Chapter 25
“Your name is not Chloe?” Nana asked, her gaze moving slowly from Kira to Derek, confusion knitting her brows.
Derek didn’t even flinch. He lifted his coffee cup to his lips again, slow and unbothered, the picture of a man who hadn’t a single care in the world. Only once did his gaze flick to Ruby. That single glance was enough. Ruby’s face drained of colour; realisation hit her like cold water, and she looked like someone who had suddenly realised she had overplayed her hand.
“I… I overheard her,” Ruby said quickly, straightening in her chair. “She was on the phone. She said her name isn’t Chloe. She said it’s Kira.” She turned her polished smile on Nana. “I just thought it was strange. I mean, shouldn’t we be sure she’s who she claims to be p>
Kai let out a low, amused chuckle and plucked a fat grape from the fruit tray as his gaze landed on Ruby. “Wow,” he drawled, popping it between his teeth. “Just… wow p>
Nana shot him a glare, and he went silent.
Kira kept her eyes glued to the steam curling up from her coffee. Don’t look up. Don’t react. Her pulse hammered in her ears. What now? Was Derek about to rip the mask off in front of his entire family? How did Ruby know her name? They had agreed to keep the marriage details locked tight. Had Derek really let it slip to his mistress? The betrayal stung sharper than she expected.
She clenched her hands under the table to stop them shaking. Nana’s gaze narrowed on Derek first, then swung back to Kira.
“What exactly is going on?” Nana demanded. “Is your name Chloe or not p>
Kira gave one slow, reluctant shake of her head, her mind scrambling for an answer. She risked a glance at Derek. He stared straight back, one dark brow lifted in a silent, mocking challenge: Go ahead, liar. Tell them everything.
She drew in a shaky breath and opened her mouth to speak. “Err p>
“That was my mistake,” Derek said calmly, beating her to it.
Kira’s heart stuttered. She stared at him, surprised. Every head turned to him.
“I misheard her name the very first day we met,” he continued, setting his cup down with deliberate care. “Chloe is a cousin in her family. Her name is Kira.” His gaze swept the table. “And that’s what everyone will call her from now on p>
Relief crashed over Kira so hard she almost swayed. She hadn’t realised she’d been holding her breath until it whooshed out of her. He had covered for her. Just like that. Thank the goddess. She wasn’t ready to face Nana, or anyone, about her father’s lies. Not yet.
The moment breakfast ended, Kira bolted for the kitchen exit like her tail was on fire. She needed air, distance, anything to shake off Ruby’s words, her sharp eyes, and the way they had bored into her like claws under skin. She pushed through the side door into the open courtyard, gulping fresh air.
“Sweetheart p>
The word stopped her dead. Derek. He had called her sweetheart. She turned slowly, pasting on a smile that felt more like a grimace.
The rest of the men were spilling out of the mansion now, heading for the sleek row of cars parked in the drive. Derek descended the last few steps and stopped right in front of her.
“We’re leaving together,” he said simply.
Before she could answer, Ruby sauntered out behind them. Derek reached up and brushed a stray lock of hair from Kira’s cheek. The light touch sent a shiver racing down her spine. She fought to keep her expression neutral, even though her skin still remembered every point his fingers had grazed.
She was still furious with him. He had saved her at breakfast, yes, but the anger hadn’t vanished. It just simmered lower.
“Wait in the car for me,” he murmured. “I’ve got something to handle first p>
She would have nodded and walked away if he hadn’t leaned in. Her heart turned into a frantic, caged bird as his face drew nearer. Closer. Closer. Mint and citrus filled her lungs. He was going to kiss her.
Was she really about to lose her first kiss like this? Oh goddess, she was going to hiccup. Or faint. Or both.
She squeezed her eyes shut, bracing for it.
“You know,” he whispered, lips so close his breath feathered across her skin, “for someone who threatened me with public displays of affection, you’re awfully stiff and timid. Why is that p>
Her eyes flew open just in time for his lips to land on her forehead.
It was a kiss in name only, no tenderness, no lingering, no warmth. Just the bare minimum needed to convince any watching eyes that affection existed here.
He pulled away instantly, face blank as ever. “Get into the car and wait p>
Kira stood frozen for a heartbeat, cheeks burning with a mix of embarrassment and something sharper she refused to name. Then she lifted her chin, turned, and walked to the waiting car without another word.
Nana stood on the porch, beaming like she had just witnessed the romance of the century. Derek made his way back towards the house.
“Ruby,” Derek called over his shoulder as he headed back towards the house. “Come show me the welfare report p>
“I didn’t mean to cause any trouble, Your Grace,” Ruby said as she stepped into Derek’s study.
Derek stood by the window, his back to her, watching Kai speak animatedly to Kira by the car. He didn’t answer. Didn’t even turn.
“How did you find out her name?” he asked at last. “And don’t insult me by repeating that phone story. We both know it’s bullshit p>
Ruby inhaled sharply. She knew better than to lie again. “I overheard you,” she admitted. “You and the guys. In the library p>
He turned then. Slowly. His face gave nothing away, which made her rush on.
“I wasn’t eavesdropping. I was already there when you walked in. I swear p>
“Why didn’t any of us smell you p>
“I wore a scent blocker,” she said quickly. “I went into your library to get a book. I couldn’t find it in the pack library. I’m sorry. I swear I didn’t intend to invade your privacy p>
Silence stretched.
Ruby glanced up. Derek watched her through narrowed eyes.
“I’m sorry, Your Grace,” she whispered again, dropping her gaze in that meek, sorrowful way she knew usually softened him.
He picked up a document from the desk, eyes skimming the page. “I’ve been crystal clear about my privacy, Ruby. My marriage falls under that. You have no right to discuss it with anyone. Ever p>
“I’m so sorry,” she said softly. “I was just worried about you. She’s a werewolf. I don’t trust her motives. If her family could lie about something as basic as her name, what else are they hiding? No matter how sweet she acts, no matter how many sob stories she spins about being hated by her own people… it could all be a play for sympathy and all be manipulation p>
“I can handle myself p>
“That’s exactly what our fathers thought when they started letting werewolves into our circle with all those pretty alliances. And now you’re covering for her. What’s next p>
Derek’s gaze lifted, cold and steady. “I don’t owe you or anyone an explanation. But I’ll say this once: I’m not my father. And my decision to take a werewolf bride has nothing to do with peace or alliances.” He stepped closer. “I don’t give a damn about her sob stories. I married her for revenge. Rolf is still going to pay, one way or another p>
Ruby sighed and edged nearer. “What if you fall for her? I mean, she’s gorgeous, young, and clever. She already has Kai, Connor, even Nana wrapped around her finger p>
Derek gave a short, humourless laugh. “You really think I could love a werewolf? Don’t waste your worry. It’ll never happen. Kira is a means to an end: a womb to give me a son so I can legally claim the werewolf territories. If she can’t deliver, I get rid of her and take her sister instead.” He closed the last step, tipped her chin up with one finger. “I’m telling you this so you’ll shut the fuck up about my marriage and let me handle my business p>
He dropped his hand and walked back to the window.
Ruby’s voice came small. “What about us p>
“The marriage is open,” he said flatly. “We can fuck whoever we want. But for now, you need to stay away from me p>
“Why p>
“No one can smell you on me. Not when Nana and the rest are already sniffing around this marriage. We’re selling the happy-couple story. That means distance p>
“But I still don’t like it p>
“Drop it, Ruby.” His tone turned ice. “We’ve fucked a handful of times, mostly by accident. You don’t own me. Now get out p>