The Minx

Getting used to having Nabia around was easy with Kieran's help. He was great with her and pretty much took care of everything. It was still a wonder to me how Kieran managed to handle everything with ease. He made everything look easy. I was so comfortable with him, and I admit, I had completely given up on using myself to pay Aspen back. I wouldn't be able to do it. I couldn't betray Kieran's lifetime promise to me, and I couldn't betray my own feelings for him. I hadn't done anything with Kieran yet, but after I paid my debt to Aspen, I would fully and truly be able to be with Kieran. I had a new plan: I would pay my debt to Aspen by helping get his real fated mate back to him. It was a win-win situation. Saving my sister, Caitlyn, was already on the to-do list. After we saved Caitlyn, I would reunite her with Aspen. He would get his true fated mate back, my debt to him would be paid, and I would be free to be with my own fated mate, Kieran.

"Almost ready?" Kieran asked. I smiled as I looked myself over one last time in the mirror. I was wearing a long, slim-fitting black dress with simple jewelry and my hair pulled up in a classic updo. One of the authors under Rom Deck had their publication made into a movie, and we were invited to the premier. It was a big deal for the company.

"I'm ready," I responded before we went down to the living room. Amanda was cooing at Nabia on the couch.

"I set Nabi's normal schedule on the fridge. Her bottles are already set and just need to be made when she gets hungry. We should be back by midnight. If anything happens or you see any suspicious character around, call me, even if you think it may be nothing, okay?" Kieran said to Amanda. She turned her attention to us briefly.

"Got it boss. We're going to have fun here, so you two have fun as well," she said before turning her attention back to Nabia. Kieran smiled gently at my little sister before taking my hand in his.

"Let's go," Kieran said softly to me. We left for the venue. I admit, I was having a bit of separation anxiety being away from Nabia. My leg bounced nervously in the car. Kieran was quick to notice. He chuckled at me.

"You've grown attached to the little butterfly," he noted.

"Little butterfly?" I asked. He reached over and held my hand in his gently as he drove.

"Nabi, our nickname for her, means butterfly in Korean. Try to relax tonight and have fun... like a normal human for a moment," Kieran sad. I smiled gently before grasping his hand just a little tighter. Only when we arrived at the venue did I realize just how big of a deal this premiere was. I knew we were attending a movie premiere, but it never really occurred to me that we were attending an actual movie premiere. When we arrived, our doors were opened for us and we stepped out to quite the scene. There was a red carpet laid out, celebrities and photographers everywhere, as well as reporters and interviewing influencers.

Kieran placed my hand in his arm before we began walking through the mad circus to head inside. We had to pose for pictures and Kieran was even interviewed. It felt like a dream honestly. Finally, we got to go inside and mingle with everyone before watching the movie premiere for the first time. I'd read the book before, it was so much different on screen, but it was still great. Overall, we had a great time. We skipped the after party. I was anxious to get back home to my little butterfly. I did worry that something would happen to her with those scientists still running loose. When we finally got back home, I all but ran back inside. Amanda was curled up on the couch watching TV with Nabi fast asleep in her standing basin. I smiled slightly as I felt myself relax. Everything was fine. Amanda smiled and sat up when she saw us.

"She was fine. She barely fussed, and followed the schedule almost perfectly. She was an angel. I had fun watching her," Amanda reported. Kieran smiled and handed Amanda some cash.

"Thank you for watching her for us," he said softly. Amanda shook her head as she stood.

"It was really my pleasure. I'm happy to do it any time," she replied before she left to go home. As soon as the door closed, Kieran took my hand and brought me to stand in front of him. His hands held my shoulders gently as he looked me over.

"How are you feeling? Weak?" He asked. In truth, I felt okay, but I knew Kieran was asking if I needed his venom. I still wanted to feel that connection with him. I was spoiled on it. I nodded wordlessly. He smirked before his arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me closer. He moved the strap of my dress before he brought his mouth to my neck. As soon as he pierced my skin, I found myself sighing in content as my hands came up to hold the nape of his neck. That calm feeling flowed through my bones, relaxing me as I held my body against his. I didn't need it, but I did crave it. Through the slits of my eyes, I saw multiple tails swaying behind Kieran. He enjoyed it just as much as I did. After a moment, he pulled his mouth away, leaving his hands around my waist. His tails disappeared when his lips left my neck. I left my hands at his neck as I smiled gently at him.

"Thank you," I said softly.

"Remember when I told you that humans kiss to profess their love. Wolves kiss to personify the mate bond. Foxes kiss for one of three reasons: pleasure, energy, and memory. I don't want to submit a memory to you today, and I just gave you energy through my venom. I've been restraining myself since you started living with me. I've tried to be patient and draw a line, but I don't want to anymore. I respect you enough to not try and force you, but at the same time, loving you less is just impossible for me to do. This time, I want to kiss you for the human reason. May I?" Kieran asked quietly. I hesitated before nodding slowly. I'd wanted Kieran to kiss me a long time ago, but the situation with Aspen had been complicated. Now I had a clear plan to pay him back, and it would only be a kiss. I loved Kieran. I believe I'd loved him for some time already now.

Kieran smiled gently before bringing his lips to mine gently. My eyes fluttered close as my lisp moved with his gently. It was a soft but sensual kiss, and I easily got lost in it. I wanted more. I craved more, but Kieran pulled away before I could take it any further. I looked at him as my hands slid to his chest. I was trying to compose myself. With Kieran, I wasn't scared. I wasn't nervous or weary like I had been with Aspen. It made me regret not waiting for Kieran. It made me regret being so desperate to be accepted by the werewolves. It made me regret every move I'd made up until now.

"I'm sorry, Kieran. I'm sorry it took me so long to realize who was my true mate all along," I said barely above a whisper. Kieran only smiled gently as his hand when to my cheek.

"I don't blame you at all. Scared, abandoned, and alone... at your lowest point, I wasn't there for you. You were only trying to survive. Plus, if you hadn't been so in the dark about yourself to start with, you could've been more prepared. If it's anyone's fault, it's mine for not telling you about yourself sooner. Plus, if the events hadn't happened like they did, I wouldn't have you and Nabi by my side right now. I told you I would protect and love you no matter what, and I meant it," Kieran assured me. My eyes watered slightly at his declaration. To keep him from seeing my tears of happiness, I rested my head on his chest and wrapped my arms around him in a hug. Kieran chuckled as one of his hands held my head against his chest gently.

"I will die before I let anything happen to you and Nabi, Cami. You are my family," he assured me.