Chapter 5

 

Fractured Boundaries

Lyra’s POV

“I can’t believe he’d do this, Mama! He won’t even let me see you. He hasn’t changed. Not one bit—maybe worse. How did I ever fall in love with that bastard? I can’t believe I once felt butterflies for him.”

I threw myself onto the bed, muscles trembling with frustration and fear as I spoke to my mother over the phone.

I didn’t tell her about his threats—how he promised to hurt my parents if I didn’t obey. The sting of tears hovered just beneath my skin.

“Come on, Lyra! Don’t show weakness in front of a man when you’re trying to prove a point. Don’t let him get to you. I’ll come visit if I have to—before this month is over,” I heard her say, her voice soft and soothing. I pictured her holding me close, whispering everything would be okay.

One month? How could I tell her Damon wanted me tethered like a puppet for far longer?

“I’ve tried so hard to run from this feeling. Just when I think I’m free, it crashes down on me again. He hates me so much he won’t just let me be happy.”

“I don’t think he hates you,” Mama insisted. “He wouldn’t summon you if he did.”

She hadn’t seen the hatred burning in his eyes when he looked at me. What right did he have to hate me?

“He has a wife! Of course he hates me. Why else would he bring me here just to watch another woman stand beside him?”

“You’re young, Lyra. Find a nice dress and go out tonight. Have some fun. It’s been five years—between caring for your daughter and school, you haven’t lived.”

Mentioning Carmen tightened a knot of fear in my chest.

Damon could never find out about her. Not now. Not ever.

“I’d rather stay locked in this room than risk facing him tonight,” I answered tiredly.

“That’s you letting him have control. Do you want to take back the reins?”

“Yes...” Her words sounded surreal, almost like a trick I didn’t want to fall for.

“Go. Have fun,” she urged. I laughed aloud, and soon Mama was laughing with me.

“That’s not you calling my idea ‘old school,’ is it?” she asked, breathless beside me.

“No, Mama. It’s just... I find it too tempting, and I didn’t expect to hear that from you.” I wiped tears of laughter from my eyes. “What time is it?”

Since I left the pack, I buried myself in anything to numb the pain. It took too long. Nursing school, succeeding—that dedication has kept me going.

Carmen—fear coursed through me thinking of losing her when I almost gave up on everything.

Even now, I can’t believe I let all that effort unravel at the sight of him.

I’ve held on far too long, especially knowing he’s been with other women.

“Almost seven,” Mama replied.

“Goodnight, Mama. I want to call Carmen—she’s about to go to bed.”

“Bring her here soon.”

“I will.”

I waited thirty minutes after hanging up before calling Carmen.

My friend and neighbor, Lola, had agreed to watch her for a few days while I figured things out here. Lola has a daughter Carmen’s age.

I couldn’t bring Carmen without knowing what I was walking into first. Thankfully, Damon doesn’t know about my daughter yet—and I intend to keep it that way.

“Hey Lola, thank you. I couldn’t do this without you,” I said as she answered on the second ring.

“Of course. I know how important this is.”

“Is she awake?”

“Yes, she and Laura are watching cartoons.”

“You usually don’t let them watch after eight.”

“Today’s an exception. They won’t let me breathe, and there’s no school tomorrow.”

“Can I speak to her?”

After some rustling, Carmen’s voice came through.

“Mommy, Lola bought us lots of ice cream.”

“Oh really? Did you thank her?”

“Yes! I told Laura to thank her too, because it’s polite. When are you coming back, Mommy? I miss you.”

“Soon, my love. Grandma wants to see you too.”

“Yay! I miss you, Mommy.” She yawned loudly.

“I miss you too, Carmen.” It hurt to hide so much from her. She’s not ready yet.

I want her to have a normal childhood before telling her she’s a werewolf, before telling her she might be wolfless like me—and the ridicule that might follow.

“Give the phone to Lola, darling. Time for bed.”

“Goodnight, Mommy.”

She kissed the phone softly as it was handed back to Lola.

“Give me a minute,” Lola said, and I knew she was tucking the girls in.

A few minutes later, her voice returned.

“Help me pick a dress.”

I switched to video call and sifted through dresses until I settled on one.

A gold, strapless shot dress—light and bold. Paired with short heels.

“Now I have to worry about sneaking past the guards?”

“You’re a guest. Guests do as they please. If any guard stops you, remind them of that.”

“Think this dress is too short?” I asked, checking myself in the mirror.

“No, it’s perfect. That ass! Damn, Lyra, you’re lucky I don’t swing both ways.”