Feisty, I like it

Lily's POV

The next morning, I woke up with a pounding headache. Last night’s events replayed in my mind like a nightmare I couldn’t wake up from. Ryder’s threats, his kiss, the way he held my hair and sneered at me—it all made my stomach churn. 

I pushed myself out of bed, my body sore and exhausted. I glanced in the mirror. My eyes were red, proof that I had cried despite my vow not to. 

A knock on the door startled me. I froze, my heart racing. Was it Ryder again? 

“Lily? Are you awake?” 

It was Hunter. I let out a breath of relief but didn’t answer. I didn’t want to deal with him, not after last night. 

The door opened slightly, and he peeked inside. “I made breakfast. Thought you might want some.” 

I stared at him, confused. Why was he being so nice to me? Was this another game? 

“No, thanks,” I muttered, turning away. 

He sighed but didn’t leave. “Did Ryder come to your room last night?” 

My body stiffened. I kept my face neutral and shook my head. “No.” 

Hunter didn’t look convinced. His jaw clenched, and his eyes darkened. “You sure?” 

“I said no, didn’t I?” I snapped. 

He exhaled through his nose, clearly frustrated. “Fine. If you ever need help, you know where to find me.” 

I didn’t answer, and after a few moments, he left.

I avoided both Hunter and Ryder for most of the morning, but during lunch, I wasn’t so lucky. 

The dining table was quiet. My mother sat at the head, smiling as if everything was perfect. Their father, Alpha Damien, was reading the newspaper, not paying much attention to anything else. 

Ryder sat across from me, acting like nothing had happened. He even had the audacity to smirk at me when our eyes met. My stomach twisted in disgust. 

“Lily,” my mother said, her voice cheerful. “Hunter told me you weren’t feeling well this morning. Are you alright?” 

I shot Hunter a glare. He kept his expression neutral but didn’t look away. 

“I’m fine,” I answered. 

“Well, that’s good to hear.” My mother smiled. “The Alpha and I were discussing something exciting. The boys will be shifting soon. They’ll be fully recognized as wolves of this pack. Isn’t that wonderful?” 

I forced a smile. “Yeah. Wonderful.” 

I didn’t care. I wasn’t a wolf like them. I didn’t belong in this world. 

Alpha Damien finally looked up from his paper. “Ryder, Hunter, you both will be attending the Alpha Gathering next week. It’s important that you represent our pack well.” 

Ryder’s smirk widened. “Of course, Father.” 

Hunter, however, didn’t seem pleased. His grip on his fork tightened slightly. “Are we required to go?” 

The Alpha raised an eyebrow. “Yes, Hunter. You’ll both be there. End of discussion.” 

Hunter didn’t argue, but I could tell he wasn’t happy about it. 

I escaped to the library after lunch, desperate for a moment of peace. Books were the only thing that never betrayed me. 

I ran my fingers along the shelves, scanning the titles. As I reached for a book, I felt a presence behind me. 

I tensed. 

“You didn’t tell him,” Ryder’s voice whispered in my ear. 

My entire body went cold. 

Slowly, I turned to face him. He stood too close, his expression unreadable. 

“I don’t owe you anything,” I said, keeping my voice steady. 

He chuckled, tilting his head. “No, you don’t. But it’s good to know you can be obedient when necessary.” 

I clenched my fists. “I didn’t do it for you.” 

He studied me for a moment, then reached out, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. I slapped his hand away. 

Ryder smirked. “Feisty. I like that.” 

“I hate you.” 

He grinned. “Hate is just another form of passion, sweetheart.” 

Before I could respond, Hunter’s voice cut through the air. 

“Back off, Ryder.” 

Ryder sighed dramatically and turned to face his twin. “Relax, brother. We were just talking.” 

Hunter didn’t look convinced. He stepped between us, his posture tense. “Leave her alone.” 

Ryder scoffed, rolling his eyes. “Fine, whatever.” He leaned closer to me one last time and whispered, “See you soon, little lamb.” 

Then he walked away, leaving me breathless and shaken. 

Hunter turned to me. “Are you okay?” 

I forced a nod, but my entire body was trembling. 

Ryder wasn’t done with me. 

The rest of the day passed in a blur, but my mind remained stuck on Ryder’s words. *See you soon, little lamb.* 

He was toying with me. Pushing my limits. And the worst part? He enjoyed it. 

I kept to myself for the rest of the evening, avoiding everyone—including Hunter. He had stepped in earlier, but I didn’t want to be someone who needed saving. 

After dinner, I slipped away to the garden. The cool night air was a welcome escape from the suffocating walls of the house. The moon was high, casting an eerie glow over the roses and ivy-covered walls. 

I closed my eyes and exhaled. *Just breathe, Lily. You can get through this.* 

“You shouldn’t be out here alone.” 

I jumped, spinning around. Hunter stood a few feet away, his arms crossed, his expression unreadable. 

I frowned. “Were you following me?” 

“No.” He shrugged. “Just happened to see you come out here.” 

I studied him. Something about the way he said it made me think he was lying, but I didn’t push. 

“I needed some air,” I muttered, turning away. 

Hunter didn’t leave. Instead, he walked over and leaned against the stone railing beside me. 

“You should be careful around Ryder,” he said after a moment. 

I scoffed. “You think I don’t know that?” 

He sighed. “I mean it, Lily. He’s dangerous. More than you realize.” 

I glanced at him. His jaw was tense, his hands gripping the stone. There was something in his eyes—something serious. 

“I can handle myself,” I said. 

“Can you?” He turned to face me fully. “Because last night, you didn’t look like you could.” 

I tensed. “What’s that supposed to mean?” 

“It means you were scared,” Hunter said, his voice softer now. “And I don’t blame you. Ryder… he’s not just a bully. He doesn’t have limits.” 

I swallowed, trying to push down the fear bubbling in my chest. “Why are you telling me this?” 

Hunter hesitated. “Because I don’t want you to get hurt.” 

I stared at him, confused. “Why do you care?” 

For a moment, he didn’t answer. Then, finally, he said, “Because I’m not like him.” 

I studied him, searching for any sign of a lie. But all I saw was sincerity. 

Before I could respond, the sound of footsteps made me freeze. 

I turned just in time to see Ryder walking toward us, his hands in his pockets, his expression as smug as ever. 

“Well, well,” he drawled. “What do we have here? A little secret meeting under the moonlight?” 

Hunter straightened. “Go away, Ryder.” 

Ryder ignored him and focused on me. “I hope you’re not planning on spreading lies about me, little lamb.” 

I clenched my jaw. “Why? Scared of the truth?” 

He chuckled, stepping closer. “Oh, Lily. You really don’t know what you’re playing with, do you?” 

Hunter stepped in front of me. “I told you to back off.” 

Ryder’s smirk faltered for a second before he laughed. “Relax, brother. Just checking in on our dear stepsister.” 

My stomach twisted at the way he said *stepsister*. Like it was a joke. Like I didn’t belong here. 

“I don’t need checking in on,” I snapped. 

Ryder tilted his head. “We’ll see about that.” 

Then, without another word, he turned and walked away, disappearing into the darkness. 

I let out a shaky breath. 

Hunter glanced at me. “You see what I mean?” 

I nodded. I saw it. I felt it. 

Ryder wasn’t done with me. 

And I had no idea what he was planning next.