Pregnant By My Best Friend Alpha

Chapter 9: Chapter 9

Kyra’s POV

The sight of Sophia clinging to Nathan burned behind my eyelids, but I refused to look back. My chest ached as if someone had reached in and squeezed my heart, but I wouldn’t let the pain win.

"Kyra!"

The voice snapped me out of my thoughts. When I turned, my breath caught.

"Chris?"

Christopher Parker stood there, his golden hair catching the afternoon light. The boy I had known in college had grown into a man, his smile still as warm as summer. Before I could react, he pulled me into a gentle, warm hug.

Sylvia perked up. "He smells like pine forests. Honest."

Hush, I scolded, but my lips curved anyway.

Christopher Parker was my college suitor—a lone wolf, unbound to any pack. But I had heard he was running jobs for a certain faction. No one knew the details—only that he now had powerful backing.

The last I heard about him was that he’d become a professional model and actor, and built a name in the industry. He was finally a big star.

"It’s true then," Chris said, stepping back to look at me. "You really work here. Moon Goddess, you’re even more beautiful now."

Heat rushed to my cheeks. I swatted his arm playfully. "What are you doing here? I’m the Vice President here."

His eyes crinkled at the corners. "I know. This is Nathan Anderson’s company, right? So you two finally..."

The question hung between us. Chris knew everything—when I rejected his courting proposal in college because my heart belonged to Nathan, he’d accepted it gracefully before leaving the country. Now here he stood, a famous model according to the tabloids, still kind enough to care.

"Kyra..."

I gave him a sweet smile. "I think there are things that should remain as they are."

His smile dimmed for just a second before brightening again. "Well, I’m your new cover model. Surprise!"

I was so shocked. I never had the chance to meet our new models because I was busy with Nathan and his stupid decision to replace one of our models with Sophia.

He chuckled. "Why do I feel like you’re not happy to see me?"

I laughed at him. "Are you serious? I am happy."

"If you’re happy, then can I have dinner with you tonight? Just... a friendly dinner."

I grinned. "Sure."

He punched the air and grinned happily. I couldn’t help but shake my head in disbelief. He was still as bubbly as before.

After office work, as promised, Chris picked me up and we went to a fancy restaurant. We enjoyed catching up and lost track of time. It was already 10 PM when I realized the time, and Nathan had called me thirteen times already. ƒreewebηoveℓ.com

"I’m sorry, Kyra. I didn’t realize the time. I just missed you so much."

I smiled at him. "It’s okay."

"Let me drive you home," Chris offered, holding his car door open.

I hesitated. My driver Luke was probably asleep after condo-hunting for me all day. "Okay."

The ride passed in easy conversation, city lights blurring past. For the first time in weeks, I forgot about mate bonds and betrayals.

"Thank you," I said as we pulled up to the mansion. "I enjoyed our dinner."

Chris grinned. "Anytime, Kyra."

I waved as his taillights disappeared down the drive—then nearly jumped out of my skin when a shadow detached itself from the porch.

"Christopher Parker." Nathan’s voice was a growl, his arms crossed over his chest. The guard beside him looked ready to faint from tension.

My spine straightened. "Why are you awake?"

"You expect me to sleep while my mate—" He caught himself. "While my mate dines with some blonde, old-fashioned model slash old suitor?"

Sylvia snarled. "Hypocrite!"

"We’re done," I reminded him, brushing past.

His footsteps followed me inside. "You ignored my calls! I was worried!"

I whirled on the staircase. "About what? Your best friend?"

Nathan’s eyes searched mine, that familiar brown-flecked gaze. How many years had I loved him? Given him everything?

"I’m getting my things," I said quietly. "I found a condo."

"Stay tonight." His hand hovered near mine, not touching.

I faced him after I stepped onto the first step of the stairs. I looked him in the eyes. He was tall, and even when I stood on the stairs, I couldn’t match his height.

His eyes stared into mine as if saying something I couldn’t understand.

I had loved him for so many years. I gave everything I had—even my soul and heart. I’m not blaming him, because I loved him unconditionally. I wanted to be with him more than anyone else. But I knew I had reached my limit. This was my limit.

I had tried everything I could. I fought every battle for him. However, there were things beyond our reach. My love for him was eternal, but I was tired of waiting. I couldn’t wait any longer. I should end things here.

The plea in his voice almost undid me. Almost.

"I can’t." My fingers found the wedding band—the one he’d placed there without a proper mating mark. It slid off easily now. "A house isn’t a home without love, Nathan."

His palm was warm when I pressed the ring into it.

"Don’t worry, I will talk to Phoebe tomorrow. She won’t ruin your plans."

"Plans? What plans are you talking about?"

I looked him in the eyes. "Marrying Sophia when the right time comes?"

His forehead creased. "I haven’t thought about marrying her, Kyra."

Nonsense! He was just saying that to make me stay because I’m his best friend and he needs me to keep his family intact.

"I promise that I will be happy, Nathan. Without you by my side."