Chapter 18
Kai POV
A sad smile ghosted my lips as I made my way out of Lily’s room, carefully closing the door behind me.
I couldn’t believe I had stayed with her for nearly an hour. Every part of her body was etched in my mind’s eyes… I couldn’t wait to make her mine finally. I was so wrapped in my thoughts that I didn’t notice Liam was waiting for me in the living room. It wasn’t until I made to pass that he cleared his throat making me jerk with surprise.
“Liam?” I scoffed entering the living room. His eyebrows were raised a mixture of amusement and concern as he stared at me. “What are you doing here?” I asked.
“I should be asking you, Alpha,” he retorted crossing his arms over his body. “I hope you didn’t take advantage of the poor little girl?” he asked his tone light but with an undercurrent of seriousness. “From the look in your eyes… you seem to be lusting.
I snorted, shaking my head in disbelief at the implication of what he meant. “Of course not,” I growled softly, mindful of the people sleeping occupants in the house. “What kind of Alpha do you think I am p>
Liam held up his hands in a placating gesture. “Just checking. You’ve been he shrugged “Different since she arrived. I’ve never seen you like this over a female before. Is there more to it? Perhaps something that you’re not telling me.
I sank into an armchair across from Liam, running a hand through his hair. I wanted to desperately tell him that she was my mate but I didn’t think the time was right. Coupled with the issue of her not having a wolf.
“I’m just interested in her story,” I said instead. “What brings you here by the way?” I asked changing the topic.
Liam nodded, not arguing further. “I’ve got some information about those werewolves sent to kill Lily p>
I leaned forward, my voice dropping a notch lower “Yes, what did you find out p>
“They weren’t from Golden Moon Pack – Lily’s original pack,” Liam reported, his voice low too. “It seems her father – Alpha Gregory Stone secretly hired and trained rogues to do his dirty work. The rogues were mostly from a group called the ‘Crawlers’ They’re dangerous and do a lot of dirty jobs for most Alphas in the region p>
A low growl rumbled in my chest, my eyes flashing with anger. “Her own father sent killers after her? Why? What kind of monster would do that to his own daughter p>
Liam’s face was grim as he continued. “Honestly, when I first found out, it was her father, I had to dig around a bit because it felt like a lie but from everything I found out, it might have something to do with Lily’s mother. Apparently, she died protecting Lily p>
My brows furrowed as I processed the information. “And so what? He blames Lily for the death of his mate. That’s no excuse for trying to murder her. In fact, that is the stupidest reason I’ve ever heard. What can she possibly do p>
“I agree,” Liam said nodding. “but it might explain his motivation, at least partially. There’s like more to the story that we don’t know yet and the only way to find out – that is if you’re interested is to make our investigations ourselves p>
I stood pacing the living room as my mind raced. The thought of anyone wanting to harm Lily, especially her own father, filled me with a rage that I could barely contain. Liam was right. We would need to find out the real reason behind his actions.
“We need more information,” I said finally, “We need to understand what exactly we’re dealing with here. Reach out to our resources in Golden Moon Pack and find out the real reason why he tried to kill, Lily p>
Liam nodded as a small smile played at the corners of his mouth. “Well, we might get that chance sooner than we thought. I just got a mind-link report from our soldiers at the border. It seems Lily’s father wants to pay us a visit. A messenger from his pack just delivered the message p>
I froze, my eyes locking with Liam’s. “When p>
“He’s requesting an audience tomorrow morning,” Liam replied. “Says he wants to discuss an important matter with you p>
A mirthless chuckle escaped my lips. “I’m sure he does. He’s probably wondering why his assassins failed to report back p>
Liam stood, moving to stand beside me. “What do you want to do, Alpha p>
My jaw clenched, my eyes hardening with determination. “We’ll grant him his audience. Tomorrow, I want extra security in place and I want Lily kept far away from him. She’s been through enough trauma already. There should be no mention of her father’s visit here. Inform Celeste p>
“As you wish, Alpha,” Liam nodded. “I’ll make the arrangement. But you need to tell Lily, we cannot keep her confined without a reason p>
I hesitated, my gaze drifting towards the stairs that led to Lily’s room. “Not yet,” I said finally. “Let her have one more day of peace. I’ll tell her the day after tomorrow after we’ve had a chance to assess the situation and know why her father came here p>
“Okay!” Liam said and left to carry out my orders. After Liam went, I found myself drawn back upstairs. I paused outside Lily’s door, listening intently. Her soft and steady breathing reassured me that she was still asleep, still safe.
“I’ll protect you,” I whispered, my hand resting lightly on the door. “No matter what, I’ll keep you safe p>
As I walked back to the pack house, I made a silent note to tell Celeste first thing in the morning to keep her confined within the grounds of the house, or at least her father leaves. But I couldn’t stop thinking. “What could Lily’s father hope to gain by coming here? Did he know Lily was under my protection now? I’m sure a few of the escaped rogues must have told him that she came to my pack.
I was also worried that once Lily saw him, she might be persuaded to go with her back home and I couldn’t afford that. I would go to lengths to keep her safe.