Chapter 20
Chapter 20
Kaia’s POV
I wasn’t sure how long I cried for, but Kieran caressing my back calmed me down. His soft voice murmured reassurances in my ears, “It’s okay baby, I’m right here.” He whispered, and I nodded. His earthly and wild smell enveloped me, comforting me, like he was home.
“Are you okay?” He asked after a while.
I nodded. My tears had subsided and my breath had slowed down. His hand still traced circles on my back as if he was reassuring himself that I was okay.
“I’m sorry I wet your shirt.” I said.
“It’s just a shirt, it’ll dry off.” He replied.
When I finally looked at him, concern was etched on his face and even though he was trying to smile, it was obvious he was worried.
Once my crying was done, I noticed we were the only ones outside which left me wondering where they all went and as if reading my thoughts, he said, “I asked all of them to leave p>
“Oh.” I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper.
He held my hand and led me through the now empty hallway but instead of the room, he led me to his office where Ryder and everyone else were. Ryder’s features held guilt and remorse even though none of it was his fault.
“I’m sorry, Alpha-” He started.
Kieran’s jaw clenched, his teeth gritted in anger. “I gave you one order,” he growled, his voice low and even. Ryder’s eyes went wide, fear flickering in their depths. He took a step back, his hands shaking as he tried to speak.
“I-I’m sorry, Alpha Ryder stuttered, his voice trembling. Kieran’s fists clenched at his sides, knuckles white from how tight he was clenching it.
“You were supposed to keep her safe p>
The others just watched, they knew better than to interfere. But it wasn’t Ryder’s fault that I ran into Susan or that she was a total bitch as usual.
“Kieran, stop. It’s not his fault.” I called weakly, but there was no reaction. If anything, Kieran looked ready to bite Ryder’s head off.
I called him a few times more but it was the same thing.
“Listen to me!” I yelled at the top of my voice and that did it.
He paused, coming to my side, “I’m sorry,” he apologized calmly, caressing the side of my face.
“It’s not his fault.” I repeated. “Susan has always been like this. I shouldn’t have let her get to me so easily p>
He wanted to say something, but I shook my head. “I let them bully me. Growing up without a mom was hard enough and then my dad mated the former Beta’s wife.” I swallowed hard.
My childhood and growing up was the last thing I wanted to talk about. But they, of all people, deserve to know. They shouldn’t have to keep walking on eggshells around me.
“You don’t have to.” Kieran said.
“I want to.” I assured him.
We all made ourselves comfortable. Dani sat beside Caleb who was holding her hand. Allie sat opposite them with Ryder moving to sit with her but not too close. Kieran held me between his legs on the love seat.
They all wore different expressions when I started talking. I told them about my mom and how she died, how my dad mated my stepmom and how we moved into the pack house where the bullying became worse with no one trying to stop it.
Then I also told them about Aiden, leaving out most of the details of how he used to have sex with me just because he wanted his wolf to be strong. And how he chose Brianne over me again and again.
Kieran’s grip on my waist tightened, but it didn’t hurt. I placed my hands on his to provide sort of assurance and it worked as his entire body relaxed under my touch.
“When she came into the room,” I continued, telling them about the morning when Brianne walked in on us and how I was thrown in the dungeon right before the ceremony.
“I thought it was finally over. My dad didn’t care about me enough to plead on my behalf. I’m sure he was rejoicing that I was going to be locked away p>
“Kaia, you can stop p>
But I shook my head, I might as well finish since I’d started.
Ryder’s fist was clenched as I spoke and the girls looked ready to throw fist at all the people who ever made me feel less than myself.
Caleb’s expression was unreadable but it was obvious he wasn’t pleased.
Their support gave me a sense of relief, that I have people on my side now who actually care about me.
“Dylan helped me leave that night A confused look was etched on their faces when I said this. I didn’t blame them, I had the same reaction when he opened the door, and led me out of the pack.
“Susan said he was facing the consequences of my bad luck. I’m not sure what that means.” My voice dropped to a whisper, concluding the sad tale of my past.
“I’m sorry you had to go through all of that, they’re idiots for not seeing you for who you truly are.” Dani said.
They took turn comforting me, how it was their loss and how they were happy I didn’t have to go through all of that again.
Kieran was quiet…maybe too quiet. “Are you okay?” I asked, leaning back into him.
Instead of answering, he helped me up gently before facing the guys, “excuse us.” He said, taking my hand as we left the room.
“I’m really okay.” I assured him, but there was no response.
Once we got to the room, he made me sit on the bed while he knelt down in front
of me. His gaze didn’t leave mine, like he was showing me something. His eyes held so many emotions.
He was angry…mad, at the same time, he was trying to be strong for me.
“I’m not anything like him.” He started, tucking the strand of my hair that was covering my face behind my ear, his hand lingering my skin, making my stomach erupt with butterflies.
“I know that…now p>
“I understand why it was hard for you to open up to me, but I promise that you’re
the only one I want…and I want you the way you are.” He assured me.
My gaze dropped to his lips as he spoke, and I felt an overwhelming urge to kiss him. I leaned in closer, my voice barely above a whisper.
“Kieran p>
His eyes locked onto mine, his pupils dilating with desire. “Yeah p>
I took a deep breath, my heart pounding in my chest. “Kiss me p>
Kieran’s eyes searched mine, as if seeking permission. Then, slowly, he leaned in,
his lips inches from mine.