Chapter 3

Eyrix didn’t wait long after the door slammed. Silence crept back into the holding room, thick and uneasy, broken only by the hum of the soft metallic creak of the chains when he shifted his weight.

His wounds still burned, but Ryder’s wolf-scent lingered in the air like a shadow, heavy and oppressive, making it hard to breathe.

He swallowed and tested the restraints again. The runes glimmered faintly, reacting to his touch. They were strong, designed to hold feral Alphas and raging Omegas alike. Ironclaw had used the same kind on prisoners of war.

But they weren’t perfect.

Eyrix closed his eyes and focused inward, past the pain, past the fear, down to where his wolf curled tight inside him. Something was different now. Ever since Ryder had inhaled his scent, ever since that strange hunger had flashed across his face, he had felt… awake in a way he never had before.

He breathed slowly, letting the strange warmth in his blood spread. The chains vibrated faintly. With a sharp twist of his wrist, he slammed the cuffs against the pillar.

The rune flared bright—and flickered.

He gasped, more in shock than pain. He hit it again, harder this time. A crack like splintering glass echoed through the room.

One of the runes went dark.

Come on, he whispered, teeth clenched.

He struck it again. The cuff snapped open.

He barely had time to gasp before the rest of the chain went slack. He tore his other hand free, then his ankles, nearly collapsing as the restraints fell away.

He was free. For a heartbeat, he just stood there, stunned.

Then alarms began to wail. Red lights flashed, painting the room in violent color.

“Shit”, he breathed. He bolted for the door.

The hallway outside was empty, but the sound of boots and raised voices echoed from somewhere deeper in the compound.

He ran barefoot across cold concrete, clutching his ribs as pain flared with every step. He didn’t know where he was going. He just knew he couldn’t stay.

He rounded a corner—and slammed straight into a wall of muscle…… Ryder.

Eyrix barely had time to register the flash of fury in Ryder’s eyes before he was lifted off his feet and slammed back against the wall.

The impact knocked the breath from his lungs. Ryder’s hand came up, bracing against the wall beside Eyrix’s head, caging him in. The other wrapped around Eyrix’s throat—not tight enough to choke, but firm enough to leave no doubt about the power behind it.

Did you really think you could run? Ryder growled.

Eyrix’s pulse hammered. Get off me.

Ryder leaned closer, his presence crushing. You broke Blackfang restraints. Do you have any idea what you just did?

I didn’t ask to be chained, Eyrix shot back, even as fear made his voice shake.

Ryder’s eyes glowed faintly. You were a danger.

So you put me in a cage?

Yes.

Like prey, Eyrix whispered.

Something dark flickered across Ryder’s face.

Careful, Ryder warned. You’re in no position to provoke me.

Eyrix swallowed hard, his wolf trembling under Ryder’s dominance. His knees wanted to buckle. His instincts screamed at him to submit but he didn’t.

Instead, the fear raw and desperate triggered that strange heat in his blood again. It surged.

Not outward like a howl. Inward, deep and quiet.

Ryder’s grip faltered. Just for a second but it was enough.

What…? Ryder muttered, eyes narrowing.

Eyrix felt it too—a subtle shift in the air, like something had pushed back against Ryder’s dominance. Not stronger but unyielding.

Get away from me, Eyrix said, voice low.

Ryder stiffened.

His hand on Eyrix’s throat loosened.

What are you? Ryder demanded.

I don’t know, Eyrix whispered.

Ryder stared at him like he had just struck him. No Omega makes me hesitate, he said. Ever.

Then why did you? Eyrix asked.

Ryder’s jaw clenched. His wolf pressed forward, furious and unsettled, but something held it back.

You should be on your knees begging, Ryder snarled.

I’m not, Eyrix said quietly. And that scares you.

Ryder’s eyes darkened. You think this is fear?

I think you don’t understand what you smelled in me, Eyrix replied. And neither do I.

Ryder leaned in again, their foreheads nearly touching.

You are not special, Ryder growled. You’re an Omega who wandered into the wrong territory.

And yet, Eyrix said, heart pounding, you didn’t crush me when you could have.

Ryder’s breath was hot against his face.

That was a mistake.

Was it?

Ryder pulled back suddenly, shoving Eyrix away. He stumbled but didn’t fall.

Get back to your room, Ryder snapped. Now.

Eyrix stared at him. Or what?

Ryder’s control cracked for a moment, a flash of something wild in his eyes. “Or I remind you exactly what kind of Alpha I am.”

Eyrix held his ground, even as his body screamed to flee. You already know, he said softly. You’re not just a predator.

Ryder froze.

You’re afraid of what you might do to me.

Ryder’s hand curled into a fist.

Get back, he said through clenched teeth.

Slowly, Eyrix took a step back then another.

He didn’t look away as Ryder turned and walked down the hallway, shoulders tense with barely restrained rage.

For the first time since he’d been dragged into Blackfang territory, Eyrix realized something dangerous.

Ryder Blackfang was losing control and it was because of him.