There was a peculiar stillness in the dining table instead of the usual laughter and conversation. Everyone's focus was on Xavier and Kiara rather than their breakfast. The couple hadn't even glanced at each other or spoken a word to anyone else. Their volatile auras had touched every wolf in the room, yet they seemed completely unconscious of it. What was going on?
"I am done," Xavier announced, even though he hadn't finished his breakfast yet.
"Wait a minute. You didn’t have your orange juice," Kiara reminded him, passing him the glass.
"I am done," he repeated, totally ignoring the juice.
"But you just scolded the Omega for forgetting the orange juice, so why don't you want it now?" she reminded him. His alpha tone had terrified the poor woman to the point she had broken out into tears. He had just blown up on her, so Kiara had gone out of her way to make the juice for Xavier.
"Yeah, but now I've changed my mind," Xavier remarked coldly, his gaze drawn to the changing expression on Kiara's face.
"I wonder what changed your mind," everyone in the dining area was taken by surprise when Kiara snapped at Xavier. The Beta and Gamma couples gave Kiara horrified looks as she became the first woman to ever dare speak to the Alpha in such a manner. Even Petra had never upset or argued with Xavier since she had been fully aware of his capabilities, which could easily devastate anybody who offended him. Zander was the kinder of the twins and had the ability to forgive others. His older twin was the opposite. Xavier stared at his daring woman, who had nothing but defiance in her eyes once again.
"I just don't want to," Xavier answered in a heavy tone.
"And what about the time and effort that I put into preparing it?" Kiara demanded, slamming the glass down on the table. She'd had enough of his attitude.
Since yesterday, when she had refused to go to lunch with him, Kiara had been dealing with Alpha's acidic attitude. At the time, she assumed he would brush off her denial and move on, instead she felt as if he was treating her as if she had committed a crime by refusing him. He turned his back on her with a furious grimace as soon as she stated she couldn't go to lunch with him.
He had returned to his office building, then apparently forgotten how to get back to the pack house. What work would make him so busy that he couldn't even return for lunch? His brother, the Beta, and Gamma returned, but not him. Kiara had waited for his return with bated breath, hoping to ask him for permission to meet with Adira, but he hadn't returned until late in the evening. As much as Kiara had been anxious to see her sister, she was also irritated by Xavier's deplorable attitude.
The most unexpected thing had been that when he had returned, he had spent at least an hour in the shower. Then this morning, instead of donning the clothing Kiara had selected for him, he arrived at the dining table wearing something else. The trend continued in the dining area, rather than eating the plate that Kiara had pre-prepared for his dinner, he made one for himself and ate that. The woman that sat by the Alpha's side had been enduring her husband's every mood patiently and with restraint. Despite the fact that he utterly ignored her.
He hadn't even glanced at her once. Anyways, she tried to speak to him, he would either start talking to Zander or leave to attend to some calls. Kiara's patience had even been tested as he slept, not facing her like usual but sleeping in the opposite direction. His attitude had not changed as of yet. He refused to drink the juice because she was the one who had made it.
The young woman couldn't believe that a full-grown man, one of Alpha blood, could act so childishly about a lunch cancellation. It was just lunch, he could always go out with his business partners. So why was it so important to him?
"Time and effort? But I never asked you to make the juice for me. So I'm not at fault if it goes to waste," Xavier remarked with a sneer that irritated Kiara.
"Yes, it seems that I am the one who made the stupid mistake. So I will accept responsibility," she said with a stiff smile, passing the glass of juice to Cole, who had just entered the dining room with a parcel.
"Cole, I don't drink orange juice. Can you help me by drinking this?" The young Omega blinked, he could not believe his lucky. That he was going to get to drink orange juice made by Luna, who was gifting him with her most gorgeous and big smile while making a sweet face. Xavier observed Kiara's cuteness, which was followed by Cole's blush. As Xavier witnessed the interaction between the two of them, the young man quickly returned Kiara's smile. Why was this obnoxious Omega even here? Cole quickly dropped the parcel to take the glass from Kiara.
"Sure!" Cole reached out to grasp the glass, but it was snatched away by another hand.
"It's mine!!" Xavier snarled, then drank the juice down all at once, glaring at Cole. How dare he blush in front of her?! The Omega wolf took a step back, then fled the pack house before becoming a victim of the Alpha Wolf's anger. He had done nothing wrong. He had just been offered a glass of juice by the Luna, so why was the Alpha upset with him?
"You scared him for no reason," Kiara lamented. Her tone irritated Xavier to no end. Why was she so concerned about Cole?
"How dare he steal what is rightfully mine!"
"You said you didn't want to drink it, so I offered it to him," Kiara responded, returning her gaze to his, but his unexpected closeness stunned her.
"I'm not used to sharing my possessions. What is mine is mine forever." His arms curled around her waist as he drew her closer to his chest, giving her a cold stare that enticed her. His green eyes had been having a hard time leaving her red quivering lips that had been parting so beautifully that he wanted to capture them soon.
Kiara's heartbeat had accelerated. Suddenly, she felt a burning sensation in her blood. It tempted her all over, especially between her thighs. She had never felt this way before. What was going on with her? Was it his touch and his eyes that had caused this? She kept her big eyes locked with his, still irritated by his sudden possessiveness over a glass of juice.
The Beta and Gamma couples blinked, having witnessed everything yet being unable to comprehend what was going on. Then their focus was drawn to the other Alpha, who had been enjoying the show with his apple like the evil witch from the beginning.
"I thought you two were fighting," Zander commented, smirking at the close proximity of his brother and sister-in-mate that they had taken in the heat their argument. Were they actually squabbling? Then why had it looked like something else?
"Who said that?!!" Xavier and Kiara both snapped at Zander before pulling away from each other and storming out of the room through the separate doors. Everyone was taken aback as their gaze flicked between the two doors, not knowing what happened between the couple.
"And they ask why I don't want to marry," Zander let out a deep sigh before taking another bite of his apple. Kaiden and Tyler focused their attention on Zander. There was only one reason for this: he was too lazy to find himself the perfect woman.
"What?" Zander raised his eyebrows at both of them and laughed as he exited the room. He was going clubbing today!
***
It was already late afternoon, but Kiara hadn't had a chance to speak with Xavier yet because he hadn't returned to the room. Adira's phone had been turned off all morning. The weirdest thing was that she had not checked a single message that Kiara had sent. They had intended to meet at Adira’s college since it was the safest place to have a peaceful conversation. But Adira had changed the agreed-upon location last night for reasons she had not disclosed to Kiara. Kiara was apprehensive and had a bad feeling. Why had she turned off her phone when they were supposed to meet? Something was clearly wrong.
Adira contacted her just as she was about to try to call her again.
"Hello Adira! What are you…" She was going to ask her about the situation when her sister cut her off.
"Kiara, Noah found out about everything!"
"What?" Kiara's hand went to her mouth in shock. This was not good news. He would never forget the humiliation that had been caused by Kiara's decision, nevermind the beatings that Xavier had inflicted on him. Now he had discovered that both of his sisters were still in contact with one another and had not broken their relationship. Adira was in a life-or-death situation.
"Can you tell me where you are right now?" Kiara asked, having overheard Adira's labored breathing.
"I have run away from the pack."
"What? You ran away?" Kiara was stunned.
"What exactly happened?"
"Noah stole my new phone from my room and presented it to Dad, at which point he showed him our texts and call history. Noah took advantage of mom's absence. Dad became enraged and locked me in my room. At Noah's suggestion, he set up my marriage to an Alpha that I was not prepared for. I would gladly accept death but I refused to be forced to marry, so I fled."
Kiara's heart fell into her stomach as she learned the entire story that her sister had been keeping from her. So Noah had been attempting to pull the same ruse on Adira that he had on her. But fleeing the pack without the Alpha's approval was a crime, Adira would be exiled or declared a rogue. Sawyer was an egoist to his very core. He would never be able to bear the humiliation of Adira fleeing the pack. So it did not matter where she went, the Ardara Moon pack would eventually find her. If she was caught, her punishment would be much harsher than a forced marriage. Noah would make her life completely impossible.
"Can you tell me where you are right now?" Kiara inquired, dashing into the closet to put on her jeans as they spoke.
"I am heading towards the train station," Adira responded while looking for the cab. Why had she been so unlucky today? There were no cabs available when she needed them. It was too risky for her to stay or wait for one, so she continued to run.
"Where do you intend to escape to after that?"
"I'm not sure. I can't go to Grandma's house because that will be the first place they would look for me. So I'll take the train someplace far away in a different country but there will be no way for me to return the pack, " Adira explained, pausing to regain her breath.
"Adira, don't go anywhere yet. Please wait for me at the train station. I'll be there," Kiara hung up the phone and rushed out of her room. She made her way outside the packhouse before coming to a halt in front of the office building. When the Luna walked in, the guard became worried. He had been strongly advised that no one other than office staff was permitted to enter the facility for security reasons. He might be punished, but how could he dare to stand in the way of the Luna?
"Where is the Alpha?" Kiara approached a pretty woman who appeared to be a secretary.
"The Alpha is in the meeting room," she quickly lowered her head, but by the time she raised her eyes, Kiara had vanished.
"Wait a second, Luna. The Alpha is attending an important meeting," the secretary made every attempt to stop her.
"Move," Kiara's instruction was enough to make the other woman surrender before an enraged Luna, who seemed extremely frightened. Everyone in the conference room had their gaze focused on the projection screen, when the door opened and an unexpected visitor arrived, everyone was taken aback.
"Luna," they bowed respectfully, but Kiara's gaze was fixed on Xavier, who was sitting like a king in his chair. She had violated a rule.
"Alpha, I am sorry. I tried…" The secretary tried to explain but Xavier waved his hand in the air.
"I'd like to speak with you about something very important," Kiara remarked as she moved closer to Xavier.
"Later. This meeting is important for me right now," he brushed her off, maintaining his cold demeanor, but she stood firm in front of him.
"The meeting may continue later, but I need to speak with you right now," Kiara stated, shifting her eyes to the others.
"Can all of you give us a moment alone please, gentlemen? I need to discuss some urgent matter with the Alpha." She requested politely, yet there was a rush to her words.
"Yes Luna," they answered, attempting to rise from their seats, but were stopped by the Alpha.
"Nobody is going anywhere. It is now business hours. I'll talk to you later," Xavier stated seriously to Kiara as he rose from his chair. He had previously allowed her to break the rule, but canceling a meeting for no reason was not something he was going to allow. Kiara, who was out of time, couldn't think of any other option but drag Xavier down to her face by his collar.
"You did not leave me any choice," she whispered before pressing her lips against his. Xavier's eyes widened as he realized what was going on. What in the world had she been up to? Kiara pushed him into the chair, then crawled into his lap before he could pull himself up.
Everyone in the room gasped in amazement as Luna attacked the Alpha with another kiss while her hands roamed all over his chest. Were they planning on making out in front of them?
"Everyone get out!" Xavier growled at the others over mind-link, because he couldn't stand having an audience to their private show that Kiara had decided to put on. In an instant, the room was empty, and Kiara's kiss had ended. But her lips remained close to Xavier's. She couldn't believe that she'd done something so stupid in front of everyone. She felt embarrassed, but she didn't have any other choice.
"What's wrong?" Xavier questioned quietly, sensing her emotions, which were breaking her heart for some reason.
"Please help me," Kiara murmured, her eyes filled with sorrow. Xavier's brows furrowed.
"With what?" Xavier asked, lightly caressing her cheek.
"Adira is in danger. She has left the pack and is now on her own. Xavier, please help me save my sister. Please," Kiara implored, gazing deeply into his green eyes. She was well aware that he despised everyone in the Ardara Moon Pack, but Kiara was willing to go to any extent to rescue her sister.
Xavier's heartbeat was erratic. He recognized the same desperation she had when she had implored him not to slaughter her pack and family. She had given up her future and herself to protect others in the past, this time was no different. Why did she never consider herself? How could he ever say no to her desperation? What was this woman doing to him?
"Let's go help your sister," Xavier said, surprising Kiara, who had given up hope. He wanted to help her. When she nodded happily and rose from his lap, a small tear appeared in her eye.
"Thank you," Kiara whispered, letting go of his hand. But Xavier instantly grasped it as he drew her into a passionate kiss. Kiara closed her eyes, sensing his desperation.
"Let's go," he stated as he broke the kiss, then led her out of the room. The pack members who had been gathered outside the door watched Xavier and Kiara run out of the room holding hands. Was the meeting over? Kiara and Xavier rushed towards the parking lot. Every member of the pack who happened to witness them passing by had been captivated by the magnificent scene of the Alpha securely holding the Luna's hand while running. Wait! Did this imply that the Alpha had fled with Luna?
Zander, who was dressed handsomely, was about to get into his car to go to the club, and noticed his brother approaching the car.
"What is going on?" Zander asked when he saw his brother putting Kiara in the back seat of his car.
"Zander, drive quickly. It is really important," Xavier stated as he got into the passenger seat. As his brother sounded deadly serious, the younger twin hopped into the driver's seat without hesitation.
"Fuck! It seems like I am cursed. Whenever I think about clubbing, troubles come my way," Zander cursed, driving out of the pack.
“I am sorry. You can leave after you drop me off at the train station,” Kiara offered, holding the seat tightly as he drove like he was in a race.
“Train station? Why are we going there?” Zander asked, glancing between his brother and sister-in-mate. She looked like she wanted to cry,she was that scared of the speed that the car was barreling down the road.
“Adira., I need to meet with Adira,” Kiara responded, attempting to call her but unable to connect. Zander's ears perked up when he heard the name of the woman who had indirectly branded him a man whore. Xavier observed that his brother had increased the speed even further, which surprised him. What was the matter with him?
A little while later, the car came to a halt in front of the train station. Kiara was the first to run out of the car. She felt a little dizzy due to the rush of driving, but it was okay as long as she could find Adira in time. She started to run towards the crowd.
"Wait a minute, it's too crowded. You'll get lost," Xavier gripped her hand as Zander stood behind them, staring at them. Kiara locked her gaze with Xavier. If she got lost, then he could easily find her. So why had he stopped her? Was he concerned about her?
"It's the only way to find Adira because her phone is turned off," Kiara remarked, attempting to free her hand from the Alpha's grip, which he was refusing to relinquish. He noticed that her skin looked quite red. Her body was also hot like she had a fever. She looked sick.
“Why don’t you sniff her out?” Zander offered, crossing his arm over his chest as he calmly leaned against his car. Xavier returned his gaze to Kiara, nodding in agreement with his brother's suggestion.
“Before leaving the pack Adira has to put on perfume to hide her scent so that will not work,” Kiara replied. Both twins frowned in unison, as if there was now no way this would work.
"I'm sorry, but I have to find her before Noah and his wolves do. I will be back. Please wait here," Xavier was surprised as he watched Kiara run away, quickly loosening his grip.
“Fuck! Did she really think she could just order me to stay behind? How dare she go by herself?" Xavier groaned as he followed Kiara. Zander took a deep breath as he watched his brother leave.
“It is none of my business,” he reminded himself by closing his eyes, but as Adira's voice resonated in his memory, he opened his eyes then looked to that side.
“Fuck! I am only going for my brother and his mate,” he told himself as he went to catch up with Xavier. When he lost Kiara, Xavier came to a halt in the center of the crowd. She had been so desperate to find Adira that she had outrun him.
“What’s wrong? Where is Kiara?” Zander inquired, standing beside his twin and taking a look around.
"There are too many humans and werewolves, so everyone's scents are intermingling," Xavier grumbled, but then he caught Kiara's scent again. Why the heck was her scent stronger than ever today? Xavier frowned after his thought, only to come to a halt when he noticed Kiara. The sisters were encircled by four werewolves. Noah had sent his men to capture Adira, but they had not anticipated the added bonus of being able to take Kiara as well. Both sisters were in a fighting stance, ready to confront them.
Zander tried to get a good look at Adira, who was facing away from him. Evan began to act strangely as a result of her presence. He couldn't smell her, but there was something about her that had prompted him to take a step closer. Xavier's gaze had been drawn to Kiara, who appeared even more flush than she had been a minute ago. His intuition warned him that she was ill. Her scent was something that he had never experienced before. He felt his desire rising inside him, but both brothers observed the wolves attacking the females at the same time.
"Don't touch her!" Xavier kicked the man in the head, knocking him to the ground. He was tossed away like garbage on the corner. How dare that fucker touch her arms? Dean had been attempting to take control of his human to finish them all. “Stay behind me,” Xavier told her without looking at Kiara as he drew her behind him. He decided to handle the wolves on his own. They couldn't shift since there were humans around.
Adira screamed in pain. One of them severely injured her arm. When Zander kicked the man's chest then sliced his arm in the same spot where he had injured her, Adira slumped to the floor. Evan had gone crazy after witnessing her being attacked by another man.
“Those are the Alpha twins!” One of the wolves yelled, urging his companions to flee before they were slain. Taking advantage of the humans' presence, Xavier nearly ripped one of their hearts out before they fled. His anger was at its peak. Dean and Evan exchanged glances before they lowered their gazes to the floor before human eyes could notice them.
“AAHHH!” Both brothers glanced back to the women, alarmed. They dashed over to them, hoping to catch them before they fell to the floor. When Zander's hand touched Adira's bleeding wound she was dazed, she groaned in agony.
"Are you all right?" Zander asked, brushing her hair away from her face as their eyes met the sparks ran through their veins. When Zander's emerald eyes met Adira's, he gasped in surprise.
“Mate,” Adira's eyes widened in shock as her legs became weak from fear and blood loss.
“Kiara,” before Kiara's heated body could tumble to the floor, Xavier caught her. Her entire body felt like it was engulfed in flames. Her eyes were watery, she cried out in physical pain, shivering in fear as Xavier's wolf drew her closer to his body, a ravenous expression on his face. She passed out in his arms, just as Adira passed out in Zander's. When he looked at his brother, who was giving him an identical surprised look.
“She is my mate,” Zander told Xavier with his wide eyes.
“My mate is in heat,” Xavier responded, his mind, heart, and soul lost in the grip of the mate bond.
Both brothers found themselves in deep shit.