Chapter 19

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Chapter 19: Kingston I had spent the entire day with Ayla. She still needed to rest often, so I was able to get some work done while she napped. But for the most part, I didn’t leave her side. I couldn’t tell if she had caught on to my feelings yet, but I had noticed that she wanted to be physically closer to me more and more. I still wouldn’t push her, but I wouldn’t deny her either.

I was looking for something to make for breakfast when Pierce mind–linked me.

‘Hey, Kin. Uh, there’s someone who wants to speak with you.‘

‘Who is it?‘

‘Well, he actually wants to speak with Ayla,‘ Pierce said hesitantly.

No, he f***ing didn’t come here.

‘If you’re about to tell me Theo Arden had the nerve to come into my territory for her, you better think twice before continuing this conversation,‘ I warned him, Lennix growling low in my head. low ‘It’s not Theo.‘

‘Then who is it?‘ I snapped.

‘It’s his Beta, Briggs,‘ Pierce said. ‘But before you get angry, I actually think you may want to hear him out.‘

I didn’t like the idea. I wasn’t sure how I felt about him finding 1/6 |||

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288 Vouchers Ayla here so quickly, either. But I knew it was possible, and she still had a family. Despite everything that had occurred with them, I’m sure they would still be worried about her. I sighed internally.

‘Fine,‘ I agreed. ‘Bring him here. Don’t tell him she’s here yet. I’ Il talk to him outside first.‘

‘We’re five minutes out,‘ Pierce said.

I ran upstairs to my room and grabbed a shirt. As tempting as it was to walk out there half–naked just so he would have to relay the information to his pathetic Alpha, I didn’t think provoking him was the best idea. Cheating or not, he was an Alpha walking around with a half–broken bond and a bad attitude.

I walked out the front door just as they pulled up the drive. I stood at the top of the stairs, not bothering to pull my aura back.

Pierce got out of the driver’s seat, and another male, who I assume is Beta Briggs, stepped out of the passenger side.

Like most ranking shifters, he is tall and well–built. He’s a little narrower than most but still fighting fit. He had light brown hair and blue eyes. His expression was relatively blank, making it hard to read.

“Alpha, this is Beta Briggs of the Greytooth Pack,” Pierce introduced.

“Alpha Kingston,” he said, tilting his head toward me.

“Beta Briggs,” I replied. “What brings you to my territory?”

“I’m looking for a female who recently cut ties with the pack. I 2/6 Chapter 19: Kingston 288 Vouchers have reason to believe she is somewhere in this area,” Briggs said.

I descended the steps, stopping in front of him.

“And what is your interest in this female if you find her?”

His expression softened. “I only want to make sure she is alive and safe. Get her to safety if she isn’t.”

“She’s a rogue. Why would you or your Alpha care?”

“She is the sister of our future Luna.” I didn’t miss the slight bitterness in his voice when he said that. “It would mean a lot to her to know she is okay.”

“The female’s name?”

“Ayla Garner.”

I looked at Pierce. He gave me a slight nod, letting me know he believed the male didn’t mean Ayla any harm.

“I want to make one thing perfectly clear.” I stepped closer to him. “Ayla Garner is under my protection. She is not a rogue. And your Alpha is not to come near her.”

Briggs nodded his understanding.

“I will ask her if she is willing to talk to you. If she says no, then you’ll be on your way.”

“Understood,” Briggs said.

I turned and headed back inside. I wasn’t sure if Ayla was even awake yet. If she wasn’t, then he could wait. As I approached her room, the door opened, and she swung out on her 3/6 Chapter 19 Kingston 288 Vouchers crutches, jumping slightly when she saw me, wincing as the movement irritated her ribs.

“Goddess, Kingston,” she said. “You scared the crap out of me.”

I chuckled. “I’m sorry. That was not my intention. Did you sleep well?”

“I did,” she said with a smile. “You?”

“Very well,” I said. “I know it’s early, but you have a visitor.”

She looked at me in concern.

“Beta Briggs is here to see you,” I told her gently. “You don’t have to speak with him if you don’t want to. But he says he is only here to ensure you are safe so he can relay that news to your sister and mother.”

“So Theo knows where I am?”

I stepped closer to her. “He’s never coming here. I promise you’re safe, Ayla.”

“I know,” she said with a sigh. “It is what it is. I’ll talk to him. Just let me get dressed.”

“Okay,” I said with a gentle smile.

I returned to the front porch and told them to come inside. Briggs took a seat on the couch while I sat in a chair across from him.

Pierce leaned against the wall behind me. Ayla came out a few minutes later, her crutches echoing through the silent room.

I stood so she could take my seat, standing behind her for 4/6 ။

Chapter 19 Kingston support. Briggs’ eyes settled on the cast on Ayla’s leg, a pained look on his face.

288 Vouchers “You must be Beta Briggs,” Ayla said politely, even pleasantly.

He smiled at her. “You must be Ayla.”

“Kingston said you wanted to speak with me,” she replied. I didn’t hold back the smirk that broke out at her referring to me informally. She knew it would send a message.

“I wanted to see for myself that you were okay. Although, I wouldn’t consider your current condition as okay,” Briggs said. “But I am relieved to see that you are alive and in safe hands.”

“Yes, I would have to agree that I’m not exactly in perfect shape,” Ayla said. “But I am safe. You can let my family know that I am doing just fine and not to worry about me.”

He nodded, his mouth a tight line.

“I want to put out there that I don’t agree with how Theo has handled this situation,” Briggs said. “I can’t tell you what has gotten into him, but he usually doesn’t make rash decisions like this.”

“I know exactly what has gotten into him,” Ayla said. “Or rather, who he has gotten into.”

Pierce choked behind me, Briggs looked visibly uncomfortable, and I just smiled smugly.

“Beta Briggs, I’m sure you have heard how my sister talks about me. Theo made it quite clear what she thinks of me. So, I’m touched that Kylee would be so concerned to send you,”

5/6 Chapter 19: Kingston Ayla said.

Briggs‘ head hung slightly, not meeting her eye.

288 Vouchers Ayla chuckled bitterly. “Of course. She didn’t send you. My guess is she hasn’t even realized I’m gone, let alone am a rogue?”

“He wanted to make sure...”

Ayla stopped him with a gesture. “I’m not blaming Theo or you. I doubt it has even occurred to Kylee or my mother that something could have happened to me. Which is why I’m –

D going to do you a favor – just tell them you didn’t find me. And don’t tell Kylee that I’m his mate. Ever.”

Her words weren’t bitter or meant to be snide. She was trying to tell him it was the best thing to do. I didn’t know why, but she did.

“I can’t lie to my Alpha, Ayla,” Briggs said quietly.

Ayla shrugged, picked up her crutches, and stood. “That’s up to you. But I want nothing to do with any of them. But I truly do hope that Kylee is happy, and I’m glad she and Ma will be taken care of.”

“And Theo?” Briggs asked as she started to leave.

She stopped and turned to him. “I hope he figures out that there’s always more than one side to any story. He’ll need that when he’s Alpha. But give my best to Alpha Torin and Luna Grace.”

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