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Lyra's pov

The morning light strewing into the room from the half opened curtains did little to chase away the dulling ache behind my eyes. 

I’d barely slept after he had come in, haunted from the scent of another woman I loathe on him while he held me like he always did like nothing had hapoened. 

The kind of rage that sat heavy in your chest and burned your lungs when you breathed too deeply consumed me as I silently dressed before leaving the room in a huff. 

He noticed the silent treatment but said nothing. He knew. He was stupid to have thought I wouldn’t. That he would lie by my side and I wouldn’t know. 

It was early, way too early for guests to be leaving, but I wanted to leave as soon as possible, lest I encounter the others from last night, their fake smiles and pitying eyes would send my last bit of sanity into a turmoil. 

Our convoys waited outside to take us back home. So as the others. In  horror I realized it was not just me that had the idea to leave early. 

The guests around broke into whispers as I headed for my carriage. None made eye contact with me, but I didn’t bother. Suddenly, a Luna laughed a bit too loud in the midst of others who had gathered in a small group.

I looked up and we locked eyes till she looked away with a chilling smile while the rest avoided my gaze. 

My guard held my carriage door open as I stepped inside. I was just seated when Cassian slid in beside me at the last second, flashing the guests outside that charming smile which made my knees grow weak before the guard shut the door. 

I didn’t look at him as the carriage started moving. The silence felt heavy and suffocating and my fingers dug into my lap until I felt them bite into my skin from my dress. 

“What’s wrong with you, Lyra?” he finally broke the silence, his eyes straight forward 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Even though I should be asking him the question and not the other way round.

“You were about to take a separate carriage to go home? And let them think we’re fighting? You’re cross with me about something and I’d like to know what.” 

I laughed under my breath. “They can think whatever I want. It doesn’t matter anymore.” 

He stiffened. “What’s that supposed to mean.” 

I finally turned to him, meeting his eyes. “I guess you want me to stop beating around the bush so I’ll just ask you and hope you don’t lie to my face. Where were you last night?” 

Silence. Still I watched him carefully, seeing the glimmer die down in his eyes before his jaw tightened and then he looked away. “You sound ridiculous. Where else would I have been.” 

“I heard you come in last night smelling of her. How could you! Cassian- “ 

“Is that what all this drama is all about. I swear Lyra, grow up. We talked. That’s all. For Goddess sake we haven’t seen each other in years, we just hugged before I came up to the room.” 

My eyes burned with tears at how unbothered he was about how this was tearing me apart. Smiling, I leaned in, “You hugged? How romantic. Tell me, did she cry in your arms, tell you she missed what you guys had, and did you tell her you felt the same. Did you embrace her and comfort her?”

“Don’t,” his tone softened, he sighed and pulled me in close. I resisted but he held me to his chest. “Don’t do this, Lyra. You know I love you. More than anything else. Sable was my mate before and it was just hard having to see her again after everything, I wasn’t thinking. And I’m sorry.” 

Silence. He wouldn’t let me go, but I didn’t want him touching me, but the stupid mate bond had me melting into his embrace the moment my head touched his chest. I sighed, eyes closed. 

“I know that. And I also know you claimed me. You married me. You made vows to me Cassian, right after I bore your mark,” my voice travelled. “Did those vows even mean anything to you when you first saw her last night?” 

“You know I would never hurt you.” 

I finally pulled away, my eyes outside, avoiding him completely. 

Again The carriage was filled with silence till we got home. 

By the time we reached the pack house, I’d grown numb. As the door opened, I clearly avoided his gesture to help me down and took the hand of a guard instead. 

I noticed the guard scurry away by sensing the aura rolling off in waves from Cassian behind me. Still, I ignored him, bunched up my dress in my arms so I would walk faster and away from him. 

Omegas bowed low as we entered. However, my wolf growled, sensing something before my eyes landed on it. My eyes gleamed crimson as I snarled. 

Sable. 

Standing at the foot of the stairs, dressed in casual clothes and giving orders to the Omegas around like she owned the place. 

Even with her hair in a bun and a face scrubbed clean of makeup, she looked astonishingly beautiful it made me sick. My blood went cold. 

“What is she doing here?” Without turning to face Cassian who was obviously still following me from behind, I asked. 

Sable immediately noticed us and rushed forward, her voice soft like silk in honey as she smiled. “Hey Lyra. I hope you don’t mind, I had to come extra early so I’d pack in. Cassian said I could stay over for a few days till I move back abroad.” 

I wanted to rip her throat out but Cassian reappeared before me immediately. 

“I forgot to discuss this with you, but you were already asleep. I promise it’s only for a few days.” 

“You father is a Gamma and does very well for himself. He should be able to accommodate you, no? Because I won’t allow this.” 

“Lyra- “ 

I shrugged Cassian’s arm off. “You’re leaving now.” My wolf was feral and my rage was already at the edge 

“Cassian please talk to her – “ 

“That’s Alpha Cassian to you,” I snapped at her just before Cassian held me back from pouncing on her. In the chaos, I noticed the mocking gleam of amusement in her eyes. “And you are not welcome here!” 

“Cassian- sorry, Alpha Cassian already said I could stay. I’m sorry Lyra, I really wish I could know why you hate me so much. I’ve done nothing but to be nice to you and you’ve been out for my throat since last night.” 

“Sable, you can head up to your room. I’ll talk to her,” Cassian’s voice was strained as he tried to hold me back. 

“Her room?!” 

But she had already marched hurriedly upstairs. Cassian let go of me, and I clawed at his arm by accident, hating the sight of his blood on my claws. I had hurt him. 

“Lyra, what’s wrong with you.” He sighed while his wound closed up immediately. 

“What’s wrong with me? Your ex girlfriend is here! Staying over? What bullshit. I won’t allow it.” 

“Why are you being so insecure over this. I have nothing to do with her anymore. She’s just a friend now…” he used his soft tone again as he approached me. “Come on, you know I- “ 

“No. I won’t hear it. You can do whatever you want. If she comes so much as a feet close to me she’ll wish she had remained abroad.” With that, I marched away, gritting in rage.