Defying the Lycan King (Kira and Derek) novel Chapter 252

Chapter 252: Fevered Confessions

Kira’s heart gave a sharp little lurch as her fingers brushed Derek’s burning skin. "Oh, goddess," she breathed, pressing her palm gently to his forehead. "Derek, you’re running a temperature."

She quickly sent for a maid to bring a bowl of water and a towel. She sat on a low stool in front of the couch and started to wipe down his skin, sending for Dr Lorenzo.

She placed a wet towel on Derek’s forehead, wondering if this was the reason he had left the Wolf Council building so early, and she felt bad for thinking he was avoiding her.

A few moments later, Derek’s eyes fluttered open, amber and hazy with sleep. For a long moment he simply stared at her, as if he was being delirious with fever. He blinked twice, waiting for the vision to dissolve the way all the others had.

But she was still there, leaning over him with genuine worry written all across her pretty face. A slow, disbelieving smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. Slowly, he started to raise his hand from the couch, reaching for her.

Kira leaned in closer. "Are you alright? What are you reaching for?"

"I want to touch your face," he whispered.

Something warm and complicated twisted inside Kira’s chest. She did not pull away. Instead, she let his large palm cup her cheek, feeling the rough pad of his thumb stroke slowly across her skin. The simple touch sent a flutter through her that she didn’t bother to ignore this time. She allowed herself to feel it, leaning more into his touch.

Lux purred lovingly inside her, enjoying every moment of it.

Derek let out a shaky breath. "You’re real," he murmured, almost to himself. The relief in his voice made her throat tighten.

"Of course I’m real, you stubborn, stubborn man." She took his hand in both of hers, pressing her cheek more firmly against his palm. "Why on earth are you lying here bare-chested when you know full well you’re running a temperature?" she scolded gently, though her tone carried more worry than bite. "You’ll catch your death."

A faint, tired chuckle escaped him. He lifted his other hand and pointed weakly toward the corner of the room. "I slept off while building the pup’s cradle. Didn’t know if you would like it."

Kira turned her head and looked at the beautiful white crib. It was sturdy, carefully sanded, with delicate carvings along the rails that looked like little wolves chasing their tails. Her eyes softened instantly, and a genuine smile bloomed across her face.

"It’s very beautiful," she said, warmth flooding her voice. "I like it. I like it very much."

Derek chuckled, a weak, rasping sound. "Then I’m glad."

Kira’s smile faded as fresh concern crept back in. She kept hold of his hand, refusing to let go. "Derek. Does this have anything to do with that cough of yours?" Her thumb moved over his knuckles. "Dr Lorenzo told me it was a simple cold. He said he’d prescribed you some drugs for it."

Derek nodded against the cushion, his eyes already drifting half-closed. "It’s nothing," he said quietly, the lie slipping out far too easily.

Inside, the ache in his chest tightened. He hated hiding it from her, but the last thing he wanted was her staying out of pity.

Kira kept his burning hand held against her cheek and did not believe him for a second. For a moment, neither of them spoke. The quiet room felt far too small for all the unsaid things hanging between them.

"You need to lie on your bed," Kira said after a while. "You’ll be far more comfortable there than on this couch."

Derek nodded weakly, his amber eyes still hazy. "Help me up then." he said, sounding almost boyish in his vulnerability.

Kira slipped an arm around him, helped him up and guided him across the room. Once he was settled on the large bed, she pulled the duvet over him with gentle hands, tucking it around his broad shoulders. Her heart twisted at how tired he looked.

"I didn’t see you come down for dinner," she said softly. "Have you eaten anything at all?"

Derek shook his head against the pillow. "I’m not hungry."

Kira gave him a stern look that was only half-serious. "Well, too bad. I already asked Mara to prepare some porridge for you, and Dr Lorenzo is on his way."

Derek sighed. "You shouldn’t have bothered."

But Kira only smiled and sat on the edge of the bed. When the porridge arrived, she took the bowl and began feeding him herself, spoon by spoon. Derek accepted each bite without complaint, his eyes never leaving her face. The quiet domestic moment felt so intimate, and Kira had to remind herself to breathe normally.

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