CHAPTER 91: TRUST ME THE MOST

Kieran smiled at her remark, a flicker of warmth in his expression. "It’s true. I’ve never been one for teamwork, especially not during late hours. I always preferred working alone. So, having your company tonight... I’ll actually appreciate it," he admitted sincerely.

Leia flipped through the pages of the file in her hand, curiosity gleaming in her eyes. "Hmm... So you’re researching a new drug aimed at enhancing the wolves’ performance?" she murmured, brows knitting slightly. "Aren’t there risks of side effects? I’m honestly a little surprised that we’re even venturing into something like this."

Kieran leaned back, a touch of pride seeping into his voice. "This project has been a dream of mine for years. I’ve run countless simulations and theoretical models to minimize any adverse effects. So far, the outcomes look promising. Come here, I’ll show you the basic blueprint I’ve developed. Lucien reviewed it and was impressed. He’s already greenlit the first round of testing."

Intrigued, Leia walked over and settled onto the main sofa beside him, her gaze drifting to the laptop screen he tilted toward her. As the interface loaded, she found herself genuinely impressed. The diagrams were precise, the chemical structures carefully annotated, and the data charts cleanly organized.

She glanced at him from the corner of her eye. ’He’s a genius,’ she thought silently.

She recalled overhearing pack members talk about Kieran’s achievements during his academy years, how he had dominated major competitions in both mathematics and biology.

Seeing the work in front of her now, she understood those praises. Kieran wasn’t just skilled, he was brilliant.

As Kieran worked, Leia silently observed him, learning new things from him.

By midnight, Kieran had managed to review nearly half of the files. Most of them revolved around upcoming projects designed for the pack’s growth and well-being, with a strong focus on the financial planning required to support them.

"We should get some sleep," Kieran said, glancing at the clock on the wall.

"Yeah... it’s already past midnight," Leia replied, suppressing a yawn as she stretched lightly.

As Kieran began gathering the documents, Leia stepped in to help. "I’ll take these to your room," she offered softly.

"It’s okay. I’ve got them," Kieran said with a quiet smile. "You should head to bed."

But Leia didn’t wait for his permission. With a stack of neatly arranged files in her arms, she turned and walked toward his room without another word.

Kieran let out a faint breath, half exasperated and half amused, before picking up the laptop and the remaining files. Silently, he followed her down the hall.

After setting the files on the table, Leia turned to face him. "Goodnight. And seriously, ask your secretary for help once in a while. You’re carrying too much on your shoulders alone."

Kieran gave a light nod. "I’ll keep that in mind." He walked her toward the door, pausing for a second. "Let’s go for a run in the morning?"

"Sure," Leia replied with a small, tired smile.

She stepped into the hallway, but just as she crossed the threshold, Kieran reached out and gently caught her hand.

"Can’t you just... sleep here? With me?" he asked.

Leia turned to him, surprised, only for him to quickly pull his hand back. Scratching the back of his head, he added in a murmur, "Don’t mind that. Forget I said anything. You can go. Goodnight."

But before he could even turn away, Leia astonished him by stepping back into the room and closing the door behind her.

"Fine," she said. "We can sleep together. It’s not like you’re going to annoy me the way Lucien does."

She walked toward the bed, removed her slippers, and slid beneath the duvet with ease.

Kieran stood frozen for a moment, staring at her in disbelief, then a faint, disbelieving smile tugged at his lips.

Kieran switched off the main lights, letting the room fall into a gentle hush. Only a faint glow remained, from a small lamp on his side of the bed, casting a warm amber hue across the room.

He lifted the duvet and lay down beside her, careful not to disturb her space.

Leia broke the silence. "You were studious in your school days, weren’t you?"

"I loved books," Kieran admitted, turning slightly toward her. "Have you ever read ’Life is Math’ by J.S.W.?"

Leia gave a chuckle. "No. I hated studying. I barely even touched novels."

Kieran smiled faintly. "You should try it someday. You might find it more interesting than you expect."

"Sure," Leia said.

Kieran shifted slightly toward her, his tone growing more thoughtful. "Avery told me something about you."

Leia turned her head a little. "What did she say?"

"That you’re scared of falling in love," he replied gently. "She said she introduced a few humans to you once, but you refused. Then she asked me if any of us, me or my brothers, were interested in you."

Leia blinked, visibly surprised. "Avery said that to you?"

He gave a small nod. "Maybe she’s just worried about you. I think... she really sees you as a little sister."

Leia was quiet for a moment before murmuring, "It’s strange, isn’t it? Delia was the one I grew up with, but it’s Avery who turned out to be more understanding. I only got to know her three years ago, but somehow, she acts like an older sister."

Kieran offered a soft smile. "Some relationships aren’t defined by how long you’ve known someone. Sometimes you just click. Doesn’t that apply to us too?" He glanced at her. "You found me the most trustworthy among my brothers. You trust me the most... right?"

"Yeah," she agreed. "Because with you I don’t need words to make you understand. I love this about you. You were respectful toward me since the day 1."

"I learned it from my mother. I wish she were here. She would have liked you as well," Korean said.

"You miss her, don’t you?"

"Yes. But more than me, Ronan does. I feel guilty for being too lucky in everything, Leia," Kieran said, his voice dropping while recalling the past.