Chapter 27: Chapter 27
Kyra’s POV
’My future mate is your best friend, so we’re expecting you at our engagement party. Don’t disappoint us, Kyra.’
Sylvia snarled, "That bitch dares rub salt in our wounds? Let me out—I’ll tear her throat open at their damned ceremony!"
I balled my fists and threw the invitation on the floor. I sat on the bed and cupped my head as I tried to calm myself down. I couldn’t break down again. I might put my pup’s life at risk, and that was the very last thing I’d want to happen. My pup—the last tether binding me to a man who’d chosen another before anything else.
I caressed my belly, now almost four months along. The bump was starting to show. I swallowed hard and squeezed my eyes shut as memories of the old days washed over me. Sophia had always been Nathan’s great love. He’d been in love with her from the very start. How could I replace the woman who never really left his heart in the first place? Sophia was right—I was just a substitute. Nathan would never look at me the way I wanted him to. He would never love me the way I loved him.
I remembered those days when I always caught him watching Sophia from afar back in high school. While I watched him, he watched her. He was happier when he was with her. Of course he was. He was happier with her and had moved on so easily. It was a shame it didn’t work the same for me.
The scent of cedar and musk flooded the room before the door even opened. A familiar scent filled my nose as I gripped the sheets, forcing myself to stay in place.
"I’m sorry..." His deep voice was raw, nothing like his usual controlled tone.
Kieran...
"I didn’t... mean to startle you. I just... don’t know how to restrain my feelings anymore." The gold flecks in his icy eyes glowed faintly.
I pressed my lips together. It was my fault too. I hadn’t stopped him sooner. It was too late by the time I realized what I was doing. I let him kiss me and touch me. He wasn’t the only one to blame. I let my guard down and gave in to my own desires for a few moments.
Thinking about what happened in the restroom still made me feel hot. My heart was still racing as I listened to him, trying to explain his side.
I didn’t know... If this wasn’t attraction or lust driven by pregnancy hormones, I couldn’t say what it was. Kieran was my stepbrother. I never liked him because he was cold and ruthless. I never imagined I’d get along with him, but I had to admit, over these past two months together, I’d accepted that I was stuck with him and there was nothing I could do. Maybe all of this was just because he had always been by my side, supporting me.
I snapped my eyes open when Nathan’s face flashed in my mind again. His memory still haunted me. Our story didn’t end well. I should probably face reality so I could move on, because as things stood, I was the only one still stuck in the past.
A blanket was draped over my body, covering me. Kieran’s action brought me back to the present, and I clenched my fists tighter.
"I’m not asking you to forgive me. But if I’m given another chance, I’ll do it over and over again..."
My lips parted. What...
"My feelings for you are real. I don’t care if you’re my stepsister. I’d break every law in the world just to have you. I meant everything I said, and I won’t take it back. If I got another chance, I’d kiss you again, and show you that he’s not the only one who can make your knees tremble. I’m here, Kyra. You don’t need a two-timing asshole to be happy."
My heart pounded at his words. Whether it was nerves or anticipation—I didn’t know. All I knew was that I couldn’t encourage his feelings. I needed to focus on my baby and bury my feelings for my ex-mate. That was my priority now.
I pretended to be asleep until I felt him leave the room. I held my breath and bit my bottom lip after I heard the door close.
I took a deep breath before lying flat on my back and stared at the closed door. My forehead creased when, out of the corner of my eye, I saw the engagement invitation on the bedside table. Did Kieran pick it up from the floor?
I didn’t know what time I fell asleep. I just woke the next day feeling so hungry. Right! I hadn’t eaten properly. I had completely forgotten.
I caressed my belly. "I’m sorry, pup..."
A knock interrupted me, followed by a voice. "Kyra, are you awake?"
Kieran...
I swallowed hard and caught my breath. No! I had to forget about what happened last night.
"My feelings for you were real..." His words from last night echoed in my head. I didn’t even want to remember any part of what he’d said.
I covered my face and shook my head. Shut it, Kyra!
I took a deep breath and got out of bed. I walked to the door and opened it. I came face-to-face with Kieran, whose face was blank, as usual, and whose eyes were cold.
"Breakfast is ready. We should eat before we go."
Today was our flight back to the country where my father lived. However, I wanted to go somewhere else. I had decided. I needed to face the truth, or I’d never get over Nathan.
"I want to go to another country," I said, staring into his eyes.
"I’m going to their engagement party," I blurted out, finally meeting his glacial gaze.
For two months, I knew he’d done everything to keep me away from things that would remind me of Nathan, but this time I didn’t want to be controlled. I wanted control over my own life.
I expected him to say no. I was even thinking of what I’d say once he refused.
Kieran’s jaw clenched, the muscle ticking violently. For a moment, I thought he’d refuse. He exhaled sharply. When he looked at me again, his eyes softened. "I’ll arrange the jet."
The shock was obvious on my face at his response. I didn’t know what to say. He agreed to what I wanted, but he insisted on coming with me. I actually wanted to go alone, but I knew even my father wouldn’t allow it, so it was fine.
"I’ll go with you. I’ll be wherever you go, Kyra." Kieran stepped closer.
"Not as your stepbrother. Not as your protector." His thumb brushed my lower lip. "As the wolf who plans to make you his."
