Defying the Lycan King (Kira and Derek) novel Chapter 105

Chapter 105: A King’s Presence

Derek looked at her steadily. Something in his expression acknowledged the performance, and for a moment, Ruby thought she had won.

"If you’re bored, Ruby, go to town," he finally said, his voice flat.

Ruby’s jaw hit the ground.

"Go visit the other packs, or try playing some games at The Central’s night market. I went there recently, and honestly, it’s much more fun than a bunch of women sitting around drinking tea and judging each other’s jewellery."

Ruby was stunned into silence for a moment, her brain working. The night market? The King of Dravengard was suggesting she go to a common human street fair? The realisation hit her like a physical punch—Kira had taken him there. Kira was the reason for this absurd suggestion.

"You’re choosing her," Ruby whispered, her voice thick with venom. "You’re choosing a werewolf—the daughter of the man who killed your mother—over me?"

Derek went very still, the images of that night flooded him.

He could relive the image of his father’s severed head on the floor. The image of Jasper Veyle, who had taken a sword to his heart for him.

The images of countless Lycans who had lost their lives in that brutal ambush, but the one that haunted him most was the image of his mother’s body being violated to death by multiple men, while he stood and did nothing.

He hated any reminder of that.

Derek leaned forward, his presence suddenly becoming very heavy, very royal.

"Regardless of who her father is, Kira is the Queen of Dravengard. Her needs come first, and her official duties will always take priority over your social calendar.’

"It’s a charity event, good for the pack’s image. I don’t want the two preparations clashing. Move your luncheon to the following week."

The anger in Ruby’s chest boiled over, but she was smart enough to know when she had overplayed her hand.

She took a deep breath, forcing her face into something normal, and stood up, smoothing the wrinkles out of her midnight-blue trousers.

"I’ll adjust my plans accordingly," she said, her voice perfectly pleasant and completely empty of everything that was actually happening inside her chest.

She picked up her folder, turned, and crossed to the door with the unhurried stride of a woman who refused to be seen storming out, even when she was absolutely storming out. She pulled the door open.

As she stepped out, she nearly collided with Kai, who was just about to enter.

"Whoa! Watch the paintwork, Ruby!" Kai joked, stepping out of her way.

Ruby didn’t even look at him. She stormed past him without a word, her red hair flying behind her like a streak of fire, her heels clicking sharply on the marble floor.

Kai watched her go, then turned back to the study and stepped inside, closing the door quietly behind him. He looked at Derek with an expression caught between amusement and something more cautious.

"What did you do to the queen bee? She looked like she was ready to shift and bite someone’s head off."

Derek exhaled. "She’ll be fine. She’s just throwing a tantrum because I asked her to move her luncheon. Kira’s charity event is on the same Friday."

Kai’s mouth curved, and he dropped into the chair Ruby had just vacated. "Ah." He was quiet for a beat, then said, "Bold of her, honestly. She wants you to ask the Queen to move her own event?"

He drummed his fingers once on the armrest and looked at his cousin with an expression that had lost most of its humour. "She looks like she is throwing more than a tantrum to me. She is furious and that fury isn’t good."

The event is today. It starts at six. I need you there. You know what your presence means for the attendance.

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