Just A Tool

Chapter 2 – Just a Tool

Lyra’s POV

The guards didn’t say a word. They pushed me through the wide doors of the Alpha’s mansion like I was nothing more than trash.

My legs felt weak, but I forced them to move. My eyes stung, but I held back the tears. I had cried enough in my life already.

But the moment the doors slammed behind me, leaving me alone in this cold, silent place, I broke.

I fell to the floor right at the entrance, covering my mouth to muffle the sound. The tears came rushing out, hot and painful. My shoulders shook as I sat there, knees to my chest, crying like a child.

This wasn’t a home. This was a prison.

I never wanted this. Not to be his mate. Not to belong to him. Not like this.

I didn’t know how long I sat there, crying in silence. But then I heard it—voices. Outside the mansion.

I froze.

Wiping my face quickly, I stood and moved toward the tall window in the hallway. I knew I shouldn’t eavesdrop, but something about the voices felt… wrong.

I peeked through the curtain.

Two men were standing by the gates.

And one of them made my heart stop.

Alpha Kade.

I stepped back in shock. My breathing changed. My heart twisted.

He was the first boy I ever liked. The first person who made me feel seen. When I was younger, before Ronan became Alpha, Kade had been kind to me. We shared stolen glances, quiet smiles. I thought he would be the one to save me.

Until I caught him with my best friend.

And when I cried and asked him why, he looked me in the face and said,

“You were never worth the risk.”

That was the day something inside me broke.

So why was he here now?

A part of me wanted to believe it was nothing—maybe a political visit. Alphas talked all the time. Maybe this had nothing to do with me.

But then… I heard Kade’s voice clearly through the glass.

“You don’t love her, Ronan. Then I need her.”

My blood ran cold. My heart slammed against my chest.

I turned from the window, holding my breath, hoping I misheard. But I couldn’t shake the feeling—I needed to see for myself.

I walked slowly toward the front doors, each step heavy, like I was dragging chains behind me. I opened the doors carefully and stepped outside.

The moment Kade saw me, his face softened. He quickly walked toward me.

“Lyra,” he breathed, almost like my name hurt to say.

Before I could move, he reached for me, pulling me beside him, his hand tight on my arm.

Like I belonged there. Like he had the right.

I slapped him. Hard. The sound echoed across the compound.

“Don’t touch me,” I said, my voice trembling with anger.

“You think I forgot? You think I don’t remember how you looked me in the eyes and told me I wasn’t worth anything?”

He said nothing at first, stunned.

“I knew there had to be a reason you came here,” I continued, voice shaking. “You never loved me. You never even cared. So tell me… why are you really here?”

“I made a mistake,” he said softly. “I was young. I was scared—”

“No,” I cut him off. “You were cruel. You used me. Just like everyone else. And now you’re back because suddenly I’m important? Why? What changed?”

He looked guilty. Too guilty. I could feel it. Something was going on. And I wasn’t going to let it slide this time.

Behind him, Ronan stood with his arms crossed, expression unreadable, eyes dark and locked on me—watching. Waiting.

The pain in my chest grew tighter. The truth was heavy—I wasn’t loved by either of them. Not Kade. Not Ronan. They only wanted to use me. I wasn’t a friend. I wasn’t someone they cared about. I was just a piece of land they both wanted.

My body started trembling. My eyes went foggy. I tried to step back, but my knees buckled. Someone shouted my name, but it felt so far away.

Then, strong arms wrapped around me. Warm. Solid. Strong.

Ronan.

He held me, surrounding me with his scent. My body wasn’t strong, but my heart raced. I didn’t know why he took me. I didn’t know why he released me. Maybe he didn’t know either.

He looked down at me, jaw set, face impassive.

“Take her in,” he said to the guards. “Now.”

Kade moved to follow, but Ronan’s voice cut cold.

“Stay exactly where you are. Don’t move an inch. You’re not taking her anywhere. You cannot come to my pack and take any members like they belong to you.”

I closed my eyes, letting blackness engulf me. It was still for a moment. I didn’t have to feel anything.

But even in the darkness, one thought lingered...

There’s something they’re not telling me. And I’m going to find out what it is.