Chapter Five: Helpless

AKIRA’s POV.

I stood in the dark room, my heart racing with anxiety. Ryker's pack members surrounded me, their eyes fixed on me like I was prey.

"Akira," Ryker's voice was smooth. "You've been chosen for a great honor. You're going to be a peace offering to Kael's pack."

I felt a chill run down my spine. "What do you mean?" I tried to keep my voice steady, despite the turmoil inside of me.

Ryker smiled. "You'll be going to Kael's pack as a breeder. You'll help strengthen the bond between our packs and ensure peace. Consider it your way out of killing Lyra.”

I shook my head, horror resting on me. "No. No way. I won't do it."

Ryker's smile grew wider. "You don't have a choice. You're a symbol of our good intentions. And you'll do as you're told."

I gritted my teeth in annoyance. I knew I had to think fast, or I'd be trapped in a life I didn't want. But for now, I was at Ryker's mercy. And I knew he had none.

I took a step back, my eyes blazing with rage. "I won't do it," I repeated, my voice firm. "I won't be used as a bargaining chip or a breeding tool

Ryker's smile ceased for a moment, and I saw annoyance in his eyes. "You don't have a choice, Akira," he said, his voice cold. "You're a member of this pack, and you'll do as you're told."

I shook my head. "I'd rather die than be forced into this," I said, my voice steady. "I'll never submit to Kael's pack or be a breeder against my will. And about Lyra … I demand for a fair trial.”

Ryker's face darkened, and he took a step closer to me. "You're being foolish, Akira," he growled. "You're just a pup, what do you know about the way the world works? Fair trial??? No way, you will not even get a trail not to talk of a fair one.”

I stood my ground, my gaze matching his. "I know that I won't be used," I said, my voice firm. "I know that I have the right to choose my path, and I won't let you or anyone else take that away from me."

Ryker's eyes narrowed, and he snarled, showing his teeth. "You're coming with us, Akira," he said, his voice low and menacing. "One way or another."

I knew I had to think fast, or I'd be dragged away and forced into a life I didn't want. I glanced around the room, looking for any opportunity to escape. That's when I saw it - a small window, slightly open, on the other side of the room.

Without hesitation, I made a dash for the window, Ryker's pack members hot on my heels. I squeezed through the narrow window just in time, landing on the ground outside with a rib-cracking sound.

I didn't stop to catch my breath. I knew I had to keep moving, or Ryker's pack would catch up to me. I ran as fast as I could, my heart pounding in my chest. My chest hurting, I think I broke a rib or two.

I ran as fast as I could, my legs moving as fast as they could. I could hear Ryker's pack members behind me, their growls and snarls getting closer and closer. They were hot on my heels.

I ran between the trees, using my knowledge of the forest to try and get rid of my pursuers. But they were too fast, too strong. I could feel their presence right behind me, and I knew I was running out of time.

Just as I thought I'd found a narrow cave to hide in, a strong arm grabbed me from behind. I struggled and fought to free myself, but it was no use. Ryker's pack member held me tight, his grip never letting go.

I was dragged back to the pack's dungeon, Ryker's angry face was in front of me. "You foolish pup," he growled. "You think you can escape me? You tiny little runt! You can not go anywhere okay? You will just have to stop thinking whatever you are thinking and give up! Okay!”

I spat in his face, defiance running through my veins. "I'll never give up," I snarled. "I'll never submit to your plans. You can do what you like but I will never submit to your plans!”

Ryker narrowed his eyes , and he slapped me hard across the face. I felt a stinging pain, and my ears rang, but I refused to back down. The tears rushed down my cheeks but I still said what I had in mind for him.

"You're going to regret this, Ryker," I said, my voice cracking. "You're going to regret trying to control me. You are going to regret ever doing this to me. I will make sure of that.”

Ryker's smile was cold and emotionless. "We'll see about that," he said. "You're going to Kael's pack, and you're going to do as you're told. Or suffer the consequences."

“I will never do it!” I hissed again.

“Why?” A deep voice was heard behind me.