Kyra’s POV

I couldn’t sleep. My father’s desperate pleas echoed in my mind like a wounded wolf’s howl, his fear-scent still clinging to my memory. Sylvia paced restlessly in my thoughts, her growls vibrating.

The bathroom door creaked open, releasing Kieran’s rich cedar-and-musk scent into the room. I knew he’d be worried if he saw me still awake, so I pretended to be asleep.

I quickly shut my eyes, forcing my breathing to even out. As his mate, I couldn’t let him see me weak—not when he was already burdened with pack business and my father’s failing company.

He told me after dinner that he needed to stay at the company, so he was leaving tonight. I wanted to talk to him about Amanda, but he was already so busy. And while he’s working for my father’s company, I need to find evidence to prove Amanda’s wicked intentions. I won’t allow her to stay in this house any longer.

After a few seconds, his warm lips brushed mine in a featherlight kiss. "Sleep tight, babe," he murmured, his voice rough with exhaustion. "I’ll be here before you wake up. I love you."

His sweetness touched my heart, but it couldn’t erase my worry. I was still thinking about my dad.

The moment his footsteps faded down the hall, my eyes flew open. Moonlight streamed through the window, painting silver across the bed. I stared at the ceiling and took a deep breath. Amanda thought she could banish me from this pack? No villain threatens an Alpha’s bloodline.

Moving with wolf-quiet steps, I slipped into the hallway. The study door wasn’t locked or someone had forgotten to lock it.

I looked around before walking to the desk. I opened the cabinets, searching for something I could use against Amanda. I rifled through files, abandoning human logic in favor of wolf instinct.

Then I found it.

The brown envelope trembled in my grip as I read the damning words. It was a bank statement showing all the transactions from my father’s account, transferring all his assets to Amanda’s name.

My lips trembled as my chest heaved in anger. I flipped the pages and found another document about the transfer of this house to Amanda’s name. Even the island my father bought as a gift for my mother was now in Amanda’s name.

I cupped my mouth as I shook my head continuously. Amanda was stealing everything. That shameless bitch!

Sylvia’s outraged howl split my mind. "She’s stealing our pack’s property!"

Hot tears blurred my vision, but I blinked them away. I pulled out my phone and took pictures of all the documents before grabbing the envelope and leaving the study. I would confront her tonight. I would make sure she left this house, and if she refused, I would be the one to drag her out myself.

I gritted my teeth as I twisted the doorknob of Amanda’s room. I was about to push it open harshly when I heard faint voices inside.

My forehead creased. I could hear a familiar voice, but that was impossible. He’s at the company. He couldn’t be here.

My blood turned to ice.

***

Kieran’s POV

I spent hours in the study, reviewing all the documents I needed to transfer the Monroe family’s assets to my name, but my blood boiled when I saw the documents the lawyer sent this morning. They were the papers transferring Monroe’s assets and even the house to Amanda’s name. That cunning bitch was getting on my nerves. I’d already told her that I would be the one to take all of Mr. Monroe’s assets, but she was too impatient.

Angry, I rushed to her room and found her doing unspeakable things while looking at her own reflection in the mirror. She smirked when she saw me through the glass and even licked her lips in a disgusting manner.

"Wanna join?" she purred, her wolf’s golden eyes flashing through her human guise.

I crossed the room in three strides, my hand closing around her throat. "Didn’t I tell you to wait?" My voice dropped to a dangerous rumble, the Alpha command vibrating through my chest.

She laughed and pushed against my grip. "Look at yourself, Kieran! Why should I stick to those stupid plans when you’re already so enchanted with that bitch? You’ve become so obsessed with her!"

Her lips curled in a sneer. "You’re supposed to be breaking Kyra, not fucking her like some lovesick man!"

Alaric surged forward, demanding blood. ’Silence the traitor!’ But I forced him to calm down. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

My grip tightened just enough to bruise her.

"That’s none of your business, slut," I hissed. "All you need to do is make sure that old man stays alive while I slowly torture him. Do you understand?"

Amanda’s scent shifted—fear giving way to something darker, muskier. Her pupils dilated as my fingers pressed deeper against her throat. Disgust rolled through me. Even now, she played her sick games.

"You think I’ll let you discard me?" she gasped, her nails digging into my wrists. "Kyra’s already suspicious."

I released her with a snarl, wiping my hand on my suit jacket. "She’s in love with me," I mocked. "My mate would never believe you over me, even if you tell her that I’m planning something against her father. She loves me, Amanda. She won’t leave me." The lie tasted bitter, but the mating bond—even if uncompleted—would keep Kyra’s trust a while longer.

Amanda’s smile turned feral as she rose, her fingers trailing up my tie. "The old Alpha’s trying to warn her," she whispered, her breath hot against my jaw. "Lucky for you, I’m always there to... interrupt."

I balled my fists. Alaric howled for violence. ’End her now!’

She looked into my eyes with burning lust. "I’ll help you with everything, Kieran. I can even take all the blame and the fall if we get caught, but that is... if you agree to be my partner in bed again."