Defying the Lycan King (Kira and Derek) novel Chapter 56

Chapter 56: Corrupt the Queen

Kira and Kai strolled away from the main mansion, leaving the trickling fountain behind. They had barely taken a few steps when Kira caught sight of Ruby watching them from her balcony on the upper floor. The woman’s arms were folded tightly across her chest, her expression hardening into a scowl the moment their eyes met. Without a word, Ruby turned on her heel and disappeared back inside,

Kai gave a low, knowing chuckle and shook his head.

Kira turned back to him, brows furrowed in genuine curiosity. "Why are you laughing?"

"Can’t you see that the lioness has been caged?" he replied, his voice rich with satisfaction. "Confinement does not suit her at all. I’m sure she never believed a day like this would come where she isn’t the one holding the keys."

Kira’s lips curved into a small, reluctant smile. "So, who is she? And I don’t mean her official title in Dravengard or how long she had worked for this pack."

Kai smiled knowingly. "Ruby, Ruby, Ruby." He shook his head like the name alone carried baggage. "Well, she is Derek’s best friend. They grew up practically in each other’s pockets. Her older brother, Jasper, was one of Dravengard’s finest warriors and Derek’s closest friend. He was meant to become Derek’s beta, actually."

"Was?" Kira echoed softly, picking up on the past tense.

Kai’s gaze dropped to the path. "He died in an ambush. On his last breath, he made Derek swear to protect her. Derek gave his word, and well, he’s a man of his honour. He’s been shielding her ever since."

A strange little pang twisted in Kira’s chest at the prospect of their bond. A twist of something that felt suspiciously like annoyance, and she pressed her lips together to keep the feeling from showing on her face. "I see," she murmured, looking away.

"Everyone assumed Ruby would end up queen," Kai went on, falling back into his stride beside her. "They were that close. For years, she let people treat her like she already wore the crown and performed the duties of a queen. She used that influence to walk over anyone she pleased, especially the other women in the pack. She’s... not exactly known for kindness."

Kira studied his face as they reached his glossy black sports car. "So, I take it you’re not a member of her fan club?"

Mara’s account had been a little different. While the young maid had spoken of Ruby as a hard worker, Kai clearly saw her as something far less pleasant.

Kai shook his head, a shadow crossing his usually easy expression. "She wasn’t very nice to me when we were kids. Whenever Tan, my older brother, and I came around for the holidays, she would always target me. I was the smallest and youngest. She would set me up, accuse me of things I never did, just to watch Derek tell me off. She hated how much attention the older boys gave me. She always called me weak, pathetic, and spineless, over and over until I started believing it."

Kira felt a rush of sympathy. The image of a smaller, uncertain Kai was almost impossible to reconcile with the confident man radiating easy charm beside her. "That’s awful," she said quietly.

"It was," Kai agreed, a flicker of old hurt visible in his eyes before he masked it with a grin. "No one really saw it, they just thought it was childish squabbling. Hard to imagine her as Jasper’s little sister; they’re polar opposites. But that’s exactly why I decided to grow up and become her worst nightmare." His grin turned sharp, almost feral. "I built myself back stronger than she could ever tear down. Now I give her exactly what she used to dish out and then some."

Kira’s smile was small but genuine. "I’m glad you found your way back to yourself, Kai."

"Yeah." He exhaled, then shot her a lighter look, the mischief returning to his eyes. "Ruby still considers herself the queen bee of Dravengard. She’s not planning to relinquish the title anytime soon. My advice? She hasn’t changed; she has just become more subtle about the venom. Watch your back around her."

Kira’s mouth curved into a wry little smile. "Already added that to my daily affirmations."

Kai laughed outright. "See? That’s why we’re going to be best friends forever. Great minds think alike. Get in."

Kira’s brows furrowed in mild confusion. "I thought we were going to watch the sunset from the terrace?"

His grin turned wicked. "Changed my mind. Ever had a proper rush of adrenaline? You look like the sort of girl who’d prefer a bit of trouble to a view."

Her smile stretched wide and reckless. "How do you know me so well already?"

"I’m an excellent judge of character." He tipped his head toward the open passenger door. "Well? You coming?"

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