Chapter 10
1134 Words
Kaelani POV
Life went back to normal—at least as normal as it could, considering everything that was going on.
I’ve been focusing on my classes and my grades, because no matter what’s happening around me, the goals are still the same. I’m in my room getting ready for school when my dad knocks once and steps inside.
“Hey, nugget,” he says. “Do you have a minute?”
“Always for you, Daddy,” I say, sitting on the edge of my bed.
“Your mother and I have been trying to let you figure this magic thing out on your own,” he says carefully, “but your mother is worried.”
“I understand that you and Mom are worried,” I say. “But I’m fine. I have everything under control. Grandma says I picked it up very quickly.”
He studies me for a moment, then nods. “We’re going back to our training sessions. You’ve been missing them. No more.”
“Yes, sir,” I say.
“Have a good day at school,” he adds, kissing my forehead.
“I will, Daddy.”
“Oh—and Mr. Hall says you’re doing well in the tournament,” he says as he heads for the door. “I can’t wait to see you in action for myself. I’m proud of you, nugget.”
He leaves, and Nyra stirs.
Training with him will be good for us again, she says.
“I know,” I reply as I grab my bag and head out to meet Kaia at the car.
It’s been a few days since Nyra and I came to the conclusion that Kieran is our mate—and I’ve cried about it more than once.
In the car, I take a deep breath. “I have to tell you something.”
“Well, spit it out,” Kaia says. “Don’t make me beg.”
“Kieran is my mate.”
She doesn’t even blink. “Oh, I knew that already.”
I stare at her. “You knew—and didn’t say anything?”
“Lani,” she says gently, “his wolf called out to you in front of half the students and faculty. That doesn’t happen unless a wolf is being deprived of their mate.”
I shake my head. “You could’ve told me.”
“You have to reject him,” she says quietly. “And I didn’t know how to say that to you.”
She sighs. “I know Liam suspects something, but he’s in denial.”
“Yeah,” I say. “He’ll find out eventually. Just not yet.”
She brightens suddenly. “So I know this is probably the worst timing, but Savannah from Silverbrook is throwing a party Saturday night. The whole school’s invited. And we have to go. Liam can see you, get extra cute, and drool.”
“It’ll be fun,” she adds quickly.
We should go, Nyra says. Distractions are good sometimes, Lani.
I hesitate, then sigh. “Fine.”
When we pull up to the school, chaos greets us.
“What the hell is happening?” I ask, jumping out of the car.
We push through the crowd, and my heart drops.
Kieran and Liam are in the middle of the courtyard, fists flying. Two teachers are struggling to pull them apart.
Principal Rivers comes barreling out of the school. “Enough!” he bellows.
Everything freezes.
The teachers finally separate them.
“Would someone care to explain why two Alpha heirs from two of the most respected packs are fighting in my school?” Principal Rivers demands.
“He attacked me for no reason,” Liam snaps. “I was just standing there talking, and he tackled me.”
“Mr. Vale,” Principal Rivers says sharply, “is this true?”
“I lost control of my wolf,” Kieran grits out, sweat beading down his face. “It was an accident.”
I start backing away toward the building.
“You two will come to my office,” Principal Rivers says. “And we’ll be calling your fathers. This school has zero tolerance for fighting.”
“But he attacked me!” Liam shouts.
“Office. Now, Mr. Grey,” Rivers snaps, turning toward the doors.
Kaia and I duck into a nearby classroom so neither of them sees me.
Of course, Kieran smells me anyway.
He looks straight at the door as he passes.
“Oh my God,” Kaia whispers. “That was insane. Kieran is losing it.”
“No,” I say quietly as we step back into the hall. “It’s Atlas. He wants his mate, but the spell makes Kieran want the opposite. And Atlas knows Liam likes me—and wants more from me—so he attacked him.”
“What are we going to do?” she asks. “Your birthday is months away, and he’s getting worse. I’m sure Aliza is too.”
“I just have to try harder to stay away from him,” I say.
“Yeah,” she mutters. “Good luck with that when his wolf is literally seeking you out.”
“Find me later,” she says, heading toward her class.
I stand at my locker for a moment, trying to steady myself.
Then my body goes heavy.
He’s close, Nyra warns.
I turn.
Kieran is standing down the hall, gripping the wall like he’s barely holding himself upright. His whole body is trembling.
I start toward him.
Don’t, Kaelani, Nyra warns.
I keep going anyway.
“Kieran,” I say.
His entire body locks up.
“Kae,” he grits out, fingers digging into the wall.
I take another step.
“No,” he growls, eyes flashing between his own and Atlas’s.
“Kieran,” I whisper, tears burning. “I can help you. I just need more time.”
“I don’t want you to help me,” he pants.
Atlas surges forward.
No, he roars, trying to take a step toward me—
—and Kieran collapses.
I rush to him and kneel, but the moment I reach him, he grabs my arm.
“You can’t,” he gasps, his whole body shaking.
“Let me help you up,” I beg through sobs.
“No,” he chokes out. “It’s worse when you’re close. Please… go.”
“Kieran—”
“GO!” he roars.
I stumble back, tears streaming down my face.
“Nyra,” I whisper.
There is nothing we can do right now, she says softly. Just walk away.
So I do.
I leave him there, alone in the middle of the hallway, shaking and in pain.
- Writer
