Chapter 4

Kiara POV

The next morning came like a foggy haze, as I felt too drained to process any emotions. I had cried myself to sleep, waiting for Killian to return to the room, but all my hopes had faded away to nothingness. But I remember slumbered off on the floor, when did I end up back in bed? And moreover, my clothes have changed. I was wearing only a long white shirt that barely covered my butt which I usually wear at night. Did Killian change my clothes?

I glanced around the room, and although Killian wasn’t there, his lingering scent told me he had come during the night, slept beside me, and then resumed his duties as usual in the morning. It was his typical routine he followed with punctiliousness, never missing a beat.

After freshening up and dressing, I had only one destination in mind—to confront Killian. He had hurt my pride. I may be weak but not for my mate to step on me and behave like last night never happened.

The night’s events remained a blur, and I couldn’t comprehend what had driven Killian to act in such a way. Had I not fulfilled my duties perfectly? What could have caused him to make such a significant decision without consulting me? Like if he had ever done it.

As I stood before his office door, ready to knock, Alejandro’s voice caught my attention, causing me to hesitate.

“What was the reason to go to such an extent, Killian?” He asked, and hearing his voice it was enough for me to know that he was also disappointed by this sudden change. He had a good relationship with me. We started as friends, and he put his faith in my every decision. As much as he is Beta for Killian, he has given me the exact same treatment. I never questioned his loyalty towards me.

“I don’t understand what you’re trying to say, Alejandro. Care to clarify?” Killian’s alpha voice echoed in the room, brimming with power that revealed that he was not pleased with the question.

“You appointed Rihanna as the Luna of the pack without discussing anything with Kiara. She had no knowledge of this sudden change. What you did last night is unacceptable, especially to someone who puts her duties, the pack and you before everything,” Alejandro stated firmly, unyielding in the face of Killian’s anger.

“If she didn’t behave like she knew about all this, you would be in front of councils and ministries giving them answers,” He added.

I knew I shouldn’t be listening to this. No. Eavesdropping on your own mate is the worst thing I’ve done in my life, but I needed to know the reason behind his actions.

“Are you saying that everything I wish to do in my own pack has to be discussed with her?” Killian growled, his fury evident. He was more than just angry; something deeper seemed to fuel his frustration. By staying beside him, I’ve learned to read him. It was my only option to understand him when he didn’t talk to me.

“Yes, because she is rightfully the Luna of the pack and your mate, Killian,” Alejandro reasoned without backing out.

“I know what I’m doing, Alejandro. You don’t have to worry about that. What’s done is done, and there’s no going back,” Killian replied, his voice unwavering.

“I thought that finding your mate would be enough for you to forget about Rihanna,” Alejandro said, and my b*dy shuddered at the mention of her name. Forget about her? My wolf growled inside, unsettled by the confession.

“You’re not going to reject her, are you, Killian? We’ve been friends since childhood, and I know your feelings towards Rihanna. For god sake, everyone in the pack knows. But I thought they would fade once you found your mate, Kiara is your mate,” Alejandro’s voice echoed in the room, filled with concern.

“It’s a sin to reject your mate, Killian. You’re not going to do that, are you?”

The word “reject” sent shivers down my spine. I’ve seen oh I heard tales where alpha usually reject their mate and go to stay with their chosen one. Ignoring the pain, agony and humiliation the rejected one bear. The Moon Goddess becomes so angry with this chosen mate that after a few years, the curse follows the one who rejects his or her mate….

It was clear that Killian never truly loved me, and the fragile bond between us could break at any moment if he had any feelings for Rihanna. Was she the reason he couldn’t love me?

“I know, goddamn it. I won’t reject her. She is my mate, and that’s how it’s going to be. But you’re not seeing the reason why I did this,” Killian replied, his frustration evident.

“Then show me the reason, Killian. Before being your beta, I’m your friend, and I would understand you,” Alejandro implored.

But before Killian could respond, a shrill voice interrupted, making my heart race with fear. Rihanna’s voice filled the lobby, and I couldn’t move, frozen in place. How long had she been standing there? I eavesdropped on their conversation, and now she has seen me doing this. I was embarrassed.

“Kiara, why are you standing outside? Are you here to meet Alpha Killian too?” her voice rang out like a banshee, making me feel small and insignificant. When did she arrive? Killian’s office door burst open, and his expression turned from shock to anger as he saw me standing there.

His brows twitched in anger which I know because of me. But as soon as his eyes met Rihanna his expression changed. And I felt a pinch inside my heart. My eyes went down. This hurt actually.

“It’s nice to finally meet you, Kiara. I’m Rihanna, Killian’s childhood friend. We didn’t get a chance to meet when you came to the pack. I had to leave immediately because of some personal reasons. But I heard a lot about you,” Rihanna said, her excitement too much for my liking. Killian’s eyes were fixed on her, and he had one of those smitten smiles on his face that made me feel invisible and unimportant.

“Yeah, really and I haven’t heard a thing about you,” I interjected, my words causing her smile to vanish instantly. The tension in the room was thick and clear, and I knew my response wasn’t well-received by either of them.

Rihanna’s eyes scrutinised me from head to toe, making me feel uncomfortable and inadequate beside her. Her outfit was a black t-shirt showing her cleavage, tight jeans featuring her wide hips and high heels. While I felt plain and unremarkable in my baggy t-shirt and black leggings.

“Do you need something, Rihanna?” Killian finally asked, ignoring me, his mate who had been standing right in front of his door, unnoticed for who knows how long. Who could’ve heard something? I was never on his priority list. Never will be.

I was stunned, unable to find my voice. She had returned—the girl whom I never knew Killian loved had returned. I stared, feeling like an outsider in my own pack as she hugged him and greeted him with a good morning with a k*ss on his cheek, like Isn’t it going way too far to call them a best friend, igniting a fire of jealousy and pain inside me.

“Killian, you’ve put a huge responsibility on me. I had to look at the file to understand the progress of the pack. I was not here for three years….” She said this as they both walked inside the door. Killian looked at me one last time before following her inside.

Alejandro glanced between us. His green eyes went back and forth between us before he sighed. He grabbed my arm and made me walk out of that horrible place. Because I felt like my legs were too frozen to do anything.

I felt jaded; the colour of my face faded, as for my wolf, she was seeking bloodshed. She was pacing back and forth in my mind, demanding that I take action on this. But would I get answers even if I asked him?