CHAPTER 81: FACE THE CONSEQUENCES

Kaya

I’m dead exhausted, but I barely manage a couple of hours of sleep, tossing and turning as if I’m being prickled by sharp needles; as if I’m wrapped in sandpaper and glass.

My body aches from both the shift and the last night’s fight—limbs sore, back still burning with wounds that haven’t yet healed. My head is a muddled mess of thoughts, frustration spiraling through my mind like wild, spinning tops.

And it doesn’t help that now, instead of one voice in my head, I have two—constantly circling, clashing, carouseling in chaos.

I didn’t believe a single word he said, Rana huffs, her tone sharp with disapproval. I can practically see her in my mind—ears drooping, eyes narrowed in disappointment. Athan was too anxious. None of that felt real. He was definitely hiding something from us.

I know she means well, but the mere mention of Magnus—and his wolf—only sends my fury flaring higher.

That’s why I couldn’t sleep. Not really. Not deeply. Just like Rana, my mind kept circling back to Magnus’s words—the way he hesitated, the way he had to think before speaking, like every syllable was pulled from a place he didn’t want to visit.

I don’t believe what he said, not truly. But what am I supposed to do with that?

Maybe I should reject him instead, I think bitterly as I stand in front of the bathroom mirror, lips pressed tightly together, glaring at my own reflection.

No, Rana growls softly inside me, her voice more firm than ever. You’ll regret it. Both of you will. A pause. He’s a damn fool, but I won’t let a fool decide our fate.

I scoff bitterly, noting the unwavering resolve behind my wolf’s words. She sure has a sharp tongue and quite an attitude.

Magnus wants us to go on with our lives as if the mating bond never happened. Don’t you think that’s cruel? I ask her, trying to appeal to her sense of reason. Cruel to both of us? To all four of us?

But Rana proves to be more stubborn than I anticipated. I never imagined my wolf could be so relentless—almost like a pushy mother I never had. I’m sure one day I will regret letting her push me.

Let him try, she snorts, voice dripping with amused arrogance. Let’s see how long he can keep up the act.

I frown at my reflection, narrowing my eyes at her scheming tone. What are you planning in there?

Goddess help me. She’s only been awakened for a single day, and I can already feel trouble stirring in my bones.

No matter how strong his resolve is to resist us, Rana purrs, baring her teeth in what can only be described as a wicked grin, the mating bond will always be stronger. All we have to do is make him lower his guard... and then let our charm do the rest. He’ll give in. Sooner or later, they all do. We can’t fight our instincts.

I sigh, shaking my head at her audacity.

Magnus hurt me—pushed me away while still trying to keep me close, as if I were something he could tether to him without ever truly holding. But even now, I’m not sure I have it in me to stay away either.

Now that Rana is fully awake, how can I be certain that it won’t be me surrendering again... over and over?

’Kaya?’

I blink, startled, as a foreign voice breaks through the fog of my consciousness. I pause, focusing, wondering if I’m simply hallucinating—until the voice echoes again, clearer this time.

’Kaya?’

’Oliver?’ The response slips from me instinctively, as if calling out to him like this—through a mental tether—was something I’ve done a hundred times before. It feels just as natural as thinking.

’Oh, great, the mind link is working!’

he says with cheerful relief, and I blink again, this time in surprise.

Mind link?

I’ve never been able to share one before. Not while my wolf was dormant. But now... Now, at last, things are beginning to lookright. Everything that was once blocked is finally starting to fall into place.

’How are you feeling?’ Oliver’s voice cuts gently through my thoughts again, this time tinged with slight concern. ’Alpha Magnus filled me in on what happened last night... Do you think you’re up for joining me in a meeting? I know you need rest, but it’s kind of important.’

A meeting? I repeat dumbly, caught off guard. ’Uh... is it really important?’

I immediately regret how unsure I sound—but the truth is, I’m not in the mood to take even a single step outside this room.

If Oliver knows what happened last night, then he knows everything. He knows I fought Gloria. He knows I broke the investigation code by hiding the truth—that she was the one who drugged me.

He knows I crossed a line by initiating a fight that could have ended in blood. That nearly did end in blood—for both Gloria and me.

I’ve been so consumed with thoughts of Magnus that I completely forgot just how many pack rules I broke last night. And now... I’m scared. Or maybe—I’m just utterly ashamed of my own recklessness.

You did nothing wrong, Rana murmurs, trying to soothe me. But I don’t think she fully understands the weight of what I have done—or what I may have brought upon us both.

’Yeah...’ I finally respond to Oliver, my brow furrowing as I stare at my messy reflection once more. ’How much time can you give me to get ready?’

’Take all the time you need,’ he replies instantly, his voice still as light and reassuring as ever. ’We’ll be waiting for you in the Alpha’s office.’

The Alpha’s office... I repeat the words in my head, exhaling slowly as a heavy sigh slips from my chest.

Magnus will be there.

Way too soon.

But I have no other choice—I have to face the consequences. I have to go.