Vivien
As the hours fly by, my apprehension continues to dwindle, gradually replaced by a growing sense of curiosity and fascination with my new surroundings. Kieran decided it was time to give me a proper tour of the pack and showcase their abundant wealth.
He’s not an arse, so I think he just wanted to reassure me that there was nothing to worry about. That my future was secure within the pack and his family's standing.
The fact alone makes me feel warm all over.
I never noticed how unfamiliar the feeling had been to me, how much it had evaded me. And now that I think about it, I don’t think Noxian ever made me feel this way.
Truly cherished, in such a way that the little things such as my safety mattered.
Ever since the kiss we shared earlier, things have felt different between us. One might say it’s too soon to tell, but I can feel it.
It’s like an imaginary boundary has been knocked down. The space around us pulses stronger. A simple glance shared feels like the air is being sucked out of my lungs and the only way to actually get a breath in is by grounding myself with his presence. It’s so surreal, as though all we’ve ever known is each other and any moment before then everything else seemed impossible.
I wonder what changed. Ever since I decided to give in to whatever this is, it’s like the mate bond has been feeding off my acceptance of our fate. Growing stronger, more potent.
If I wasn't able to resist him before, It’s a lot worse now, and I know he feels it too.
I find myself wondering why he hasn’t made a move. Why he hasn’t made any other advances besides the kiss. I know what the bond must be doing to him, how much it has to be affecting him. But then, I also know that even though initially Kieran had been annoying, pursuing me, he really does want me to be comfortable and happy.
I swallow hard. Thinking about us channels too many emotions into me at once. When I’m around him, I want nothing more than to touch his skin, to know what his body would feel like against mine. It’s so primal, so raw. And I can only imagine what it would be like for him.
A male, alpha blooded wolf.
What does he feel when he looks at me? How does his body react?
My eyes cut to him, studying his profile. He’s a male. In every sense of the word. Hard lines and rough edges. But still, so delicate and charming wherever I’m involved.
But I can’t help but wonder, when all his proper layers are peeled back, when the gentleman in him in pushed away from the fore front, what does he become?
My breasts grow heavy at the thought, a flush rising up my skin.
I shake my head to clear it. I don’t need to be thinking such thoughts right now.
Kieran leads me through his pack's territory once more. I marvel at the breathtaking landscapes that surround us as we move.
“You have a whole garden!” I’m surprised, but I shouldn't be. There are flowers of all types and sizes adding to the beauty of the space.
We continue deeper into his territory, and I have to constantly remind myself to pick my jaw off the floor. I mean I knew he was wealthy, but I was entirely unaware of the extent of it.
“Oh, wow!” I gasp. He takes my hand gently in his, ever his reassuring self as I take in the lush forests and meadows allocated exclusively to his pack's ownership. Kieran passionately describes the pack's commitment to preserving the land, highlighting their efforts to maintain harmony between nature and the pack's prosperity.
As we continue our tour, Kieran guides me towards a grand estate nestled among towering oak trees. The estate is unlike anything i’ve ever seen before. The grandeur of the architecture, the meticulously crafted details, and the sheer size of the estate leaves me in awe. Kieran smiles proudly as I marvel at his home.
He leans down, his words ghosting across my ear, “This is just the beginning, my love,” I fight a shudder, “Our family's wealth reaches far beyond this magnificent estate.”
“You mean your.” I tell him.
His hand cups the back of my neck gently, “I said our family, didn’t I?”
And my knees almost give out, right there and then.
With that, he leads me into the estate. Each room is adorned with priceless artwork and artifacts from what I imagine are different eras. He tries to explain the significance behind each piece, recounting stories of his ancestors' remarkable journeys and their contributions to the prosperity of their pack.
As we walk through the estate, I can’t fight the overwhelming gratitude I’m being faced with. Yet, amidst my fascination with all the material wealth, a sense of unease lingers in mind. I can’t shake off the nagging thought of whether or not I truly belong in his realm of abundance.
As if sensing my conflict, Kieran takes my hand in his, pivoting off our current path and leading me to a large study adorned with bookshelves and filled with ancient tomes.
“I understand your concerns,” he begins, “But I assure you, our wealth isn't just in possessions or material assets. It's in our legacy, our bonds, and our commitment to this pack. You are an integral part of that now.” He goes on to explain how his family, over the centuries, had carefully cultivated relationships with influential figures and built the pack's reputation not just within their territory but also throughout Texas. Kieran emphasizes that their wealth was not to be equated simply with material possessions but in the power and influence they wielded. The pack's prosperity was a testament to generations of hard work, resilience, and forward thinking. I listen intently, my apprehensions gradually melting away.
I begin to understand the weight of my role within this new-found world. It isn’t just about the opulence or grand estates; it’s about the responsibilities that come with their status. Maybe my worries are unfounded.
As we leave the study, Kieran’s grip on my hand remains sturdy.
“You possess all the qualities necessary to thrive in our world, my love.” He tells me, “Together, we will continue to build upon the foundation laid by our ancestors.”
A smile brightens my face, finally, a sense of belonging flooding into me. With new-found confidence, I’m going to look ahead, ready to embrace my new life and contribute to the remarkable legacy of their pack, seeing as how I’m a part of it now. Knowing that my worries were nonsensical and that I guess I do belong among the wealth of my mate's family.
“Mother.” Kieran suddenly states, his mouth thinning to a grim line.
Mother?
It’s only then that I notice the lithe woman, strolling casually towards us.
I had forgotten about her. Hell, I had forgotten that even though I might have won Kieran over without even lifting a hand, the same couldn’t be said for the rest of his family.
She’s graceful with her stride, walking unhurriedly, like it’s the responsibility of everyone else to remain patient.
“I didn’t expect to see you here.” Kieran says, “I thought you had no intention of attending the day’s event.”
Kieran’s mother is an exotic woman. I don’t think there’s another word to describe her. Black hair tumbles down her frame, silky, pin straight strands swaying at her waist. Tan, olive skin, unlike the paleness of her son brings out the onyx of her eyes. She has her hands clasped in front of her, pressing against the material of her elegant, satin green dress.
Although the woman has to be well over sixty, standing before me now, she doesn’t look a day older than thirty-five.
“I grew bored of my chambers,” her gaze sweeps over me, void of any emotion, “I was hoping to find some respite outdoors.”
I feel my palms grow clammy, and I fight the urge to wipe them on my dress. I know she’s not the most excited about welcoming me into her family, and now, standing in front of her, I’m unsure what to do.
My arm stretches out, “Hello, ma’aam,” I say, my voice betraying my emotions, “I’m Vivien.”
She stares at my outstretched hand, like she’s not sure what I expect her to do with it.
“Vivien?” She voices my name like a question. I smile wider, then hate myself for it, “Yes, that’s me.”
My hand hovers mid air as she turns to face her son. “Shall we discuss in private?”
Kieran cups my ignored hand in his, pulling it down as he steps closer to me, “Anything you need to say to me Mother, you can say in front of her.”
I feel my heart double in size.
His mother c***s a dark, thin brow, “Is that so?”
Kieran doesn’t offer a response, and her eyes cut back to me. I swallow, feeling nervous under the weight of her stare. She has dark eyes just like Kieran, and now I know what it would feel like if he ever looked at me in anything but a loving way.
“Very well then,” she says, her smile is nothing but teeth. “I’ve come to discuss your nuptials.”
I feel myself relax. She wants to talk about the wedding. So that means, she’s more or less sold to the idea.
“What about it mother? Vivien is able to arrange and articulate exactly how it is she wants things to go.”
Her eyes widen a fraction, but I don’t miss the unbidden glee in her gaze. “Don’t be silly, Kieran.” she says, “You and I are well aware of your brothers passing.”
“Your point?” Kieran grates, growing impatient for some reason. My eyes dart back and forth between mother and son.
“Well then you know my point,” she states, “Is that I’m here to discuss your mating ceremony with his widowed Luna. Elliana.”
Author Note
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What was that?????? What do you guys think of Kieran’s Mama?