Kiara was using Kyrian's card, because why waste her own savings on a hotel when the card of the Alpha who promised two years of a marriage-that-wasn't was sitting in her purse.
She parked on , the cool night breeze from the street slipping through the car window as she dialed her best friend.
"Hannah? You home?"
"Of course. Come up. Seventeenth floor. I'll leave the door open."
Kiara ended the call and pulled her small suitcase from the trunk. The metal trim caught her hand, and a sharp sting followed. Blood welled in a thin line.
"Damn," she muttered, sucking lightly at the cut.
Behind her, Nathaniel's black sedan stayed at a respectful distance. The Alpha's driver and quiet guardian. Kiara saw it in the mirror, but she kept her eyes on the road and her mind on the warm lights of Hannah's apartment. She didn't care if the Alpha sent the whole Darkcrest patrol—she was not turning back.
"Ma'am, let me—"
Kiara cut him off with a look. "I'm fine. Don't trail me inside. Go wait in the car."
She strode into the marble lobby, the scent of jasmine from a nearby florist mixing with the Street's crisp night air.
Hannah's door stood open as promised. Kiara wheeled her luggage inside.
Hannah, face shiny with a half-finished hydrating mask, blinked. "Whoa. You brought luggage? You didn't say—Kiara, are you running away from the Alpha's den?"
Kiara dropped her bag with a soft thud. "Just staying for a while."
Hannah peeled off the mask and snatched the luggage handle. "If you'd told me, I'd have met you downstairs! And what's this?" She grabbed Kiara's hand, eyes widening. "Blood? Kiara, what happened?"
"It's nothing. A scrape," Kiara said lightly. "It's already healing."
Hannah glared. "Your hands are golden. Ever seen how piano players guard theirs? They'd keep them in a vault."
Kiara laughed, some of the heaviness in her chest easing. "Relax. I'm not that fragile."
Hannah fetched a first aid kit anyway. "Sit. I'll clean it. And listen—remember what we talked about last time? Have you thought it over?"
Kiara stayed quiet.
"Mr. Damian called again. You know, the top tech designer in Europe. He begged me to connect you. Your tech skills is insane, Kiara. I think you got that from your father since you were a kid. He wants you."
Kiara's fingers tightened around the armrest. For years, she had hidden in private commissions, refusing the spotlight. Because of Kyrian. Because of that deal.
Kiara thought of the two silent years with Kyrian, of the deal that was already past its limit. She took a breath. "Tell him yes. I'm in."
Hannah's jaw dropped. "Wait—just like that? You always said no."
"I'm ready. I can start anytime."
"Anytime?" Hannah blinked. "What about the job at Blackwood Enterprises?"
"I resigned," Kiara said, voice flat.
Hannah whistled. "About time. That Alpha may rule the boardroom, but he doesn't own you."
She tipped her beer toward Kiara. "Honestly, I saw the gossip feeds this morning. He deserves to stew."
Kiara leaned back, the weight of the night heavy on her shoulders. "I asked for a divorce. He refused. Says he'll decide when it's over."
"That man!" Hannah slapped the couch. "Back when Fiona dumped him and ran off to Milan, he swore he'd prove he was irresistible. Now he's clinging to you to save his pride."
Kiara gave a small, bitter laugh. "Maybe."
"You should post your marriage certificate," Hannah said. "Let the world know the truth before those two rewrite it."
Kiara shook her head. "No. I want a clean start, no noise."
Hannah studied her for a moment, then smiled. "You mean it this time. Good. That calls for a real drink."
She raised her bottle. "To freedom."
Kiara lifted hers. The glass clinked softly.
The doorbell rang.
Hannah frowned and went to open it. Nathaniel stood there, eyes downcast. "Madam, Alpha Kyrian is waiting downstairs. He asks that you come at once."
Kiara didn't even look his way. "He can wait."
Nathaniel hesitated. "He is… restless. His wolf is near the surface."
Kiara's voice was cold. "Not my problem."
He lowered his voice. "On the way here, he spoke with his mother. She sounded… unwell."
Before he could say more, Kiara's phone buzzed. Martha.
Kiara answered at once. "Mom?"
"Kiara, darling," Martha said warmly. "Kyrian tells me you are not home. That rascal—did he leave you alone again?"
"I'm at Hannah's. We're having a little birthday dinner."
Martha chuckled softly, then her voice turned gentle. "When you finish, come to the old house. I feel a bit unwell tonight."
Kiara straightened. "Are you in pain? Should I call a doctor?"
"No, no. I just want you near. I found a jade piece at the auction. I'd like you to see it."
A quiet pause.
"Okay," Kiara whispered.
Hannah gave her a look as she hung up. "Your mother-in-law knows how to pull the strings."
They rode the lift down together. The doors opened to the cool night.
The familiar black Mercedes waited at the curb. Smoke curled in the dim light.
Leaning against the car was Alpha Kyrian.
He looked up when he heard their footsteps, eyes dark as night—dark and wild, the wolf flickering behind them, waiting to break free.