Chapter 9

Kyra's POV The sight of Sophia clinging to Nathan burned behind my eyelids, but I refused to look back. My chest ached like someone had reached in and squeezed my heart, but I wouldn't let the pain win. "Kyra!" The voice snapped me from my thoughts. When I turned, my breath caught. "Chris?" Christopher Parker stood there, his golden hair catching the afternoon light. The boy I'd known in college had grown into a man, his smile still warm as summer. Before I could react, he pulled me into a gentle and warm hug. Sylvia perked up. "He smells like pine forests. Honest." Hush, I scolded, but my lips curved anyway. Christopher Parker was my college suitor. He was a lone wolf, unbound to any pack. But I heard he'd been running jobs for a certain faction. No one knew the details—just that he now had powerful backing. The last thing I heard about him was he’s become a professional model and actor and he’s built a name in the industry. He’s finally a big star "It's true then," Chris said, stepping back to look at me. "You really work here. Moon Goddess, you're even more beautiful now." Heat rushed to my cheeks. I swatted his arm playfully. “What are you doing here? I’m the Vice President here.” His eyes crinkled at the corners. "I know. This is Nathan Anderson's company, right? So you two finally..." The question hung between us. Chris knew everything when I rejected his courting proposal in college because my heart belonged to Nathan. He'd taken it gracefully before leaving the country. Now here he stood, a famous model according to the tabloids, still kind enough to care. “Kyra…” I gave him a sweet smile. “I think there are things that should remain as they are.” His smile dimmed for just a second before brightening again. "Well, I'm your new cover model. Surprise!" I was so shocked.I never had the chance to meet our new models because I was busy with Nathan and his stupid decision of replacing one of our models with Sophia. He chuckled. “Why do I feel like you’re not happy to see me?” I laughed at him. “Are you serious? I am happy.” “If you’re happy then can I have dinner with you tonight? Just…a friendly dinner.” I grinned. “Sure.” He punched the air and grinned happily. I couldn’t help but shake my head in disbelief. He’s still bubbly like before. After office work, as promised, Chris picked me up and we went to a fancy restaurant. We enjoyed catching up when we lost track of time. It was already 10 PM when I realized the time and Nathan had 13 missed calls already. “I’m sorry, Kyra. I didn’t realize the time. I just missed you so much.” I smiled at him. “It’s okay.” "Let me drive you home," Chris offered, holding his car door open. I hesitated. My driver Luck was probably asleep after condo-hunting for me all day. "Okay." The ride passed in easy conversation, the city lights blurring past. For the first time in weeks, I forgot about mate bonds and betrayals. "Thank you," I said as we pulled up to the mansion. "I enjoyed our dinner." Chris grinned. "Anytime, Kels." I waved as his taillights disappeared down the drive—then nearly jumped out of my skin when a shadow detached itself from the porch. "Christopher Parker." Nathan's voice was a growl, his arms crossed over his chest. The guard beside him looked ready to faint from tension. My spine straightened. "Why are you awake?" "You expect me to sleep while my mate—" He caught himself. "While my mate dines with some blonde old-fashioned model slash old suitor?" Sylvia snarled. "Hypocrite!" "We're done." I reminded him, brushing past. His footsteps followed me inside. "You ignored my calls! I was worried!" I whirled on the staircase. "About what? Your best friend?" Nathan's eyes searched mine, that familiar brown-flecked gaze . How many years had I loved him? Given him everything? "I'm getting my things," I said quietly. "I found a condo." "Stay tonight." His hand hovered near mine, not touching. I faced him after I stepped on the first step of the stairs. I looked him in the eyes. He’s tall and even when I’m standing on the stairs, I can't even equal his height. His eyes stared into mine as if saying something I couldn’t understand. I have loved him for so many years. I gave everything I had. Even my soul and heart. I’m not blaming him because I loved him unconditionally. I want to be with him more than anyone else. But I know that I have reached my limit. This is my limit. I’ve tried everything I could. I fought every battle for him. However, there are things that are beyond our reach. My love for him is eternal, but I’m tired of waiting. I couldn’t wait any longer. I should conclude our end here. The plea in his voice almost undid me. Almost. "I can't." My fingers found the wedding band—the one he'd placed there without a proper mating mark. It slid off easily now. "A house isn't a home without love, Nathan." His palm was warm when I pressed the ring into it. “Don’t worry, I will talk to Phoebe tomorrow. She won’t ruin your plans.” “Plans? What plans are you talking about?” I looked him in the eyes. “Marrying Sophia when the right time comes?” His forehead creased. “I haven’t thought about marrying her, Kyra.” Nonsense! He’s just saying that to make me stay because I’m his best friend and he needs me to keep his family intact. “I promise that I will be happy, Nathan. Without you by my side.”