Chapter 7

Kai POV

The angel in my arms was intoxicating. Her scent wrapped around me—vanilla and almond—seeping into my veins like an addiction. Every breath I took was filled with her essence, grounding me in a way I hadn’t realized I needed. Liquid gold eyes and fiery copper hair. Stunning. Mesmerizing. Mine.

The mate bond pulsed between us, powerful and undeniable, strengthening my wolf. And I revelled in the power surging through me. I had never felt this kind of pull before—a force that demanded I protect her, cherish her. The realization settled deep in my bones: I would never let her go.

I was parched after nearly an hour of conversing with every fucking face in the room. If it weren't for the bewitching sound of her gentle voice as she graciously accepted the congratulations, I would have been fucking annoyed. But that voice. I had never heard anything like it before. So feminine. Like tranquil waters. I barely registered the swarming around us, their words blending into a monotonous hum. I held onto her, unwilling to release the warmth of her small frame pressed against mine. I was a big deal in this world, and normally, I’d soak up the attention. But tonight, none of that mattered. Only she did. And I would have fucking lost it if they didn't give my sweet mate the respect she deserved.

As the crowd finally thinned, Alpha Gerald announced that dinner would be served. His wife ushered us to our seats at the head table, surrounded by the highest-ranking members of their pack.

I leaned in, my voice dropping as I whispered against Cameron’s ear, "Can I get you something to drink?" Her shiver of delight at my words sent a thrill coursing through me. So responsive. My lips curled into a smirk.

"Yes, please," she answered, her voice soft and sweet. Goddess, she was perfect.

Throughout dinner, I couldn’t stop touching her—holding her hand even as we ate, draping my arm around her, letting my leg brush hers under the table. Every small touch sent a surge of satisfaction through me. I wanted more. I wanted everything.

Near the end of the night, Alpha Gerald approached, his expression unreadable. "Kai, may I have a word? In private." I pressed a kiss to Cameron’s temple before following him to the cigar lounge. The rich scent of leather and aged whiskey filled the air as we took our seats. A young waiter appeared immediately, and Gerald ordered, "Two glasses of Macallan. No ice." The man had taste—and I respected that. I'd always liked Gerald. The man was a quite man. And happy... Like all the fucking time. But not in a way that grated. He was superior to other Alpha's in his wisdom and when he spoke, authority hang in the air. He was probably the strongest alpha after my father, although polar opposites in leadship styles.

"I wanted to speak with you about Cammy," he began, his tone even but firm.

I nodded. "Yes, sir."

Fuck! He probably didn't think I was good enough for her. And I fucking probably wasn't!

His piercing gaze held mine. "My wife and I raised her as our own daughter. She is a good girl, Kai—pure of heart. You are a strong wolf, and I respect you. You will be a fine king. But I have seen how you treat women, and I also see how powerful your bond is with my granddaughter. Unusually so. I trust that you will treat her right—that you will cherish her."

I swallowed hard, the weight of his words sinking in. For the first time, I saw my past actions for what they were: careless, disrespectful. Fuck knows that I've never had this conversation with my own father before. He couldn't care less about my activities outside pack duties. And I wouldn't care if he did anyway.

"Sir, I promise to treat Cameron with the utmost respect. I give you my word," I said with conviction. "And I apologize for my previous behavior. In hindsight, I see how it may have embarrassed your family. It won't happen with her."

Gerald studied me for a long moment before nodding. "Oh, I know it won't, because I wouldn't hesitate to remind you otherwise." A chill ran down my spine. His authority was unmistakable—a silent, potent threat. Meeting his gaze, I nodded. We both knew that there wasn't really much Gerald could do if I didn't uphold this agreement. I out ranked him in both power and authority. But I wanted to give my mates grandfather this respect. Godness knows that if she'd mated anyone else, the power would have been his to excert over her mate.

"Kai… Cameron is innocent. Be good to her." His eyes held mine a moment longer, a final reminder of the weight of his words.

A slow breath left my lips. "Yes, sir." I felt his command settle over me like a mantle, the alpha authority undeniable.

Draining his drink, he clapped me on the shoulder. "Come on, Kai. Let’s not keep the ladies waiting. It's my understanding, through the dent in my debit card, that Justine may have gone a little crazy when planning the party and gone ahead and booked the honeymoon suite, just in case it was needed! Perhaps she will still be able to book a suite for herself too!" He laughed heartily, and though I groaned inwardly at the teasing, his lightheartedness did little to ease the seriousness of his words.

I finished my drink in one gulp and followed him out of the lounge, my mind and heart racing. All I could think about was returning to the woman who had already changed everything.