Page 18 of Her Cold-Hearted Alpha: Part 2

"Elijah!" Uncle Rafael’s voice came.

We all turned to see him standing there with his mate, who looked stunning in a nude gown, Raihana by her side in pastel pink. Everyone met each other with hugs and kisses before they began catching up on the latest. I zoned out and scanned the room. They weren’t here yet… My heart constricted painfully.

"You’ve grown Kiara." Uncle Rafael’s voice brought me back to the present.

"Oh thanks. Guess I couldn't stay small forever." I said, giving him a smile.

My mate’s brother… Just the thought made my stomach twist. It felt a little strange calling him uncle now.

"Where is Alejandro anyway?" Rafael asked, now looking around.

"He’ll come soon enough, I'm guessing." Maria said.

I saw the uncomfortable look in her eyes, seemed like she didn’t really like him… I wonder if there was a reason, or she simply had made that decision for herself? Something told me it was the latter and that irked me.

"I really enjoyed my stay, it’s a shame I'm going home tonight." Raihana said gloomily.

"Then we should enjoy tonight." I said, trying to cheer her up despite how crappy I felt inside.

She nodded.

"And drink." She whispered.

"Raihana." Her mom warned.

"We’re just going over to the dessert table." I said before excusing us from the adults.

"How come you broke the dress code?" Raihana now asked, looking me over. "Don’t get me wrong, it's gorgeous, I wanted to ask you earlier but got so caught up."

I shrugged.

"Didn’t want to follow it?" She asked.

"Hmm." I didn’t want to answer that.

I looked at the table that was laden with sweet treats and dessert shots. Picking up a cake pop each, we returned to our parents.

I had just taken a bite when his deep, rich, seductive scent hit me like an avalanche. My heart pounded recklessly as I slowly turned to look at the man that had just entered, as did everyone else.

He looked extremely handsome in a black suit, a white shirt that had a few buttons open, showing off his tattoos and a few chains around his neck. He held a cigarette in one hand, the other in his pocket. He was perfect. He exuded power and dominance, his aura rippling through the room, showing every werewolf there who the ultimate Alpha was. I felt my wolf whimper and my own stomach knotted. I saw his jaw clench as he swallowed and I wondered if he could smell me too?

My heart was thumping but I wasn’t going to let him get to me. I turned my attention to Jasmin, who stood by his side, her hand resting on his arm ever so slightly, as if she was scared he’d pull away or lash out if she got too comfortable. Funny, considering they were fucking just yesterday…

She looked stunning in a gold shimmery princess gown; her hair was twisted up in a bun with a tiara sitting on top of her head. The perfect pair… That stung, but I kept all traces of my emotions hidden.

"She looks good I guess." Raihana said, earning a frown from her mother.

I saw her glance at me and knew she wasn’t sure about how things were with Alejandro and me. I was glad she didn’t bring it up again, and I was even more glad she didn’t know about Rayhan and me.

Everyone had fallen silent as the king made his way through the centre.

"She does look good, a fitting pair." I said softly.

"Yes." Mom said with a nod. She looked at me and I saw a sliver of concern in her eyes. ‘Are you ok, Kiara?’ She asked through the link.

‘Yeah.’ I replied, trying to focus on keeping my heartbeat steady.

I knew he had heard my remark, seeing his brows knot as his eyes now found me. My heart thudded with pain and sadness but I simply looked at him indifferently, I wasn’t going to react. I was here to show him that I wasn’t going to mourn him. I saw his eyes flicker over me, his eyes flashing red. He swallowed and looked away, taking a drag on his cigarette.

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