KEIRAN’s POV.
I paced back and forth in my dimly lit chamber, my mind racing with thoughts of Kaida. I couldn’t shake the feeling that Kaida was up to something, that would consequently lead to her slipping through my fingers, and it Pissed me off. How could she cheat on me, after everything I’d done for her?
Just then, a soft knock was heard on the door of my chambers.
“Come in,” I said, already knowing who it was.
The door creaked open and Kaida walked in.
“Kaida, my dear, what’s going on?” I asked, my voice laced with concern, as I poured myself another glass of whiskey.
She sat on the couch, her hands on her lap. “Nothing, Keiran. Just tired, that’s all.” Her voice was, unconvincing. I could sense the hesitation in her words.
I narrowed my eyes, my grip on the glass tightening, almost like I would break it. She was hiding something. I could sense it. “Tired? You’re not yourself, Kaida. You’re distant. What’s bothering you?” I took a step closer, my eyes on hers.
She sighed and sagged her shoulders. “I don’t know, Keiran. I just feel like I’m stuck in this never-ending cycle. Your plans, your schemes… I don’t know if I can keep up the charade anymore.” Her voice cracked and her eyes welled up with tears.
I felt a mix of emotions, shock and anger. How dare she question me? I’ve given her everything. Power, protection, wealth, I have been at her back in running that pack of hers … What more could she possibly want? “Charade? Do you think our alliance is a charade? I’ve given you everything, Kaida. What more do you want?” I spat the words, my rage rising.
“I want out, Keiran. I want to be free of your manipulation, your control.” She stood up, her hands shaking, and for a moment, I thought she might slap me. “This whole thing about thing Kael is just dumb and hopeless!”
I gritted my teeth at her words. Does she think she can just walk away? Think again. “You’ll never be free, Kaida. You’re mine now. And if you think you can just walk away… Think again.” I took a step closer, my eyes never leaving hers.
Kaida’s eyes dropped, her shoulders sagging in defeat. She knew she couldn’t win against me, not yet.
“I am sorry baby, I did not mean to scare you,” I said, taking deep breaths after each word to calm myself down. “You … you need some time off. Some time away from all this to clear your head. I know you can get too emotional or even left out sometimes but I will try my best to take you along in everything I do. Okay.” I said and slowly caressed her cheeks.
“I need some fresh air,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Her words and body language made it clear that she was tired of me and wanted some time alone. My presence must be suffocating for her to be this bored and distant around me.
I nodded, my smile growing wider. “Take a walk, Kaida. Clear your head. But remember, you’re mine. And I always get what’s mine.” My voice was low and husky, a friendly reminder of the power I held over her.
She nodded, her hands balled into fists by her side, but she said nothing. She turned and left the chamber, her limping more obvious than usual. I watched her go, my eyes narrowing as I realized why she was limping. She had been with him again, that insolent pup. My anger threatened to consume me.
How dare she cheat on me? How dare she betray me like this? I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, my body shaking with fury. I took a step forward, my fists clenched at my sides. I wanted to go after her, to confront her about this. But I controlled myself, my mind racing with plans of how to replace her in this game if she proved to be too stubborn.
I would deal with her later. First, I had to take care of the pup. He was the one who had been poisoning her mind, turning her against me.
I turned back to the desk, my eyes scanning the papers, documents, and photos of female wolves scattered across the desk. I had to find a way to keep her in line, to make her see things my way. And I knew just the thing.
My smile grew wider. Oh, Kaida. You have no idea what’s coming. Do you think you can cheat on me, betray me? I’ll show you the true meaning of power.
I pocketed a dagger and stormed out of my chamber. I knew exactly where to find the pup. I have always seen Kaida snooping around the old oak clearing, so he must be there. That should be their meeting point.
And as expected, I found him in the old oak clearing. But as I approached, I realized my mistake. He wasn’t a pup at all. He was a full-grown wolf.
Asher, the beta of the rival pack.
But I was mad beyond reasoning. I would take care of him now.
“You’re the one who’s been poisoning Kaida’s mind,” I snarled, my hackles raised as I approached him.
Asher turned to face me, a small smirk on his face. “Took you long enough.” He sneered
“What do you mean?” I hissed.
“I’ve been showing her the truth,” he said, his voice steady. “You’re a tyrant, Keiran. And she deserves better.” Asher hissed.
How dare he question my leadership? I lunged at him, teeth bared. Asher met me head-on, and we clashed in a blur of fangs, claws, and fur.
But Asher was no match for a hybrid like me. Using a few tricks, Asher stopped raining blows on me and staggered, as he tried to escape from me, but I had no plans of letting him live.
I brought out my dagger and drove it through his chest, pulled out, and repeated till his cries of pain and anguish seized.
I stood over Asher’s lifeless body, my face, chest, and arms covered in his blood.
“Keiran!”