Chapter 132
Kira
1 lay in bed, my mind racing with thoughts of Mara and Aston and that weird a***discussion they had while I was trying my best not to cry from the pain of the glass. The softness of my pillow and the comfort of my blankets couldn’t calm my restless thoughts. I couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that had been building up inside me for day
Mara’s constant threats to kick me out of the house had me on edge, and I couldn’t help but wonder what would happen if Aston actually followed through.
It would be good for me. I would finally get to leave the palace this freaking palace and start afresh somewhere. I would finally be able to get rid of this stupid mate bond because it was clear that Aston was never going to choose me. He just wanted to keep me around like I was a freaking puppet.
Me and Mara wanted the same thing, we were just going about it in different ways. She didn’t have to end my life to kick me out. I could make Mara make Aston make me leave. I could push her buttons, make her so angry that she would demand that Aston kick me out over and over again until he actually did
It was a crazy plan, but it was the only way I could think of to escape this toxic household.
I would start pushing Mara’s buttons, seeing how far I could go before she snapped. I would be reckless and be in her face all the time, I disgusted her. I would make her angry, and I would make her make Aston make me leave. I would my own life, no matter what it took.
ve control of
My body was still aching from the fall. I had been looking forward to a quiet afternoon of rest, but it seemed like that wasn’t meant to be. A knock at the door broke the silence, and I groaned inwardly. Who could it be? I wasn’t exactly in the mood for company.
“Come in,” I called out, trying to sound more awake than I felt
The door opened, and Brax walked in, a smile on his face. “Hey, Kira. I was thinking we could hang out for a bit.”
I raised an eyebrow, surprised. “You’re not busy with Aston?”
Brax shook his head, “No, he’s got a meeting with some of the other Alphas. I’m all yours.”
I hesitated for a moment, unsure if I wanted to spend time with Brax. But then I remembered that I needed options if I was going to leave the palace. And Brax might still be able to help me.
“Okay,” I said finally. “But I’m not really up for much. I’m still sore from the fall”
Brax nodded sympathetically. “We can just chill here then. I’ll keep you company.”
“So, what’s going on?” he asked, his eyes locked on mine. “You seem a little… distracted.”
“I’m just a little tired, that’s all.” I lied.
As we strolled through the garden, the warm sun on our skin and the sweet scent of blooming flowers filling the air, Brax suddenly brought up the trip 1 had taken with Aston. “Hey, Kira, can I ask you something?” he said, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.
I felt a flutter in my chest, unsure of where this was going. “What is it?” I replied, trying to sound nonchalant despite my growing unease.
“What happened on your trip with Aston?” he asked, his voice casual but his eyes betraying a deeper interest.
I laughed, trying to brush it off. “Oh, you know, just the usual palace business,” I said, waving my hand dismissively. I didn’t want to get into the details of that trip, not with Brax, not with anyone.
Brax raised an eyebrow. “That’s it? You’re not going to give me any juicy details!” He was teasing me, but I could sense a genuine curiosity beneath his light-hearted tone,
I playfully rolled my eyes. “There’s nothing juicy to tell, Brax. Trust me, it was all very boring.” I tried to sound convincing. but I knew I wasn’t fooling him
Brax chuckled. “I don’t believe you. You’re a terrible liar, Kira.” He was right, I was a terrible liar, but I was hoping he wouldn’t press the issue.
I grinned, feeling a sense of relief that he wasn’t pushing the issue. “Maybe I am, maybe I’m not. But anyway, enough about that. Have you heard about the new horses that just arrived in the stables?” I asked, desperate to change the subject.
Brax raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by my sudden change of topic. “Uh, no, I don’t think so. But I’m sure you’re going to tell me all about them. He was humouring me, but I could tell he was still curious about the trip.
I laughed, feeling a sense of triumph at having successfully dodged the question: “Maybe I will, maybe I won’t. But let’s go check them out anyway. I said, already walking in the direction of the stables,
Brax followed me, his eyes never leaving mine. I could sense his curiosity, his desire to know more about the trip, but I was determined to keep it to myself. At least for now.
As Brax and I were returning to my room, we saw Mara standing in the hallway, her face twisted in a scowl. She looked furious, and I could sense the rage radiating from her body.
Hey, Mara, what’s wrong?” I asked, my voice laced with a hint of sarcasm. I was trying to go through with my plan. She was already annoyed, I guess I could annoy her even more.
Mara’s scowl deepened, her eyes flashing with anger. “You think you’re so smart, don’t you, Kira?” she spat. “Walking around here like you own the place.”
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her outburst. “What are you talking about, Mara?” I asked, my voice calm and even. “You know exactly what I’m talking about,” Mara snapped. “You and your little tricks, trying to get attention from anyone who will give it to you.”
I felt a sting from her words, but I refused to back down. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I repeated, my voice firm. Mara took a step closer to me, her face red with rage. “Don’t play dumb with me, Kira I know all about your little games. You think you can just waltz in here and steal the spotlight? Well, let me tell you something, it’s not going to work.”
I stood my ground, my heart pounding in my chest. “I’m not trying to steal anything, Mara. I’m just trying to live my life.”
Mara laughed, a cold, mirthless sound. “Your life? You don’t even know what that means. You’re just a pawn in a much bigger game, Kira. And you’re going to get hurt if you’re not careful.”
Brax stepped forward, his voice calm and authoritative. “Mara, I think that’s enough.”
Mara turned to him, her eyes flashing with anger. “Stay out of this, Brax. This doesn’t concern you.”
But Brax stood his ground. “I’m making it my concern. Kira, let’s go.”
I hesitated for a moment, wanting to confront Mara further, I was also curious to find out what was making her so mad. There was no doubt that she just had a fight with Aston and I was curious as hell to find out what it was about. She looked bike she was about to explode with her face red and her nose like a stoplight.
As we stood there, the tension between us crackling like electricity, Mara’s face twisted in a snarl. Her hand flew out, and before I could even react, she slapped me across the face. The sound echoed through the hallway, and I felt a stinging
sensation on my cheek.
I stood there, frozen in shock, as Mara’s eyes blazed with fury. Beax reacted quickly, grabbing Mara’s arm and holding her back. “That’s enough, Mara,” he growled. I was really regretting that decision of pushing her buttons now. My ears were ringing.
Mara struggled against his grip, her face red with rage. “Let me go. Brax,” she spat. “I’ll deal with her.”
But Brax held firm, his eyes locked on mine. “Kira, are you okay?” he asked, his voice low and concerned.
I nodded, still trying to process what had just happened. My cheek throbbed with pain, but I refused to show Mara any weakness. I stood up straight, my eyes locked on hers. “I’m fine,” I said, my voice steady.
Mara’s eyes flashed with anger, but Brax’s grip on her arm held her back. “You’re going to regret this, Kira,” she snarled. “You’re going to regret ever crossing me.
Brax pulled her away, down the hallway, leaving me standing alone, my check still stinging from the slap. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself.
This was definitely not going to be an easy plan to carry out. Mara and I could end up killing each other before Aston made a decision.