Chapter 36
1041words
"Thank you," I say, genuinely pleased to see her again. "It's good to have you here for the ritual."
Lyra's greeting is cooler, though perfectly polite. "Selene. You're looking well."
"As are you," I reply, noting the elegant green dress that complements her auburn hair and amber eyes. She is undeniably beautiful, and the easy grace with which she moves speaks of her pure bloodline.
Dinner starts pleasantly enough, with Elena carrying most of the conversation—updates on the Blackthorn pack, questions about our preparations for the ritual, stories from Kieran's childhood that make him groan good-naturedly.
It's during dessert that Lyra finally broaches the subject that's clearly on her mind.
"The mating ritual is quite intense," she says, her tone casual but her eyes sharp as they meet mine. "Especially for wolves who've experienced... trauma with previous bonds."
The table falls silent. Kieran tenses beside me, but I place a hand on his arm, silently telling him I can handle this.
"I appreciate your concern," I say, keeping my voice even. "But I'm well prepared for the ritual."
"Of course," Lyra continues. "It's just that rushed decisions after traumatic experiences can sometimes lead to... regrets."
"There's nothing rushed about our decision," Kieran interjects, his patience clearly wearing thin.
"Isn't there?" Lyra challenges. "You've known each other what, two months? After years of Selene being bound to another alpha? That's quite a transition."
"Lyra," Elena warns, but her daughter ignores her.
"I'm only thinking of the pack," Lyra insists. "A mating bond between alphas affects everyone, not just the two of you."
"You're right," I say, surprising everyone at the table. "It does affect the pack. Which is why I've spent these past weeks getting to know them, becoming part of them, earning their trust."
Lyra blinks, clearly not expecting my calm response.
"As for the timing," I continue, "some bonds form over years. Others form in an instant. Kieran and I have both lived enough to know the difference between fleeting attraction and something real."
"Well said," Elena murmurs approvingly.
Lyra's eyes narrow slightly. "And your bond with Marcus? You thought that was real too, once."
"Enough," Kieran says, his voice carrying the edge of alpha command. "You're out of line, Lyra."
"I'm only saying what others are thinking," she protests. "Your judgment where Selene is concerned isn't exactly objective, Kieran."
"My judgment is perfectly clear," he counters. "Clearer than it's ever been."
The tension at the table is palpable. I take a deep breath, deciding to address the real issue head-on.
"Lyra," I say gently, "I understand your concerns come from caring about Kieran and the pack. But they also come from your own feelings for him."
Her eyes widen in surprise, then narrow in anger. "That's not—"
"It's alright," I interrupt. "It's natural to care for someone you've known your whole life, someone you thought might someday be yours."
"Selene," Kieran starts, but I squeeze his hand, asking him to let me finish.
"If I were in your position, I'd probably feel the same way," I tell Lyra. "But I'm not a threat to your relationship with Kieran. I'm not trying to come between family bonds or pack alliances."
"Then what are you trying to do?" Lyra asks, some of the hostility leaving her voice.
"Love him," I say simply. "Make him happy. Build a life and a future together."
The sincerity in my voice seems to reach her. She studies me for a long moment, then looks at Kieran, seeing the way he watches me with undisguised love.
"You really do love her," she says to him, sounding faintly surprised.
"With everything I am," Kieran confirms.
Lyra sighs, the fight going out of her. "I suppose I've been... difficult."
"A bit," Elena agrees dryly.
"I just wanted to be sure," Lyra explains, looking at me with new eyes. "That this was real. That you weren't... using him somehow."
"I understand," I say, and I do. After Marcus's manipulation, I know how important it is to protect those you care about. "And I respect your loyalty to him."
The tension around the table eases. Elena skillfully changes the subject to ritual preparations, and the rest of the evening passes more pleasantly.
Later, as Kieran and I walk back to our quarters, he pulls me close. "You handled that beautifully," he says, pressing a kiss to my temple. "I was ready to throw her out."
I laugh softly. "That wouldn't have helped. She needed to see us together, to understand what we have is real."
"And did she? Understand?"
"I think so." I lean into his embrace. "She loves you, in her way. She just wants you to be happy."
"I am happy," he murmurs against my hair. "Happier than I've ever been."
In our room, as we prepare for bed, Kieran watches me with a thoughtful expression. "You weren't bothered by Lyra's questions? About Marcus?"
I consider this as I change into a nightgown. "They stung," I admit. "But they weren't entirely unfair. I did think what I had with Marcus was real, at first."
"This is different," Kieran says, coming to stand behind me, his hands gentle on my shoulders. "You know that, right?"
I turn in his arms, meeting his concerned gaze. "I do know. That's how I could answer her so calmly. Because there's no doubt in my mind about us."
The worry in his eyes fades, replaced by something warmer. "No doubts in mine either."
His kiss is tender, reverent, a physical affirmation of the bond growing between us. When he lifts me into his arms, carrying me to our bed, I go willingly, eagerly.
Later, as we lie tangled together in the afterglow, I trace the scars on his chest thoughtfully. "Do you think Lyra will cause problems for the ritual?"
"No," he says confidently. "She may not be happy about it, but she respects pack tradition too much to interfere."
"Good." I rest my head on his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat. "Because I can't wait to be yours. Officially."
His arms tighten around me. "You already are," he murmurs. "In every way that matters."
