Defying the Lycan King (Kira and Derek) novel Chapter 245

Chapter 245: Affection That Makes Her Careless

Derek finally wrapped up in his private study, feeling exhausted from a long day of political negotiations and his official speech to the werewolves. Desperate for a bit of hydration, he made his way down the stairs to the kitchen to take some water.

He grabbed a cold bottle from the fridge, intending to head straight back upstairs to get some sleep, when a sudden sliver of brightness caught his attention. One of the secondary studies down the hall still had its light on.

Curiosity overrode his fatigue. He walked quietly towards the half-open door, peered inside, and found Kira inside, seated at the desk, staring intently at the computer in front of her, several books fanned open around her.

She was so completely absorbed that she didn’t so much as glance up when he appeared in the doorway. Derek stood there a while, just watching her. The little crease between her brows when she concentrated, the way she chewed absently on the end of a pen.

He debated whether to go in or simply leave her be, since she’d made it painfully clear she didn’t want him suffocating her with his constant presence.

Just as he was about to turn away, Kira yawned, throwing her arms over her head in a long stretch, and a voice crackled out from the phone propped beside her.

"Have you eaten anything at all today?"

Derek recognised Jessica’s voice on the other end. They had been on a call.

Kira let out a tired sigh, slumping back into her office chair. "I’ll grab some fried plantain and grilled chicken after I finish this research. Something quick. I’m fine, Jess, stop fussing."

Derek didn’t wait to hear the rest. He went straight to the kitchen and began searching the pantry for what she wanted. He rummaged through shelves and drawers, but there wasn’t a single ripe plantain in the entire palace kitchen.

He stood there for a long moment, bottle of water still in hand, genuinely stumped. Then he made up his mind.

He walked out of the main mansion, crossed the grounds to the treelines. Then, he stripped off his clothes, stuffed them in a small leather bag and shifted into his Lycan, not wanting to draw attention by using a car. He ran all the way to the store at the edge of town, and got everything she needed.

By the time he came back, Kira was still in the study, more books open now, typing away, the glow of the screen washing over her tired face. Derek slipped into the kitchen, cooked the meal himself, arranged it on a tray, and carried it in.

Kira caught the aroma before she saw him. She inhaled deeply, her eyes fluttering, then turned in her chair, and there was Derek, walking in with a tray of exactly what she’d been craving. Her whole face lit up, her smile breaking wide and bright.

Derek smiled back, his heart doing a happy lift as he crossed the room, setting the tray down on the coffee table.

"Wow," Kira breathed. She rose from the desk. "Bye, Jess, I’ll call you back," she said quickly into the phone, then padded over to the sofa.

"Hey," Derek said.

"Hey." Kira sat down.

She looked at the meal, then back up at him. "How did you even know I was craving this? Did you install a listening device in my brain?"

Derek chuckled lightly and shrugged. "I overheard you."

"I didn’t even think you were around."

"I got back not long ago," he said. "I finally rendered my formal apology speech to the werewolves."

Kira shifted, tucking a leg under herself. "How did it go?"

Derek shrugged again. "Not all of them were buying it; plenty are still angry. And honestly, I don’t blame a single one of them. If I were in their place, I wouldn’t forgive me easily either."

Kira sighed. "It’s not really your fault. I believe they’ll come around eventually. These things take time."

"I hope so." He nodded toward the tray. "Enjoy your meal." And he began to turn away.

"Hold up, hold up." Kira raised an eyebrow. "Where do you think you’re going?"

Derek stopped, looking mildly confused. "I thought I’d give you space to enjoy your food in peace."

Kira scrunched up her nose. "You still aren’t romantic, are you?"

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