Defying the Lycan King (Kira and Derek) novel Chapter 247

Chapter 247: Shame is a Human Invasion

The next morning of the hearing, Kira woke to find herself tucked into her own bed, the covers drawn neatly up to her chest.

She stared at the ceiling for a moment, blinking the sleep away, and last night in the study came drifting back to her. The food, the feeding, their discussions.

She clearly remembered leaning against Derek’s broad shoulder, but she couldn’t remember actually walking back to her room. He must’ve carried her. Her lips curved without her permission.

Isn’t our soul bond so adorable? Lux purred lazily in the back of her mind.

Don’t start, Kira warned.

But Lux was already starting. The beast happily shoved an image forward: Derek last night, sleeves rolled up, spoon in hand, that rare unguarded smile on his face.

Did you see his arms when he rolled up his sleeves to feed you? It was so mouth-watering. We could just—

We could just nothing, Kira cut in.

Lux nudged another image forward. This one had Derek completely shirtless and sparring on the training grounds, his muscles flexing.

LUX. Kira bolted upright. It is seven o’clock in the morning. Have some shame.

I have no shame, Lux said serenely. Shame is a human invention, and I can’t feel it, especially when it involves our very capable, very sexy soul bond. Girl, I don’t know about you, but how do you let him get away after he carried you up into a private bedroom...

I was asleep, you horny bitch.

Excuses. Lux stretched luxuriously. I don’t know about you humans, but I want to rut my soul bond, Leo, so badly, and I can’t wait for him to knot inside me.

Kira pressed her hands over her face. We are getting a divorce and rejecting the bond, remember? Any of this ringing a bell?

Rejecting, Lux repeated and sighed dramatically. I truly don’t understand why humans enjoy being miserable. From all indications, you like him, even without my influence. But you want to get a divorce instead of acknowledging your feelings?

Kira remained silent for a while and then said, I can’t deny that I fell in love with him, Lux. But he hurt me so badly, and it really broke me. I’m just being guarded. What if it happens again in the future? What if he hurts me again? Isn’t it better to let this whole thing go and protect my heart?

Lux was quiet for a moment, then hummed. Well, your feelings are valid too, but maybe you should just learn to start trusting him again. She paused. While you’re at it, could you get drunk and end up in bed together for me, so I can connect with Leo? You can put the blame on alcohol later.

Get the fuck out of my head, you silly little bitch, Kira giggled. You’re a lost case.

Lux went silent, but Kira could feel her beast smiling. She flopped back against the pillows, groaned, and finally dragged herself up to freshen up before her own beast could stage another ambush.

Once she was washed and wrapped in a robe, she went to her dresser and began rummaging through the top drawer, hunting for a particular bracelet she wanted to wear for the day, but her fingers brushed something glossy instead.

She pulled it out and felt her heart skip a beat. It was the strip of photo booth photographs she and Derek had taken during their market tour.

A smile spread slowly across her face as she lifted them to the light. Derek’s expressions were hilarious. In the first square, he looked like he wanted to execute the camera; in the second, he looked confused, he was mid-frown in the third and in the fourth she was kissing his cheek and he was caught off guard.

She couldn’t help but let out a soft chuckle, her thumb grazing over his grumpy face. "How you’ve changed, grumpy King," she murmured.

But as she stared at his face, she suddenly remembered a specific moment from last night. She’d looked him dead in the eye and asked what he’d do with a Nexus if he ever found one.

Derek had gone quiet for a moment. Then he’d shrugged and said simply, "I suppose I’d keep them out of the wrong hands. A Nexus is the very last thing you’d want to see corrupted." Then he’d looked at her, curious. "Why do you ask?"

And Kira had smiled and told him, "It’s nothing. I always knew you were a true King."

She stood there now, holding the photographs, the memory fading, and let out a slow breath. "I’ll reveal myself to you soon," she whispered to his paper face. "I promise. Soon."

She tucked the photos away, got dressed in a smart, elegant outfit suitable for the Wolf Council and headed downstairs. But there was no sign of Derek around the mansion. Not on the landing, the halls, or at the breakfast table. She had half expected him to hover around.

When she stepped out into the courtyard, Connor and Gavin were both standing outside, leaning against the sides of two different, black cars. The moment they spotted her, they both snapped to attention and bowed deeply.

Kira walked down the stone steps, looking around the empty driveway. She looked at Connor, her brow furrowing. "Where’s Derek? I haven’t seen him this morning?"

Connor straightened his suit jacket. "The King had to leave very early for an important pack meeting regarding the border patrols, Your Highness. He couldn’t wait."

"A job assignment from a king."

"A brother’s word from a whole Alpha."

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