Defying the Lycan King (Kira and Derek) novel Chapter 157

Chapter 157: The Goddess’ Curse

Derek, Nana and Declan stood outside the room, waiting with bated breaths. The silence between them thick enough to choke on.

Nana had her head resting against Derek’s chest, tears slipping down her cheeks, as she whispered continuous prayers under her breath.

Derek held her with one arm, his hand stroking slowly up and down her arm, offering what comfort he could while his own eyes stayed fixed on the closed door.

Declan stood a little apart, arms folded, his face set in that familiar mask of quiet worry.

The door finally opened and Dr Lorenzo stepped out, pulling down his mask. He looked tired but relieved.

"He’s stable," the doctor said. "The bleeding has stopped. We’re transfusing him now."

Nana made a small broken sound of relief and pressed her face harder into Derek’s chest.

"Thank the goddess," she whispered.

"He’s not out of danger yet," Dr Lorenzo went on carefully. "The blow grazed his heart. It’s a serious injury and the next day or so will be critical. But he’s alive, and he’s holding."

Derek nodded, the knot in his chest loosening just a fraction.

.

"Thank you," he said quietly.

The doctor nodded and went back inside.

Derek pressed a kiss to the top of Nana’s head, then looked over at Declan.

"Contact Tan. And Aunt Angelica. They need to know tonight, before word reaches them some other way."

Declan gave a sharp nod and pulled out his phone, already moving away to make the calls.

That was when Derek glanced around and realised something was missing. Kira wasn’t there. His brow furrowed. Where was she? The last he had seen, she had been right behind them when they brought Kai in.

He left the others and headed to their matrimonial bedroom. It was empty. He checked the study. Empty again. Frowning harder now, he went downstairs to the living room. The room was quiet and empty too.

Everyone had returned to their respective houses. Kira was lying on the sofa in the corner, curled up small.

She jolted upright at the sound of his footsteps, and when she saw it was him she was on her feet at once.

"How is Kai?" Her voice was tight with worry. "Is he alright? Tell me."

Derek stared at her for a long moment, taking in the way she looked a little too still, a little too careful.

"He is stable now," he said finally, walking over and dropping down beside her on the couch.

The relief that washed over her face was real. After a beat she sat too.

"Why are you down here on your own?" he asked.

Kira smiled and shrugged, trying to look casual. "Nothing."

Derek gave her a long look that clearly said he knew she was lying through her teeth.

Kira fidgeted under that stare. "I was scared," she said quickly. "About Kai. I...I didn’t know if he would..."

She trailed off, and when he kept looking at her with that same quiet, unconvinced expression, she started fussing over him instead, rambling to change the subject.

"Are you injured badly? How did the Umbras even manage to get into the stronghold? That should be impossible, right?" She rose to her feet. "I need to get some water and antiseptic to clean you—."

But Derek’s hand shot out and dragged her gently but firmly back down onto the couch beside him.

"What did Declan say to you?"

Kira let out an awkward little laugh. "Don’t be silly. Declan and I barely said two words to each other. Why would Declan say anything to me?"

Derek held her gaze a moment longer, then let it go.

"Then there’s no need for water," he said. "Just sit here. Keep me company."

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