C08
Even Zephyr’s mother approached me at one point, her face kind and gentle. She took my hands in hers and
smiled warmly. “Thank you for being here,” she said. “Lilith talks about you all the time. She’s so lucky to have you in
her life‘
D
Banished and Betrayed. But She Walked Again–And Rejected Him
Her kindness caught me off guard, and I found myself blinking back tears. I wasn’t used to this–being treated with care and respect. Zephyr’s mother was the complete opposite of my former mother–in–law, who had never missed an opportunity to remind me of my shortcomings.
The rest of the party was a blur of laughter and joy.
As the sun began to set, Lilith climbed onto my lap and wrapped her small arms around my neck. “Thank you for coming, Mommy,” she whispered, her voice filled with pure, innocent happiness.
I hugged her tightly, my heart swelling with emotions I couldn’t put into words. “I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.”
In that moment, surrounded by laughter and love, I realized something important–I wasn’t just healing… I was starting over.
I was shelving books at the library, enjoying the quiet hum of my new life. It had been a few weeks since Lilith’s birthday party, and while my days were simple, they were peaceful. Zephyr and Lilith visited often, and each time, I felt more at ease in their company.
But, of course, peace never lasted long. Not for me.
It started with letters–neatly written, scented with a cologne I recognized all too well. They arrived at my doorstep every morning, without fail, addressed in Xavier’s handwriting. I didn’t even have to open them to know what they said. The same words, the same excuses.
“Lyra, come back to me.”
“You belong with me.”
“We’re still bonded. You can’t run from fate.”
I burned each one without reading past the first line. I knew his games, his manipulations. He didn’t want me back because he loved me. He wanted me because of my healing power–because of what I could offer him, his pack, his ambitions.
Then came the flowers. Lavish bouquets that crowded my small home, filling the air with an overwhelming sweetness that turned my stomach. Roses, lilies, even rare orchids. But I saw through the grand gestures. They weren’t for me–they were a bribe. A way to remind me of the mate bond he thought I couldn’t escape.
And when the gifts didn’t work, he escalated.
I was sorting through a new shipment of books at the library one afternoon, humming softly to myself, when I felt a presence behind me. I turned, expecting a patron, but instead, I was met with two large men dressed in black. Their eyes gleamed with something feral, something dangerous.
“Lyra,” one of them said, his voice low and threatening. “You’re coming with us.”
Panic shot through me as they stepped closer. I tried to back away, but they were too quick. One grabbed my arm, his grip like iron, while the other blocked the exit.
“Let me go!” I shouted, struggling against the hold. My heart pounded as I realized who had sent them. Xavier Of course, it was him. He couldn’t leave me alone.
“Don’t make this harder than it needs to be,” the man growled, yanking me toward the door.
I kicked and screamed, but they didn’t care. People in the library looked on in shock, but they were too scared to intervene. Just when I thought I was doomed, a deep, commanding voice cut through the chaos.
“Let her go.
I turned my head, and there he was–Zephyr. His eyes burned with fury, his stance rigid and powerful.
The men froze, clearly sensing they were outmatched. “This isn’t your business, Alpha,” one of them said, though his voice wavered.
“It heromar muhurinace whan unu touch what’s mino” Zanhur ranliad coldly
Banshee and Betayed. But She Wakad Again And Resex m
“It becomes my business when you touch what’s mine,” Zephyr replied coldly.
Before I could even process his words, he moved. Faster than I thought possible, he tackled the man holding me, knocking him to the ground with a force that rattled the shelves. The other one lunged at him, but Zephyr was ready, dodging the attack and landing a sharp punch to his jaw.
I stumbled back, watching in awe and fear as Zephyr fought them both off with ease. He was relentless, his movements precise and deadly. Within minutes, the two men were on the floor, groaning in pain.
Zephyr turned to me, his eyes softening as he approached. “Are you okay?”
I nodded, though my hands were trembling. “I… I think so. Thank you.”
He placed a steadying hand on my shoulder, his touch grounding me. “You don’t have to thank me, Lyra. I’ll always protect you.”
The words hit me harder than I expected, and for a moment, I felt safe in a way I hadn’t felt in years. But as I glanced at the men on the floor, the reality of the situation sank in.
Xavier wasn’t going to stop. He was obsessed, not with me, but with my power. And if I wasn’t careful, he’d stop at nothing to claim it—even if it meant destroying the life I was trying to rebuild.
Zephyr must have seen the fear in my eyes because he gave my shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “You’re not alone, Lyra Not anymore.”
