Chapter 16

Kieran POV 

What’s he doing here? I never knew Alaric would show up again. He wants to be everywhere I am, trying to create a fuss that no one is seeing. 

I knew Lyra was worried when she saw him because he’s the reason why she left that day, but I was surprised when she held my hand and danced with me. 

Lyra acted like he wasn’t there, and I was the only one. She danced more than before. It felt like she had mastered every step I taught her back in my office. 

I didn’t even realize that everyone had stopped dancing and focused their attention on us. When the music stopped, I looked into her eyes and planted a kiss on her lips before turning around to see Valeria and her father sitting at the place reserved for them. 

“Now that’s what we call a dance that will be remembered. You did well at your  first trial, Lyra.” My father praised her. 

“This is my second trial. He showed me the steps, and I copied them. It’s simple logic, nothing to be worried about.” I pulled out the seat for her and watched Valeria watching my every move like a stalker, and it felt good leaving her in that position. 

“I think she’s questioning herself so much.” 

“That’s what you’re doing to her, not me,” I replied as she planted a kiss on my right cheek to spite her the more. 

“Boss, Alpha Alaric wants to speak to you.” One of my soldiers mentioned calmly and made sure my father didn’t hear what he said. 

I followed him to where Alpha Alaric was waiting with two of his men. He was standing close to his convoy. 

“What do you want, Alaric?” I asked before removing my jacket so I’d be able to defend myself if he throws his hand at me. 

“I’d like to have your lady. She dances so well,l and you’ve got someone in your life. Her name is Valeria, she made mention of you getting married to her in a few months.” He was speaking about her. 

“That lady in there is not just my lady. She’s my wife.” I said it plainly to him so he’d listen to every word I said. 

“If she’s your wife, why don’t I see a ring on her finger? She’s nothing but one of your playthings.”

“She’s not my plaything. She’s someone who holds a lot of value in my life and beyond. You can have Valeria and make her yours, but Lyra is off limits. If you love your head resting on your shoulder, then stay away from her.” I threatened him with no form of respect. 

“Alpha Kieran, I want you to understand that your lady isn’t yours until you’re married to her. I’d try to get her for myself, and if it works, then you’d have no choice but to stick with Valeria. She’s yours.” He clasped his hands and got into the back of his SUV.  

I watched him leave the venue, but deep down I knew I was up against Alaric. He doesn’t know that Lyra and I signed a one-year contract. 

“I’m going to treat her with so much care that she would never think of another man. She won’t even say a word to Alaric once she’s overwhelmed by my gestures.“ I muttered to myself as I watched Valeria walk out of the building and scan her eyes over the parking lot. 

She walked up to me, wearing a wide smile on her face, and she wrapped her hands around me before saying;

“I see you dancing with that lady. I’m sure she’s a lady you picked up at one of those brothels, you and I know how much we love dancing to that song.”

“Her name is Lyra, haven’t you met her before? Why were you shocked when you saw her?” I inquired as she broke the embrace so she could stand beside me. 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”  She denied, arousing suspicion in my mind. 

“You were shocked the moment you saw her. She went away for two days and returned. It doesn’t make you happy, right?”

“Alpha Kieran, we’ve come through thick and thin for you to let that thing come in between us.” She placed her hand on my chest.

“Valeria, the thing is…”

“Don’t say that…” She stopped me with a kiss, and at that time,e Lyra strolled out of the event accompanied by my father and the guests. 

“My lipstick is all over your lips.” I pulled out my handkerchief immediately to wipe off whatever was on my lips. 

I left her standing there in shock and went to meet Ly,ra who was standing at our convoy. They were all waiting for me. 

“You just stood up and left without saying a word, ord and that creeps me.” She expressed as she got into the back seat of the SUV. 

“I was handling business,” I replied before joining her. 

“Guess that’s the reason why your white handkerchief has red stains on it, it’s not blood, right?” She pointed to the handkerchief. 

“Can I take a look?” She added, trying to reach for it, but I stopped her. 

“You don’t need to know what’s in there. I’m fine, and that’s all you need.” I replied and tossed the handkerchief outside the window. 

She rested her head on my chest and then placed her left hand on mine. 

“Did you make out with Valeria?” She stammered, 

“Why would I hurt you in that manner?” I answered with a question of mine. 

“It’s a contract that binds us. We’re not married,ried so you’re free to do whatever you want with her.” She chuckled as she placed her index finger on my lip. 

“When you want to cover your tracks, make sure you do a perfect job. Your heart is racing.” She raised her head and returned to her former position. 

“She…”

“You don’t owe me an explanation. I’m only a tool to you for one year. Once I get paid, I’ll leave, and this would all be over, so you can spend your remaining days with Valeria.” 

How do I let her know that I have no feelings for Valeria?