Chapter 31
Chapter 31
31 The Ardens
KIARA
Mom, Dad and Azura had left just after food, whilst Kataleya had been very quiet. When Azura had said the boy was annoying, she asked if Azura had visited. She became upset but said nothing. She had silently gone and sat with Ahren and Tatum, but refused to play with Skyla or Azura. Kataleya was a sweet girl who could be just as stubborn as Mom when she wanted to
1.
Alejandro hadn’t said anything when he found out I took Enrique out, I just hoped it was because he realised that he needed some space to breathe and that he was, after all, just a child. I had just gotten changed for the evening in a satin strapless black dress, paired with red heels, nails and lips. It was hard to dress up and act like everything was ok when it wasn’t. Delsanra and Dante were still suffering. That monster was still out there.
I ran the straightener through my hair, straightening my hair until it fell sleekly over my shoulder. Once I had finished, I tied it up in a high pony and pinned it into place. “Ready?” Alejandro asked, stepping into the bedroom, fully dressed and looking incredible in a white shirt and black pants.
“Yes.” I answered, standing up. His eyes raked over me, shimmering red with approval as he closed the gap between us and grabbed my hips, pulling me against him. I gasped, my hands splayed on his chest, and looked up at him as my entire body reacted to his touch. His eyes burned into mine, igniting that molten pleasure deep within my core.
“We have guests awaiting us.” I reminded him breathlessly, despite my pounding heart. “They are five minutes from pack territory.” He murmured. “And I just want to ruin you in every f*****g way.” He ran his fingers through my hair, and I knew that he wanted to yank it free from the perfect pony I had created.
“It’s going to take us five minutes to get to the packhouse,” I replied pointedly, reaching up and kissing him softly. Pulling away before he could deepen it, I turned to grab my bag when he took hold of my wrist and yanked me back into his arms.
“Are you angry?” “A little.” I admitted, reaching up I cupped his face. “No matter who his father is, he is no monster.”
He frowned and gave a small nod.
“I know that. I’m just being careful because I can’t f*****g risk anything happening to anyone who is under my care again.”
“He’s currently under your care too.” I countered softly.
His eyes flashed, and I felt his aura surge around him, blanketing the room with a heavy
darkness
“Look. I don’t want to f*****g argue with you, but push me one more f*****g time and I swear I won’t let you see that pup ever again.” His words cut me like a knife, and for a moment it felt like someone had cut off my supply of air. The anger in his eyes was unmasked and from the way his fists were clenched, I knew he was trying not to break something.
There was no point in arguing, we were never going to agree.
“The Ardens are waiting.” I replied, walking past him and to the door. I opened it and headed to the stairs, not waiting for him, although he caught up pretty fast. The house was silent, the children were in the living room with the rest of the family. I popped my head in and blew them a kiss. “We’re off.” I gave a small smile, masking how I truly felt. “I’ll have the kids in bed.” Maria promised.
“Thank you.”
I shut the door again, glancing at Alejandro, who was already at the front door, holding it open with his foot as he lit a cigarette. A cold wind was blowing and the chill from morning seemed to have gotten worse. I stepped out into the night. The paths were very well lit, considering we werewolves can see in the dark.
We walked in silence, I knew he was still angry, taking long drags on that cigarette of his. ‘AI, Kia, they have entered the pack premises and are heading to the packhouse now.’ Darien called through the link. ‘We’re there.’ Alejandro replied as we reached the packhouse. Serena was already waiting, dressed in a knee-length deep forest green dress. I greeted her with a small wave, having seen her earlier. “We’ll head inside, bring them in.” Alejandro commanded coldly, not even sparing her a second glance.
She quirked an eyebrow questioningly at me, and I shook my head.
‘It’s nothing.’ I replied through the link, but she gave me a sympathetic smile.
She knew it was something. After all, she knew us both well enough. I followed Alejandro inside to the formal living room, which was not used by the pack members. I looked at him sitting on the two-seater, his arın stretched over the top of the sofa, the other holding his cigarette, his left ankle resting on his right knee and his eyes as cold as could be.
My s**y king. Often it felt like he wasn’t even human… His every angle and feature was perfection.
A tray of refreshments was already sitting on the table ready for our guests.
“Take your seat, Amore Mio, or are you going to stand there and throw a f*****g tantrum?” His eyes met mine, his voice was cold and mocking, I exhaled in frustration. 1
I knew I was going to end up flipping out soon. He was pushing me to my limits. I walked over, having half an urge to whack him over the head with my clutch bag. I stood next to the sofa,
knowing that once the Alpha and Luna came, I would have to meet them anyway. 4
“I don’t bite. Do sit.” He remarked mockingly.
“No thanks.”
I knew if I did, he’d do something and I’d forgive him. Are they alone?’ I asked Alejandro emotionlessly through the link. ‘They’re bringing their sons. He replied, just when we heard the front door and the sound of talking
I knew the Alpha of the Shadow Wolves Pack had two sons; twins born a day apart, as well as a daughter who was much younger. The sound of footsteps approaching came, and the door was opened by Darien, who was dressed smartly in a grey suit. He stepped aside and Alpha Kenneth entered. He looked no older than his late thirties, but that was the werewolf genes, he was just a year or two younger than Dad. His golden blond hair was styled sleekly, and he was completely clean-shaven, with eyes that were such a pale blue they looked almost silver. He wore a navy suit with a silver tie and not even one crease seemed to ruffle his appearance. He was tall and well-built, and his strong aura surrounded him. Next to him was a woman who was model-like; tall and slim, towering over six feet with her designer heels. She had light brown hair that was styled elegantly into a bun and grey eyes, with classy yet subtle make-up. She was wearing a two-piece outfit with a large diamond brooch on her breast. A pearl necklace hung around her throat, with matching earrings and a few rings. Her nails were short, painted a soft nude.
“Alpha Kenneth, Luna Catherine. Welcome to the Nightwalkers Pack.” I smiled gracefully and walked over to them.
I met Catherine with a handshake and two kisses.
“Thank you, Queen Luna.” Kenneth replied, taking my hand and placing a soft kiss on it.
“Take a seat.” I motioned, knowing that Alejandro was not going to get up.
No matter how many years passed, his manners as a host didn’t improve.
“King Alejandro, it’s an honour to finally be asked to visit.” Kenneth remarked with a hint of haughtiness in his tone.
“Asked? You f*****g weren’t ready to talk over a video call. What was it? Too much screen time might damage your eyes?” Alejandro smirked coldly. Catherine’s eyes widened slightly, and I knew it was because of Alejandro’s language.
“Well, I am an old-fashioned man, I prefer face to face.” Kenneth replied, taking a seat.
Serena entered along with two blond-haired boys. They looked similar yet different; both had blond hair, slightly different shades, and were rather tall. “My sons, Eric and Royce.” Catherine smiled as she motioned to each boy in turn.
“I didn’t know you were ok with your sons being part of serious conversations?” Alejandro asked, his eyes on Kenneth, as both boys gave me a polite nod and took a seat after lowering their heads to Alejandro.
“They are thirteen, not children. I believe, as Alpha’s, we should start young to teach our legacy how to be the very best.”
Both boys were as smartly dressed as their father; one in a black suit, the other in navy. They almost mirrored each other in their posture. It was rather strange to see them so in sync, from their behaviour to their passive face. I couldn’t tell which one was older, both had strong auras, not giving away who was the firstborn.
Darien and Serena took a seat, and I did the same, settling into my place beside Alejandro. Home. No matter how angry I was at him, his closeness and his warmth was my haven. “That’s true.” Alejandro
remarked. “Luna Catherine, you’re from the States, correct?” “Yes.” She replied, as she sat by her mate’s side, her legs tucked to the side, back straight, chin out.
Their reputation didn’t fail them, known for being a wealthy, strong, rather posh pack who kept to themselves. “Ever heard of The Fuego De Ceniza Pack, from Puerto Rico?”
Catherine’s brow furrowed ever so slightly, as she thought over what the king asked. “Help yourselves to something.” I offered the boys. “No thank you, my queen.” Royce replied, whilst Eric took a glass of iced juice.
“I have yes. I am not a hundred percent sure, however, there was a woman who I went to Luna training with. It’s something we have over in the States for Alpha’s daughters or if you know you are mated to an Alpha.” She explained. “This woman, Esmerelda, she may have ended up mated to someone from that pack. I vaguely remember it, but we are not in touch or anything.
“Esmerelda… any surname?”
“Martinez, Esmerelda Martinez.” She nodded with confidence. “Yes, that was her name.” 1
Alejandro glanced at Darien, and I knew someone was going to be looking into it already. “I’m assuming this pack is heavily involved with the recent threat.” Kenneth remarked as Catherine helped herself to a drink “Yeah, it is and I intend to f*****g find them soon.” Alejandro replied coldly. “Will you go to the States?”
Kenneth’s voice was calm, yet he was watching Alejandro sharply and the glimmer of curiosity in his eyes didn’t go missed. “If need be, do you know anything about that pack?” Alejandro’s eyes were fixed on him even when his hand snaked around my waist, caressing my side.
“No, I do not. However, I have heard from my patrol of some strange wolves on my northern borders. When you were in search of the Alpha princess, we were on holiday abroad. However,
I have some images which I will forward to you via email.”
Then he f*****g didn’t need to come here.’ Alejandro growled through the link.
‘He looks like he wants something.’ Darien replied.
“So, you came all this way to hit send whilst you were here. What is it? Was Ken-f*****g gham Palace out of f*****g Wi-Fi?”
My eyes flew open at Alejandro’s comment, and even Catherina looked shocked as Darien hid his smirk. Alejandro sat forward, I could sense the irritation rolling off of him.
“If you had any proof, your men should have given it to me when I asked for f*****g information.” He said coldly.
“I am still the Alpha of my pack, Alpha King Alejandro, and they answer to me. I didn’t need to mention these images, but I did.” “A tad f*****g late.”
I glanced at the two boys; this was not the place for children, no matter what age they were. Both were watching Alejandro, and I could tell they were paying attention. 1
“Luna Catherine, would it be alright if you, myself, and Serena went for a walk with the boys in the garden? I think the men can do the talking.” Usually, I wouldn’t say it was a men’s place, but I’d rather protect these children from the conversation turning ugly. “I think it’s a lovely idea.” She replied, glancing between Alejandro and Kenneth. Neither spoke, and so she stood up, motioning to the boys to follow “We wouldn’t mind staying, mother.” Eric commented, curiosity in his eyes as he watched Alejandro. 1 “The Luna Queen has offered to show us the gardens.” Catherine replied. Her voice was calm, but her command was clear, and so the five of us left the room.
“I don’t trust you, and I never will…” That was the last thing I heard Alejandro say.
I knew he had no reason to not trust him, but Dad’s opinion of Kenneth had left a lasting impression on Alejandro. 1 “This way.” I gestured as I walked down the hall, reaching the back entrance I stared at the keypad trying to remember the key code… “Luna Kiara?” Serena called. She only addressed me as Luna in front of guests. I frowned, stepping back. ‘I can’t remember the code.’ I said through the link.
I’ll do it.’ Her voice came.
I stepped back, allowing her to step forward and key it in, unlocking the back door. She glanced at me. The confusion in her eyes when they met mine mirrored exactly how I felt inside. How could I have forgotten it? I have unlocked this door many times.
I needed to talk to Alejandro about this.
And it had to be tonight. 3
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