Free Web NovelChapter 56: Chapter 56
Kyra’s POV
I refused to let Nathan’s icy glare affect me, even as his Alpha presence prickled against my skin like winter frost.
"He’s nothing to us now," Sylvia snarled in my mind, hackles raised. "Our true mate sits before us."
Sylvia’s adoration for Kieran and disdain for Nathan couldn’t have been more obvious.
She had never forgiven Nathan for his betrayal—for the way he wavered when I needed him most. Every time his name crossed my mind, I felt her growl ripple through me, that festering resentment as sharp as fresh claws.
Sophia’s possessive grip on Nathan’s arm was unnecessary. Nathan already saw me with Kieran and just stared at me like I was a random stranger. Still, Sophia clung to him like a trophy.
"Kyra, we can find another restaurant if—" Kieran began, his deep voice laced with protective concern.
"Let’s stay," I said and slowly lifted my face to meet Kieran’s blue gaze. "We don’t have to leave. We came here first, and you already made a reservation."
Kieran’s jaw clenched, his blue eyes searching mine for any crack in my resolve, as if weighing my emotions and reactions. I knew he was worried, but I could handle my emotions perfectly. I’d learned to hide my real feelings, and this was nothing new to me.
"Are you sure?"
I was about to nod at Kieran when I saw Sophia and Nathan walking toward our table. I sucked in my breath, keeping my patience as I lifted my face again and looked at them. Kieran, on the other hand, returned to his seat and watched my reaction.
"Well, well," Sophia purred, her fingers gripping Nathan’s arm. "Fancy seeing you two here. Mind if we join your...date?" freewebnovёl.ƈom
Kieran’s growl vibrated through the table. "Plenty of empty tables, she-wolf. Unless your Alpha can’t afford his own reservation?"
My lips parted at what Kieran said. I saw Sophia’s expression immediately change from confidence to irritation at the rejection. Right! She was used to getting everything she wanted, so she wasn’t used to rejection. freeweɓnovel.cøm
Kieran slowly lifted his face and eyed them with a cold expression. "You see, this night is extra special, so I don’t want it ruined."
Sophia laughed sarcastically and looked at me. "I believe you’ll let us join since you’re my mate’s best friend, Kyra."
My fingers tightened around my fork, the silver warming in my grip. "I don’t mind having you here with us," I said sweetly. "Besides, I have so many things to say."
A flicker of fear crossed Sophia’s eyes as she caught my meaning. Without another word, she dragged Nathan away.
"Have a nice date," she said fakely as she pulled Nathan’s arm, while he glanced at me before following her.
"Good riddance," Sylvia huffed.
As they retreated, I realized my heart was pounding. I didn’t understand why Nathan could still affect me like this. Maybe because he was never a bad husband to me, I still couldn’t get over him.
Kieran’s hand covered mine, his thumb brushing my knuckles. "We can still leave."
I turned my palm up to intertwine our fingers, drawing strength from his touch. "Why should we? This is our night. Besides," I added with a smirk, "I like their food here."
When our food arrived, I lost myself in the rich flavors—until Kieran’s thumb brushed my lower lip. "You really like the food, huh?" he murmured, his eyes dark with more than amusement.
Electricity shot through me at the intimate gesture.
I caught Kieran’s wrist before he could pull away, holding his gaze as I deliberately licked the sauce from his finger. His pupils dilated, the blue nearly swallowed by gold.
"Best meal I’ve ever had," I whispered.
Kieran’s fingers lingered near my lips, his blue eyes darkening with that familiar Alpha intensity. "You really like the food, huh?" His voice was rough like gravel, sending an involuntary shiver down my spine.
He took a slow sip of blood-red wine, the glass looking dangerously fragile in his large hands. "I’ve got a question for you, little wolf."
I nodded, bracing myself. "Shoot."
"Do I stand a chance?"
I choked at his question, coughing violently as Sylvia yelped in surprise.
Kieran was instantly at my side, his warm palm between my shoulder blades as he pressed a glass of water into my shaking hands.
I caressed my chest and drank the water before looking at his face again.
What should I tell him? I knew I was attracted to him, but if I gave him a chance, would we work? The only way to know was to take the risk and give him a chance, but would it be worth it? What if he was just challenged? What if he just wanted something? But...we already slept together. If he only wanted my body, he wouldn’t exert so much effort to prove himself to me.
"I’m sorry," Kieran murmured when I remained silent, his voice uncharacteristically gentle. "Bad timing."
The air between us grew thick with unspoken words. I focused on my plate, but his question echoed in my mind. Should I give him a chance? What would I lose if he hurt me? I was afraid, but I knew I wouldn’t move forward if I kept being afraid. Could I trust another Alpha with my heart after Nathan?
"Give him a chance," Sylvia urged. "Our true mate has proven himself worthy."
After finishing our meal in loaded silence, I excused myself to the restroom. The mirror reflected a she-wolf at war with herself—eyes too bright, pulse too quick. I splashed cold water on my face, but nothing could cool the fire Kieran had ignited.
I was about to return to the table when I walked past the smoking area and accidentally caught a familiar man smoking.
Then his scent hit me, crisp and minty. Nathan leaned against the wall near the smoking area, a cigarette dangling from his fingers. The sight was so incongruous with the gentle Alpha I’d once known that I froze.
Nathan had learned to smoke. When did he learn that? I shrugged the thought off. He wasn’t my mate anymore and everything he did no longer concerned me.
"Kyra!" Nathan straightened abruptly when he spotted me, crushing the cigarette beneath his heel. His brown eyes, once so familiar, now held a stranger’s gaze.
I stared at him blankly, not wanting to show any weakness. As usual, my heart was beating so fast, but I tried to ignore my feelings. They weren’t important anymore.
"Are you really...with him?" The pain in his voice was palpable, but the mating bond between us had been severed beyond repair.
"Yes," I said, lifting my chin. "I’m dating Kieran."
Nathan flinched as if struck. He swallowed hard. "You really fell for him..." The words weren’t a question but an agonized realization.
Before I could respond, he did the unexpected—the proud Alpha bowed his head. "I’m sorry," he whispered, "I was a fool to think the Moon Goddess would grant me a second chance after breaking our bond. I tried to find a way to prove to you that he’s not good for you. I was a fool for even thinking that you’re just doing all this to get back at me...to hurt me after what I did to you."
My forehead creased. "I never thought of getting back at you, Nathan. Revenge will never be my way to cope."
He nodded. "I know...I know because you’re not that kind of person. I’ve come to my senses, Kyra. I’m sorry for hurting you."
I swallowed hard and sucked in a breath. "I guess we should start treating each other like complete strangers, Nathan."
He smiled bitterly, sadness written all over his face, and I couldn’t stand to look into his eyes for even a couple of seconds.
"C-Can’t we be friends again? Just like the old times?" he asked and held my wrist.
I squeezed my eyes closed. Here we go again.
Slowly, I opened my eyes and looked at him blankly. I saw pain cross his eyes. He sucked in his breath, bit his bottom lip, and slowly nodded before he let go of my wrist.
"I...I understand. Please be happy."
I didn’t say anything else. I started walking away in silence when he called my name again, desperation audible in his tone.
"Kyra..."
I stopped in my tracks, startled.
"My feelings will never change. I will step aside for your happiness, but once I see you crying because of him...I will not hesitate to take you back. I’m in love with you, Kyra. So, I’m letting you go now..."
