Kieran’s POV

Kyra had changed so much after her maternity check-up—not in a bad way, but in a way that made my wolf, Ronan, stir with possessive satisfaction. Her changes in behavior were subtle yet undeniable, and for the first time, I found myself genuinely happy in her presence.

I laughed more. I smiled more. And every time she was near, Ronan rumbled in approval, urging me to claim her fully.

After her appointment, I went straight to her apartment, carrying a duffel bag of my clothes. Her eyes widened when she saw me.

"Are you moving into my house?" she asked, her voice laced with disbelief.

I grinned, flashing her a smirk that made her pulse spike—I could hear it, the way her heartbeat quickened under my gaze. "Would you prefer that, little wolf?"

She hissed, and the sound was so damn adorable that I couldn’t help but chuckle. Ronan growled in amusement, pleased by her defiance.

She had grown more comfortable with me—touching me casually, leaning into my scent, even letting her wolf, Sylvia, use the mind link to speak. It was a far cry from the silent, distant Kyra I was used to.

"Are you serious?" she demanded, hands on her hips as she watched me hang my suits in her closet.

I turned to face her, arching a brow. "You don’t want your mate here?"

Her cheeks flushed pink, and Ronan preened at the sight.

Her cheeks flushed. I smirked at that.

There. Pretty.

"Kieran, you have your own territory," she argued, though her scent betrayed her—orange blossoms and something warmer, something meant just for me.

I stepped closer, letting my musk surround her. "My territory is wherever you are, Kyra. Let me stay here every weekend. I want more time with you."

She crossed her arms, but her lips twitched. "Is that why you told Ana to take the weekend off?"

"Smart girl," I murmured, brushing my thumb over her lower lip. "I want you all to myself."

She stared into my eyes, and I saw them soften instantly, and Sylvia’s presence flickered in the mind link—curious, hesitant, but no longer pulling away.

This was what I meant. She became more affectionate and caring after she went to the doctor. I wondered what happened, but I figured I should thank fate for it.

To return the favor, I cooked our meal—a rare gesture from an Alpha—and when night fell, I saw Kyra lying on the bed wearing white, sexy lingerie, her golden hair fanned out, her green eyes bright. I couldn’t help but swallow hard as I dried my hair with a towel. She rested against the headboard, reading a book.

That, I thought, was the real definition of hot.

When I lay on the bed, I stared at her face. I saw how her lips twitched and curved into a suppressed smile before she put the book on the bedside table and looked at me.

She caressed my hair, making my eyes close. It felt like heaven to feel her touch.

"Why are you staring at me like that?"

I smiled, my eyes still closed. "You’re so hot. I want to kiss you."

She didn’t answer. So I opened my eyes to look at her face. I was taken aback by the burning desire in her eyes as she looked at me.

Maybe it was because of her pregnancy, but I couldn’t help feeling aroused too.

My breathing hitched as I felt her warm, slender fingers trace my naked chest, sliding down to my stomach and finally to my clothed member.

My lips parted as she stroked me gently, her eyes filled with desire.

I dropped the towel, letting her see every inch of me. "Like what you see, little wolf?"

She bit her lip.

I didn’t resist as her fingers traced my chest, down my stomach, lower—

"Can I..." she breathed, her voice husky.

I caught her wrist and pressed a kiss to her pulse. "No. Your lips are for mine alone."

I didn’t let her argue. I pulled her legs as I lay on my stomach, facing her clothed flesh. When I looked up, she was looking down at me with a flushed face, messy hair, and eyes drunk with desire while biting her bottom lip.

The lust was so strong I couldn’t take it anymore. I pulled her panties down and planted a soft kiss on her now wet and throbbing core, which earned a lewd moan from her.

Ronan howled in triumph as she arched into my touch, her nails digging into my shoulders.

Her lips are for my lips only. She doesn’t have to please me; I’m the one who will do it. Besides, she’s pregnant.

Damn! I admit it irritated me at first, but it wasn’t her fault. The pup wasn’t at fault either. Now, I saw it as my chance to have her. She would marry me and carry my pup. I would make sure she became so crazy about me that she wouldn’t ever think of another man. Not even Nathan Anderson.

Kyra was bound to marry me, and we were destined to make a family of our own.

Later, as she slept curled against me, Ronan growled in satisfaction. "She’s ours."

And for the first time, I believed it.

Our night ended up wild again. I was beyond happy, but my happiness was immediately ruined after I received a call early the next morning from someone I hadn’t heard from in months.

***

Kyra’s POV

I could still feel Kieran’s touch like a brand on my skin. We’d been reckless, desperate—Sylvia purred in contentment, her instincts overpowering my usual restraint.

"Aha! I know that look."

I jolted as Yara appeared, grinning like she’d caught me with my hand in the cookie jar.

"What?" I tried to sound innocent, but my scent gave me away—orange blossoms mixed with Kieran’s cedar and musk.

She giggled. "That’s the face of a she-wolf who just got laid."

"Yara!" I swatted at her, glancing around. Thankfully, the shop was still empty.

She winked. "No shame in it. You deserve happiness, Miss Kyra."

I bit my lip, warmth spreading through me. Sylvia hummed in agreement. "He’s strong. He’ll protect us."

I hadn’t planned on falling for Kieran, but now? I wasn’t sure I could let him go.

Then the bell chimed—our first customer.

My smile froze.

Emily stood in the doorway, her scent sharp with malice.

And just like that, the peace shattered.