Let Them Kneel (kaelani and Julian) novel Chapter 202

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Chapter 202

For a beat, no one spoke.

Then, he lowered Kaelani gently until her feet touched the ground, but he didn’t let go- his fingers slipping into hers, holding on like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Kaelani’s gaze dropped to their hands.

The contact stilled something inside her.

No one had ever held her hand before.

Julian’s mother stepped fully into the roo

Something softened in her expression.

A small, genuine smile touched her lips.

“Hello,” she said.

her

atte drawn to Kaelani.

Julian moved toward her, gently guiding Kaelani

“Mother,” he said. “I’d like you to meet Kaela

him, their hands still joined.

my mate.”

He glanced at Kaelani briefly before adding, “Kaelani, this is my mother.”

Kaelani offered a tentative smile, lifting her free hand. very nice to meet you, Mrs. Hale-”

“Call me Vanessa,” she said gently, then pulled her into a hug.

Kaelani froze for half a second, caught completely off guard by the contact by the warmth of it.

So much affection.

All at once.

More than she’s had in a lifetime.

Her arms came up slowly, almost uncertainly, returning the gesture.

Vanessa held her there for a moment before pulling back just enough to look at her, her hands lingering–one brushing lightly along Kaelani’s cheek, the other tucking a loose strand of hair back into place as she studied her with open fondness.

“Well, aren’t you a beauty,” Vanessa murmured, a pleased smile forming. “You two are going to make beautiful pups.”

Kaelani let out a small, breathy laugh, a blush creeping up her cheeks.

Julian exhaled sharply, already stepping in.

“Alright, Mother,” he said, shaking his head lightly. “Let’s not scare her off. I just got her back.”

Vanessa let out a soft laugh.

“No… we definitely don’t want that,” she said, her tone light but warm.

Kaelani smiled at the words, something in her chest easing as the sentiment

settled into a place that had been cold

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and empty for far too long

Jace stepped into the room and stopped.

His gaze moved over the room, taking in the scene, the shift in the air, the way Julian stood with Kaelani at his side.

A slow grin spread across his face.

“Well,” he said, exhaling, “looks like we don’t have to go on another wild adventure.”

He moved closer, his attention settling fully now.

Julian huffed out a quiet breath, shaking his head. “No more wild adventures.”

Julian’s expression shifted as he looked at him. “But… thank you. For staying by my side through it all.”

Jace held his gaze for a second, then gave a small nod.

“I know you would’ve done the same for me,” he said simply.

His eyes flicked to Kaelani. He dipped his head slightly in acknowledgment.

Kaelani smiled back.

Julian’s arm tightened around her, pulling her just a little closer.

Jace’s expression softened, just a fraction.

“Alpha,” he said, more respectfully now, “if you don’t mind… I’d like to go see my mate.”

Julian didn’t hesitate.

“Go,” he said. “Take the private jet.‘

A corner of Jace’s mouth lifted.

“I’ll be in touch.‘

He gave one last look before turning and heading back out.

Kaelani glanced toward the door, then back at Julian.

“I could get him there,” she said lightly. “Faster.”

Julian huffed out a quiet laugh.

“No,” he said, shaking his head. “I know him. He’ll want the time.”

A faint smirk pulled at his mouth.

“He’s going to spend the whole trip figuring out exactly what he’s going to say… how he’s going to stand… where he’s going to put his hands so he doesn’t look like an idiot.”

Kaelani laughed, the sound easy now.

Vanessa smiled, a soft laugh escaping her as well.

“He told me he’s going to ask her to come back and meet his parents,” she said, her tone knowingly warm.

“They’ll love her,” Julian said.

Vanessa’s gaze moved between them, something gentle settling in her expression.

“Well,” she said softly, “I’ll leave you two to it.”

She gave Kaelani’s hand a light squeeze as she passed, then stepped out of the room, the door closing/quietly behind her.

For a moment, it was just them again.

Kaelani looked up at him, something lighter in her eyes now.

“Do you want to get out of here?” she asked. “There’s somewhere I’d like to show you.”

Julian didn’t even think about it.

“I’ll go anywhere,” he said, his hand tightening around hers, “as long as I’m with you.”

A faint smile touched her lips.

Then-

Light flashed.

And they were gone.