Defying the Lycan King (Kira and Derek) novel Chapter 59

Chapter 59: The Honeymoon

The following morning, Nana and Kira stood side by side at the top of the wide steps, watching the staff load the last of the luggage into the boot of the waiting Cullinan Rolls-Royce. Kira held the oversized teddy bear tightly against her chest like a shield, watching silently. Derek stood a little way off, deep in conversation with Connor and Declan.

Nana glanced sideways at Kira and gave a soft, knowing chuckle. "You know, dear," Nana murmured, leaning in just enough so her voice wouldn’t carry to the men, "I suspect that bear is going to be the only one getting any sleep on this trip if my grandson has anything to say about it."

Heat crept up Kira’s neck instantly. "Nana!"

"Oh, don’t ’Nana’ me," the matriarch teased, smoothing the lapel of her own coat. "I saw the way he was looking at you over breakfast. Like a man who hasn’t eaten in a month and just realized he owns the bakery. It’s a terrifying look, I know, but quite effective for a honeymoon."

Kira blushed aggressively before arranging her face. "I just... I hope we don’t argue the whole time. He can be so stubborn."

"Stubborn? He’s a Wolfe. We invented the concept," Nana said, patting Kira’s hand. "But here is a little secret from a woman who survived fifty years with Lycan men: they are remarkably easy to manage once you realize they are mostly muscle and very little common sense when it comes to a beautiful woman." She leaned in closer, lowering her voice as if sharing a great secret.

"If he gets too grumpy, which he will, it’s his natural state; don’t argue. Just look him dead in the eye, tell him he’s being ridiculous, and then kiss him until he forgets what he was talking about. It works every single time. It’s like hitting a ’reset’ button on a very large, very hairy computer."

Kira couldn’t help the genuine laugh that bubbled up. "I’ll keep that in mind. I’m not sure I’m brave enough to ’reset’ the King quite yet."

"You’re braver than you think, Kira," Nana said, her expression softening into something deeply affectionate. She reached out and tucked a stray lock of hair behind Kira’s ear. "Just remember, he’s all bark. Deep down, that boy is soft as butter when someone cares enough to see it. You’ve already started cracking that ice, sweetheart. Just keep being you. The real you. That’s what he needs more than anything."

Kira’s cheeks warmed. She looked down at the teddy bear and gave it a little pat. "I’ll try."

"Marriage isn’t won in the first week or even month. It’s about making sure you’re the only person he wants to annoy for the rest of his life. And from where I’m standing? You’ve already won that battle."

Derek chose that moment to look over, his amber eyes tracking to Kira with that intense, heavy focus.

Nana smirked. "See? Bakery. Go on now, before he decides to skip the car and just carry you to the island himself."

Kira laughed softly, her nerves easing a little. When the boot finally closed with a thunk, Nana turned to Kira, her smile as warm and bright as summer.

"Enjoy your trip, sweetheart."

Kira mirrored the smile, even though her pulse had begun racing again. "Thank you, Nana."

"Your private tutor will meet you in the evenings," Nana added, patting her arm. "You’ve nothing to worry about on that front."

Kira nodded. It turned out Nana had been planning this for a while. She had been quietly arranging for private lectures so Kira wouldn’t fall behind during the week away.

Nana squeezed Kira’s arm. "Nothing at all to worry about."

Kira gave another small nod just as Derek broke away from the men and strode toward them. He extended his hand to her, palm up.

"Ready, darling?"

The word sounded like it had been dragged over gravel.

Kira forced another smile, brighter and more determined, and placed her hand in his. His fingers closed around hers, firm and cool. His gaze immediately dropped to the enormous teddy bear still clutched in her other arm.

"Do we really need to bring that... darling?" he asked with exaggerated politeness. His tone was smooth and calm for Nana’s benefit, but Kira could hear the sharp bite underneath.

She lifted her chin and gave him the sweetest, most exaggerated smile she could muster. "Yes, darling."

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