emberwood." I grinned, knowing he would handle Whitney just fine. As Liam turned to leave, he glanced back over his shoulder. "Oh, and before I forget, I hung up those fairy lights in Lyra’s room. You ought to check it out when you get a moment." A warm feeling spread through me when I imagined Lyra’s room filled with soft, magical light. I could almost picture her curled up there, her bright hair shining. "You know what? I think I will go take a look," I said, a smile in my voice. "Thanks for letting me know."