47. A Re

KIARA

"Please don't." I pleaded.

This hurt. He didn't realise what he was doing to me. Did he just think I was ok with casual sex? Yes, I did engage with Damon like that, but that was so different from what I felt for Alejandro. The attraction towards him often felt like it would consume me completely. The way his hands gripped my hips, the way his scent made me dizzy in a pleasant way and the ache in my core, begging to be satisfied by him.

He paused, to my surprise, searching my eyes. I was near tears and I hated feeling like this.

"Don't make me fall for you, when I am nothing to you." I whispered.

I didn't know why I said it. For him to just mock me? This was what he wanted, right? I didn't really know; I wasn't blind to the fact that he was different towards me but it wasn't enough to give in when he was engaged to Jasmin. I don't even know what I wanted from him.

He let go of me and I could hear his heart racing. The fact that he listened… And didn't just force himself…

"Thank you." I whispered.

I squeezed past him, closing my eyes when I brushed against him completely to get out. Was he really letting me go? I paused, looking back at him. His face was unreadable, and for once, he was silent. I didn't know what to make of it. My heart was pounding as I placed my hand on his cheek, the same place I had slapped him, feeling the slight prickle of his stubble and the definition of his refined jaw beneath my fingertips. Feeling him tense under my touch.

"I shouldn't have slapped you, I'm sorry." I said quietly.

I hoped this was the last of our odd run-ins. I couldn"t keep doing this. I was about to open the door when suddenly his strong arms wrapped around me from behind. My eyes widened as I gasped in surprise. My heart was thumping. Why did his hold feel so… perfect? I closed my eyes, wishing I could just stay here, but I knew I couldn"t. He ran his hands down my arms softly, leaving a trail of tingles in his wake, burying his nose in my neck and inhaling me deeply.

I was beyond confused, unable to comprehend what this was. When had the Lycan King ever shown such gentleness? My eyes blurred with tears at the foreign pain that was building in my chest. Why did this feel like a goodbye? His lips met the corner of my neck so softly I wondered if I imagined it. Pleasure coursed through me, laced with the pain that this was not meant to be. I gasped as the first of my tears spilt down my cheeks.

His arms loosened around me and he turned me in his arms. He cupped my face just how he had last night and brushed my tears away with his thumbs. I couldn"t read those dark onyx eyes of his.

"I won't bother you again. I forget that not everyone's a fucking heartless monster like me." He said quietly, making me shake my head.

He wasn't a monster, and he wasn't heartless. I wish I could say something, but I couldn"t tell him when I was trying to hold my tears back. There was so much more to him, just waiting to be discovered…

"I won't bother you from here on out. You're reckless, beautiful and fucking strong. More than that… You're perfect the way you are. Always remember that." He whispered.

My heart was pounding and if I was scared to fall for him, then it was too late. He had already made a space in my heart for himself. I"d never forget those words, their sincerity... Saying I was perfect just the way I am... That part hit me the hardest.

One thing about Alejandro was that he said it as it is. He leant down and placed a soft kiss on my forehead. Wiping away a few more tears, before he let go of me and opened the door behind me. I closed my eyes. Why did this feel like the end?

Something inside me was screaming at me to stop him, to tell him to give me a chance? But what would that do?

He brushed past me, his dark eyes meeting mine one final time before he walked out. My eyes didn't leave his broad back, with his muscular arms and narrow waist. He walked with power and you could see that he was the ultimate Alpha, but he was more than the heartless Lycan King everyone made him out to be. I knew that much.

He protected the werewolf race. If he didn't care, he could have just lived a life of luxury and chilled as the King, but he didn't. He chose to protect those weaker than him. Did everyone forget that when they called him ruthless and cold-hearted?

He didn't turn back and I remained rooted in my place. The Lycan King and I were two very different people. Somehow, we had a connection, but there was nothing more between us. There couldn"t be. We were worlds apart.

I turned away, brushing my tears from my cheeks, I needed to be strong. It was for the best. Deep down, I still couldn"t make sense of Alejandro's actions, but I wasn't going to delve into them. I had patients to heal.

-----

The day had passed by in a blur. I went to all the injured, some whilst they slept, others were awake. Secretly healing them a little. I could feel it catching up on me but I made sure not to overexert myself or I'd never hear the end of it. I even saw Carmen in one of the beds. The doctors said she was stable and that was a relief to hear. I didn't like her, but that did not mean she deserved death.

Valentin had also been discharged, as he was more worried about his mate. I was a little gutted as I wanted to see him, but I was just so happy he was ok and that he was with his mate.

The entire pack seemed to know about what had happened with Carmen, yet no one dared talk about it. The fear they felt of their King was palpable and his rule was absolute.

Although the day had been progressive, my mind was consumed by the moment I had with Alejandro earlier. The way he had held me, spoke to me and kissed me…

I had returned to the mansion and couldn"t even smell him around. It looked like he hadn't come home today. I had showered and taken a nap before I had been awoken by Raven to say that we were going to go see Aunty Indy. I was excited about that and hoped it would lift my mood too.

Now dressed in a pretty blue skater dress, I made my way with Raven to her apartment.

"Are you sure she said to come?" I asked curiously.

"Yes, she texted in the group chat."

"Oops, I had it on silent." I said guiltily.

We reached the block of apartments and made our way up the steps to Aunty Indy's door.

The door was opened before we could even knock, by a very big man. He had a small beard, his dirty blond hair pulled up in a high ponytail. His piercing brown eyes looked us both over before he pushed past and walked off. I felt something was off. That strange feeling that I often got overcame me, I didn't get a good feeling from him.

"Girls!" Aunty Indy said. Bringing me out of my thoughts, as she pulled us both into a tight hug.

"Ouchie!" Raven exclaimed, hugging us tightly.

"Shouldn't I be the one saying ouchie?" I said. "I mean, you both are crushing me."

"Well, it"s not our fault that you have extra fat in those breasts of yours." Aunty Indy teased.

I looked at her amused; unlike Mom, she was leaner, with defined abs and slightly tanned skin. Her black pixie cut suited her well and she had several piercings in her ears, as well as in her nose and eyebrow. I smiled. This was Raven"s role model growing up.

"So, get inside. We have a lot to catch up on." She said.

"Yes, we do! When did you get back?" Raven asked, as we stepped into the apartment that was decorated in the modern interior that I was beginning to get accustomed to here. This apartment had a very homely touch, with a deep terracotta that was incorporated in ornaments, cushions and other homely touches. The delicious smell of chicken and vegetables baking in the oven from the kitchen area was ever so pleasant and I realised I had missed lunch.

"Last night actually." Aunty Indy replied.

I didn't say that I had heard her talking to Alejandro, but I was curious as to why he seemed to have shown a different side of himself towards her.

"Oh nice, soooo what"s the latest?" Raven questioned, dropping onto the black leather sofa.

"Well, life's an adventure, getting to see different cities and towns." Aunty Indigo said.

"Gosh, when is the last time we actually saw you?" I asked sitting down.

"I think it's been over 6 months." Aunty Indy said, giving us a small smile. I smiled back.

"I wish you could have visited more." Raven said.

"I don't think Scarlett or Angela miss me much." She laughed.

"They do, Mom may not say it, but you are her little sister." I said with a small smile.

I saw her smile falter slightly and I wondered what that was about.

"So enough about me. The food will be done soon, but before that, tell me how"s the stay in the Night Walkers pack going?" She asked, standing up.

She went over to the fridge and took out three cans of Coca-Cola. She tossed one to each of us and I caught mine, tapping the top with my nail several times before opening it - a trick Dad taught me years ago. I smiled softly, feeling a twinge in my chest. I had seen Mom"s missed calls and Dad's messages, but I was really bad with my phone. I promised myself I'd call them tonight.

"The stay is going kinda ok…" Raven said glancing at me.

"Really? Serena told me that Alpha Al attacked Rayhan…" Aunty Indy said sharply.

"Yeah, I mean, apart from that stuff it"s been good." Raven said smoothly, opening her can and taking a big gulp.

"It's been great, I mean for me, being able to help at the hospital is amazing." I said, before I went on to talk to her about my abilities, telling her I had to keep it secret. Once I was done, we had finished carrying the food to the coffee table and all sat down to eat.

"So, Aunty Indy tell us, do you know Jasmin? The Kings" fiancé?" Raven asked.

For some reason, the smile that appeared on Aunty Indy's face made my stomach sink.

"I'm so glad he finally accepted her, them two go really well." She said. "Honestly, he took way too long to accept her."

"You think so?" Raven asked, glancing at me. It was clear she wasn't expecting this answer.

"Definitely, I don't think there's anyone else more suited for our King."

***

48. A Kings Rules

KIARA

Those words felt bitter to digest, but I didn't respond as I put some food on my plate.

"Jasmin and Alpha Al have had an on-off relationship, if you could call it that. Anyway, he tolerates her. She knows how to run a pack and she's smart, plus she"s actually pretty strong. Alpha Al is pretty closed up and won"t really let anyone close to him. Jasmin's able to tolerate him and although he can be hateful, she's strong enough to stand by his side." Aunty Indy continued.

"Why not choose a she-wolf from his own pack?" Raven asked curiously.

Aunty Indy smirked.

"Although the King's got a reputation - as an uncaring, dangerous bad boy - he has rules. He doesn"t sleep with any woman from his own pack. Not even omegas."

That surprised me. I looked up at her, shocked.

"What, why?" I asked.

"He doesn"t think it"s professional and I think it makes sense, as this way there won't be any catfights between the females. Most of the women here would love to sleep with him. Heck, even I crushed on him back in the day." Aunty Indy said pulling a face. "But he treats his pack equally and doesn"t cross the line between business and pleasure."

I scoffed.

"Yeah right." I said, freezing when Raven raised an eyebrow at me, smirking. Aunty Indy looked confused.

"What does that mean?"

"Well, I"m sure he gets around." I stated.

"Well, I know Scarlett said he fucked Liana back when he visited The Blood Moon Pack recently." Aunty Indy chuckled.

My stomach sank a little more. So, he had fucked someone after he had teased me… I don't know why that hurt, it just did... But then again, I couldn"t be that much of a hypocrite, I had sex with Damon that night too.

"Liana? Really? Oh wow…" Raven said, before trailing off.

"Well, she is gorgeous." Aunty Indy said. "I guess it"s good that Jasmin seems strong enough to deal with him. I doubt he'll correct his ways though."

"So, what does he do for sex if he doesn't have sex with his own pack members?"

"He's out often enough and sometimes he'll have some women come over for a night or so." She replied with a shrug. "Why are you so curious?"

"Oh, no real reason. I mean, we live there and I wouldn"t want some random woman brought into the house, you know." Raven said, smoothly. I could tell she wanted to bury the topic now.

"Oh, he rarely brings women to his mansion, I think the only woman who he's had in that house is probably Jasmin. He has a second place."

I drank my Coke, wishing it was alcohol or something to help with the growing pain I was feeling inside. So, for all I knew, he had probably slept with several women since I"ve been here. Right?

The thought that maybe he did feel something for me, depleted fast. I guess it was better that I didn't delve on it and he'd just stay away from me, and I him.

-----

It was much later, and we were chatting and laughing. It had been so much fun to just unwind and catch up, I even felt better. Mom video called for a bit and I was glad she was her normal self, but as the time passed I could tell Aunty Indy kept looking at the time and felt a bit uneasy. She reached over for a bottle of water from the table, her top sliding up and I saw a large bruise on her hip.

"What happened there?" I asked in concern. Reaching over, she tensed but relaxed when I touched it slowly.

"Oh, on the way back, rogues." She said, pulling a face.

"It must have been a big hit if it is still not healed." Raven said sympathetically.

I took a deep breath and focused on wanting to heal it. This time I noticed the very gentle coolness and I opened my eyes just as the bruise faded away. Aunty Indy whistled.

"Wow… Thanks, Kia." She said impressed and gave me a tight hug with a kiss on the forehead.

I smiled and wrapped my arms around her. I suddenly missed Mom a lot.

"When is Fred returning?" Raven asked. "I wouldn't mind getting to know your broody mate a little."

"Oh, I"m not sure. I"m a little tired. Shall we call it a night?" Aunty Indy suggested, returning to looking a little uncomfortable. I could sense the unease rolling off her, underlined with maybe even a bit of fear? I frowned.

"You ok Aunty?" I asked concerned.

"Yeah, I just need to sleep, I have an early start tomorrow. I'll see you girls tomorrow. I'll come down." She said.

Raven didn't say anything, but I knew she had caught on to Aunty's rush to get us out of there too.

"That sounds great." I said as I and Raven got up to leave.

Just then, the front door opened and in walked Aunty's mate. A frown on his face, the smell of alcohol laced with his own and I felt my stomach sink when I could smell something else off him - sex and a woman. It was faint, but I noticed his clothes were also changed…

I glanced at Aunty Indy who looked at me, a glint of sadness and embarrassment in her eyes before she looked away.

"You lot are still here?" He said moodily.

"Yes! Do you want to join us?" Raven asked.

I knew Raven couldn"t smell it because her wolf hadn"t awoken, so her senses weren't so strong. Not to mention, I was of Alpha blood and my sense of smell was naturally stronger.

"They were just leaving." Aunty Indy said, walking over to him.

I watched as she wrapped her arms around him and I felt my heartbreak. She loved him and he was abusing that. Anger ignited within me as I clenched my jaw. Stay calm and leave, Kiara. Don't do anything reckless. It took every ounce of my self-restraint to not react.

I walked past them, my fists clenched, giving it my all not to lunge at the bastard for hurting and using my Aunty like this. Is this what mates were capable of? All I had seen was mates loving each other, like Mom and Dad, Grandad and Grandma. I guess I had heard of Mom's biological Dad abusing Grandma…. But it was rare, right? How could Aunty possibly deal with this shit?

I stormed out the door with Raven hurrying to keep up with me.

"Whoa girl, chill!"

"I just… Let's just go home." I said coldly.

"Kia… What the hell happened?"

"Forget it." I said, as she took my hand and led me down the steps. We reached the bottom but my fury was only growing. "I just..."

"Kia… Stop…."

"Don't tell me to stop!" I snapped. My entire body felt like I was on fire. The anger I felt inside was screaming to get out.

"Kia… breathe." Raven said tersely as she let go of me.

I couldn"t. All I could feel was resentment towards Frederick and how he was treating Aunty.

"Kia… You're on fire…"

I looked at her, frowning as I realised I could see her. A purple light seemed to be illuminating the entire area. It was then that I realised it was coming from none other than me. I raised my hands to see the purple flame-like aura surrounding my entire body, visible to the naked eye…

***

49. Staying Stubborn

ALEJANDRO

I had locked myself in my office all day, drinking bottle after bottle. I don't even know how many fucking cigarettes I have consumed. Her innocent pleas to stop hurting her fucking destroyed me. I should never have used her…

I was strong enough to protect her… right? But that would only make sense if there was someone to protect her from me… I was a monster, she was someone with so much concern and love that it sure made up for my lack of it.

I often snapped, and if I ever hurt her… She couldn"t even heal herself. Hell even if she could, I didn't want to hurt her. Yeah, I was already fucking doing that without trying… I stared at the ceiling; my feet crossed on my desk as I leaned back in my seat, feeling like a fucking train-wreck inside.

I knew what I needed to do. Keep myself so fucking busy that I didn't have time to think about her.

It was now dark outside. I had just sat here in the dark, not even bothering to move, all fucking day. A knock on the door brought me out of my reverie and Darien entered.

Coughing as he waved his hand, shutting the door behind him.

"What the hell?! Are you trying to kill yourself in here?" He said, going over to the windows and opening one.

I raised an eyebrow.

"If I wanted to fucking die, there's plenty of better ways to go." I shot back, glaring at him.

I had to admit it was a fucking smoke fest in here.

"What is it?" He asked, crossing his arms as he stayed near the window.

"What the fuck do you mean what is it?" I said, playing dumb.

I didn't want to fucking talk to him.

"What's bothering you, Alejandro?"

"No shit's bothering me. You're not a fucking shrink, so stop trying to fucking pry. Since you're here, get the mating ceremony ball organised and up and running." I said.

"Already on it." He said, with a nod. "Serena's managing it."

"Invite all the Alphas to it, two days after the ball will be my official engagement to Jasmin." I said.

My stomach twisted at the very fucking thought, but it was for the best.

"You sure, Alejandro?" He asked me.

I hated how the fucker tried to get in my head.

"I mean, are you sure she's the right one?"

"What? You want me to take Kiara?" I mocked coldly.

"Well, I didn't mention names… But yes. She is an Alpha"s daughter, two Alpha's at that. She's actually the most ideal, plus the pack have nothing but praise to say about her. Well, apart from some of them crushing on her like crazy…"

I glared at him, my anger rising at the fucking thought, but I said nothing, not wanting him to get even more fucking reasons to do my head in.

"My point is, she's a far greater option than Jasmin. Yes, she's young and probably has a mate out there… but if you keep her away from all male wolves on a blood moon, it"s all good…" He trailed off, feeling a bit guilty about his words.

I smirked coldly.

"Evil fucker."

"Well, it's an idea…" He grumbled.

"If I tell Serena you said that…" I smirked coldly and he looked a little panicked.

"Please don't. You know, even she really likes Kiara. She's a natural and the light that she brings, she's special Alejandro."

I hated the fact he was telling me what I already knew. She was fucking special… And I"m sure she was made for me… I could accept it… No. I couldn"t. I'd only hurt her. I needed to stop thinking of shit like that.

"Can you imagine me asking Elijah for his fucking daughter?" I remarked with a sadistic smirk. "I'd do that just to piss the dickhead off."

"You know, you two really need to work on your ego's." Darien grumbled. "Well, if your mind is made up, I better get to work. Jasmin wanted a big do but I guess with the shorter time it will be tough, if we get everyone to help…."

"Make sure security, training and everyone's jobs are not affected. I don't want shit going down because we got relaxed over some fucking preparations."

"Got it… Are you sure, Alejandro?"

I growled dangerously, my eyes flashing red.

"Ask me one more fucking time and I'll snap your fucking head off." I said.

He sighed.

"Ok, but you know when you regret this decision… Then I'll be the first to say I told you so."

"Funny, you've changed your tune so fucking quick. You were one of the ones to tell me to accept Jasmin as my mate for ages now." I said icily.

"Yeah, until someone who seems to have a bond with you showed up. I don't know if it"s possible, but there's something different between the two of you and I wish you would just embrace it." He said. "Anyway, I'll make sure the preps are done."

I didn't reply as he was about to turn to leave, when he suddenly stopped at the sight of the dazzling purple glow from outside.

"What the…" He began.

I was up in a flash as I came to the window to see what it was. From between the flats, I could see it filling the fucking area.

I pushed the window open, jumping out, landing on the ground 40 feet below as Darien shifted in mid air and we both ran towards the glow, reaching it in record time.

I stopped when I saw Kiara standing there, her entire body wrapped in a purple aura that was fucking powerful. For a second, I wondered if something had happened to her, but I recognised that aura. Despite it being a hundred times more impressive, it was hers. Gone was the cool, faint aura she had when she healed. Standing before me was the epitome of breath-taking power and beauty. In two fucking words - A Goddess.

For a moment I was distracted by her sheer aura and power, but the sudden thought that this display of power could attract enemies brought me back to the present. What fucking confused me was how the hell had she kept this much power hidden?

"Kiara." I called her quietly.

Her and Raven both turned, the brat looked alarmed but Kiara looked pissed. It was the only way I could describe those astonishing purple orbs of hers and the gaze that was directed right at me.

"How could you?" She said.

I raised an eyebrow. What had I done? I didn't even fucking know…

‘Alpha, that aura needs to be kept hidden or her secret won't stay secret for long. Being able to see an aura isn"t normal.' Darien said.

Yeah, I know that you fucker. I glared at him for a second.

‘Get the midget home, I'll deal with Kiara.' I said coldly. Darien nodded.

"Don't you dare come near me." Kiara growled as I stepped closer.

"Too bad, I don't take fucking orders from no one." I said, my eyes flashing red.

I let my own aura out, seeing Raven back away at the sheer force. Darien nudged her with his snout before pulling her away.

"Don't hurt her!" She shouted to me.

I didn't bother replying. The darkness of my aura seemed to press against Kiara's, but for the first time in my fucking life, I felt like someone had just been granted equal power. Not once did her power falter or fade as my aura enveloped the area. Her blazing eyes didn't leave mine, I didn't know why she was angry but the accusatory gaze in her eyes stung a little. But when did I become a fucking wuss?

Well, if that wasn't going to work, I guess we'll go with option two. Sorry beautiful, but this is going to hurt a little… In a flash, I was in front of Kiara. Before she could even react, I hit her pressure point in her neck hard, knocking her unconscious. I caught her in my arms as her body became limp, feeling a slice of guilt at the bruise that my fingers had left on her otherwise flawless neck. The urge to kiss her there filled me but I looked away.

I was about to scoop her up bridal style when I heard the distant, unearthly growl of a wendigo.

Kiara had just sent out a fucking lighthouse signal giving away her location.