Chapter 166.
Chapter Fifty–Three: The Countdown Begins
Eve of Kiara’s eighteenth birthday
Kiara POV:
I stretched out in bed as I smiled, remembering the past three days. They had nothing but magical after I had slept between Kayden and Jayden’s arms in the hammock. Their magnificent scent surrounded me, and the jolts of electricity surging through me with every touch were magical. I could’ve stayed there forever. I wanted the moment never to end because there was no way to know that this wasn’t a passing obsession or phase. Deep down, I knew it wasn’t all the signs there, but then there was the question of why not hint towards us being destined, mates. I get they couldn’t tell me, but some indication could help my anxiety to rest. Plus, there was this thing with them being so volatile. They could be so loving and understanding one second, but the next, poof, all the understanding and love went out the window, and the ruthless twin alpha kings were left, who always ended up hurting me somehow. The times they had said stuff to me over the years had grown to such a big pile that it was hard letting things go now. I had even mentioned on our way back to the castle the following morning that if they were to hurt me again, everything that would be brewing
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between us would end. I wasn’t going to be a pushover anymore. I had feelings and a right to my thinking and treat me like
, they couldn‘ their property. I was my own person, and they had to respect that. Thankfully, they understood and swore repeatedly that they would try their best, but if it sometimes happened, it wouldnt be intentional
But, they had kept their promise the past two days. Never interfering when I hung out with Aiden, even though I knew they were pulling like puffer fishes, but they stayed true to their promise. As for Aiden. things had gone back to normal he apologized for his behaviour that day and said he didn’t want to see me hurt and got defensive. I could understand that; hell, if the roles were flipped. I would probably feel the same way. I just hope he finds his mate soon and settles down. So everyone could be off the poor guy’s case.
Speaking of finding a mate. there were only a few hours left to my shift and eighteenth birthday. I would finally know if Kayden and Jayden were my mates or not. The thoughts brought tingles down my spine. Gosh, it would be a dream come true. I wasn’t going to lie. I’m already. shitless about the shift. It’s the most painful thing a new wolf goes threw, especially if your mate isn’t next to you, but I was praying to everything holy that my instincts weren’t wrong and my mates would be next to me the entire time.
Suddenly, I was startled out of my thoughts by the door banging open and laughter filling the room. I bolted upright, my eyes wide as I saw Cathy and Riley burst through the doorway, their faces beaming. Behind them trailed Rex and JJ. their faces equally as bright.
“Cathy? Riley?” I stammered, unable to believe my eyes.
I hadn’t seen my best friends since we had graduated from the scholar program a few years ago. Despite Cathy being JJ’s mate, I never had a chance to go to their mating ceremony as it was in the castle, and I had matters to attend to back in Crescent Haven. But seeing her now had my emotions all over the place. These two were my first real friends. outside of KJJ and Rex. They were there through it all, and if anyone knew of the feelings I harboured for Kayden and Jayden, it was them. We had kept in touch over the years, but seeing them standing in front. of me was a different story altogether.
The girls didn’t waste a moment. They launched themselves at me, the three of us toppling back onto my bed amidst peals of laughter. I wrapped my arms around them, my heart swelling with joy at being reunited with my friends. We squealed and giggled, the noise level rising as we chattered and laughed, catching up on each other’s lives.
Eventually, we managed to compose ourselves enough to get off the bed, and that’s when I noticed Rex and JJ grinning at us.
“Get up, dumb ass, we’re going for a pre–birthday brunch,” Said JJ, ruffling my hair affectionately.
I giggled and nodded.
I quickly got up and changed into a cute orange and red summer dress with white sneakers. The entire time Cathy and Riley talked my ear off about what they had been to. Not like I didn’t know already. We had this weekly Facetime call that lasted about two hours. We talked and talked, but this right here was something else. Despite the pleasant surprise of seeing my friends, a part of me was left wondering about Kayden and Jayden. They had been visiting me every morning for the
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past two days, their attention and affection making me feel loved.
Today, however, there was no sign of them, and I found myself missing them more than I had anticipated.
I didn’t let it show, though. The day was about laughter and enjoyment, and that’s what I intended to do. They were probably busy. Otherwise, there was no doubt in my mind they would’ve come, and if I was being honest, I had missed JJ and Rex these past few days. It was as if they were avoiding me. So, I let myself be whisked away for the pre- birthday brunch, my heart filled with a confusing mix of anticipation, happiness, and a strange sense of longing.
All through lunch, I couldn’t help but keep glancing at the door, half expecting the twins to show up. But they didn’t, and their absence was like a dull ache, a hollow feeling that refused to go away. It left me with a sense of foreboding that I couldn’t shake off, a sense that something was not quite right. Yet, I pushed those feelings aside, determined to enjoy my day.
However, my friends were eager to tease me about the extra attention I was getting from Kayden and Jayden.
“So, are you ready to be the next queen, Kiara?” Cathy said, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively.
I blushed
They all chuckled.
“I mean, the way they’ve been clinging to you like bees to honey,”
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Riley chimed in, grinning.
I laughed along with them, but inside I felt a strange flutter of nervous anticipation.
“You guys are reading too much into it,” I tried to dismiss it, but they didn’t seem convinced.
The playful banter carried on throughout our meal, filling the room with laughter and joy. But even amidst all the fun and teasing, a part of me felt their absence keenly. I tried to ignore it, reminding myself they were probably busy. Still, it was a struggle to keep the disappointment. at bay.
Just as the brunch was winding down, I suggested,
“We should invite Aiden for the evening to the pub.”
A strange silence fell upon the table. I saw Rex and JJ share a glance, their cheerful demeanour faltering slightly.
“Kiara, I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Rex began, choosing his words. carefully.
“Yeah, I mean, Aiden… he’s not really…” JJ’s voice trailed off, and I could see he was trying to tread lightly.
I felt a surge of annoyance at their words.
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“What? Just because he doesn’t kiss ass to you both, he’s not good enough for you?” I said, my voice sharper than I intended.
“No, Kiara, it’s not about that…” Rex tried to explain, but I cut him off.
“I don’t want to hear it! You guys are always so quick to judge him. He’s my friend, and he’s been nothing but kind and caring towards me!” I chastised, my patience wearing thin.
They fell silent, clearly taken aback by my sudden outburst. I sighed, trying to reign in my temper. I didn’t want to ruin this day, but their constant judgment toward Aiden was starting to grate on my nerves.
“Let’s just go to the pub,” I said, forcing a smile onto my face. “And yes, I’m going to invite Aiden.”
As we left the restaurant, I couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was off. A sense of unease lingered in the air, but I pushed it to the back of my mind. Today was about celebrating, not worrying about the ‘what ifs.‘
