Chapter 46: Kaden
The night air felt wet and heavy, as though rain was moments away from falling. Thick clouds churned slowly overhead, whipped along by a restless breeze that carried the sharp promise of a storm. Fallen leaves skittered across the empty street, and the flickering streetlamp cast long, wavering shadows that danced across the pavement. Yuki did her best to hold Kaden’s gaze, even as her heart hammered wildly in her chest.
She did not know what to expect. Of all three brothers, she knew Kaden liked her the least, and he had always seemed the most dangerous to her. This was a perfect opportunity for him to exact whatever revenge he wanted and completely ruin her image.
Kaden stared at Yuki for a long moment, then glanced at Xavier, noting the almost desperate look in the other boy’s eyes. The Xavier he knew was always an arrogant fighter who was not really scared of anyone and respected only a few. Yet the same boy who loved picking fights just to test his limits was now pleading. It got under Kaden’s skin in a way he didn’t like. What was so special about Yuki?
In the end, he clicked his tongue, rolling his shoulder as he rubbed the back of his neck like he was trying to shake the thought off his body. . He turned toward his bike and picked up the helmet. Without turning around, his voice cut cleanly through the empty alley, carrying a hint of irritation "Are you waiting for a special invitation?"
Both Yuki and Xavier were stunned into silence.
He glanced over his shoulder, meeting their confused gazes. "It is late. It’s not easy to get a ride. Xavier’s car is back at Ajax’s place. You cannot go back there. So unless you plan on walking all the way back to the pack house territory be my guest." he casually explained
Yuki blinked, pointing at herself in disbelief. "Are you offering me a ride?" It was weirdly nice of him
The idea felt so mismatched with the version of him she had just endured that her brain refused to accept it immediately.
Kaden’s tone stayed sharp. "Do not make me regret it. I just want to make sure you do not do anything else stupid tonight."
She took back her earlier thought. Whatever she thought of him, standing here arguing in an empty alley at night was not a better option. Although he was still a jerk. She glanced at Xavier, who gave her a small, reassuring smile. "I told you he can be nice sometimes. Go ahead. This is not my first rodeo."
Yuki nodded, her voice soft. "Take care. And sorry for the trouble."
Xavier’s gaze softened. "No need to mention it."
Kaden glanced back and happened to see them staring at each other like star-struck lovers. He rolled his eyes. "I do not have all night to watch you love birds," he hissed. He was already on his bike. His hand turned the handle, and the engine roared to life.
Yuki finally walked over. She stopped at the side of the bike. "Is this allowed? Your girlfriend would not come after me..."
Kaden cut her off impatiently. "Are you getting on or walking?" He snapped.
She clamped her mouth shut and climbed on quickly, suddenly aware of how tall the bike felt under her. Kaden tossed her the helmet without ceremony. She fumbled slightly before fastening it, fingers slower than her thoughts. and climbed on behind him. After securing it, her hands hovered awkwardly for a moment, unsure where to hold. In the end, she gripped the sides of the seat.
Kaden noticed immediately. A small scoff left him, almost silent. Then he started the engine. He released the brake and drove away, leaving Xavier standing on the road. Xavier did not wait for them to disappear from sight. He immediately started running from the spot. With Yuki gone, he could easily shift and cover more ground.
Kaden’s bike tore through the night. Yuki did her best not to hold onto him, but Kaden and Maverick had apparently learned how to drive from the same reckless instructor.
The wind hit her full force. It tore at her clothes and pushed against her shoulders. Kaden moved through it like he owned the road.
He weaved through traffic with sharp precision, changing lanes smoothly yet aggressively. Each turn shifted her weight dangerously. Each acceleration forced her until instinct replaced caution.
The force of acceleration pushed her backwards, and she had no choice but to wrap her arms tightly around his waist for support. She completely forgot her earlier inhibitions and held on for dear life, her chest pressed against his back.
Kaden stiffened the moment her arms circled him. It felt foreign, the warmth of her body against his. His gaze remained fixed on the road, and he said nothing.
They drove through the brightly lit city streets and eventually onto the quiet mountain road. The wind whipped around them fiercely, carrying the scent of rain and pine. Yuki breathed in his scent, a rich, addictive mix of black pepper, amber, and cinnamon. It smelled like danger and freedom all at once, and strangely comforting.
She subconsciously leaned forward wanting to breathe in more of his scent.
Kaden’s bike gradually slowed down. Yuki frowned, unable to recognise their location. It was not the Alpha’s residence. "You can let go now," he said, glancing down at her hands wrapped tightly around his waist and her face pressed against his shoulder.
She immediately pulled back as if he were a live wire, her cheeks burning. "Sorry. I did not mean to. You were driving so fast," she explained quickly.
His lips curved into a quiet smirk. "We can pretend we have not been closer than that."
Her face instantly burned hotter, her heart racing. She suddenly remembered the river and the way she had thrown herself at him even the field and that kiss. The reality that they had shared more than a kiss made her more alert. How could he bring that up? He just had to remind her of her worst mistake.
"Where are we?" she asked, trying desperately to change the topic.
Kaden sat straight and glanced at her flushed face. "You are still tipsy. You need to sober up. The cold breeze will help." He got off the bike. Yuki’s gaze followed him, and that was when she realised they were on a cliff. Not just any cliff. One that overlooked the entire city below, where countless lights sparkled like a sea of stars beneath the vast night sky.
The view was breathtaking. It took her a moment to absorb it. The city lights stretched endlessly, twinkling against the dark landscape. The air was fresh and crisp, smelling wet like approaching rain, mixed with the earthy scent of grass and pine, and something extra that was distinctly his. She pulled off the helmet and watched Kaden for a moment. He sat down on the grass, staring out at the city lights.
His face was etched with exhaustion, and for once he did not seem so scary. He seemed almost human, like any regular person carrying the weight of the world. She hopped off the bike and placed the helmet on the seat.
The grass crunched softly under her feet as she moved closer. Kaden felt her approach until she took a seat beside him. The view was truly beautiful. If she did not know better, she would have said the moment felt almost romantic
That was completely ridiculous imagining Kaden in a romantic situation with her.
No one spoke for a long moment they just enjoyed the moment. The city below flickered and moved as if it had its own pulse. Wind moved through the cliffside grass in soft waves, brushing against their clothes and tangling lightly in their hair.
It felt peaceful until she finally broke the silence. "Thanks for earlier," she said quietly. "For letting us off the hook."
Kaden released a heavy sigh and lay back on the grass, closing his eyes. The breeze played gently with his dark hair as he listened. Honestly, at that moment, watching the moonlight cast soft shadows across his face and highlight his sharp features, he looked even more beautiful than the city lights below.
It was funny how someone so sharp-edged like him could have such a gentle face when his eyes were closed. Kaden slowly opened his eyes. "You should stare at the city and not me. If you keep on staring, I might start thinking otherwise."
Her breath caught, and she instantly glanced ahead, cheeks flaming. "I was not staring," she blurted out.
"Sure you were not," he snickered, then sighed again. "You do not need to thank me. I let you off simply because turning you and Xavier in would cause me more trouble to clean up. My hands are currently full." He said it casually, but Yuki felt it was not that simple.
She just could not figure him out.
