31

“You still haven't told him,” Kali reminded Kiara as soon as they dropped off at the training ground, and Kiara let her lips slowly part, allowing a gush of air to pass through.

The truth is that she did try to tell him, but she had no idea how to explain to him because Kali refused to explain anything to her.

“It's been two days, Kiara. The meeting is in a day, you have to tell him.”

“But you haven't told me why I need to get my scent masked.”

“It is to protect you, your scent is all part of the reason they requested an audience with you.”

Devon, who was already marching inside, paused and frowned when he noticed he was walking alone. His eyes darted around for Kiara, and his frown deepened when he noticed her just standing and staring. He could tell she was conversing with her wolf, and he couldn't help but notice how frequent her conversations with her wolf had gotten, but most importantly, how unaware and off-guard she seemed to be whenever she was conversing with her. That was a weakness, and if not managed, it was sure to get them in trouble.

“I guess this is another opportunity to teach and learn,” he mumbled and crept up to her as quietly and discreetly as possible.

Once he made it behind her without alerting, he reached out to grab her, but just before he could get a hold of her, Kiara moved out of his reach and grabbed his hand instead. Just as quickly, she twisted his arm to his back, and despite the pain shooting up his arm, a smile graced his face.

“I didn't think you were aware of your situation.”

“I will always be aware of someone trying to sneak up on me, and given how you’ve drilled me the past few days-” she twisted his arm even further, and only released him when the smile on his face gave way for a grimace, “it would be a shame if someone was to sweep me off my feet like that.”

Massaging his shoulders, Devon faced her, smiling. “Good to know I'm an excellent teacher. Now, will you tell me why you've been in your head so much? Something is obviously bothering you, tell me.”

Hoping to seize the opportunity and finally tell him, Kiara opened her mouth, but no words came out. She had no clue what to say if he started asking questions.

“What are we learning today?” she asked instead, then brushed past him to walk ahead. 

Devon stared at her back, then caught up with two jogs. He wasn't going to force her to talk, yet.

“Eliza has been teaching you on etiquette in the evenings, right?”Not trusting herself to speak, she nodded instead. “Then we'd be doing the usual.”

“70 pushups, for warm up.” He ordered the second they walked in, and Kiara’s eyes widened; he had never asked her to do that many pushups for a warm-up, but instead of arguing, she nodded and got on the floor.

Instead of just counting like he usually does, he got down on the floor and joined her.

“You know that I am not going to let you go through anything alone, right?” he asked when they were 10 reps in, and Kiara raised her brows. “I believe we have gotten to the point where we can share each other's worries. I know something is bothering you, Kiara, and I want to know so I can help you if I can. The meeting with The Council is tomorrow evening. If this has anything to do with them, now is the best time to let me know. Please.”

Meeting his gaze, Kiara said nothing till she completed the 70 reps and collapsed on the floor. “Kali, my wolf, said I should get my scent masked. She has no other explanation other than it is a way to protect me.”

Narrowing his eyes, Devon studied her. “That is all she said?”

Glancing at him, Kiara nodded, and he did the same before he suddenly stood to his feet and dusted his hands.

“Very well then, after today's training. We are going to visit Ketura.”

“Are you sure about that? She seems like the type to ask for something outrageous.”

“Your safety is worth it all.”