Chapter 20 Seeing her with another man

KILLIAN

Just as the grating pop music playing in the upscale boutique began to burrow under my skin and overload my senses, Jason stepped over and worldlessly handed me his phone.

A notification was open on the screen, a message from Raphael.

I arched a brow and began to scan over it. It was a forwarded document regarding the various assessments Dominic was meant to undertake today.

As I looked it over, Riley came to mind. The tests were going to be time-consuming and thorough, which meant she would have plenty of time on her hands. My mouth tensed into a thin line at the thought.

I didn’t want any trouble like what had happened on the night of the full moon. The idea of her wandering somewhere she shouldn’t be filled me with a mix of irritation and light stress.

Jason seemed to follow my train of thought and spoke discreetly. “Lisa hasn’t reported anything worrisome, Alpha. She said the woman has been preoccupied with sorting through some online courses lately, and that she’d make sure that she doesn’t approach the forest again.”

“Killian?” Catherine called out, her melodious voice sweet and upbeat. “How does this look?”

I shifted my focus to her.

She stood just outside of the dressing room wearing a pretty lavender colored dress that hugged her perfect figure. I had to admit, she looked nice, and yet…

“It looks good,” I replied simply, but Catherine didn’t seem satisfied by that alone.

“Am I boring you?” she asked, her expression deflating a little as she smoothed down a strand of her dark hair. “You seem…  distracted.”

Catherine’s disappointment was obvious. I had learned long ago that ignoring such things only created unnecessary complications.

“No,” I assured her, lowering my voice just a little in an attempt to soothe her obvious nerves. “No, I was just looking through some documents. That really does look nice on you, I promise.”

In all honesty, I’d lost count of how many dresses Catherine had tried on today. She was searching for what she called the “perfect dress” for the welcoming party for the newly arrived Moon Ridge warriors in a few days.

The occasion, which had been Catherine’s idea, was meant to show goodwill between my Pack and hers, and all of Iron Cliff was excited for the celebration. We hadn’t had any kind of celebration or party since my coronation, so all were looking forward to it.

I wasn’t particularly interested in parties, but as long as it cheered up the Pack and strengthened the alliance between Iron Cliff and Moon Ridge, I had no objections. Besides, it seemed like Catherine was eager for it, and it was my job to make sure that she felt welcome and happy.

She considered my answer for a moment and then nodded before heading back into the dressing room. I gave the document one last scan and then tucked the phone away, reminding myself that I needed to be more present with her.

Catherine emerged a few minutes later, dressed in the well-tailored pants and expensive blouse that fit her like a glove that she’d been wearing all day. Not a single dress remained in her arms, which told me that this boutique was just as fruitless as the others had been.

She looked dejected as we exited the boutique and got into the car, but I couldn’t tell if it was just from the dress shopping or something else. She was a bit difficult to read, and as she smoothed down her thick dark curls, I cleared my throat.

“I’ve made a reservation at a restaurant downtown,” I mentioned. “I think you’re going to like it. The food is excellent, and it’s very private.”

Catherine nodded without a word.

I studied her for a moment and then adjusted in my seat, a little uncomfortable. I wasn’t sure what was wrong, but I wasn’t idiot enough to think all was well. Still, I wasn’t a mind reader.

As the car drove through the city, I decided to give her some quiet time until finally, she spoke up.

“I won’t change my mind, Killian,” she said.

My brows furrowed together, and I looked over at her. “What do you mean?”

Determination crossed her pretty features, and her manicured hand gently found my forearm.

“No matter what my father said to you… my thoughts on the matter haven’t changed,” she continued.

It took me a moment to understand what she was talking about, and then it occurred to me.

I had spoken with her father, Alpha Bradley, regarding Dominic and presented the circumstances to him in a very factual but calm sort of way. As I told him about Dominic’s illness and other such conditions, Bradley appeared understanding at the time, and yet…

He was hesitant about me marrying his daughter.

“I care deeply for my little girl,” he’d said to me that night. “I don’t want her to have to become a stepmother so young.”

I understood his hesitation. Stepping into a marriage with someone who has a child born out of wedlock wasn’t an easy ask, but I couldn’t give up on Dominic. I had been absent in his life until now, and I wasn’t going to disappear from his life now that I was here.

The engagement was a strained subject now, but frankly… I didn’t exactly mind. In fact, it was almost a relief. An engagement was the last thing I wanted to think about among all of the other issues I was currently dealing with.

Catherine bit her lip. “I know you have a child, and I don’t mind it at all.”

I sighed softly. “Your father has raised some valid concerns, and I have to agree with him in some ways. It’s unfair for you to step into a messy situation like this.”

“I don’t care what my father thinks,” she stated firmly. “He’s not the one who gets to decide my fate, I am. I happen to love children, and I’m sure I’d get along well with your son. What’s his name?”

“Dominic,” I answered.

“Dominic,” she echoed sweetly. “How nice. My father mentioned… that he’s dealing with some sort of illness? Should we visit a toy store and find him something new to play with? I’m good with pups and cheering them up.”

“That’s kind of you to ask, but this isn’t anything you need to worry about,” I assured her.

Catherine’s expression fell a bit. “I… I just… want to help.”

“I know you mean well,” I said. “But – ”

I stopped mid-sentence when something across the street caught my attention. Through the window of a cafe, I could see Riley seated across from a man in a sleek suit.

What in the world was she doing there?

“Stop the car,” I ordered Jason.

As Jason pulled over, Catherine sat up straighter and followed my gaze.

“Do you know those humans?” she asked in confusion.

I remained silent, but as the man’s hands touched Riley’s long hair, anger suddenly coursed through me. There was a familiar intimacy there, and it was almost enough to send me over the edge.

“No,” I said tightly. “I don’t. I must have mistaken them for someone else.”

Without another word, I motioned for Jason to drive on.