Defying the Lycan King (Kira and Derek) novel Chapter 128

Chapter 128: Someone Made Sure

The phone went off like a small explosion on the nightstand.

Derek’s eyes snapped open. For a second, he lay completely still. Then Declan’s voice pushed through the mind-link, bypassing pleasantries entirely.

When did you start sleeping like a log? Get your arse out of bed and into the strategy room. Moonfang intel has something.

Derek dragged a hand down his face. Beside him, Kira stirred, pulling the duvet up over her shoulder with the determination of someone who had decided sleep was non-negotiable.

Then she opened one eye and looked at the window, where bright sunlight poured in. "What time is it?"

Derek checked his phone. "Noon."

A sleepy laugh escaped her. "Is it really noon?" she mumbled, voice thick with sleep. "We actually slept like normal people for once. Goddess, I thought kings weren’t allowed to be lazy."

Derek’s lips curved despite the tension already pulling at him. He rolled toward her, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

"Seems I’m breaking all my own rules lately. Don’t tell anyone. They might think I’ve gone soft."

Kira grinned, poking his chest. "Too late. I already know you’re secretly a big softie underneath all that grumpiness." She stretched lazily, then sighed. "Though I suppose we can’t stay in bed forever."

Derek caught her hand and pulled her closer, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

They lingered a few moments longer, trading soft kisses and quiet laughter, before finally dragging themselves out of bed. In the shower, warm water cascaded over them as they helped each other wash.

As Kira washed her hair, Derek stood behind her without being asked, working the conditioner through the ends. For once, the world outside their bedroom felt far away.

When they came back out, Derek started reaching for his usual dress shirt. But Kira intercepted him immediately, snatching the shirt from him.

"You’re wearing something casual today," she announced, holding up a simple black shirt and dark jeans.

Derek raised an eyebrow, but the playful challenge in her eyes made him concede with a sigh. "Only because you asked."

She smiled with the quiet triumph of someone who had won a battle that technically never happened, and went back to her own side of the wardrobe. She helped him button the shirt, fingers brushing his chest, and he caught her hand, pressing a kiss to her palm, and helped her zip her own dress, planting kisses all over her shoulders.

After finally zipping her dress, he turned her around to face him and slid his arms around her waist, pulling her close. He didn’t want to let her go. He kissed her deeply, tasting the warmth of her mouth, trying to memorise the way she melted against him.

"Let’s stay a little longer," he murmured against her lips. "Declan can handle things."

She laughed softly and pulled back just enough to look at him. "Nana invited me for lunch. I promised her. Go do your king things. I’ll see you later."

She picked up her phone. "She texted last night. Something about a new recipe she wants me to try, and a conversation she says is long overdue. I’m slightly terrified."

"Of Nana?"

"Of what long overdue means when Nana says it."

He cupped her face with one hand, his thumb brushing her cheekbone, and kissed her again.

Kira tried to wriggle out of his arms. "You have a meeting."

"I’m aware."

"Declan is going to come through that door if you don’t get down anytime soon."

He let her go reluctantly, watching as she slipped out of the room with one last bright smile. The door clicked shut behind her, and the warmth in his chest faded, replaced by the heavy pull of duty.

***

Down in the strategy room, Connor and Declan were already waiting. Bruce’s face was filled the screen of the secure tablet propped on the desk.

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