Page 34 of Pack and Forth
“I don’t know…”
“Kira, it’s possible to be meant for both of them,” Maggie reassured her. “Don’t fight it. Allow yourself to be loved and cherished. You deserve this happiness.”
Maggie’s words resonated with Kira. She ended the call feeling more at ease with her feelings, ready to explore her relationships with both Rex and Nash further. Maybe a triad wasn’t so bad when it was with men who truly wanted her and were willing to give their best in the relationship.
As she lay in bed that night, Kira’s thoughts drifted between the two men who had captured her heart. The future was uncertain, but one thing was clear: she was falling for them both. Her lioness had already deemed them both her mates, but the human side of Kira still needed to get used to the idea of being in a relationship with both.
NINETEEN
Kira felt a flutter of nerves as she approached the sprawling mansion that housed Rex’s family. The Blood Stone Pack’s alpha residence was an impressive sight with its grand columns and perfectly manicured gardens. She smoothed down the front of her dress, taking a deep breath to steady herself.
Rex’s hand found the small of her back, his touch warm and reassuring. “You look beautiful,” he murmured, his lips brushing against her ear. “They’re going to love you just like I do.”
Kira leaned into his touch, drawing strength from his presence. Nash stood on her other side, his smile bright and encouraging. “Remember, we’re in this together,” he said, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. “No matter what happens, we’ve got your back.”
As they stepped inside, Kira was immediately enveloped in a whirlwind of activity. Nash’s parents, Lila and Thames, rushed forward to greet them, their faces alight with joy and excitement.
“Oh, Kira!” Lila exclaimed, pulling her into a warm hug. “We’ve heard so much about you. It’s wonderful to finally meet the woman who’s captured our boys’ hearts.”
Thames nodded, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled. “Welcome to the family, my dear. We’re so happy to have you here.”
Kira felt herself relax under their easy affection, their genuine kindness washing over her like a soothing balm. She could see where Nash got his open, caring nature - his parents were the epitome of warmth and generosity.
As they moved deeper into the heart of the house, she felt a palpable shift in the atmosphere. The warm, welcoming energy that had enveloped them upon their arrival seemed to dissipate, replaced by a chill that had nothing to do with the temperature.
And then she saw him. Rex’s father, Eric, stood at the far end of the great room, his posture rigid and his expression severe. He was an imposing figure, tall and broad-shouldered, with a mane of silver hair and piercing blue eyes that seemed to cut right through to the soul.
Kira felt Rex tense beside her, his hand tightening almost imperceptibly around hers. She glanced up at him, seeing the flicker of apprehension in his eyes, the way his jaw clenched as he steeled himself for the encounter.
“Father,” Rex said, his voice carefully neutral as they approached. “I’d like you to meet Kira, my mate.”
Eric’s gaze swept over Kira, assessing and critical. She fought the urge to squirm under his scrutiny, holding her head high and meeting his stare with a steady one of her own.
“So,” Eric said, his voice a low, gravelly rumble. “This is the lioness who’s captured my son’s heart. I hope you understand the gravity of the commitment you’re making, young lady. The Blood Stone Pack is not a responsibility to be taken lightly.”
Kira felt a flare of indignation at his condescending tone, but she tamped it down, determined to make a good impression. “I assure you, sir,” she said, her voice calm and even, “I take my commitment to Rex and to the pack very seriously. I’m honored to be a part of this family, and I will do everything in my power to support and strengthen our bond.”
Eric grunted, his expression inscrutable. “We’ll see,” he said, his tone suggesting that he remained unconvinced. “Actions speak louder than words, after all.”
Kira bristled at the implied challenge, but before she could respond, a warm voice interrupted the tense moment.
“Kira, darling!” Rex’s mother, Sabrina, swept forward, her arms outstretched in welcome. “I’m so thrilled to finally meet you. Rex has told us so much about you.”
Kira found herself enveloped in a hug, the scent of jasmine and vanilla surrounding her as Sabrina pulled her close. But even as she returned the embrace, Kira couldn’t help but notice the strain around the older woman’s eyes, the way her smile didn’t quite reach her gaze.
As Sabrina stepped back, Kira saw the way she glanced at her mate, the briefest flicker of apprehension crossing her features before she smoothed them into a mask of pleasant neutrality. Seeing the way this vibrant, loving woman seemed to dim in the presence of her own husband made Kira’s heart ache.
“Thank you for having me,” Kira said, her voice warm and sincere. “Your home is lovely, and I’m so grateful to be a part of this family.”
Sabrina’s smile widened, but Kira could still see the shadow of unease behind her eyes. “We’re happy to have you, dear. Now, why don’t we all head to the dining room? Dinner should be ready shortly.”
As they moved through the house, Kira noticed the way Eric dominated every space he entered, his presence heavy and oppressive. She saw the way the pack members deferred to him, the way they seemed to hold their breath until he had passed.
And then there was Rex. Her mate walked beside her, his shoulders squared and his chin held high, but Kira could sense the tension thrumming beneath his skin. She saw the way his gaze flickered to his father, seeking approval or acknowledgment, only to be met with a cool, dismissive stare.
It made Kira’s heart break, seeing the distance between father and son, the way Rex seemed to shrink in on himself in Eric’s presence. She wanted to reach out to him, to offer comfort and support, but this was a battle he needed to fight on his own terms.
As they took their seats at the dining table, Kira found herself seated between Rex and Nash, their solid presence on either side of her a balm to her frayed nerves.