Chapter 11
Kieran’s POV
The day has been so stressful, but looking at how much Kaia enjoyed herself, the smile on her face, it was definitely worth it. Although King and I still felt angry thinking about the man who almost made her cry but he was human, and there was nothing we could do about it that wouldn’t expose our identity to their world.
“He shouldn’t be alive right now.” Ryder growled, equally angry when I told them what happened.
“That’ll risk exposing us. I’ll gather details about him. I’ll let you know when I find something.” Caleb offered and I nodded, trusting his discretion.
It was only normal for them to want to protect her and they would do so whatever the cost. Apart from the position they hold in the pack, they were the only ones I could trust to take care of her.
“She’s really beautiful, Alpha. It’s only a matter of time before she opens up to you.” Ryder said, “she did seem interested when I was telling her everything about you p>
King growled, “what did you tell her p>
Ryder’s face paled, “N-nothing.” He stammered, shifting his weight. “just stories about the things we did when we were younger.” He finished.
I sighed, I was slowly losing my mind. “She did think I was lying. According to her, you looked too gentle to be that mischievous p>
Before I could celebrate that, he continued. “I did try to convince her though p>
“Now you’re just asking for it.” Caleb said, shaking his head.
“I have a list of cases that need your attention urgently and the elders have been meeting regularly, no doubt they’re up to something.” He continued.
I nodded, they were always up to something, nothing good. They weren’t too happy when my dad handed over the reins to me. According to them, I was too young to be handling such a large pack. And they haven’t stopped trying to prove that point even though I’d done nothing but make sure our pack remains a safe place for my members.
“I’m going to deal with that, they never learn their lesson.” I said.
“Oh, and the warriors are still in the dungeon, what should we do to them?” He asked again.
I thought about what to do with them, I knew that if I saw them face to face, the possibility that they’ll live was slim.
“They don’t deserve to live, you should let me out, let me teach them a lesson.” King said.
“Torture them, and make it painful and slow.” I replied, earning a growl from king. I felt him stir inside of me, trying to force himself to the surface but I pushed him back and blocked him.
Bowing his head, he replied, “Yes Alpha.” before excusing himself with Ryder following him.
I was left alone to throw myself into work which I ignored since I found Kaia. But they needed to be done.
Barely halfway into what I was supposed to be doing, I felt a nagging feeling that something was wrong but I had no idea what. So I ignored it and continued working, but the feeling came back stronger.
“King, what do you think is going on?” I asked, unblocking him.
“Mate, help mate p>
I didn’t need to hear anymore as I pushed my seat back, running towards the room. My heart was pounding in my chest as I went, praying to the moon goddess that she was okay.
The door wasn’t locked, so I banged it open, scanning for any sign of danger, but there was nothing. Apart from the clothes on the bed, nothing seems out of place.
“Kaia.” I called, but there was no response. “Did she fall and hit her head in the bathroom p>
“Baby, are you okay in there?” I asked but it was the same.
“Fucking get in there.” King growled, “if she’s okay, don’t you think she’ll be out here p>
He was right, so I pushed open the bathroom door, and my heart sank. She was bent over, her forehead pressed against the edge of the bathtub, a towel wrapped around her chest. Her body shook with silent sobs, and her breath came in ragged gasps.
“She’s having a panic attack.” King pointed out.
Kneeling beside her, I wrapped my arms gently around her, ignoring the sparks holding her gave me, and focused on helping her get better.
“I’m right here, baby.” I called. “follow my voice and take deep breaths for me p>
She nodded, and did as I commanded but it was obvious she was struggling.
“I can’t breathe, Kieran. It’s so dark, help me.” She cried, her voice low and sounded tired.
Repeating the breathing exercises I could remember but nothing seems to be working. I’ve seen people having panic attacks, but it doesn’t take long before it stops but this is different. And I hated not being able to help her.
“Talk to her.” King suggested.
“What p>
“Distract her. Try to get her to listen.” He continued and I nodded.
My hand tightened around her and I felt her lean into my touch. “Follow my voice, baby.” And she nodded.
“When I was thirteen years old, I got in trouble with Caleb and Ryder.” I started, “we were curious about what the elders talk about whenever they had a meeting, so I convinced them to sneak inside so we could listen p>
“Were you caught?” She asked, her ragged breathing already becoming steady.
“Definitely, we weren’t there for even five minutes before my dad found us. He had us sit all through the meeting and it was really boring.” I finished. “Turns out my younger sister overheard our plans and told my dad, only because she was getting back at Ryder. She did apologize, when he wouldn’t talk to her later p>
“But Ryder is so nice,” She said.
I waited to feel a surge of jealousy when she said that, but nothing came, so I continued.
“She had a crush on him, but he liked this other girl p>
Her grip on my hand loosened, “where is your sister now p>
“She’s in the city. I’m sure she’ll come if she finds out about you. You’re going to like her p>
She nodded, but didn’t say anything. Her breathing was back to normal and her trembling had stopped completely.
“Thank you p>
It was my turn to nod as I carried her to the bed so she would be comfortable.
Dragging the duvet to cover her, I moved to stand up but her voice stopped me. “Don’t leave me, please.” She begged.
Taking her hands in mine, I sat down beside her. “I’m not going anywhere. I want to get Dani to help you get dressed so you can sleep properly.” She nodded.
I mind-linked Dani who came in record time. She helped her get ready while I looked away, fighting the very strong urge to look at her.
Once that was done, I got into bed not bothering to change my clothes. She snuggled closer to me and my heart couldn’t contain the excitement of being so close to her. King was dancing around in my head, he was getting his wish of sleeping beside her.
I tried not to think about what could have led to her having a panic attack. She was fine when I left her to freshen up. But I was going to deal with that when she was fully awake.
Soon enough, I found myself drifting off to sleep, drinking in her soft lavender scent. I had the best sleep I’ve ever had, it felt right.