Defying the Lycan King (Kira and Derek) novel Chapter 248

Chapter 248: Karma Never Dies

At the Wolf Council in Aethelwulf Centralis...

Kira’s heart pounded against her ribs like a trapped bird as Kai’s car pulled into the Council grounds. She pressed her face slightly against the glass, her eyes scanning the sprawling car park.

The lot was already crowded with dozens of luxury vehicles and heavily armoured SUVs, and Kira could make out the pack symbols emblazoned on each one, crest after crest, sigil after sigil. So many werewolf Alphas. So many powerful men, gathered in one place, most of whom would sooner see the earth swallow her whole than watch a woman claim a pack.

L

Jessica twisted around in her seat and grabbed Kira’s hand, squeezing it tightly. "You’ve got this," she said firmly. "You hear me? You can do this. You’re the rightful heir. Don’t let these old dogs intimidate you."

Kira managed a small nod, exhaling a long, shaky breath. "Thanks, Jess," she whispered.

I really wish Derek was here, she thought.

It was ridiculous, really. They were barely even together anymore, hurtling toward a divorce and a rejection. And yet Derek had always had this strange effect on her. A steadying one. He always seemed to know the exact right thing to say when her nerves were fraying, and somehow, infuriatingly, it worked like magic every single time.

That’s because he’s our soulbond, dummy, Lux whined from inside her. You’re sitting here sighing like a lovesick teenager when we could be basking in his glorious, muscular presence. I miss his amber eyes. I miss his scent. Why did we tell him we needed space again? We’re idiots.

Shut up, you very horny bitch, Kira told her beast. Can you stop thinking about his chest for five minutes? We’re about to face the council!

Lux purred. Well, what can I say, I’m your very primal side, and I only get raw. But you know what to do when push comes to shove, she said sweetly. Just hand me the wheel. One little relinquishment of control, and I’ll handle the whole room.

Kai climbed out and opened the doors for both women, while Connor, Gavin, and the rest of Derek’s security team fanned out across the grounds, scouting the entryways and checking the perimeters for any hidden threats. When they returned to where Kai, Kira, and Jessica stood, Connor began issuing instructions.

"Alright, listen up," Connor said, pointing at a few royal gammas. "You three are coming inside with the Queen and me. The rest of you form a defensive perimeter out here in the lot. Nobody gets near the vehicles." He turned his sharp gaze toward Gavin. "You, stay outside and watch the rear exit."

Gavin didn’t move. "My Alpha instructed me to remain at the Queen’s side at all times."

"And I’m instructing you to do as you’re told," Connor said. "I’m the Head Gamma here. My word is final."

"I’m a Head Gamma too," Gavin shot back, stepping right into Connor’s personal space. "And in case your royal brain forgot, this is neutral territory. I don’t have to follow a single one of your orders. I’m going inside."

Kira exchanged a long, weary glance with Kai and Jessica.

Kai leaned down toward her. "Well, since the two macho men are busy measuring their titles, I think I’ll have to be the one to actually accompany you inside, Your Highness."

Kira chuckled softly. "Please do, Kai. Before they start wrestling on the bonnet."

She walked right past the bickering gammas, heading straight for the entrance of the Council building with Jessica and Kai flanking her.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify