Chapter 49: Chapter 49
Kyra’s POV
I stood before the full-length mirror, adjusting the obsidian silk gown that embraced my curves—including the gentle swell of my pup bump—when Kieran’s distinct cedar and musk scent arrived moments before his knock sounded.
"Alpha approaching," Sylvia murmured, her awareness sharpening as I called out, "Come in."
Our gazes met in the reflection—me in my flowing black gown, him in a tailored suit that accentuated his broad shoulders, his usually wild dark hair tamed for the occasion. The sight made my breath catch.
"Moon Goddess," Sylvia huffed, "he cleans up well."
Kieran moved with that predatory grace all Alphas possessed, coming to stand behind me. Without a word, he placed a beautiful necklace around my neck. The elegance of the necklace complemented my dress perfectly. My curled hair brushed my waist, the color of my skin standing out against the dress.
"You look perfect," Kieran whispered, making me shiver as I felt his warm breath against the back of my ear. A shiver raced down my spine while Sylvia let out a soft whine at the proximity of another Alpha’s scent so near our vulnerable spot.
"Control yourself," I chided her, even as my own pulse quickened.
When I looked at him through the mirror again, my eyes landed on his reddish lips, reminding me of the kisses we had shared before. He had tasted me. He had touched me. But he never stepped out of line, not even after all the intimate moments we had shared. I couldn’t help but admire how he restrained his desire, even when he had clearly told me about his feelings. The restraint was... surprising for a rogue Alpha.
How did I become so attracted to him? When did it start? And most of all, why?
I cursed myself when I felt electricity rush over my skin after his finger accidentally brushed my bare shoulder.
"Are you ready?" Kieran offered his arm and looked at my face, the gesture both formal and intimate.
To hide the foolish thoughts swirling in my mind, I smiled at him and nodded. He picked up my pouch and handed it to me before once again offering his arm. I smiled again and wrapped my arm around his. I guess I would have to get used to having him by my side. After all, he’s my stepbrother.
***
The charity gala throbbed with power and politics, the elite of several packs mingling under crystal chandeliers. We’d barely stepped onto the black marble floor when reporters swarmed, their cameras flashing like startled fireflies.
"Alpha Kieran! Who’s your date?"
"Alpha Kieran! Is she your future Luna?"
"Miss Kyra Monroe, former Luna of the Nightfall Pack. There are photos of you and Alpha Nathan spreading online. Are you and Nathan reconciling?"
Photos? I didn’t know what they were talking about, so I looked at Kieran. His face was blank as he took in the reporters surrounding us.
Kieran was about to answer when the crowd parted like waves before an Alpha—and there stood Nathan, Sophia clinging to his arm, his brown eyes widening when they landed on my swollen belly.
I suddenly felt suffocated the moment I met Nathan’s eyes. He looked shocked to see me here—and even more so to recognize the person beside me. His eyes flashed anger, but I ignored him.
The air crackled with unspoken challenges—two Alphas, one pregnant female, and a history that stank of betrayal.
"Steady," Sylvia warned as Nathan’s wolf scent spiked with anger and something dangerously like possession.
Kieran’s arm tensed beneath my fingers, his low growl buzzing through me—a promise of protection.
"Alpha Nathan!" A reporter thrust a microphone toward Nathan’s face—a deliberate provocation for a werewolf. "Are those photos with former Luna Kyra authentic?"
I swallowed hard, my wolf Sylvia bristling while Nathan’s brown Alpha eyes locked onto mine across the crowded gala.
"No," he said, his voice carrying the weight of an Alpha’s declaration. "Those are fabricated."
He answered without looking away from me. I couldn’t help but feel bitter. This was the same wolf who’d begged for my forgiveness, who confessed that he was in love with me. I had already let him go, but hearing him say this filled me with resentment.
How long are you going to play with my feelings, Nathan?
"Kyra and I are over, and now we are just best friends," Nathan continued. "It’s only natural for us to meet. But those photos don’t mean anything. I’m already engaged and preparing to get married. My bond is with Sophia now."
I squeezed my eyes shut. The suffocation grew until I felt a warm, large hand wrapping around mine. When I looked up, I saw Kieran gazing at me, entwining our fingers, his cedar and musk scent enveloping me.
"I should have checked the guest list," he murmured, his thumb stroking my palm in silent comfort.
The weight in my heart eased a little. "Not your fault," I said, offering him a smile and squeezing his hand back.
He held my hand tighter and was about to lead me out of that corner when the sea of reporters surged in front of us again. They seemed to notice our clasped hands, as I was sure everyone else did by now.
"Alpha Kieran, Miss Monroe, are you two in a relationship?"
"Miss Monroe, your belly looks unusually round. Are you pregnant?"
Reporters clustered around us after that question. I felt uncomfortable as they darted more questions about my relationship with Kieran.
"Alpha Kieran! Is the former Luna Kyra carrying your pup?"
Kieran looked annoyed. He raised our joined hands. "Enough," he snapped, his power rolling through the room. "We’re leaving. We came for the gala, not an interview."
Kieran glanced at me and gently pulled me out of that corner, and while we walked away, I felt everyone’s eyes following us. I didn’t know if Nathan was watching too, but it certainly seemed so. That made me even more uncomfortable.
Kieran took me to an empty round table. He pulled out a chair for me and helped me sit. When he sat beside me, he held my hand again, and I admitted that knowing I wasn’t alone in this crowded place brought me immense comfort.
We didn’t stay for the rest of the event. After Kieran donated a huge amount, we left right away.
He offered to take me home and I didn’t refuse. While we waited for the valet to bring his car around, suddenly, my ankle started aching. Kieran must have noticed and kneeled on one knee in front of me.
"Kieran," I called out in surprise, but he ignored me.
He started massaging my ankle, and to my relief, it helped.
"Should’ve brought your flats," he muttered.
I smiled sheepishly. He kept massaging my ankle until his car parked in front of us. I was about to walk toward the passenger seat when he suddenly scooped me up, carrying me in his arms as he approached the car and the valet opened the door.
"You don’t have to do that," I said after he buckled my seatbelt, but inside, I was truly grateful for everything he was doing.
He got behind the wheel and glanced at me as he answered, "But I want to."
I just smiled. He drove in silence, and I gazed out the window at the night sky. When we reached my apartment, I was startled to see Nathan leaning against my closed door. His hands were in his pockets, and he still wore the same suit from the event.
He must have sensed our presence; he lifted his face and looked at me. His answer to the reporter about our photos raced back into my mind. Anger overtook me.
"Kyra..." he called my name and started towards me, but I grabbed Kieran’s arm, pulled him close, and reached up for his lips.
Right there in front of Nathan, I kissed Kieran without a thought. My mind was chaos. All I knew was that I didn’t want to talk to Nathan tonight. I didn’t want to see him—and if kissing Kieran in front of him would drive Nathan away, I would do it again and again.
