Chapter 59\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u2013Kaia\u2013\u00a0<\/p>\n
The entire pack felt different.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I didn\u2019t need to be told something felt different the moment I stepped out of my room.\u00a0<\/p>\n
It was the next morning after Theo publicly declared me as his Luna.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The air felt refreshed.\u00a0<\/p>\n
It wasn\u2019t hostile anymore, not a little.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Just watchful.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Everywhere I walked, the pack members whispered about me.\u00a0<\/p>\n
A63\u00a0<\/p>\n
55 vouchers\u00a0<\/p>\n
They turned to look at me twice. Some people bowed their heads slightly, others stared openly, like they were trying to figure out if what they\u2019d heard last night was real.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Theo called me his Luna.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The title still sat heavy on my chest.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Too big. And maybe heavy too.\u00a0<\/p>\n
It all came as a shock to me. I\u2019ve never dreamt I\u2019d be Theo\u2019s mate, but he claimed I am.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I tightened my grip on the jacket around my shoulders and kept walking, pretending their gazes didn\u2019t burn.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I arrived at the training field and worked hard on my drills with Captain Alaric.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Theo still wasn\u2019t available to coach me yet. Training with Captain Alaric turned out to be quite enjoyable.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He made me laugh and wasn\u2019t uptight with me.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I felt good and trained harder.\u00a0<\/p>\n
After my morning training, I grabbed my jacket and was about to leave.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Then, suddenly.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Someone stepped directly into my path.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Lucien..\u00a0<\/p>\n
Theo\u2019s younger brother. I\u2019ve heard so much about him from pack gossip.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWell\u2026 Well. If not the most famous stray,\u201d Lucien leaned in slightly. \u201cI hear you\u2019ve been stirring up trouble\u00a0<\/p>\n
18:34 Tue, Jan 20\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 59\u00a0<\/p>\n
already.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I looked at him calmly, straightening my spine.\u00a0<\/p>\n
:\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cOnly where necessary. I don\u2019t meddle in what doesn\u2019t concern me.\u201d I exhaled.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Lucien clicked his tongue; he looked amused.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cMm. You say that\u2026 but trouble always seems to find you, doesn\u2019t it?\u201d Lucien asked, chuckling.\u00a0<\/p>\n
63\u00a0<\/p>\n
55 vouchers\u00a0<\/p>\n
He left where he was standing and stepped closer, too close, invading my space in a way that felt intentional, a little predatory too.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I didn\u2019t move back.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Lucien tilted his head, eyes narrowing like he was studying something on my skin.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sniffing for weaknesses\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know\u2026 I actually came to check on you.\u201d Lucien flashed me a smile, which looked fake to me. \u201cYou\u2019ve recently been saddled with a new position, new\u2026 expectations. Transitions can be overwhelming.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I didn\u2019t even blink. \u201cIf you\u2019re looking to manipulate me, you\u2019ll need to put in more effort than that.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Lucien chuckled, seemingly neither offended nor entertained, but amused.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He stepped closer, lowering his voice.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know\u2026 I\u2019ve always been good at reading people. And you\u2014\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
His eyes flicked down, then up again. \u201cYou\u2019re terrified.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
My jaw tightened.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Lucien tilted his head. \u201cRelax, sweetheart. I\u2019m only checking on you.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not your sweetheart,\u201d I snapped. \u201cPlease stay out of my way\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I tried to move away, but Lucien lazily blocked my path.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cStraightforward. I like that.\u201d Lucien gleefully said. He cleared his throat and said. \u201cI know a secret about Theo that might interest you.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I stiffened. Lucien is up to no good, and I won\u2019t let him use me.\u00a0<\/p>\n
No, I wouldn\u2019t bite his bait.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t want to hear it,\u201d I muttered and stepped back from him.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Lucien\u2019s smile widened, stretched with dark satisfaction.\u00a0<\/p>\n
18:34 Tue, Jan 20\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 59\u00a0<\/p>\n
A63\u00a0<\/p>\n
55 vouchers\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course you don\u2019t. But secrets\u2026 have a habit of refusing to stay buried.\u201d He leaned in, lips almost brushing my ear. \u201cBesides\u2026 once you hear this one, you might rethink letting him make you his Luna.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
My pulse jumped, not in fear, but fury\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cTheo has-\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Before Lucien could let me in on the secrets I didn\u2019t ask to be let on, Theo interrupted.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Theo\u2019s eyes locked with Lucien.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I felt something dreadful seep through them.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Lucien grinned wider.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, perfect timing, brother\u201d, he drawled. \u201cWe were just talking about you.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Theo stepped between us without hesitation. \u201cGet away from her, Lucien.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re awfully jumpy today, brother.\u201d Lucien stepped back casually, still grinning. \u201cRelax. There\u2019s no need to get worked up. I was only\u2026 welcoming our new Luna.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Theo\u2019s jaw ticked, but his voice remained even.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWalk away. If you don\u2019t go away, I will make you\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Lucien held Theo\u2019s gaze a second too long, then grinned.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAs you wish\u2026 Alpha.\u201d Lucien leans slightly toward me. \u201cCatch you later, future Luna Kaia\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Lucien was about to go away, but paused and turned back to us with a lazy grin.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Lucien:\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know what, brother,\u201d Lucien said, smirking. \u201cNo need to get mad. I was only talking to my future sister- in-law.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Theo stiffened instantly.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I felt the air around him drop.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Lucien kept going, enjoying every second.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd who knows\u2026 maybe I\u2019ll reveal a few family secrets to her. You know- So she doesn\u2019t walk into this pack completely blind.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cLucien,\u201d Theo muttered.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The way Theo called his name was sharp and filled with warning.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Lucien didnt take his Ange seriously and kept grinning like a well-fed puppy.\u00a0<\/p>\n
18:34 Tue, Jan 20\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 59\u00a0<\/p>\n
:\u00a0<\/p>\n
(63 )\u00a0<\/p>\n
55 vouchers\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t scowl at me. If Kaia\u2019s going to survive here\u2026 she deserves to know what she\u2019s getting into. Dont you agree?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Theo\u2019s eyes narrow, a muscle ticking in his jaw.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Lucien\u2019s voice dripped like poison.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Theo, I\u2019ll only tell her the truths you\u2019re too afraid to.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I saw his fists clenched when he wasn\u2019t paying attention.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Lucien noticed too, and he seemed to love it.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAnyway. Enjoy your day, Alpha. I know I will enjoy mine. Haha.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
He walked away with a low chuckle, not bothering to hide his satisfaction.\u00a0<\/p>\n
When he left, I let out a breath I didnt realise I was holding.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAre you alright?\u201d Theo asked, his eyes filled with concern.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, I am,\u201d I nodded once.\u00a0<\/p>\n
But the truth is, I wasn\u2019t fine.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Theo waited until Lucien disappeared down the corridor, then turned to me.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cCome with me.\u201d Theo grabbed my hand.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He didn\u2019t look angry or worried.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I followed him into a quiet place.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cDid he say anything else to you?\u201d Theo asked me.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I observed him.\u00a0<\/p>\n
This wasn\u2019t the calm, controlled Alpha the pack saw.\u00a0<\/p>\n
This was a man on edge.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was trying to provoke me. Manipulate me. That\u2019s all.\u201d I replied.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Theo\u2019s jaw clenched. \u201cHe\u2019ll keep trying. Lucien doesn\u2019t do anything without reason.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I crossed my arms.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cTheo\u2026 what was that about?\u201d I asked.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Theo doesn\u2019t answer immediately. His hands drop to his sides, flexing his fingers. Restlessly.\u00a0<\/p>\n
18:34 Tue, Jan 20\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 59\u00a0<\/p>\n
:\u00a0<\/p>\n
63\u00a0<\/p>\n
55 vouchers\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cLucien said he knew a secret. Something about you.\u201d I asked, pausing to grasp at his expression.\u201dWhat did he mean?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Theo looked away, his jaw tightening. \u201cNothing you need to concern yourself with.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I frowned, confused.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cTheo\u2026 if it\u2019s about me, or us, you can tell me.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
He still doesn\u2019t look at her.\u00a0<\/p>\n
His chest rose and fell unevenly. It felt as if the truth was something he was afraid of talking about.\u00a0<\/p>\n
When I saw him hesitating, I changed my mind.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s alright. Really.\u201d I smiled, patting his hand. \u201cIm not so nosey, you know. Hehe\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cLucien just wanted to stir up trouble. He enjoys watching people tense up around him.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Theo finally looked at me. Sharp, surprised, almost pained.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re not worried? Not even a little?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I shook my head.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cNo. If there were something I needed to know\u2026 you\u2019d tell me. I trust you.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Theo\u2019s breath shuddered.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He looked at me as if my words hit him hard. A little too hard.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I wasn\u2019t bluffing. I trust him completely.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He has given me every reason to believe everything he had to say.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I won\u2019t let Lucien push us apart.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cKaia\u2026 I\u2014\u201d His voice cracks, just slightly. \u201cThere are things I haven\u2019t told you yet. Things I should have told you sooner.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I nodded at him with a smile.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThen tell me when you\u2019re ready. Not because Lucien pushed you into a corner.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Theo swallowed hard, his face reddened with guilt.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI will tell you myself. I promise.\u201d Theo said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I nodded softly with a smile, accepting his decision for as long as he needed me to.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cGood. Then let\u2019s not give Lucien the satisfaction of getting in our heads.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
18:34 Tue, Jan 20\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 59\u00a0<\/p>\n
Theo almost smiled. Almost.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYou make it sound easy,\u201d Theo said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I smiled.\u201d It is. When you\u2019re not alone.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cLucien wanted you to doubt me.\u201d Theo pointed out.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy? What does he gain from that?\u201d I asked, arching my brows.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Theo exhaled slowly, looking away for a second.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cHe hates that I\u2019m Alpha.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I frowned. \u201cThat\u2019s normal sibling rivalry. That can\u2019t be all.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Theo shook his head.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not a sibling rivalry.\u201d Theo paused. \u201cHe believes he should have been Alpha. He still does.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
He looked hurt, but he didn\u2019t say anything more.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I could see his face heating up with hurt.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Theo walked a little closer to me and took my hand into his.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cStay close today. Please.\u201d Theo muttered.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I smiled at him. \u201cI wasn\u2019t planning on going anywhere.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
AD\u00a0<\/p>\n
63 )\u00a0<\/p>\n
55 vouchers\u00a0<\/p>\n
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella\u2019s storytelling style is immersive and addictive\u2014perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Shadows Follow Lonely Minds \u2014 Christopher Harris 59 Chapter 59\u00a0 \u2013Kaia\u2013\u00a0 The entire pack felt different.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t need to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[80],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-27304","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-the-nightshade-heir-novel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27304","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27304"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27304\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27304"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27304"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27304"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}