King Alejandro: The Return of Her Cold-Hearted Alpha
Chapter 26

KIARA

Dinner had been pleasant, it felt nice to have a full house, and for fleeting moments we were able to forget the weight of everything going on around us. I healed Delsanra, and although it did nothing to the curse it did give her a little energy, another reason I was glad they were here. I had just tucked the girls into the bed, Raihana was making Tatum and Ahren sleep and the rest of the adults were downstairs. Mom was making hot drinks for us all whilst I made sure Dante was settled. He never used to want me to put him to bed, but he didn't argue over it since the turn of events.

I ran my hand through Dante's hair, kissing his forehead gently as I poured my healing into him, but it did nothing for him. I sighed heavily, looking at my sleeping baby boy and fought back my tears.

You are going to get better. I wish there was more that I could do for him, for Delsanra... My phone beeped, I picked it up from the bedside drawer and smiled, seeing it was a message from Raven. I unlocked my phone and clicked on it. 'Call me if you have a moment.' It read, followed by a purple and black heart emoji.

I hit the call button and she answered almost instantly.

"Hey Kia, how are you?" "Hey hun, I'm ok. Just getting by I guess, how are the kiddies?" "They are all fine, I just got them to bed and thought I'd call. How are you and the family today?"

I smiled, having five toddlers to handle was no small feat.

"We are all doing ok. We have some answers, I'm not sure if Liam's told you, but Kat had a name and a pack name, so we are getting somewhere."

"I'm glad, no Liam didn't mention that. He should be coming back tomorrow. I'm thinking of you. You know, if there's anything you need me to do, I'm here, or if you just need to vent."

I knew she was; Liam was currently at the burnt down country home trying to scavenge for any hint or anything that could help.

"You two are already doing so much, I mean you have the kids and the pack. Mom and Dad have been here, Liam's not home."

"I can handle the kids with ease! Besides, I do have help, but they do miss Zuzu. She's the ringleader and without her, I think they do feel it. I'm just hoping things are sorted soon." Her tone was softer towards the end, her worry and concern for us clear in her voice. "I'm sure it will be." I replied. "Thank you, Raven, for everything."

"Nothing to thank me for, that's what I'm here for."

We ended the call shortly after, and I smiled down at the phone. She was such a good friend, goddess. I'm grateful that she came into my life... I tilted my head; I couldn't remember how we became friends... Did we become friends after she was mated to my brother? or did I know her from before? I brushed my hair back, frowning. Pondering over this for a moment.

I shook my head and stood up, being extremely careful not to disturb Dante, and silently left the room, heading back downstairs.

The sound of my heels echoed in the silence. My mind wandered to what Alejandro was planning on doing, I didn't agree with it, but I also knew he was not going to listen. I turned the corner when suddenly someone grabbed my elbow, spinning me around and straight into their strong arms. I smiled as the intense sparks coursed through me, his intoxicating scent hitting me hard. I closed my eyes for a moment, enjoying it as I wrapped my arms around his neck. I looked up at him slowly, my heart thumping. His body moulded against mine oh so perfectly. "Can I help you, my love?" I asked kissing his neck. We had been fine during dinner and everything, but that disagreement between us still remained, and I just felt recently we were having far too many of them. He didn't reply for a moment, his cold eyes staring down at me. "Do I need a reason to hold you?" I bit my lip as his hand travelled down my back. "Not at all." I replied, feeling giddy. "Good."

And then his lips were on mine, one hand tangling in my hair as he yanked my head back and kissed me roughly. We broke apart after a few moments, the intensity of the kiss leaving me lightheaded.

"You know, if you two are done, the drinks are getting cola!" Raihana's voice came from the living room.

I heard a light chuckle, and I blushed, realising the door was open. "Babe, you can just keep the drinks hot." Chris's drawl came. "That's not hard for a smoking hot bombshell."

I pulled away and Alejandro wrapped his arm around my waist as we both entered the living room. Rayhan was seated in the corner with Delsanra in his lap, a blanket over her shoulders as he cradled her body, running his fingers through her hair. Maria was next to them carrying little Sienna, who was the only one awake from the kids, with Mom on the other end of the sofa, her leg draped over Dad's.

Chris and Raihana were on the other sofa, their arms around one another. Alejandro took a seat in the armchair, and I picked up the remaining two mugs, which were steaming hot - something I knew was courtesy of Raihana and her magic. I walked over to Alejandro, and he pulled me slowly into his lap before taking his mug. With the kids all in bed it was a lot quieter, even Sienna was falling asleep in her grandmother's arms. I took a sip of my hot chocolate while resting my head on Alejandro's shoulder, as Mom and Maria made small talk. When silence fell, Chris spoke up. "So, when are you planning on doing that spell?" He asked, his eyes fixed on Raihana. She looked at Alejandro, and I looked up at him, hoping he'd reconsider. "Soon, let me just finish this drink." Alejandro replied, glancing at me for a split moment.

I sat up straight, looking at Mom and Dad. Everyone in this room knew the plan. "Do you guys actually agree with this?" I asked, keeping my gaze on Dad. "He isn't planning to torture the child." Dad said quietly.

I pursed my lips. "But it's a child." "Who is in a bad position. This may be better for him, Kiara." Mom reasoned quietly.

Ok, even she was ok with this... I looked at my acrylic nude nails and then up at Raihana and Maria.

"Am I the only one who isn't ok with this?" "Is it a feeling you have, or you just generally don't think it's right?" Rayhan asked, raising an eyebrow. "I generally don't think this is right." I murmured, gripping my mug tightly. Delsanra looked at me too, and I realised that we did need answers. She and Dante couldn't carry on like this, but I did wish this wasn't the way to go about it.

"Sometimes a decision isn't easy, but we have to get it done." Maria sighed softly. "Where do you plan to keep the child?"

"In a room, safe." Alejandro's reply was curt and cold.

"You mean as a prisoner. If he's a little older than Dante, say nine or ten even then, that means he'll remember this." I debated. "Look, I don't want to bring this up, but sometimes we think we do the right thing, but it can have lasting consequences... We've seen it happen before." I glanced at Rayhan, who frowned looking down. "But I wouldn't have done anything any differently, even if I could go back." He replied, his eyes flashing green. Delsanra placed a hand on his cheek, soothing him. I didn't say anything else; I was outnumbered on this one...

The urge to tell them to carry on and that I would not be a part of this was on the tip of my lips, but if they were going to bring a child here, then I wanted to reassure him that he was going to be ok. That we were not going to hurt him. I remained silent after that, getting up from Alejandro's lap I placed my mug down, but I didn't return to his side. I was trying to control the emotions that were whirling around inside of me.

'Amore Mio.

I glanced at him, trying to mask my emotions as I picked up the tray of empty mugs. 'I'm just going to put these in the kitchen.'

I turned away feeling upset. I heard Raihana follow me out, but she didn't speak until we entered the kitchen.

"Kiara, I'm sorry." She said coming over as I placed the mugs in the sink and began washing them.

"You don't think there's anything wrong with it, so why are you apologising?" I questioned quietly.

"Because I know I'm upsetting you by doing this, but we aren't going to hurt the boy. He may be better in our care."

"There's a difference between being in our care and using him as bait, but I know we won't agree, so let's forget it. When are you doing the spell?" I asked, my irritation seeping into my voice.

She crossed her arms and shook her head. "I don't get why you are making this sentimental, Kiara." "As a mother, I don't think it's right."

"This involves our loved ones, it's not so easy to make these decisions."

"Can we just end the conversation?" I replied, my eyes flashing.

Raihana frowned. "Fine, we won't discuss it then. I really don't think you should be there when the spell happens if you are just going to get hurt over it. This is war, that monster has resigned Delsanra to the státe she is currently in and she's in pain, as well as Dante. I think getting back at him is perfectly fine." She replied, her own eyes blazing.

"Exactly. That monster is responsible, not his son. Not a child who helped Kataleya! Even if he didn't help her, we shouldn't be targeting him." I shot back

"Girls. Calm down." Maria's voice came, we both turned to see our mothers standing there.

Raihana was only two years younger than I am, and I don't think we've ever argued before. "Kiara, I think it's better if you head to bed." Mom said quietly. I clenched my jaw, feeling my aura surge around me as I tried to control my emotions. "No, I'm coming along because this is a child who clearly has no one on his side." I growled and I didn't wait for an answer, brushing past both elder women, knocking straight into Chris in the hall.

He didn't say anything as he steadied me by the elbows, a frown of concern on his face. I walked back to the lounge and crossed my arms, looking at Alejandro. My eyes icy. "Let's get to this spell. Where do you plan to do it?" Alejandro stood up, frowning.

"At headquarters, secondly I'd appreciate it if you stay here." "I'm going to be there." I replied firmly, my eyes flashing. "You f*****g ain't. Elijah, make sure she stays here." His aura rolled off him in waves and Icould feel the command in it. Alejandro strode over to me, his power and dominance rolling off him in waves. He reached for my face, but I stepped out of his hold.

I shook my head, not masking my utter disappointment.

I could never get my head around using a child for any purpose. I... It was wrong.

"I hope you're happy." I whispered before I turned and was about to leave the room, only for Alejandro to grab my arm and yank me into his arms.

Sparks rushed through me and my chest squeezed painfully. 'Let go of me,'l commanded through the link, not wanting to cause a scene with Dad right there.

He frowned, but did as I said, I knew he could see the fire in my eyes.

'I hope that in time you f*****g see that I did the right thing! He replied.

I didn't answer, running upstairs and walking down the hall, I entered the girl's bedroom, messaging Mom that I'll sleep here tonight. I did not want to see him. My phone beeped, and I looked down at Dad's message. 'Kiara, can we talk?'

'No, I'm going to bed.' I text back, tossing my phone onto the small sofa in the girl's room and running my fingers through my hair. I walked to the window and stared out into the night sky. I saw Alejandro, Raihana, Chris, and Mom head out, and clenched my jaw feeling helpless. This was wrong. This child was going to feel as if he was a prisoner... He was a child, not a monster.

I closed my eyes, leaning against the wall, turning away from the window.

Goddess protect all our children...