Kieran’s POV
My entire body shook with rage. I rarely ever lost my temper, I could safely say that I have never felt this type of anger. The closest thing I have ever felt to this was the way I felt when Lucas killed everyone I ever loved. But still, that anger was different, it stemmed from pain. This one stemmed from irritation and envy. I hated the feeling so much. But still, somewhere deep down, there was that constant fear. Fear that he would actually accept her and leave me cold and alone.
Just like magic, that thought alone sent chills down my spine and I fought the urge to shiver.
When Sabrina boldly interrupted Xander at the risk of her neck, I did not know what to expect. I knew it would be something crazy but I definitely did not see this level of crazy coming.
I looked around and my heart ached as I watched everyone happily clapping, with sounds of support. I was never going to win with these people. They wanted her, not me. And even if I had a chance, she quite literally just snatched it away from me. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat as I waited for Xander’s response. His face was unreadable as he watched the drama unfold. I glanced back at Sabrina. If I didn’t know better, I would argue that she was handling this pretty well, but knowing her, that slight clench of her jaw made me know that she was also very nervous.
“Sabrina.” Xander suddenly said, his voice slicing through my thoughts, and the entire hall went quiet. He had been quiet for so long, I didn’t even know what to expect. I held my breath, awaiting his answer.
He paused for a few seconds before he added “No.”
First, shock…and then, relief. The realization flooded my system with relief.
Gasps filled the hall like air.
“What?” Sabrina’s voice pulled my attention back to her. She looked shocked to say the least.
“You can’t be…”
“No.” He cut her off again, his voice firmer than the last time.
“I refuse your proposal” he said, loud and clear.
I snuck a glance at the crowd. From their wide eyes, it was obvious no one expected that response from him. There was something else in their eyes. It looked like a mix of confusion and empathy. They felt pity for her. I almost sighed in defeat.
I had been pushing it out of my mind for the longest time, but that didn’t make it any less true.
I looked at her again and for some reason, my heart ached for her. She looked completely torn. Yes, she had been so mean to me but even if she never considered me a friend, at some point, I did, I considered her a friend.
So, a part of me unwillingly cared.
I knew she must have been so crushed.
I hated to agree with Sabrina, but she had a point. She really had been with this pack right from the very beginning. She and Xander had grown up together. They were close, so close that she had abandoned her own family and pack, just to be with Xander.
Her father’s status as the Alpha of another pack wasn’t even luxurious enough to change her mind. She preferred to be by his side, and it only made me wonder why I didn’t suspect this at all.
My stomach churned once again.
Both of them had been together for years, even though it wasn’t a romantic relationship. Judging by how long it took for him to find me, I could make a quick and accurate guess that over time, he must have preferred loyalty to love.
But he still chose me.
I knew how I felt before I found him. I always yearned and prayed that the moon goddess would bring him as quickly as possible. Considering how long he had to wait, I would understand if he had conflicted feelings.
Because in that waiting period, he had someone by his side. Even though he might not have seen Sabrina in that manner, it did nothing to reverse the fact that Sabrina had feelings for him.
Sabrina had feelings for Xander.
Suddenly, it all made sense. Why she wanted me out of the mansion, and why she was so mad after our little run in at the market.
I felt all of the air seep out of my lungs. My chest tightened and my vision blurred for the next couple of seconds. I knew I had messed up by not noticing it earlier, and even though I didn’t want to admit it, it was already too late to do anything. Now, I just had to hope that the future would somehow favour me.
I completely understood her anger now. In her eyes, I’m the crazy slut that stole him from her.
“Xander…”Sabrina’s voice cut through my thoughts. It sounded so weak.
“No.” Xander said again before getting up.
Xander had refused. He had said no over and over again. He chose me. Truly.
My gaze darted from Xander’s face to Sabrina’s. While Xander’s face held no inch of regret, a variety of emotions danced on Sabrina’s face.
They ranged from shock, to fear, and even anger. She was in literal pain, but I couldn’t help the relief that flooded my veins.
“I refuse.” Xander added again, like she needed any confirmation.
While Sabrina stood rooted to her spot, Xander’s hands found mine immediately, and with a gentle tug, he pulled me up, so I was standing next to him.
“Now, for my announcement.” he started, completely ignoring her.
I was yet to gauge the crowd’s reaction after Xander’s response, but it didn’t take too much to figure out that the majority didn’t like his verdict. I could see it in their faces, and the wary glances they threw at me. All of that and more made me feel weird, but I swallowed all of my emotions instead.
“Before I was interrupted.” Xander’s voice rang through the crowd.
“I had an announcement of my own to make. Tonight, I didn’t come here alone and it was intentional. I see no better time than to introduce you all to my mate, and your future Luna, Kieran” he said.
The silence that followed after was deafening. I expected nothing less, but a small part of me had just hoped that maybe, they would be welcome to the idea of choosing me over Sabrina since I was his actual mate.
But I was wrong, very wrong.
“Did I stutter?” Xander must have noticed the situation of things and swooped in immediately. “From today onwards, Kieran is the new Luna of our pack and you will all treat her with the respect she deserves”
One by one, I watched their heads bow in reverence. It was supposed to feel nice but it didn’t. I ignored the holes that Sabrina was burning into my head.
If I thought this was somewhat over, then clearly I was just being delusional.