Chapter 12

Kyra’s POV I sipped water from the glass, perched on the edge of my couch while Nathan was in front of me, still scolding Luke in a low, furious growl. His Alpha aura thickened the air, making even the walls feel like they were pressing in. We were in my condo—Nathan had wanted to drag me back to his house, but I’d refused. “You can’t do this again, Luke. What if I wasn’t there? What could’ve happened to her?” "Nathan, enough." My voice cut through his tirade. "Luke not only has to be my driver, but also my bodyguard. It's difficult for him to watch over me 24 hours a day alone." "Then I’m assigning you one," he snapped, his brown eyes flashing gold—Alaric surfacing just beneath his skin. I pulled myself and stared into his eyes. “It’s my decision to make, Nathan.” Nathan exhaled through his nose, his minty scent filled my nose and instantly calmed Sylvia. "Do you even realize what happened, Kyra? A dangerous rogue stalked you. That’s not some human creep—that’s a wolf who knows how to hide his scent and trace." Sylvia bristled in my mind. "He’s right. This wasn’t random." I pressed my palms to my face and took a deep breath. "You think I’m not terrified?" Nathan’s hands held mine, calloused and warm. He pulled me closer until his forehead nearly touched mine. "I’ll rip him apart before he even breathes near you again. " For a heartbeat, I let myself sink into his heat. It was too easy to pretend we were still bound, still one. The next week blurred into a haze of Nathan’s overbearing vigilance. He mind-linked me hourly, shadowed me through ADE’s halls, and showed up at my door every night. Sometimes, I couldn't help but have an illusion that we never separated and we were still a lovely couple. Tonight was no different. He appeared at my doorstep, clad in a black suit that clung to his broad shoulders like a second pelt. Every inch the Alpha heir, every bit the man who still haunted my dreams.His lips were reddish and his brown eyes were so beautiful. God! If only I could keep him for myself forever. “Nathan…” I called as I took a deep sigh. He looked at me and pulled himself up. He walked towards me and held my arm. “Are you okay? What’s wrong?” He stepped inside without invitation, his gaze sweeping over me. "You’re pale. Are you—" I pulled my hand away from him and looked him in the eyes. “I know you’re worried but you shouldn’t come here whenever you want, Nathan.We’re not mates anymore." His jaw tightened. "Does that mean I stop caring?" "It means you respect the line." My voice cracked. I understand what he wants. He wants to keep me safe but he can’t do this. I’m trying to move on. Yes, I needed his help but that’s what a friend should do, right? And this? What he is doing right now? It’s not a best friend’s duty. It’s a mate’s responsibility. He slowly shook his head. “Kyra, I just want to keep you safe.” “I know but what you’re doing right now is a mate’s responsibility and you’re no longer my mate, Nathan.” He was rendered speechless. He stared at me for God knows how long with pain and confusion in his eyes. After a few seconds, he looked away and took a step back. He shook his head and palmed his face as if the truth hurt him. He sucked his breath and looked at me again. “Are you…kicking me out of your life?” “I couldn’t get on with my life because you keep on making me want to depend on you. We can’t do this forever, Nathan.What would Sophia think if she knew you were here every night?" "Sophia and I aren’t together." The words hit like a physical blow. "What?" Nathan turned away, his spine rigid. "Luke will take you to the party. I’ll…be waiting." The door clicked shut behind him. Sylvia whined softly. "Liar. He still smells like her." Luke came to pick me up, and when we reached the venue, there was a sea of pack elites and human investors. My eyes automatically set on two people standing next to each other, talking. Sophia was whispering something to Nathan and she was laughing but he was not. His face was serious and I was shocked when he found me. Our eyes locked and even when he’s talking to someone else, he doesn't take his eyes off of me. I tore my eyes away. Fool. She’s his by fate, not choice. I spotted Nathan’s parents and Alpha Richard doesn’t look happy. His face was dark and his Luna kept on caressing his arm as if trying to calm him down. “Kyra!” A bubbly voice behind me called. When I looked at him, it was Chris.He lifted my hand to his lips. "Gorgeous as always." My instincts prickled - someone's gaze fixed on me.I didn’t need to look to know whose brown eyes had gone black with fury. Sylvia bared her teeth. "Let him watch."