Chapter 34
Kai POV
Lily was like a magnet, requesting all of my attention every time she was in my presence. Whenever she stood before me, a vision of grace and beauty. The way she occupied my thoughts, made me at a loss for words.
I’d always been in control – of my emotions, my desires, my every action. But around Lily, the control slipped… thankfully she didn’t notice. Her eyes instead will sparkle with innocence and warmth, unaware of the turmoil she stirred within me.
When I had held her hands a moment ago, I had to summon every ounce of restraint from years of training to be an Alpha not to pull her closer to me, to let my wolf take over and show her just how much she affected me.
I had begged the universe for strength not to lift those hands to my lips, to squeeze them, lick them… her scent alone was intoxicating. It was a mixture of something sweet and comforting, yet so uniquely hers that it drove my wolf wild. I wanted to lean in… to take her lips that she wouldn’t stop biting… to run my tongue along the base of her neck until I found a perfect spot for my mark…Every day, the urge to claim her and mark her as my own roared in my veins like wildfire. I didn’t know how long I’d be able to control it.
My wolf – Hud had groaned in protest when I finally let her go. I watched as she walked in front of us, her swinging waist making my blood boil in want. One of the reasons I had to let Liam take her home. The logical part of me knew it was necessary. I had responsibilities and one of them was Briella. I had to go back home with her.
The two girls were walking in front of us – once they were out of earshot, Liam slowed down beside me, speaking just loud enough for only us to hear.
“Why do you endure your mother’s arrangement? When you have feelings for Lily. I’ve seen the way you look at her… you’re killing yourself, Kai… from the inside. Denying yourself of the pleasure to be with your mate p>
I sighed, running a hand through my hair, knowing the answer wasn’t one I particularly liked.
“It’s complicated Liam. I need her father’s support in a recent inter-pack collaboration. My mother knows that, which is why she’s pushing for this match. She thinks having Briella as my mate will help secure the alliance p>
Briella’s father was the Alpha of a wealthy and influential pack, one whose resources and alliances could greatly benefit my pack. It was a good move… in our world… a marriage between two packs was always the easiest way to share pack resources and grow stronger. I understood it but I didn’t relish it.
I wasn’t one to be easily manipulated, not by his mother and certainly not by pack politics but sometimes, sacrifices had to be made for the greater good.
“How about you? What do you want?” Liam pressed.
“I want I paused choosing my words carefully “Having Briella’s father’s support will be a significant asset for us. But my wolf I trailed off, unable to voice the longing I felt for Lily.
Liam nodded, understanding my unspoken words. “I’ve set up a meeting with Lily’s father,” he said changing the subject. “he said he would be bringing his heir with him p>
My eyes narrowed at the mention of Lily’s father. “When?” I asked.
“Next week,” Liam replied. “Are you going to tell Lily about it p>
I shook my head. “No, at least not while he’s around. I don’t want her to relieve old trauma. We need to know what we’re up against and what information regarding Lily he’s willing to also share p>
“That’s good then,” Liam nodded “I’ll keep you updated on any new developments p>
“Good,” I simply replied.
We arrived at the car pack, instead of moving first to my car, I saw myself walking in the direction Lily and Liam had gone. I couldn’t stop myself. When I reached, Lily was standing by the door of the passenger seat, waiting for Liam to turn on the car.
“Hey!” I said, watching as her eyes flashed warily when she saw me behind her. “Take your studies seriously and let me know if you need anything. Also, don’t forget our commitment this weekend p>
“Yes, Alpha,” she muttered with a curt nod.
I opened the door and ushered her into the car. With one final glance at her, I forced myself to turn away and walk back to my car where Briella waited. Her perfectly manicured nails tapped impatiently against the window.
As I got into my car, with Briella, she launched into a conversation about her day at school and a lot of things I didn’t care about. I tuned out of the conversation. I was thinking about visiting Celeste’s house at midnight. I’ve been doing it for a while now, watching her sleep every night, restoring semblance to my world and helping calm my wolf Hud. Even though every time I had to keep him in check from going intimate with her.
Suddenly, Briella’s whiny voice cut through my reverie, it was sharp with irritation.
“Kai? Are you even listening to me? Did you hear a word of what I said?
I blinked realizing I hadn’t heard a word of it. “What?” I asked trying to focus on her. “What were you saying?” I repeated.
Her lips pursed with annoyance. “I was asking why that girl – Lily – gets to stay in your sister’s house. What’s so special about her p>
I gripped the steering wheel tighter as my jaw tightened, careful to keep my expression neutral.
“Lily has her significance to our pack. It’s important we – I protect her p>
Briella frowned, “Significance? What does that even mean? She’s wolfless so what is she being protected from p>
I didn’t respond immediately, choosing my words carefully when I finally replied. “Lily is… different and as she’s wolfless, don’t you think she needs more protection and support from us p>
Briella huffed, crossing her arms as she leaned back in her seat. “If she’s so important, then why haven’t you told me anything about her p>
I gritted my teeth in frustration. I hated being questioned like this.
“Because it’s not your concern, Briella. My mother may want us together but that doesn’t mean you have a right to know everything about my decisions p>
The rest of the drive passed in tense silence. Briella’s lips thinned into a tight line but she didn’t push further. She turned her gaze out of the window, stewing in anger.
When we arrived home, Briella was out of the car before I had fully stopped, her heels clicking against the floor as she stormed inside. I watched her go, feeling frustrated that I was not having this sort of fight with Lily. I knew I’d have to deal with her later, but for now, I was going to think more about Lily.