I breathed in slowly, controlling the burn of anger beneath my skin.
“He’s testing you. He’s waiting to see if you’ll push back.” My wolf said, and I nodded.
I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction.
But I also wouldn’t let him think he had completely caged me.
I set my glass down, tapping a finger lightly against the stem as if considering. Then, after a pause, I said, August 23rd.”
KESTER
The long-awaited meeting had finally ended, yet my mind was nowhere near at ease.
June had begged me to spend the night in their pack, but I refused I needed to go home. Needed to see her. Even if from a distance. Even if I didn’t speak to her.
I just needed Kasmine.
My life, which was once so neatly arranged, so ruthlessly tiny hands, was quickly spiraling out of control, and 1, the master of control, almost had no control over it.
I clenched my jaw and redialed.
The fucker finally picked up after what felt like the hundredth call.
“You could pass for a certified asshole, you know that, right?” I snapped the moment Norlan answered.
He just laughed, “Yeah… I recognize that tone. Dude’s pissed.”
Norlan’s laugh grated on my nerves.
“Go on,” he drawled. “Spit it out. What’s got your panties in a twist?”
I exhaled sharply. “I picked a date.”
A beat of silence followed. Then, “For what? Your funeral?”
I didn’t answer. He was sharp. He’d figure it out.
Another pause, and then a low, knowing hum. “No fucking way.”
“Yeah.” I tilted my head back against the seat, staring at the ceiling of the car like it could somehow save me. “The engagement is set for the 23rd.”
“Damn. And here I thought you’d at least pretend to fight it for a while. That Alpha King must’ve had a sword to your throat.” He said.
“Close enough.”
He let out a low chuckle. “So, tell me.. what’s the play here Gonna fake your own death before the ceremony? I know you wouldn’t have agreed unless you had an angle.”
I let his sarcasm roll off me. “I’m making sure I get something out of this.”
“That’s the spirit,” he mused. “If you’re gonna sell your soul, might as well charge interest.”
I ignored him. “June’s been all over me about this. Since she doesn’t want to give it a rest and let me be, I’m using her. The second we’re engaged, I’ll make sure her father starts making moves to help me immediately. Ain’t waiting for after the engagement like he fucking promised.
Norlan hummed again. “So you picked an earlier date to fast-track Daddy’s contributions to the Kester Investment Fund. Clever.”
“Exactly.” I ran a hand through my hair, my patience thinning “I need to be done with this as soon as possible.
“And then?”
“And then,” I exhaled, “I break it off.”
He let out a slow, appreciative laugh. “You cold hearted bastard.”
“She didn’t leave me a fucking choice, Norlan. I tried to push her away all these years.
“Oh, I agree,” he said lightly. “It’s just… damn, remind me ever to fall in love with you.
I scoffed. “Like you could handle me.”
“True,” he sighed. “I like my heart in one piece.”
Lexhaled, pinching the bridge of my nose. “I need this over with.”
Norlan didn’t respond immediately. Then, in a quieter volc “You sure this is gonna give you what you want?”
I didn’t answer.
Because I wasn’t sure anymore
“Well,” he continued, “let’s hope June doesn’t turn into a lovesick lunatic when you pull the rug out from under her. You know how these things go.” He added.
“I don’t care how she takes it.”
The driver pulled into the parking lot, and before the car had even fully stopped, I was reaching for the door.
I needed to get out.
Stepping into the house, I barely registered the greetings tossed my way by the guards and maids I came across. I nodded at a few and muttered half-hearted responses to others because my focus was elsewhere.
Mum was in the living room, sitting still too still. Her eyes weren’t on the TV in front of her, even though her favorite show was playing. Instead, they were fixed on the clock on the wall, her fingers twisting together in her lap.
It was past nine. Nothing significant about the time, yet she watched it like it held some kind of answer to a problem I didn’t know about.
“Mum?” I called her attention when she didn’t even notice my presence.
She blinked, finally noticing me. “Oh. Kes.” She stood, wrapping her arms around me in a warm embrace. “You’re back. How was it?” en more c curious.
I heard the nervousness in her tone, and I got even… I studied her. The tension in her shoulders, the unease in her eyes. “Are you okay?” My gaze narrowed. “Did Dad he cut me off, forcing a smile. “He didn’t. Your dad and I are fine.” At least she sounded honest there.
“No.” She
“So?” I prompted, “You look nervous.”
She hesitated, then shook her head. “Go on in and have a shower, sweetheart.” She kissed my cheek, “You must be exhausted.”
I knew Jorja. She’ll never talk about it unless she wants to. So, there was no point pushing my luck. I had somewhere important to be.
Promising myself I’d get it out of her later, I turned toward the stairs, shrugging off my suit jacket as I went. The house felt stifling… It felt unusually hot tonight.
As I reached her door, I hesitated, my hand hovering just above the handle, contemplating if I should knock or just push the door open as carefully as I could, just in case she was asleep.
It would be better if she was asleep. I’d be able to see her whout having to talk to her.
I knew I wasn’t ready to see her just yet, but the pull was stronger than reason,
Carefully, I turned the handle, easing the door open just enough to see Inside.
The room was empty.
More Kickass Werewolf Reads
Dive into our collection of free werewolf romance novels—where fierce Alphas, daring heroines, and heart-stopping twists await. Every story burns with forbidden desire, loyalty, and destiny. Don’t wait—here’s a world where love bites hard and nothing is stronger than the call of the mate.
Leave a Reply