Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Lyra’s POV

The meeting had long ended, but I couldn't bring myself to get out of my bed. Perhaps it had something to do with the fact that a part of me didn't want to find out how the meeting had ended.

Did they really agree to Xander's talks about giving him aa seat at parliament? Up until this moment, I wasn't sure anyone knew about Xander's step brother, except him, or maybe the others did, and they just felt they could easily keep him out of Xander was on the throne, but apparently, Xavier had other plans.

I drummed my fingers against my thighs. I'd been doing that for the longest time, and honestly, I didn't see myself stopping it anytime soon. I told myself it was keeping me calm, but deep down I knew very well what the reason was for.

It was keeping me sane, and also keeping me from going back to the box Xavier had sent.

I thought I would have burnt it by now, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. There was something about it,maybe it was the way it reminded me of the night we shared, how the passion between us sizzled so much thst. …

Stop it, Lyra. I chided myself immediately. You have better things to think about.

And I did. I still had to convince Xander and make him see that he was making a foolish decision. Agreeing to give someone we'd always concerned our arch enemy, a spot at our table simple because he took your mistress didn't sound reasonable to me.

It was cowardice at its finest, and whether or not I was saying that because I still hated the fact that Xander had picked a mistress over me, I still wasn't sure.

I got out of bed immediately, before I could talk myself out of it. As quickly as I could, I padded to the council chambers, where the meeting was being held. The moment I stopped at the double doors that marked the entrance to the place, I cursed out loud. It was silent, meaning, the meeting had ended.

Another idea came to mind, and I took it, knowing fully well that I didn't have any other choice. The walk to Xander's quarters wasn't a lot, but I hated that with each step that brought me closer to him, the memories of hiss infidelity and the many ways he hurt me came rushing at me all at once.

I pushed at the door, and the moment I entered, I slammed it shut behind me.

“I don't remember asking you to come in.” Xander drawled. He was in front of his desk, and obviously pouring himself a glass of something strong, all without bothering to turn around to look at me. “Have you suddenly lose your manners?”

“You're making a mistake.” I cut in instead, choosing to ignore his question and obvious jab. I walked further into the room, and I didn't miss the tension in the air. It was the remnant from the meeting, and it clung to the air like smoke after a fire. “A very big one, if I might add.”

"Then maybe leave that to me?” Xander replied. His voice was low, and as he sipped at whatever murky liquid was in his glass, I fought the urge to pour it all over him. “Last time I checked, you've never been really involved in politics. Why now?”

“Because it affects me.” I let out again. “whatever decision you plan on making us going to affect each and every member of our pack.”

"Quit acting , Lyra," he muttered, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. “This entire thing is becoming stale.”

"Don’t deflect." I moved closer, my fists clenched at my sides. "You want to give Xavier a seat in parliament? Are you mad?"

“It’s not permanent.” He turned then, leaning lazily against the edge of the table, like this wasn’t the most absurd idea he’d ever had. “Just long enough to keep him at bay."

"You don’t keep a viper at bay by handing it your wrist, Xander.” How couldn't he not see it? “You’re inviting him in. You're legitimizing him, and given that things you've heard about him, how exactly do you think that'll work out?”

"I’m not in the mood to be lectured.” His jaw tightened. “Especially not by someone who’s clearly compromised."

I blinked. "Compromised?"

"Don’t act clueless. You slept with him, Lyra.” His words slapped me in the face, not because they were true, but because he was constantly hanging it over my head, like he hadn't done worse. “Then tried to hide it. You still shake when his name is mentioned. Don’t think I haven’t noticed."

"You don’t get to use that against me.” The air whooshed out of my lungs. My voice shook as I spoke, but I didn't care. “Not when I did everything for this pack. For you."

"You bled for me, sure," he said, with a mocking smile. "But you also let him touch you."

I moved fast, and without thinking, my hand slapped across his face. The sound echoed through the room as I took a step back, but he didn't flinch.

"Don’t you ever talk to me like that again. You have no idea what I felt.” I huffed. “What I feel."

"Don't you dare raise your hands to me again," he whispered. His voice was a low growl, and as his gaze darkened,I saw something flicker, not pain, not remorse, just more anger.

"Then you should have listened when I told you this plan of yours will burn the pack to the ground.” I wasn't giving up, not until he finally decided to see reasoning with me “He doesn’t want power. He wants chaos. And you’re giving him the opportunity to do just that."

"You think I don’t know that?” He turned away, jaw clenching. “ But if I show weakness now, they’ll think I’ve lost control. I have to play the game."

"You don’t play chess with a man who already knows your next move," I snapped. “You're going to lose…” the rest of my words hung on the top of my tongue as the door burst open.

. "Forgive the intrusion, Alpha, Luna…” A young guard stood at the threshold, chest heaving, face pale. “ but a raven has arrived. It’s marked with the rogue king's seal."

"A message?" My blood ran cold, and Xander stiffened beside me. “What?”

"Yes, sir.” He nodded again. “And it’s addressed to both of you."

My heart pounded in my chest as I looked at Xander. His expression mirrored mine, and I just knew we were thinking the same thing.

Whatever Xavier had sent, it wasn't going to be simple, and it wasn't going to be kind either.

Shit. We were in so much trouble.