33

A disapproving look registered on Devon’s face when Kiara walked out of the cell room drenched in a pool of her own sweat and smelling nothing like his mate.

Kaiser went feral at the lack of her scent despite looking at her, and Devon had to do everything within his powers to hold him down.

“The look in your eyes tells me she did a very good job,” Kiara whispered, whilst rubbing her left arm. She suddenly felt self-conscious and wanted to shy away.

“Can I go now?” Devon pried his eyes away from Kiara to her, then shook his head.

“You will be taken to Marcos’ pack after I have confirmed that you did a good job,” turning to Kiara, “let’s go.”

Awkwardness and heaviness settled on Kiara’s chest as they made their way over to the car. Devon was acting different, she could feel it and it made her want to March back and ask Ketura to undo everything she did.

“I’m sorry,” Devon whispered after he pulled open her door, “Kasier had a hard time adjusting to seeing your face and not smelling you.”

A relieved sigh left her lips, and she relaxed her shoulders. For a moment, she thought Ketura had done something she wasn't meant to do.

“That’s fine. What do you plan to do to check that she did everything right?”

Placing a kiss on her forehead, he shut the door and walked over to the driver’s side. “We are going to pay the rogues a visit.”

“You didn't let them go?”

He glanced at her, smiled and shook his head. “Most of them said they didn’t want to go back to wandering, so I….”

The corners of Kiara’s lips tugged up, and she reached out and kissed his cheek. “You are soft.”

He threw his head back and laughed, “so many people might shoot you if they hear you say that.”

“Sucks to be them then.”

Devon snickered and she chuckled, and they settled into a comfortable silence, but their hands found each other right in the middle and throughout the ride, their fingers caressed each other softly.

“Are they building a house?” Kiara asked, peering suspiciously at the scene, while Devon parked the car, nodding.

“They need a place to stay, and I cannot send them to the pack house, so I decided to keep them busy and productive.”

A small smile lit up Kiara’s face and she used her thumb to caress his hand. “You are an amazing leader, people need to say better things about you.”

Smiling, Devon reached out and placed a kiss on her forehead. “I prefer what they are saying anyway, and they are not wrong.” He winked at her, and she breathed out a laugh. “Ready?”

She nodded and he smiled, got out of the car and immediately helped her out.

His eyes glazed over the working men and women, who had paused and were now staring at them.

Kiara noticed the glint and admiration that shone in their eyes for him, they looked at him like he was their god. But Devon was oblivious to that, and only took note of the fact that they had no sort of reaction towards Kiara, he could swear that they didn’t even know that she was there, and he seemed to breath easier at the realization.

“I came to check up on you guys, you are working hard as always.”

“It’s all thanks to you, Alpha.” They chorused, and Kiara unconsciously reached out and squeezed his hand. In that moment, she imagined what it would be like to have him lead her home pack with her.

“I will be back later, keep it up and remember to take your due breaks.”

They all bobbed their heads like a bunch of excited children, and Devon instantly led them away.

“Seems like it’s all set.” He said as soon as they were settled into the car, and Kiara nodded. A lump had formed in her throat thanks to the thought of her home pack. “Is there anything else we have to do?” She shook her head, and Devon’s eyes instantly narrowed.

“Are you okay? Are you scared to go?”

“That’s not it…. A bittersweet memory just popped up, but I’m fine.” She took a deep breath and nodded, “I’m fine, I’m okay. And I am not scared of the meeting tonight, I have you with me.”

Devon’s heart instantly skipped a bit, and his lips fell open. That was the last thing he had expected to hear from her, and it felt so good to hear, especially since she looked at him with so much trust in her eyes.

Breathing out a laugh, he started the car and drove out; reeling in the new feeling that had formed in his stomach at the words she said to him earlier.

“Go and rest, Kiara,” he said as he pulled up at the park house, “Eliza and Amira will dress you up when it is time, and I will be right by your door the second you are done.”

Warmth engulfed Kiara at his words, and without thinking twice about it, she reached over and pulled him into a hug. “Thank you, Devon.”

She pulled away slowly from the hug, but before she could get any further from him, he pulled her to himself and covered her lips with his.

Kiara’s heart slowed down before it rapidly picked up its pace, and she immediately pulled away. She practically ran out of the car and ran up to her room where she collapsed face flat on the bed, her chest heaving. This wasn’t the first time he’d kissed her, but her insides were a mess and her heart threatened to burst right out of her chest but all she wanted was for him to do it all over again, and this time, for a longer, much longer period of time.

“Kiara,” Kali’s voice pierced her head, putting an end to her moment.

“Yes, Kali.”

“Tonight might take a turn you were not prepared for, and it is going to change everything you’ve ever known. Prepare your heart.”

All the feeling of safety and assurance Kiara had instantly disappeared and was replaced with a heavy feeling in her chest.