Alpha King's Mate

Kiara groaned as the continuous ringing of her phone pulled her out of deep sleep. Her hand fumbled across the bed until it landed on the device. She blinked at the screen. Mum. She sighed before answering.

"Hello, Mum."

Hi, baby. Her mother's soft, emotional voice came through. You finally picked up my call.

The sadness in her tone struck Kiara like a wave. Guilt crept in as she sat up, brushing her tangled hair from her face.

I've been calling you for days, her mother continued, her voice trembling. I was so scared something had happened to you.

"I'm sorry, Mum, Kiara said, her throat tight. I didn't mean to worry you. Work has been hectic lately. You know how it is, I'm a surgeon now. I barely even have time to breathe."

"I understand, my darling. I'm just relieved you're okay. But please, don't ignore my calls again. It breaks my heart."

Hearing that made Kiara's heart ache even more. She hadn't realized how deeply her silence had affected her.

"Mum... are you okay?

I miss you, Kiara. Please come home. The pack is celebrating its anniversary in five days. There will also be a memorial for Luna Eva. Everyone will be there to honor her. You know she was like a mother to you.

Kiara's breath hitched at the mention of Luna Eva. Memories she had buried came flooding back.

"I know," she whispered. "She always treated me kindly. She even talked about wanting Jace and me to be together someday.

"But Mum..." Her voice turned cold. I'm not a pack member anymore. I'm a rogue. I was banished, remember? If I show up, they'll kill me.

"You don't have to worry about that," her mother said quickly. "I spoke to the Alpha. He said you can come back under one condition."

Kiara narrowed her eyes. "What condition?"

"You must promise to stay away from Selena. Don't go near her."

Kiara clenched her fists. Just hearing that name made her blood boil.

"Please, baby. Come home. I'm so lonely without you."

Kiara let out a bitter laugh. "Don't even start, Mum. I asked you to come live with me in the human world, but you refused. You said you couldn't leave your mate, the same man who's been hurting you for years."

"You wouldn't understand, Kiara."

"I do understand, Mum. You're choosing a man who doesn't deserve you."

Silence filled the line.

It's been four years, Kiara. Please, just this once.

Kiara closed her eyes, torn between pain and longing. Okay, Mum. I'll come.

"Really?" her mother asked, joy breaking through her voice.

Yes. Hopefully, work won't get in the way. When is the celebration again?

Five days from now.

Alright. I'll be there.

Thank you, sweetheart. I love you. And please, take care of yourself. Eat well and rest.

Bye, Mum.

Kiara ended the call, setting the phone aside. Her chest felt heavy. She hadn't realized how much her silence had hurt her mother. She thought ignoring the calls would protect her from ever returning, but it only deepened the distance.

I wish I could break whatever bond my mother still feels with that monster she calls a mate, Kiara muttered. He hurts her, and she still stays.

Her hands clenched into fists as anger swelled inside her. I hate Moon Shadow Pack. I can never forgive them. Not for what they did to me, and especially not for what Jace did.

Her wolf, Aria, growled in her mind.

Kiara, when you go back to that hellhole, stay away from that bitch Selena or I swear I'll rip her throat out and feed it to that bastard Jace.

Calm down, Aria. You know we cannot while Mum is still in that pack.

They're nothing. We could destroy them all with a blink.

I know, Kiara whispered. But I can't let anything happen to Mum.

You're too soft, Aria growled.

And you're a pain in the ass, Kiara muttered, pushing Aria's voice to the back of her mind. If she ever followed her wolf's instincts, there'd be no pack left to speak of.

She thought of Jace, Selena, Lorana, her stepmother, and her father. And Jason, Jace's arrogant best friend. She hated them all.

Kiara! Kiara! A voice called from outside her room. Kiara! Are you okay? You look like you're about to commit murder.

Kiara rolled her eyes. One question at a time, Lily.

Shut up, bitch, and answer the damn question.

Kiara laughed despite herself. I'm fine. Just... morning stuff.

Well, go shower. Breakfast's ready. Meet me downstairs.

Alright, alright, Kiara muttered. She dragged herself into the bathroom. Stripping off her clothes, she stepped under the hot shower, letting the water soothe her tense muscles.

She scrubbed away the lingering tension before stepping out and drying off. She got dressed in a black blouse that hugged her figure with a subtle V-cut neckline, paired with tailored black trousers and her white lab coat.

Her sleek, professional look was softened by a bit of personal flair, her favorite silver earrings, and a gentle curl in her long, dark hair, which she tied in a high ponytail.

She applied light makeup to accentuate her natural beauty, then headed downstairs.

Good morning, everyone, she greeted her friends. One espresso latte for you, my lady, Xander said dramatically, handing her a cup with a bow.

And good morning again, beautiful. Thanks, Xander. You're the best. Really? The best in other ways too, maybe in bed? he added with a cheeky grin.

Pervert, Lily snapped, rolling her eyes. Ugh, Kiara groaned, laughing as James smacked Xander lightly on the back of the head. Ouch! What was that for? You're being an idiot, James said flatly. Kiara couldn't help but laugh. Xander was always the joker, but in a fight, he was deadly. James, the serious one, didn't smile often, but he always had her back.

I was talking to Kiara, by the way, Xander added with a wink. You flirt too much, she said, sipping her coffee. Kiara, sit and eat before these two clowns drive you crazy, Lily called from the kitchen. I didn't even do anything! Xander pointed at James.

Point me again and I'll cut off your hands, James warned, deadpan. Can we not have drama before breakfast? Kiara chuckled as she took her seat. How was your night? Jamie asked her gently. It was okay. Thanks. Yours? Peaceful, he said with a small smile.

That reminds me, she said, turning to Lily. I'll be going to my former pack in five days.

Lily froze, her face filled with disbelief. Why?

I disagree with this, Kiara. You are not going, Lily said sharply.

"I second that, " Xander added. Why put yourself through that again?"

"My mum still lives there," Kiara said gently. It's for her. Please, guys I'll be fine.

James frowned. You better be. Please take care of yourself. When will you be back?

The next day, Kiara replied.

But Kiara... Lily started.

She said she'll be fine, James cut in. Lily pouted and continued eating.

Kiara's phone rang. She checked the screen: Michael.

"Hello? Good morning, Michael."

Morning, Kiara. We have an urgent emergency. Please come quickly to the hospital.

Okay. I'll be there. Just give me 20 minutes.

"Alright."

Who was that? Xander asked as Kiara grabbed her bag.

Michael. There's an emergency. I've got to go.

Alright. Bye. Have a good day! Lily called.

Don't forget to eat lunch, young lady, James added sternly.

I've heard! Bye, guys! Kiara laughed as she rushed out the door.