Chapter 123: Chapter 123
Kyra’s POV
I stepped out of Nathan’s car wearing a midnight blue dress that fit perfectly. The evening air smelled of expensive perfume and gardenias from the Anderson estate. Nathan opened the back door, and Snow jumped out, her face bright with excitement.
My chest tightened as I watched Nathan kneel down to smooth Snow’s dress. Their matching smiles were everything I had dreamed of for years. But last night’s call from Kieran had ruined my plan to tell Nathan the truth about Snow. Fear of my obsessive stepbrother finding me had completely taken over my thoughts.
"Kyra..." Nathan’s gentle voice brought me back.
He walked over, worry clear on his handsome face. "Don’t worry about anything. He can’t take you away again."
This morning, Nathan had come with me to the Alpha Council to report Kieran’s call. I brought Snow because I couldn’t stand being away from her, not even for a moment.
"He can never touch you again," Nathan whispered, kissing my forehead softly.
Sylvia purred at his touch. I looked up into his warm brown eyes, getting lost in their tenderness. The moment ended when the mansion’s front doors opened, revealing the crowded ballroom inside. Dozens of people turned to look at us.
I swallowed hard as Nathan lifted Snow and wrapped his other arm around my waist. My stomach knotted under all those stares.
"I should have said no," I whispered. "Everyone’s watching us."
Nathan held me tighter. "Let them watch. You have nothing to hide."
But I did have something to hide. The biggest secret of all was right here between us.
"I couldn’t leave Snow alone after that call," I said quietly. "And I couldn’t miss Phoebe’s birthday."
"You’re doing the right thing," Nathan said. "Snow is safer with us."
"Kyra!" Phoebe’s voice rang out. Nathan’s sister looked stunning in her emerald dress, a small crown in her dark hair.
"Happy birthday, Phoebe." I hugged her and kissed her cheek, handing her a wrapped gift. "Hope you like it."
She smiled and took the present, then looked at Snow, who was staring at her with wide eyes.
"Hello, sweetheart," Phoebe said.
Snow giggled, staring at the crown. "You look like a princess, Aunt."
Phoebe laughed and took off her tiara, placing it on Snow’s head. My daughter’s face lit up with joy.
"You’re our real princess," Phoebe said, taking Snow from Nathan.
"Phoebe, it’s your party. You should enjoy yourself," I said.
Phoebe smiled knowingly. "I am enjoying myself. You two should spend some time together." She looked between Nathan and me. "Stop worrying about everything and relax. I’ll keep Snow safe."
Before I could protest, Phoebe walked away with Snow toward a group of people who immediately started fussing over my daughter.
I bit my lip, watching them disappear into the crowd. Nathan’s warm hand touched my back, making me look at him.
He smiled and asked, "Want to get some food?"
I nodded, letting him lead me to the buffet tables. Despite the crowded ballroom, I immediately saw the former Alpha and Luna watching us from their table.
Alpha Richard held a glass of whiskey, his face unreadable. His wife gave me a warm smile, which I returned.
After filling our plates, Nathan led me to his parents’ table.
"Good evening," I said politely.
Alpha Richard smiled slightly and nodded. The other guests at their table went quiet, staring at me with obvious curiosity.
Alpha Richard stood up and kissed my cheek. "Everyone, I’m sure you know Kyra Monroe."
"Who wouldn’t know such a beautiful and hardworking lady?" one man said.
I smiled politely. "Thank you."
Nathan cleared his throat. "We’re going to eat over there."
"Of course, dear. Kyra, enjoy the party," Alpha Richard said warmly.
I smiled again and followed Nathan to another table. He pulled out my chair.
While eating, I watched Snow and Phoebe singing and dancing for everyone. A genuine smile crossed my face.
"She’s having fun with her aunt," I said.
Nathan looked at me. "Party girls, both of them."
We ate in comfortable silence. Nathan took care of everything, refilling my water and offering me the best food. After dinner, he went to get dessert while a server brought us champagne.
I was still smiling at my daughter when someone appeared beside me.
"Caleb!" I said, surprised to see my ex-boss at the party.
He adjusted his glasses and looked at Nathan’s empty chair. "May I join you?"
I hesitated. That was Nathan’s seat. Before I could answer, Nathan returned with two plates of pastries. His expression cooled when he saw Caleb.
"Good evening, Mr. Walter. I thought you couldn’t come because of your business trip," Nathan said.
Caleb glanced at me, then back at Nathan. "I changed my mind."
Nathan nodded stiffly and set the dessert plates down. "I only brought enough for two."
"That’s fine. I came to keep Kyra company," Caleb said smoothly.
"I’m her company," Nathan shot back, possessive.
"You can sit there, Caleb," I pointed to the chair across from me, trying to ease the tension.
Caleb sat down, and an awkward silence fell over us. I picked at my dessert, unable to enjoy it. Caleb’s presence reminded me of his recent confession about wanting to court me.
After a few bites, I stood up. "I need some fresh air. Excuse me."
In the restroom, I stared at my reflection, seeing the stress around my eyes. Instead of going back to that tense table, I slipped outside to the pool area. The party sounds were muted here, and the soft lighting and water lapping gave me peace.
I wrapped my arms around myself as the evening breeze made me shiver. Suddenly, a warm jacket settled on my shoulders, bringing Nathan’s familiar minty scent. I turned to find him beside me.
He put his hands in his pockets, studying my face. "Why are you hiding out here?"
"I feel uncomfortable around Caleb," I admitted.
Nathan’s jaw tightened. "I noticed. Has he been bothering you at work?"
I sighed. "Not bothering exactly. He’s been... attentive. After I left Nightfall with nothing, he gave me a job. He’s been kind and professional."
"But?" Nathan sensed my hesitation.
"But last week, he said he wants to court me." I swallowed hard. "After what happened with you and Kieran, I don’t know if I can trust anyone like that again."
Nathan’s face darkened at Kieran’s name. "What that monster did to you—"
"It wasn’t just Kieran," I interrupted softly. "Being rejected by you broke something in me, Nathan. For years, I thought I was unlovable, that something was wrong with me."
"Kyra, there was nothing wrong with you." Nathan stepped closer, his eyes intense. "I was the fool who couldn’t see what was right in front of me."
"I need to tell Caleb the truth," I said. "That I can’t return his feelings. It wouldn’t be fair to him."
"I’m jealous of him," he admitted. "Sorry for acting like a jerk back there."
That was Nathan, always honest about his feelings. He never gave me mixed signals, which was why I had fallen for him years ago... and why I was falling for him again.
