Defying the Lycan King (Kira and Derek) novel Chapter 261

Chapter 261: Mind Games

Derek, Declan, and Connor stood in tense silence as the pack doctor examined Kira. The doctor’s hands moved carefully over Kira as she lay there, still half asleep, murmuring something incoherent every time the stethoscope touched somewhere new.

Derek stood by the window with his arms crossed, watching every single movement the doctor made like a hawk with something to prove.

The room felt too small for all the worry packed inside it. Derek paced back and forth near the window, running his hand through his hair every few seconds.

His mind kept circling the same fear. What if whatever power had ripped through Kira tonight, whatever had made her collapse the moment it left her, had hurt the baby? What if she pushed herself too far? He had never felt this helpless in his life.

Declan leaned against the wall, arms crossed, trying to look calm but failing miserably. Connor stood like a statue by the door, his face blank, but his fists clenched tightly at his sides.

The doctor finally straightened up and gave them a reassuring nod.

"She’s fine," the doctor said. "Vitals are steady, the pup’s heartbeat is strong. She’s simply exhausted and dehydrated, Your Grace. Whatever she did out there tonight clearly took a great deal out of her. She needs proper rest. But she is generally fine."

Derek exhaled for what felt like the first time in twenty minutes. The relief that washed over him was so strong his knees almost buckled. He nodded quickly. "Thank you, Doctor."

The doctor bowed and let himself out, and the room fell quiet except for the soft, even sound of Kira’s breathing.

Derek stood over her a moment longer, watching her sleep, before he finally turned and jerked his head towards the balcony doors. **Declan** and Connor followed him out into the cold night air, easing the door shut behind them so as not to disturb her.

"Right," DereK said, leaning both hands on the railing. "Talk to me. What in the goddess’s name did we just watch happen down there? Declan, I put her in your charge; how did you let her out?"

Declan shook his head slowly. "I’m glad you saw it for yourself. I clearly have no power against a Nexus."

He rubbed his forehead where he had hit it the moment Kira had shoved him out of the way when he tried to stop her from leaving the pack house.

"She’s the Nexus," Derek said, still in disbelief. "The wolfless girl I married for revenge is the actual Nexus."

Declan rubbed the back of his neck. "This changes everything. Every power-hungry fool in the kingdoms will come after her."

Connor nodded. "And the Umbras clearly knew something tonight. They were targeting the pack house. They wanted her."

Derek ran his fingers through his hair, goosebumps prickling over his skin.

"Goddess! The Shadow King had known where she had been all this while. This is the reason for the Umbras always attacking wherever she was. They had always wanted her. And I hurt her so much that she fled. What if she had..." He trailed off.

"How long had she known?" Declan asked.

"The question isn’t how long she had known," Derek said. "The question is whether she’s safe here. We’re going back to Dravengard tonight."

"Dravengard’s a four-hour drive," Declan said carefully. "In the dark, with an army of Umbras potentially still tracking her scent. That’s not exactly a stroll through the garden either."

"No," Derek agreed grimly. "But it’s a risk I trust more than staying put and hoping they don’t come back for round two or hoping none of these vultures try to start trouble tonight."

Connor straightened. "Then we go home."

Derek nodded once, decision made. "We go home." He turned to Connor. "Get the cars and the gammas prepared. Tell everyone to brace themselves. This journey might not be an easy one."

Connor gave a sharp nod and disappeared back inside without another word, already barking orders down the mind-link.

Declan stayed a moment longer, giving Derek a knowing look. "She is stronger than any of us realised. Don’t bother or kill yourself over this."

Derek managed a small, tired smile. "I won’t."

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