Chapter 11

Kieran POV

“How are you doing, Kieran?” I was shocked to see Alpha Alaric standing between me and my convoy. I was shocked to see Alpha Alaric standing here; the last time I saw him was about a decade ago. 

“What do you want?” I asked him, knowing that he was here because of the deal we had ten years ago. I wonder why he’d show up like this. The last time I heard about him was when he was locked up in prison. 

“We should talk about the money you owe me.”

“I don’t owe you.”

“Alright then. I’m around, and you know what happens when you don’t give me what I want.” He marched out with his men and got into his convoy. 

I wondered why he showed up today of all days. If he wanted money, he would have contacted anyone at the office, but doing this would only get me pissed. 

“She should have stayed with me. Why did she disappear like that?”

“I think she’s not used to the cameras and attention that you’re getting.”

“This isn’t the first time, so why is she running away?” I looked at my chief guard; he should have gone after her the moment he saw her slipping out of the crowd. 

“Women change, she might have loved it before just to get on your good side because no one likes you when you’re pissed.” He replied and turned to his fellow soldier, who nodded in concession to his words. 

The act left me perplexed at that moment; I wasn’t thinking about them, but the fastest way to get Lyra back.

I was surprised to see Valeria standing at the entrance to my bedroom. I figured my father must have let her in despite my strict warning against letting anyone upstairs. 

“Hey, darling.” She spoke barely above a whisper, trying to sound seductive. Only if she knows how irritated I feel standing an inch away from her. 

She’s blocking me from entering my private space, and I have to go back and forth with her before she lets me in.  

“You never mentioned you were visiting my house, Valeria,” I replied as she blocked me yet again after I tried reaching for the door. 

“I wanted to surprise you.”

“I’m too old for surprises, so quit doing it.” I barked, pointing to the doorknob. 

She knew I was obviously tired of standing and exchanging words with her. 

“Come on, why are you so hard? I only came here because I missed you. You lit a fire inside of me and expected it not to burn…” I didn’t respond to her words and continued undressing, getting ready for dinner. 

“Alpha Kieran!” She roared, stomping on her feet. 

“What’s wrong with you, Valeria? I returned from work, not expecting to see you, and you expect me to be thrilled that you’re here. I have a lot on my mind right now, and this isn’t one of them.” I explained as she dragged my hand and wrapped it around her waist, embracing me in the process. 

She wouldn’t do this if Lyra were around. I’m certain that she’ll put Valeria in her place. Though my father wants us together, I can’t be with someone I don’t cherish. 

“The excitement I felt on my way here is what I expect from you because it’s a long way, yet I felt it every second.” She giggled, widening the smile on her face. 

“Nothing excites me anymore,” I replied hastily, excluding Lyra because she’s the only one who excites me, and she does that consistently. 

“Did something happen at the office? You can talk to me.”

“I’m fine, Valeria. I’m famished,d and I need to fill my stomach, ch so are we going or not?”

“Alright, let’s go then.” She held my hand so tight I could feel her desperation through my palms. 

I wish she’d realize that she has no future with me before it’s too late. 

“Father. We’re here.”

“Your lady came by, and you didn’t bother to say a word to me about it.” He let out before his council. I never wanted a dinner with everyone around, so they think Valeria and I are a thing when we’re not. 

“I never knew she was coming. She shows up unannounced, that’s Valeri,  and we have to get used to it.” I chuckled, stealing glances at both sides. 

“She changed the menu and supervised the preparation of the meal.” I wasn’t surprised when my father mentioned this, filling her with praises before the council. 

“Father, you don’t need to say all that.”

“I have to praise our future Luna because she deserves it, she has those leadership qualities, and she reminds me so much of…”

“Don’t do that,” I warned my father immediately because he knows how much I hate him comparing anyone to my late mother. 

“There’s nothing wrong with what I just said.”

“I’ve had enough. I’d find a spot to eat. Thank you for making me lose my appetite.” I replied and got up from the table, watching as Valeria was about to push her chair backwards. 

“I can come with you, Kieran.”

“Stay back and enjoy the meal that you prepared. I insist.” I growled calmly, not making it obvious to everyone that I was angry. 

She knows how chaotic I am when pissed off,ff my father had already stepped on my last nerve. 

“Get the driver, I’d like to have a meal outside the house.”

“Do you have a spot in mind?” I was startled by the driver creeping up behind me. 

“Have you been standing there?”

“Admiring the beauty of what I drive, I’d get to this level someday and own a sweet ride like this. You’re the boss of bosses, and I’m proud of being your chauffeur.” He led me to the SUV and ushered me in before turning around the car to the driver’s seat. 

How do I find a spot where I can have a good meal without being followed by the media?