The next morning, I was in my room checking on some work I left behind in Paris. I was deciding when to fly to Paris, where I was actually needed, when I heard a familiar voice next to my desk.
"Leaving so soon, Trin?" Kaid crossed his arms.
"I have unfinished business there, but maybe the week after next week, still deciding," I replied without looking up.
"Your birthday is next week," he said, "Let's invite some people and have a nice dinner at home."
"Kaid, I don't do birthdays." Birthdays only reminded me of my dead parents, dead brother, and a whole lot of my past I despised.
"Perhaps, good memories will trump bad memories."
"Still a no," I know I was being stubborn.
"Then, have dinner with me. What do you want for your birthday? I wanted to give you a pendant, for protection," Kaid offered.
"What for?" I said in a clipped tone.
"Trin, why are you being so hard on me?" I sensed a desperation in his tone.
I sighed and closed my laptop.
"I apologize, I didn't know I was being too hard on you."
"Oh, for gods' sake, Trin. Are you being jealous now?" His voice rising.
"I am in no place to feel jealous," I replied. I could feel Maxine chastising me for being so obstinate.
Kaid paced around, tried to say something, massaged his brows, and finally said something hurtful, "I guess it's your turn now to explain, who the hell is Jeremiah Kingsley?"
His question took me by surprise. "You are only saying this to spite me."
"Do you love him?" He demanded. His Alpha aura felt menacing.
"No, and don't you dare use your Alpha aura on me," I refused to back down.
"If you don't love him, why did you spend so much time with him back in Paris?"
"He is a business partner, Kaid."
"I doubt it."
"Aren't you the one being jealous now?"
Kaid gritted his teeth, walked up to me, cupped my face to make me look at him, and whispered, "Tell me what do I do, Trin. I can't go on like this. Please."
"I have my own demon to deal with." You don't get to go back and forth between your lovers and me — the real reason I couldn't say out loud.
"Trin, you know I will fight your demon for you. If you let me. Just tell me what to do," Kaid pressed on.
"Answer me, then," I said softly this time, "Do you love her? Are you going to war because of her?" I shivered at the thought. I was not supposed to feel bothered.
Kaid growled in frustration.
"No, Trinity. No. I did fight alongside her, and that's why I knew I had to support her stance not because I loved her, not because she was my betrothed, but because if I don't, I won't be able to protect you, and I won't be able to protect my people! The witches she's up against will devour each and everyone of us if we don't fight. So, yes, we are going to war. I am appointing Lord Sterling to front the allegiance because I don't want the other packs to question my motivation. Oh, God, Trin, believe me, I am here with you."
I hesitated. I felt Maxine surged in response to his raw honesty, but I was not ready to open up and trust him.
"I am sorry I hurt you, Trinity. I will make it up to you. I promise," Kaid never showed this side of him to other people.
"We agreed, no promises, Kaid."
"Oh, to hell with it already, Trin."
"Can I trust you with my heart, my King? Can I trust you not to hide things from me? Will you tell me honestly if one day you finally find your mate? Have you figured it out, Kaid?" I looked into his eyes. I have never felt so vulnerable and exposed.
"Mate or no mate, I am here with you, my Lady," Kaid pulled me into his embrace.
"I will try my best not to hurt you. I will not hide things from you ever again. Please let me take good care of you the way you deserve to be cherished," Kaid said lovingly.
"I will be here as long as you need me, my King," I replied stiffly.
"No, my Lady," Kaid stared at me, not letting go of his embrace, "It is I who will be here as long as you need me."