Chapter 35
835words
Kieran and I develop an easy routine—waking together, sharing meals when possible, spending evenings in conversation or passion. Our bond strengthens daily, a warm presence that feels like home.
"You're different," Thea observes one afternoon as we walk through the gardens. "Lighter somehow."
"I feel lighter," I admit. "Like I've put down a weight I didn't know I was carrying."
"It's more than just Marcus being gone." She gives me a knowing look. "It's Kieran too. You two are disgustingly happy together."
I laugh, unable to deny it. "Is it that obvious?"
"To everyone with eyes." She bumps my shoulder playfully. "The pack's taking bets on when you'll make it official."
"The full moon ritual, you mean?" I'm not surprised the pack knows our plans—little stays secret for long in such a close community.
"Mmm." She nods. "Though not everyone's thrilled about it."
I slow my steps. "What do you mean?"
Thea hesitates, then sighs. "I probably shouldn't say anything, but... Lyra's been making some noise."
"Kieran's cousin?" I frown, remembering the beautiful wolf from the Blackthorn pack, the way she'd looked at Kieran with such familiarity. "What kind of noise?"
"Just... comments. About how fast things are moving between you two. About your past with Marcus." Thea looks uncomfortable. "She arrived yesterday with Elena to help prepare for the ritual."
"I didn't know they were here." A knot forms in my stomach. "What exactly has she been saying?"
"Nothing directly challenging," Thea assures me. "Just implications. That you might not be ready for a permanent bond after Marcus. That Kieran might be rushing into something without thinking it through."
The concerns echo my own early doubts, making them sting more than they should. "And the pack? Do they agree with her?"
"No." Thea's response is immediate and firm. "Everyone can see how good you are for each other. How happy he is with you."
I nod, trying to shake off the unease. "I should talk to Kieran about this."
"Don't let her get to you," Thea advises. "Lyra's had feelings for Kieran for years. This isn't about you—it's about her disappointment."
Despite Thea's reassurance, the conversation leaves me unsettled. I've been so wrapped up in my happiness with Kieran that I haven't considered how others might view our relationship—especially those who've known him longer than I have.
I find Kieran in his study that afternoon, reviewing territory reports with Nora. He looks up when I enter, his face immediately brightening.
"Perfect timing," he says, standing to greet me. "We were just finishing."
Nora excuses herself with a knowing smile, leaving us alone. Kieran pulls me into his arms, pressing a kiss to my forehead.
"Everything okay?" he asks, sensing my mood through our bond. "You feel... worried."
"I just heard that Elena and Lyra arrived yesterday," I say, watching his reaction carefully. "For the ritual."
"Ah." He nods. "Yes, they got in late. I was going to tell you at dinner."
"Thea says Lyra's been... expressing concerns. About us."
Kieran sighs, running a hand through his hair. "I should have known she'd say something. Lyra has always been... protective."
"Of you?" I step back slightly, needing space to think. "Or of her own interests?"
His eyebrows rise at my directness. "What did Thea tell you exactly?"
"That Lyra's had feelings for you for years. That she's questioning whether I'm ready for a permanent bond after Marcus."
Kieran's expression softens. "And are you? Questioning it?"
"No," I say firmly. "I know what I want. What I'm asking is whether you've been clear with Lyra about what you want."
"Crystal clear," he assures me. "For years. Lyra and I grew up together, and yes, there was an expectation in both packs that we might eventually mate. But I never encouraged those expectations."
"But you never directly discouraged them either," I guess.
He has the grace to look slightly abashed. "I didn't want to hurt her. She's family, and the alliance between our packs is important."
"And now?" I press. "With the ritual so close?"
"Now I'll make it absolutely clear, if I haven't already." He steps closer, taking my hands in his. "Selene, there is no question in my mind. You are who I want. The only one I want."
The sincerity in his voice, the warmth flowing through our bond, eases my concerns. "I'm not jealous," I clarify. "I just don't want complications for the ritual. Or for the pack."
"There won't be," he promises. "I'll speak with Lyra today."
True to his word, Kieran arranges a formal dinner that evening with Elena and Lyra. I dress carefully in a simple blue dress that brings out my eyes, Kieran's mother's pendant around my neck.
"You look beautiful," Kieran says when I join him outside the dining room. "Ready for this?"
"As I'll ever be," I reply, taking his offered arm.
