CHAPTER 134: THE BIRTHDAY PARTY (2)

"What exactly are you trying to say?" Kieran asked, his brows pulling together in a frown.

"We’re not here to argue," Leia said calmly, trying to keep the moment from escalating. "And Telia, just so you know, they’re all my mates. As for Lucien’s choice, he has always wanted a pure-blooded she-wolf as his mate, and I am one."

Telia gave a dry, almost dismissive smile. "Leia, I’m not jealous of you. I already have my mate. I only brought it up because Lucien has always been indifferent toward women. And there were no hopes for last she-wolf to even exist. There was even a time when my father hoped the two of us would mate. Luckily, Lucien refused. He’s far too arrogant to be likable."

Leia looked at her in disbelief. "You might want to be more careful with your words. Lucien isn’t just anyone, he’s the alpha of this pack and Kieran’s brother." She glanced at Kieran, who must have felt bad hearing such words for his brother.

"I said what was in my heart," Telia muttered, her tone colder now. Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked away, leaving Leia and Kieran standing alone.

Leia blinked, still processing the strange interaction. "What was that about? Why did she speak like that?"

Kieran sighed lightly. "Telia and Lucien had a major fallout in the past. That might explain her bitterness. Her father was one of our professors in college, so Lucien always showed him respect. Even when Telia crossed the line, he never punished her out of consideration for her father."

"I see," Leia said softly, her gaze drifting as the tension lingered in the air for a moment longer.

Just then, her attention was caught by the arrival of a large trolley being wheeled across the backyard. A towering five-tier cake, adorned with intricate designs and edible gold dust, was perched elegantly on it.

"Ooh, let’s go over there," Leia said, her eyes lighting up. She slipped her hand into Kieran’s and gently tugged him toward the crowd gathering around the cake.

As everyone joined in singing the birthday song, Kieran sang along too, but only for a few seconds. His voice faded as his gaze shifted toward Leia.

She was smiling brightly, his eyes crinkled with joy as she clapped enthusiastically when the song ended. The glow on her face made something stir deeply within him.

’She finally sees us as her mate,’ Kieran thought, warmth blooming in his chest.

Even his wolf, Eryx, stirred in agreement, his voice echoing softly in Kieran’s mind. ’Leia was always drawn to us...’

Kieran’s lips curved into a smile, his attention wholly absorbed by the woman who was unknowingly changing everything for him.

"Where are you lost, dude?" Jarvis grinned, shoving a small piece of cake into Kieran’s mouth and smearing a bit on his cheek.

Kieran blinked, startled, then laughed, wiping his face. Leia chuckled at the scene, watching their playful bond. The easy friendship between them reminded her of her own with Delia, the way they used to laugh, tease, and celebrate birthdays just like this.

But the memory, though sweet, brought a sudden ache to her chest. Her smile faded slightly, feeling upset. Delia and her friendship no longer existed.

"Whoooho!!!"

A loud cheer erupted just as the pop of a champagne bottle echoed through the air. Laughter and applause followed as Jarvis raised the bottle triumphantly, grinning ear to ear.

The evening buzzed with energy — music filled the air, delicious food made its rounds, and the dance floor never stayed empty. It was a night of celebration and carefree joy.

As the hour crept closer to midnight, Kieran and Leia made their way toward the exit.

"I’ll send the driver for you. You’re clearly drunk," Jarvis called out, slapping Kieran lightly on the back.

"Yeah, thanks, man!" Kieran replied, his words slightly slurred, but his grin still sharp. He turned to Leia, eyes warm with affection. "Let’s get home." He rested his head on her shoulder, his smile still spreading wide.

"Well, I haven’t had anything to drink. So, I’ll drive us home," Leia said, adjusting her grip on Kieran.

"Wait, weren’t you holding a wine glass earlier?" Jarvis asked, raising a brow.

"I was. But I didn’t drink from it," she replied calmly, steadying Kieran, who leaned a bit too much into her.

"Leia is strong," Kieran mumbled with a goofy smile. "Let her drive."

"You’re heavy," Leia muttered under her breath, trying to keep him upright.

Jarvis chuckled and stepped in, pulling Kieran toward him to help. "Come on, man. Stand up straight."

The chauffeur pulled the car to the front of the villa. Jarvis opened the door and guided Kieran into the passenger seat with a firm pat on the back. Leia slipped into the driver’s seat and adjusted the mirrors.

"Drive safe," Jarvis called out with a grin, stepping back.

Leia nodded, offering a small wave before starting the engine. The car smoothly pulled away from the villa to the main road.

As the soft glow of streetlights passed over the windshield, Kieran leaned his head against the window. Despite the alcohol dulling his senses, he was still trying his best to entertain her.

He hummed along to random tunes, occasionally bursting into a half-sung verse or cracking a joke that barely made sense. But it made Leia laugh, and that seemed to be his mission.

"You’re really in a good mood," Leia smiled, glancing sideways.

"I am," he mumbled, slurring a little. "Tonight was fun. And you... you looked breathtaking."

Leia felt her cheeks warm, but she kept her eyes on the road.

"I-I wanted to propose to you tonight," Kieran added, voice softer this time, almost a whisper. "But... I didn’t have a ring."

Her grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly, her heart thudding at his unexpected confession.

"Kieran..." she began, unsure of what to say.

But when she glanced at him, his eyes were closed, his breathing steady. He had fallen asleep, a peaceful smile lingering on his lips.

Leia looked back at the road, shaking her head lightly.