Lyra’s tears

ZANE

The silence between us was deafening. Lyra sat stiff beside me on the backseat but no words were exchanged between us as she stared out the window. I smelled the fear and apprehension coming off her in waves and it didn’t sit well with me.

Why was she not looking at me? She was angry. I could feel it, her heartbeat was loud, her emotions too hard to ignore but why is she not saying anything? My brows furrowed in annoyance.

Her silence was driving me insane and I didn’t know why I gave a fuck about her.

“You disobeyed me,” I said coldly, not trusting myself to say more. Her face turned to me and I saw the flash of anger in her eyes.

“I wanted to get away from the whispers and glares of your people. I couldn’t just stick around while I was being judged for merely existing.” She said softly and I scoffed.

“I gave you a simple command. Stay close to me at all times and smile. If you can’t even do that for a few hours, how are you supposed to last a year?” I asked and panic filled her eyes.

“I can do it. Please don’t let me go so soon. This was our first appearance and I’m still not used to going out. I’ve never been to such a glamorous place with so many powerful people in the same room. Please…” her voice grew scared. “Please don’t let me go yet.” She pleaded.

My jaw tightened. “I thought you wanted to fight? Why are you suddenly pleading?”

“I didn’t want to fight you. I know I can never win against you. All I wanted was for you to treat me like your mate within the period of our contract and not a possession.” My jaw clenched and I felt annoyance grating on my nerves.

“You were warned before you signed the contract, remember? You became mine to control, mine to break and ruin as I please. You surrendered your life to me and I don’t give a fuck about your excuses. I expect complete obedience from you, Omega.” I hissed “Don’t ever think you are indispensable because you are nothing but a tool to achieve my goals. Stick to the plan and your brother will be saved. Disobey me and you will be forced back on the streets.”

Her eyes snapped up to meet my gaze. They were wide and glossy, filled with fear and defiance that she desperately tried to subdue but failed.

“I’ve heard stories about your cruelty but I never would have guessed that I would be at the receiving end of it. How can one man be so heartless?” She cried.

My hands reached out, wrapping around her neck in a vice grip. She gasped as I tightened my grip and pulled her face up until our noses were touching.

“How dare you, Lyra? You signed your pathetic life over to me and I can do and say whatever I please to you. You hold no position to speak to me in that manner.” I snarled and her breath hitched as she started trembling. “Every time you fucking breathe it better be with a reminder that you’re mine! Disobey me and I’ll remind you exactly who you’re bound to.” I snapped and pushed her away roughly.

Silent sobs wrecked her small form as she hit the door with her shoulder. The thud sound made something twist within me and the way she curled in on herself, like she was expecting more pain made my chest clench just for a second. I hated seeing her cry and it irked me.

“Save the fake tears, Omega. They might fool everyone else, but I see right through you and I won’t let you use them to get your way.” My voice carried the underlying anger and frustration I felt.

Why does her tears bother me? She’s just an Omega, another pawn in the game. She could disappear tomorrow and it wouldn’t change a thing but why did I want to drag her into my arms and tell her it would be okay? Was it because she was an Omega and the Alpha in me hated seeing her in distress?

My hands curled into fists as I caught myself reaching out to her, only to pull back disgusted with the weakness clawing up my spine. What the fuck was she doing to me?

“Stop with the charade and get your act together. I don’t have time to babysit a fucking grown-up.” My eyes flickered to her face and my hands curled on my lap.

The car stopped moving in front of the mansion and the driver silently exited. My eyes darted to her and she had stopped crying but tiny sniffles escaped her and stray tears betrayed her. Her cheeks were red and her eyes had lost their spark.

“I don’t care how sad you pretend to be. You signed up for this, remember?” I asked in a mocking tone. “Tears won’t get you sympathy here. This isn’t love, it’s survival and you have to do a lot better than this.” I pointed at her red face. “If you want to remain by my side and keep your brother alive.”

Her chest rose and fell with hollow breaths as she stared at me horrified. Like she was finally seeing the real me and it irritated me to no end. My hands clenched into fists as she stared at me with anger and hatred burning in her eyes. She dared to look at me with those eyes when she had previously been smiling at the bastard like he had given her the world.

“Get the fuck out of the car,” I growled.

She shivered in her seat. “I’m sorry, Alpha I…”

I cut her off angrily. “I don’t want to hear another word from you. Leave.”

She jumped in her seat and pushed the door open with shaky hands. But I stayed seated. I groaned as I ran my fingers through my hair. I didn’t understand why I was so angry. I hate her tears. They are a distraction I can’t afford. All I need is her submission, her fear, her silence. Not her sadness. Not whatever the hell is clawing at my chest every time she cries.

“Fuck! She is just a worthless Omega. I can’t allow Connor to get to me.” I murmured.