CHAPTER 8 - Clean Her up

Ryan's POV The cell door slammed behind me with a deafening clang. I stared down at Lyra, huddled in the corner with her arms wrapped around her knees. My wolf whined, longing to comfort her, but I forced myself to remain standing over her and in control. "You attacked my guard," I said coldly. "He could have been killed." Lyra's gaze flicked up to meet mine, her eyes defiant. "He deserved it." I took a step closer, and she flinched. The scent of blood filled the room. I had watched as they carried the guard's crumpled body from the corner. Bloody head, bruised face, arm twisted at an unnatural angle, and his chest had rose and fell with shallow breaths. "All that damage and you have no remorse?" I said, my voice low and dangerous. Lyra's emerald eyes flashed with anger. "He came at me. He deserved what he got." I leaned down, my face inches from hers. "You're a guest in my pack, Lyra. You don't get to attack my men and get away with it." Her lip curled in a sneer. "I'm not a guest. I'm a prisoner. And you're just as bad as my father." The words stung, but I refused to let her see it. "You will be punished for this." Lyra's eyes narrowed, but she said nothing. I straightened up and turned to leave, but her voice stopped me. "Why are you doing this, Ryan?" she asked, her voice soft. "Why are you holding me here?" I turned back to face her, my expression hard. " You’re mine to do with as I will... and because I can." Her eyes widened, and for a moment, I saw fear in them. But then her expression hardened, and she looked away. "I'll never be yours," she said quietly. I clenched my fists, fighting the urge to grab her and force her to submit. But I knew that wouldn't work with Lyra. She was strong-willed, and she would never submit to me unless she chose to. "We'll see about that," I said, my voice low. "Listen—" she started, scrambling to her feet, chains clinking. I held up a hand, cutting her off. "I don't want to hear it. You will stay with me and you need to learn our ways." I turned on my heel, ignoring the way my wolf howled in protest. There was too much history here, too much bad blood. No matter what I felt, or what fate seemed to have in store for us, I couldn't let her betrayal slide. Lyra was nothing more than my prisoner. A threat to be contained. I had to believe that, no matter how false it felt. I motioned to the guards stationed outside Lyra's cell. "Chain her wrists and her legs with the special ones my grandfather used for witches. She's not to be released until she learns some manners." The guards exchanged uneasy glances but did as I ordered. Lyra struggled against them, her lithe body twisting in their grip. But it was no use, her struggles proved fruitless as the iron chains etched with ancient runes encircled her wrists and ankles, neutralizing her supernatural strength. I fought to keep my wolf in check, to mask my emotions. The same chains my grandfather had forged to contain the most powerful witches now bound the female who had once held me captive. The cold metal bit into her flesh, hardly dimming the bright fire burning in her eyes as she glared at me. A silent dare that made me even more determined not to let her inside my heart once more. "This is absurd!" she cried, rattling her restraints. "I don't deserve to be treated like some kind of animal." I met her fiery gaze unflinchingly. "Then you shouldn't have acted like one. Maybe your time in these chains will teach you respect." Lyra bared her teeth, green eyes slitted like a feral wolf's. For a moment, I thought she might lunge at me, restraints or no. But she merely grinned instead, her tone sharp and mocking. "Oh yes, I'm sure being chained up will turn me into a perfectly obedient little pet. Is that what you want, Ryan? Something pretty you can control?" I bristled, crossing my arms over my chest. "Watch yourself, girl. You're in no position to be hurling insults." Girl… My eyes raked over her curves. No, she was no longer that. She was a she-wolf, full grown. Lyra tossed her hair, utterly unrepentant. "I don't bow to anyone. Not even an arrogant alpha like you." As I glared at her, my chest heaving with anger, I couldn't help but feel a strange mix of emotions. She was infuriating, this defiant she-wolf before me, with her sharp tongue and mocking words. Yet, there was something undeniably primal about her. The way her rosy lips curled in a snarl, the way her breasts strained against her shirt, the way her claws were out and ready for a fight. I was drawn to her, despite myself. Her defiance, her strength, her unwavering determination. It was a challenge, one that I couldn't resist. And as much as I tried to deny it, deep down I knew I wanted more than just control over her. I wanted her to see me as her equal, her partner. At least until I ruined her. Instead of responding, I folded my lips, determined not to say something I would regret later…. or give my plan away too soon. I turned to leave. Laughter, high and sweet, burst from behind me. Whirling around, I saw Lyra's gaze fixed lower, her eyes dancing with mirth. It was only then I realized my gown had flown open, exposing my ass for her to see. Heat flooded my cheeks. I quickly pulled it closed to cover myself. Lyra kept laughing, the sound softening me despite my embarrassment. I hadn't heard her laugh in such a long time. It reminded me that she wasn't just a prisoner or a threat - she was a living, breathing female. One who could find joy even in dark times. I sighed, shaking my head ruefully. Perhaps chaining her up wasn't the answer after all. "See that she's cleaned up and taken to my office," I told the guards. Lyra's laughter followed me as I strode away, echoing through the halls. And despite everything, I couldn't help but smile.