Doing things at the last minute never ended well. Kiara hated it, but in the Sirius Bright Pack, she always anticipated that things would be done at the last minute. Stephen had been downstairs waiting for her for a long time. Kiara hastily applied a little lipstick and slipped on her sandals, unconcerned about her makeup.
She had been the definition of a sloth this morning, waking up at 9:00 a.m. Did her alarm tricked her or was Xavier?
Due to her shoulder injury, the Doctor had ordered Kiara to rest as much as possible, which she had not followed, leading to her being scolded by Xavier. How could she spend the entire day doing nothing but eating, sleeping, and ordering others? But who could explain that to Xavier who needed to see her wounds heal before his eyes.
When Kiara had been sighted on the training ground with Jennifer and Lena, she had been carried away in Alpha's arms back to his bedroom. Alpha Zander, who regretted missing that wonderful scene, had overheard some gossip claiming that it had been a Beauty and the Beast-style scenario. However, the beauty had been blushing, while the Alpha beast appeared overly protective, snapping at those who were admiring Kiara's long, silky legs, as she had been dressed in shorts. Again with the shorts. Xavier wanted to make a dress code for the training grounds.
Kiara sat on the bed in the room while Xavier crossed his arms over his chest, towering over her. When the grouchy Alpha had scolded her, she looked like a little puppy. He had her eat in front of him, he had assisted her with some of the arm exercises, and kept an eye on her to see whether she was getting enough rest. That was when he had been convinced that she had been completely cured, but not before she had slept for an inordinate amount of time.
Due to this child-like treatment, Kiara had not wanted to sleep at night but then she had gotten that call from Adira and her whole world had turned upside down. They had to meet.
Kiara was still haunted by the horrific incident last night, when Xavier had entered the room and Kiara had been so panic that she had dropped her phone on the floor. Fortunately, Tyler knocked on the door, and Xavier exited the room. She had no idea how long he'd been there.
"What should I do now?" Kiara took a deep breath while staring at her reflection.
She felt torn between her desire to meet Adira and her feelings for Xavier. She wanted to visit her sister, no matter the circumstances, so that she could get the truth about what had been going on in Adira's life and the pack. She was well aware that Adira was in serious peril. For them, the sisterly bond had always been quite strong.
Kiara was also bound by her responsibilities as Luna, the surrogacy contract, and the Ardara Moon Pack's pact with Xavier that Sawyer had signed. Everything was going to be destroyed if she made one wrong move.
That's when Kiara took a deep breath, smiled, and decided to forget about it for a little while, leaving the room at a fast walk. She had squandered much too much time. That's when she ran into something hard like a wall.
"I am sorry, Luna! Are you hurt?" The man apologized right away. Kiara growled, rubbing her forehead while looking up to find the blue eyes of an attractive man who was her new bodyguard. "I'm truly sorry, Luna.I had no idea that…"
"Don't worry. It was entirely my fault. I am not hurt, so it's all right, " When Kiara saw his panicked and terrified expression, she laughed a bit.
"Should I bring some ice, Luna?" Lance said, still concerned.
"So that the Alpha discovers and punishes you?" she lifted her eyebrows at her bodyguard, finally hinting to him that he was about to make a mistake.
"Ice sounds like a horrible idea," he smiled, nervously. Lance was quick to recall Xavier's bad temper and cold demeanor. He could very well be punished for the blunder.
"Now you get it," Kiara chuckled.
"Yeah," he said, laughing with her. It was the first time that Kiara had noticed his dimples when he laughed. She had no idea that Xavier would appoint her a personal bodyguard. The most interesting part was that the bodyguard was really handsome.
After lunch, Lance had come into her room to introduce himself. He stood outside her room and followed her around like a hound. He seemed to be older than she was, yet he was approximately Xavier's age. But this big dog didn't have a mate, his neck was unmarked.
"Can you tell me where you're going, Luna?" He was all set to follow her.
"I'm going downstairs, but you don't have to follow me," Kiara advised with a little smile and an order that he promptly obeyed.
"Then I'll be here waiting for you, Luna. Please do not go anywhere without me,’ Lance returned the smile. This guy gave off a truly friendly vibe.
Kiara entered the dining room swiftly, only to find it full with the Beta, Gamma couples, Stephen, and the twin Alphas. There was a conversation that had been going on between Zander and his Grandfather but it had come to a halt as soon as Kiara walked in.
"Kiara is here!!" Zander's unexpectedly enthusiastic voice. Kiara's surprised eyes snapped at him. He acted as though he was seeing her for the first time.
"Don't mess with me, boy!" Stephen snarled at Zander. His grandson was astute enough to use Kiara's presence to divert the Grandfather's attention away from the conversation that had bored the hell out of Zander. It was a family meal, so Stephen was extremely active and pointed things out to his grandsons one by one. Xavier's ears were practically bleeding, but he had to put up with it until breakfast was done. "We've been waiting for you, Luna Kiara. You are perfectly alright, thanks to the Goddess. Please have a seat," Stehpen's words and gestures had a honey-like sweetness to them as soon as he set his gaze on Kiara. How had his attitude shifted so abruptly? And look at that big smile on his face. Was that the same old wolf who had been snapping his teeth to his grandsons before the arrival of Kiara?
"Grandpa, what a lovely surprise," Kiara remarked as she picked up a plate and continued her conversation with Stephen.
"We've been missing you, Grandpa. Please keep visiting us on a regular basis," Kiara smiled, beginning to serve Stephen who had been completely captivated by her manners and politeness. She placed a plate in front of him that looked far more tasty. Kiara was startled when the twins' gaze snapped at her for some reason.
What exactly was she saying? Had she invited the old wolf to come for breakfast every day so that he could give them a lecture?! Before Kiara and Stephen could continue talking someone needed to intervene.
"Kiara baby," when Kiara heard an unfamiliar softness and polite tone with a tinge of affection from Xavier, accompanied by a lovely smile on his lips, goosebumps broke out across her skin. Her big eyes were locked on his. What was the matter with him? "Come here and have a seat. You must be exhausted," Xavier stood up, drawing a chair for his Luna like a true gentleman.Kiara took slow measured steps towards him, giving him a bewildered nod. This was exactly the type of behavior someone exhibits when a goat is handled gently before being sacrificed. Had his Grandpa become suspicious of something again? Her mind was still trying to process everything when she felt Xavier's large hand on her head. "Grandpa is the most active and responsible member of our pack. So he can't join us every day, Kiara. Please don't put him in a difficult situation, baby," he elaborated with another handsome smile. Kiara's heart rate increased as Xavier's warm lips kissed her soft cheek. She had immediately recognized his true goal of putting on an act. Why had this kiss appeared to be so genuine? Regardless of how many kisses she had received from her mate, his touch always sent sparks all over her body, making her hot and wild for him. A thick layer of blush took over her cheeks.
How could she remain calm if his lips continued to take advantage of her? Nevermind his other hand that had slipped down to her waist. Xavier felt butterflies in his stomach as they grew in Kiara's tummy as a result of the mate bond. As soon as he elicited a response from Kiara, he felt the echo of it. He peered down at her tightly clasped palm and her crimson cheeks were not something she could hide.
Xavier his throat then drew his greedy hands away from her head and waist, which had been stroking her without his knowledge. What a knucklehead! His hands never seemed to pay attention to their owner.
"How lovely!" Stephen smiled contentedly. When he saw the beautiful couple sitting across from him, his stomach filled with delight. Stephen had been concerned about his rejected grandson for the past two years, but Kiara's arrival had given him hope. Now he could easily predict what lay in store for his grandson’s future.
Kiara finally exhaled the breath that she had been holding due to her erratic heartbeat. It would be awkward if someone found out that she had been that excited by a kiss. She could only smile at Stephen before turning her attention to her breakfast.
“Hello everyone!” A woman's enthusiastic voice echoed through the dining room, causing everyone to shift their gaze to the doorway. Kiara noticed that everyone's lips had turned into a big smile. Kiara's eyes scanned the woman’s slender yet exquisite 5.9 figure from head to toe. She had short brown hair and was dressed in fancy clothes. She'd been wearing exposed garments that revealed her inner thighs and big breasts, leaving any that saw her wondering if she'd been wearing a bra or not.
“Laila!” All the guys shouted together, but what astonished Kiara was that Xavier was one of them.
“Oh my god! You are here!” Zander rushed over to hug Laila first. Tyler and Kiaden followed suit. Who was she? Among the four ranked males, she appeared to be a princess. Every one of them gave her a hug one by one. Kiara looked at her Beta and Gamma females, who were as delighted to see the woman as their mates. Everyone went to see Laila one by one, save Kiara, who sat in her spot, observing them from a safe distance. They appeared to be elated, maybe they were all friends.
“Xavier!” Laila's eyes glowed. The only one who hadn't hugged her was Xavier. When the short-haired woman screamed Xavier's name and jumped on him for a hug, her tone abruptly changed. Xavier caught her right away, as if he knew what was about to happen. Kiara was taken aback by their close proximity. How could she have jumped on him? She'd wrapped her legs around Xavier's waist and her arms around his neck like a snake. The young woman looked at the other people who were smiling, as if this were a normal occurrence, but Kiara felt uncomfortable. Why would that woman act as though they were long-lost lovers?
“Welcome back, Laila,” Xavier chuckled and hugged her again, but seeing the joy on Xavier's face made Kiara's blood boil. He'd never given her such a big smile before. This man only showed her his cold side. Why had he been holding her for so long? That woman had long, perfect legs that allowed her to stand on her own!
“I missed you, all of you!”
Kiara rolled her eyes in frustration when Laila stated that. If she missed everyone, why had she simply leapt on Xavier like a dog?! Zander was over there as well. Why not hug him in the same way? What a fake!
“We missed you too…” Xavier grinned but couldn't complete his sentence before Laila's lips pressed against his cheek for a kiss.
“I know…” She gave him a sexy glance before moving away and staring into his eyes. Xavier quickly let go of her body since the kiss had been unexpected. Dean growled violently in his mind. Xavier slowly turned his head to observe Kiara, who appeared to be at ease. Was it only him who was affected? Kiara dug her nails into her palm to keep Venus from beheading Laila. Did she actually dared to kiss her mate right in front of her? Xavier had moved away from her waist, but her hands remained wrapped around his neck.
"Why don't you leave Xavier and go meet his mate and Luna?" Stephen cut in with a sour smile. He was the only one who hadn't gotten out of his chair to greet her. "Luna Kiara, Laila is Xavier's father's Beta's daughter. Her family moved to another pack last year. She will only be visiting us for the day." he introduced them while pointing out how long the new guest would be with them. Then he grinned at the stunned Laila, whose mouth was practically hanging open.
“Xavier’s mate?” Laila forgot to bow to the elder Stephen as her eyes snapped at the beautiful young woman. Laila had immediately become insecure. " Xavier, you got married?!” she looked Kiara up and down. How could a woman younger than her be so stunning in such simple clothes? Kiara forced a smile onto her face when Laila took a step closer to her. Kiara hated her grey eyes, had she been looking down at her because of not wearing makeup?
“I wonder why you are so surprised?” Kiara forced another smile.
“Well, Xavier never mentioned you to me. I can see why, because he hasn't pursued the marriage and mate issue. He doesn’t value them. If he wanted to marry, I am a better choice," Laila chuckled, giving Kiara a look that clearly stated that Kiara was beneath her. Everyone in the room frowned when they heard Laila, but Kiara remained as calm as water. Jennifer and Lena had not expected this kind of comment from Laila. Stephen stared at an angry Xavier, who had already opened his mouth to say something, but Kiara laughed first. Xavier's gaze was drawn instantly to Kiara. Shouldn't she be offended?
"The people we value know about our marriage, Laila, so I don't take the opinions of strangers to heart. I suggest that you never say anything like this to another woman again though. With that tone of yours, you sound like a husband snatcher." Kiara smiled.
Everyone was stunned to hear Kiara before Stephen burst into a fit of laughter, rubbing salt into Laila wound. Not to mention Zander, who chuckled as he took his seat enjoying the show. Jennifer and Lena, on the other hand, were laughing with their mates. Xavier's lips curled into a small smile when he noticed Kiara's posture and expression in front of his bitch of friend, who had expected Kiara to be timid due to her innocent face.
“I am not a husband snatcher…” Laila defeated herself, not daring to raise her voice to Kiara. She looked back at Xavier for support, as it had been his mate who had insulted her, but he ignored her. It was not Xavier's style to speak amongst arguing women unless it was absolutely required. Kiara smiled warmly as she moved closer to Xavier. He looked over at Kiara who was standing alongside him and holding his arm. Dean grinned with delight as Xavier's gaze fell on Kiara, who asserted her power over her Alpha for the first time. Fuck! She looked so tasty with this different attitude. He wanted to take her right there.
“Sounds good, Laila. I hope you will find your mate soon so that you will stop jumping on other people’s mates,” Kiara suggested with a smile.
“Thank you for your advice, Kiara,” Laila smiled, holding her true feelings. Even though Laila was no longer a member of the Sirius Bright Pack, she couldn't bring herself to disrespect Xavier's mate. Kiara quickly returned her smile, turning her head to face Xavier. Laila stared at the lovely couple, who were gazing at each other. Without even realizing it, Xvaier's feet began to follow Kiara as she guided him back to his seat.
“Let’s eat everyone,” Kiara suggested, without glancing at Laila. Xavier's wide green eyes remained fixed on Kiara, who instantly began to prepare his plate.
"Laila, please have a seat. You must be hungry," Zander gestured. Laila secretly shot poisonous daggers at Kiara before ultimately smiling at everyone.
"Yes, I'm hungry, but all of you boys have to promise me that you'll spend time with me today. I only have one day to spend with you," she giggled as she sat beside Xavier and poked his sides. Laila was one of the few ladies whose presence had never made him feel disgusted since she had been one of his childhood friends.
"Yeah sure, but after I finish my work,” Xavier chuckled.
"Then I'll annoy you until you join me," Laila winked at him with a flirtatious grin. Kiara had been watching their interaction out of the corner of her eye. There were many unoccupied seats, but Laila had selected the one next to her mate.
"So, where was I interrupted?" Stephen turned to face Zander, who had already finished his meal and was getting ready to leave. So that was why he hadn't opened his mouth for the first time to comment on Xavier.
"It's been ages so I don't remember," Zander responded sluggishly.
"If I'm not mistaken, you were discussing Alpha Zander's chosen mate," Kaiden promptly reminded.
"What a wonderful Beta I've got," Kaiden received a tight-lipped smile from Zander, an oblique indication that he would undoubtedly get a beating following Stephen departure.
"Thank you for your kind words, Alpha," Kaiden returned the smile. It was time to retaliate against Zander, who had revealed Kaiden’s school-time crush to Jennifer. Unfortunately, that woman turned out to be one of the pack's new members. When that female warrior had winked at Kaiden, Jennifer was quick to notice her flirting and slapped her across the face. If Kaiden hadn't dragged his mate back to the pack house, Jennifer would have scratched the female warrior's eyes out.
Kaiden instantly tried to clear the air, cleverly concealing the fact that she had been his high school crush as well as his first sex partner. Jennifer approached the twin Alphas to figure out Kiaden's past with that woman. Zander was ecstatic to tell all of his schooltime tales to Jennifer, but it had been Xavier's nod at the conclusion of each one that had added fuel to Jennifer's jealousy.
Kaiden had been able to reconcile with Jennifer when his high school crush had been sent to another pack. Xavier assumed responsibility for his comrade and dispatched the female to his Uncle's pack. Both Alphas had no idea how badly things would turn out between their Beta couple, but now everything was fine.
"So, which of the women did you like?" Stephen inquired, pointing to the photos that had been laid out in front of Zander, who had been lazily staring at all of the beauties. Everyone was a respectable Alpha's daughter.
"Who is she?" Zander inquired, pointing to the first photograph. Stephen's eyes shone with optimism. She might be his second-daughter-in-law.
"That is Danica…" Tyler said.
"She is beautiful, yet she looks timid. I'm curious as to why she was blushing at the photographer?" Zander commented. Stephen's eyes practically popped out of his skull. She had been blushing in front of the photographer? The woman's photograph flew away in an instant, falling in the corner of the dining room.
"Her?"
"Sonia"
"What's the matter with her lips? Her face appears to have undergone extensive plastic surgery. And why is she staring at me as if she's about to leap out of the picture and eat me?" Zander stated. The photo of that woman ended up alongside the first one due to another remark. "And this one…." Zander asked but spoke up again before Tyler could tell the woman’s name. "What do you think, Xavier? I need to consider my brother's comments and opinions,"
"She will undoubtedly make you a laughingstock with her fashion sense and the amount of make-up she has applied to her face. But in the end, it is your decision, brother," Xavier said truthfully, prompting Zander to nod before tossing the photo onto the pile with the others.
"Then the decision is made. None of them appeal to me,” Zander stated as he stretched his arms over his head. Kiara spotted Grandfather's furious crimson eyes that had been glancing between his grandsons.
"You brats!!!" Stephen couldn't take it any longer and yelled at his grandsons for putting on the show for him. They had been collaborating.
"You rejected all of the females in an instant. Do you realize how tough it was for me to find women that are well-educated, gorgeous, and are from affluent families?" Stephen sought a response. He was in a pickle right now, since the other elders had been interrogating him about Zander's mate. No one saw his enthusiasm for finding his mate. The most significant thing was that he never addressed her. Whenever the other elders sought out Xavier to pressure Zander for a mate, Xavier constantly refused the elders. Stephen had been concerned about Xavier earlier, but Zander had been the one giving him a headache now. He was always turning down she-wolves who wanted to marry him. Xavier was also of little to no assistance to Stephen. He only supported Zander.
"Because those ladies have no chance of becoming my mate. They are unattractive, ignorant, and greedy gold diggers,” Zander responded.
"So, my son, what type of female do you want?" Grandpa inquired sweetly, unable to conceal his annoyance. Zander paused for a minute before responding to Grandfather. He was deep in thought.
"A woman with a beautiful honey-like voice," Zander began to describe.
"I can feel her attractiveness even if I haven't seen her face." "A lady with a big mouth and a strong personality," "I desire a woman I'll never forget..."
As he listened to his brother, Xavier's hand came to a halt over his spoon. As usual, both of the twins’ minds and hearts were constantly drawn to the same thing. Xavier's gaze was drawn to Kirara, who was the precise lady he had desired as a mate, but he had been met with betrayal.
Kiara's face was slightly hidden by her silky brown hair that she had been trying to tuck behind her ears while putting a forkful of eggs in her little mouth. Xavier's hand trembled a little as he noticed her every movement. The manner in which she picked up and held her fork. The way she blinked her eyes and wiped her pink lips with the napkin immediately after taking a bite of food. From time to time, she always smiled at the others at the table, she also kept filling her husband's plate with food. Even though she had only been there for a few days, Kiara had the exact knowledge of how much Xavier usually ate. Kiara had all the qualities that a man needed in a mate. Kiara had absolutely no idea what she had been doing to Xavier's heart.
A sweet honey-like voice, goddess-like beauty, a big mouth that she always opened when appropriate, and the most essential part was that Xavier had to remind himself that she was just a surrogate for him. Xavier's heartbeat accelerated unexpectedly, his arousal began to build, causing Kiara to gaze at him with such innocence that his heart skipped a beat. Why was he aroused?
“What’s wrong?” The young woman asked as his finger touched her lips softly. He licked his own lips while leaning down to capture those rosy lips.
“You…” Xavier started to speak.
“AAHHH!” When a she-wolf’s scream resonated in the pack house, Kiara, Xavier, and everyone else rushed inside the kitchen, only to see an Omega on the floor.
“What happened to her?” Kiara ran over to comfort the woman who had been rolling on the floor in pain. "She isn't bleeding, and she doesn't appear to be injured anywhere," she murmured, her gaze was drawn to Xavier, who was sweating profusely. His gaze was focused on the Omega, which reminded him of his own suffering at a time when he was about to die. He slid down the floor, which caused Kiara to panic. What happened to him?
“What’s wrong? Why is she in pain?” She asked, looking between the twins.
“Her mate is betraying her,” Zander responded, terrified at witnessing his brother's current condition. Kiara's heart dropped into her stomach. How could her mate have done this to the poor woman?
“Kiaden, take her away immediately!” Zander ordered with a shout. The woman was taken away in a second to the hospital but the Kiara's focus had become Xavier, who was still on the floor. Kiara tried to reach him but Liala crossed her way, indirectly pushing Kiara away.
“Xavier…” Laila said worriedly, taking her chance to throw herself in his arms.
"I dare you to get any closer to him and I'll break your arms!" Kiara growled, glaring at Laila, prompting the short-haired woman to take a step back and flee in fear. Everyone’s wolves flinched at witnessing Kiara's anger. Kiara returned her gaze to Xavier, who was sweating even more profusely.
“Xavier… what’s wrong?” She asked. Zander looked at Kiara’s eyes, finding her desperation to reach Xavier. He took a deep breath, leaving his brother in Kiara's hand. The others followed Zander, but Kiara remained behind, getting closer to Xavier.
“Xavier…”
“Don't touch me,” he growled, not looking at her. Dean was in his eyes acting like a crazy wolf. Kiara was terrified by his state. He had been losing his mind. She'd never seen him so shattered before.
“Why?” she asked, touching his hand softly.
"I said, don't touch me!!" Xavier shouted, yanking his hair, as the Omega's condition had triggered something in his mind so severely that he had completely forgotten about Kiara. At that moment, she reminded him of Petra. Yes, she was that bitch! She was the one who betrayed him, had paralysed, and nearly killed him.
“Xavier, please don't!” Kiara screamed, forcing his hand away as he sank his claws into his skin, causing himself to bleed. “Please don't hurt yourself,” she wrapped her arms around him, controlling his movement. He was throwing his hand in the air and trying to push her away but Kiara had glued herself to his chest tightly. Xavier's face was red as he had been reliving a memory of the past. “Those memories are not real, Xavier. Come out of your thoughts and look at me,” Kiara coaxed, as she held him until he stopped screaming. She had an idea that it was somehow related to his past. Xavier's ears reacted to Kiara's melodious voice. He stopped screaming as Venus had made a link with Dean to calm him as well. Kiara closed her eyes tightly when he stopped all of his crazy movements. Xavier’s heart was beating as fast as Kiara’s. He was trying to take calming breaths when he recognized the warmth of his woman’s body. It was familiar and comforting to him. “Do you hear me? Those are just bad memories and I am your present. I am with you…” Kiara murmured, wiping away her tears. Why was he so broken and hurt? She drew away from him a little, only to cup his face in her palm. He was so hot because of all the yelling and anger that had destroyed his mind for some time. “Look at me,” Xavier's rage-filled-crimson eyes were full of bitter tears that were drowning him. “Who am I?” Kiara asked, forcing him to gaze into her teary yet soft eyes, which were brimming with anxiety and anguish as she witnessed her mate's crushed heart. “Tell me, Xavier? Who am I?” She inquired, locking her eyes with his. Xavier took a long, deep breath when he recognized his woman, who kissed him immediately when he had withdrawn from his past. Xavier closed his eyes, feeling the pleasure of having his second chance mate in his arms. Her rose and chocolate aroma overwhelmed his heart and mind, prompting him to open his eyes and meet her tear-filled one. She had feared that she had lost him forever.
“Kiara,” Xavier moaned into her mouth. Kiara's eyes welled up again when he finally called her name and did not push her away. When she had finally gotten Xavier back, she clung to him fiercely.
“Don't forget me ever, Xavier. I will not be able to bear it,” she admitted, burying her face in his neck as he lifted his still shaking arm to wrap around her small body, pulling her tighter into his lap.
How had she saved him? What had she done to him?