Tahila knelt straight on the ground, her head lowered as she steadied herself, ready to face whatever punishment she would get for her actions.
Without hesitation, Kira closed the distance between them. She stopped in front of Tahila, reached down and gripped Tahila’s chin tightly, forcing Tahila’s head up.
Tahila flinched slightly, but did not resist. She may have had so much pride earlier, but at that moment, she was more worried about her life. She continued to stare into Kira’s cold, angry eyes, not averting her gaze.
“You don’t fight back now, do you?” Kira asked, her tone icy as she tightened her grip on Tahila’s chin, making it clear who held the power.
“I am not the same Kira Valen you know or have heard of whatsoever,” Kira declared, her voice low and filled with authority as her fingers pressed harder into Tahila’s jaw. She was going to make sure every word sunk in. “You will respect me and keep my family’s name out of your mouth. I demand respect, and I will get it.”
Then she leaned in closer, her voice dropping into a deadly whisper. “Cross me again, Tahila, and I will have your head.” She hissed. “And you know damn f*cking well I will.”
Forcing Tahila’s head upward until she could look at the night sky, Kira continued, her tone even colder than before. “Do not think this is mercy. You would have preferred being dead.”
Abruptly, she released Tahila’s chin, the force from the release making Tahila’s head jerk harshly. “Now, get out of my sight!” Kira snapped as she took a step back.
“Yes, Luna.” Tahila muttered as she scrambled to her feet, bowing deeply. “Thank you, Luna,” she muttered again before turning and leaving.
As Kira watched Tahila leave, she took a deep breath to calm herself. What Tahila had said about her parents being glad to be dead really pissed her off.
“But it’s okay,” she told herself. “It’s okay… just relax. This was good, this is good.”
After taking a moment to calm herself, Kira brushed a hand over her hair as she exhaled deeply. Straightening her posture, she glanced at the now quiet crowd, with every eye on her.
“Can I have a cup of wine, please? Ale? Anything?” she asked in a loud but calm way that reached the ears of the present. “I would like to make a toast.”
A woman with a kind smile, quickly stepped forward after going to get the wine. The woman held out a goblet of wine to Kira. “Here, Luna.”
Kira accepted it, a grateful smile on her face. “Thank you,” she said warmly as she turned back toward the field.
She lifted the goblet to her nose and took a sniff, before taking it away from her nose. From where she stood, her gaze swept the field until it landed on Bryan and Aiden.
She could clearly see the proud expressions on their faces and playfully, she winked at them, her confidence now fully restored. Then, she turned back to the pack members, her voice loud and clear.
“I do hope everyone has their cups full!” she announced, lifting her goblet high. “A toast!”
She paused briefly, watching as some pack members were still getting their cups filled, the anticipation building.
After some moments, she continued, “A toast to us!”
“A toast to us!” The crowd echoed as everyone with a drink raised it high.
Kira drank first, savoring the moment and the taste of the wine, before the crowd followed suit.
When she was done, she lowered her goblet, the sound of laughter filling the air. Kira spread her arms, a dazzling smile lighting her face as she exclaimed. “Let the party begin! Eat, drink, dance, have fun!”
Everyone howled in approval. Immediately drums beat to life, music playing, pack members dancing, others drinking, eating, talking, laughing, children running around and many more.
Kira’s smile grew as she watched her pack come alive. She turned and walked out of the field, her gaze fixed on her mates.
They were already standing, waiting for her with open arms and matching proud smiles as she walked up to them. As she reached them, they pulled her into a group hug. Their warmth wrapped around her, giving her just the right amount of comfort she needed.
Kira’s cheek rested against Bryan’s chest as Aiden’s arm tightened around her waist. “Whatever the result,” Bryan leaned down as he murmured, his voice filled with pride, “we will always be proud of you. And you did so damn good. The love of my life is so hot and badass,” he said with teasing admiration.
Kira laughed softly, her soft laugh vibrating against their chest as she hugged them tighter.
“I highly agree,” Aiden chimed in, his voice just as proud. “I was literally drooling.”
Kira’s laugh grew, muffled against their embrace, before she finally pulled back. She smiled so widely at them, her voice soft and with gratitude.
“Thank you,” she said to them.
“Always love,” Aiden said, smiling back as he and Bryan pecked the side of her head before she went on to meet Elara and Orion who hugged her and told her how proud they were of her.
The day ended with a feast. Everyone ate until it felt like their stomach would burst open. The pack was filled with music, dancing, conversations, stories shared, memories made, and friendships strengthened.
Later that night, Bryan, Aiden, and Kira found themselves in the bathtub. The bathroom was steamy, and water lapped gently against the tub’s edge.
Kira reclined comfortably, her back pressed to Aiden’s chest, while her legs were stretched out across Bryan’s lap. Her relaxed expression said it all: this was exactly where she wanted to be…it was exactly what she needed after a long, arduous day.
Aiden’s hands were on her shoulders, massaging them, his fingers kneading into her muscles. While Bryan, at the other end of the tub, worked his hands gently on her feet.
Kira sighed, a deep, satisfied sound. “Yes, right there,” she murmured, nearly moaning at how good it felt as she tilted her head slightly to the side. “Don’t stop, Aiden. Feels so good.”
“And Bryan, come on.” She said, cracking one eye open. “Put some effort into it. Twist my foot or something. Do it properly.”
“Really?” He asked in disbelief as his head snapped up to give her a look. “I thought we would be doing something completely different in here, not me working as your personal masseur. The bathroom is steamy and has a romantic feeling…you come on.”
“Quit whining, Bryan,” Kira said, ignoring his complaints. “Do it properly.”
Aiden, who was proud of how well he was doing, chuckled behind her at the way Bryan was acting. His hands moved like a professional, his thumbs pressing into her tense spots. Then, something came to his mind and he slipped one of his hands lower, ending it on her right breast.
Without even opening her eyes, Kira slapped Aiden’s hand a bit hard. “You better keep your hands where I asked,” she said, feeling unbothered.
Aiden huffed dramatically as he went back to work. “Fine,” he muttered. “But I was just trying to help you relax even more.”