The Minx
Chapter 28

When we got back to the house, Kieran was giddy with happiness. It was actually kind of cute to see but I would never tell him that. Kieran gave the drivers license to me before putting the rest of the paperwork away. After dinner together, we sat on the couch to watch TV for a while in silence, but I still had questions. I couldn't stay quiet for long.

"Kieran," I said lazily as I looked over to him. He hummed a response, keeping his eyes on the screen.

"When my mom disappeared, did you ever replace her?" I asked. He sighed before shaking his head.

"I haven't found her yet. I looked for Gemma for years and couldn't replace her. I only stopped looking to come back and check on you. When I saw you had shifted, I knew I had to stop looking for now to take care of you. You were my priority. It was urgent. I still don't know where she could be. It's not like Gemma to just disappear without telling me anything," he said as he finally looked towards me. I sighed and tried to decide how to bring up the next question. I didn't even know if I could still do it not I wasn't a wolf anymore, but I wanted an answer for it. And I trusted Kieran enough to show him now. I pulled at my adrenaline and fight or flight response before I aimed my hand at a blank space on the wall. If anything, the light shot out easier than before. Kieran's wide eyes looked at the wall before looking back to me.

"What the hell is this?" I asked him. He hesitated before holding my hand in his, examining it.

"You've weaponized your fox flame? But how?" He asked himself more than me.

"Fox flame?" I asked confused.

"Fox flame is kind of like... remember when I told you about a fox's aura and how it attracts humans? Imagine that aura looking like an invisible flame surrounding your entire body. You seem to be able to concentrate it into your hands and make it a weapon. How did you figure that out?" He asked, intrigued.

"I was being threatened, and it just... came out. So I trained and tried to recreate it until I could control it," I answered.

"How bizarre," he muttered to himself.

"I guess it's not normal then," I said in disappointment. I had hoped it was something all foxes could do. Yet another way I was different. Kieran stopped examining my hands and sighed as he held my cheek gently.

"If you're looking to be normal, Cami, that's never going to happen. You're different, and one of a kind. That also makes you special. There are things others will be able to do that you can't, but there are also things you can do that others won't be able to do. I'll still love you no matter what," he promised.

"That's not as comforting as you think it is," I muttered. Kieran smiled lightly before pulling me into his side.

"It's just going to be about replaceing a balance that works for you, that's all," he said. I knew, on some level, that he was right, but it didn't stop me from wanting to just be normal for once. I sighed and relaxed slightly into his side.

"I want to try living as a normal person," I admitted.

"Come work at my publishing company. I can make you my assistant. You can get real work experience and still take off when you want to. Plus, they all know you already," he suggested. I glanced at him briefly before scoffing.

"You just want me right under you," I muttered. He only chuckled, not even bothering to deny it.

"Working with my wife? I jump at the chance. Plus, Gemma is still missing, and according to you, so is Caitlyn. I'd rather not risk being away from you right now," he replied seriously. I sighed. He was right. Their disappearances were suspicious considering we were all held captive in a lab at one point. It was best to stay as close to Kieran as possible right now, and that meant working for his company.

"So I keep pretending to be your wife and you use the opportunity to make moves on me?" I asked sarcastically. He smirked and held my hand in his before kissing it gently.

"You're the one who said you wanted to stay," he reminded me.

"And you're already taking a mile from an inch," I retorted, taking myself hand back. I didn't want to give in to Kieran too soon. Even though I was comfortable with Kieran, and we really felt like mates, I didn't want to make the same mistake I made with Aspen and rely too heavily on him too soon. I think my problem was that I was relying on the guys in my life when I needed to learn how to rely on myself. When I could rely on myself, then I would lean on Kieran, but for now, I wanted to learn how to stand on my own.

"So you'll come with me?" Kieran asked. I only shrugged nonchalantly. Kieran smiled before taking my hand in his again. The energy that was being passed to me was comforting.

"I'm taking that as a yes," he said. I tried my best not to crack a smile. Kieran's excitement was contagious.

"I'm only going because I'll be bored here by myself. Plus, you are right about the disappearances. They are odd," I tried to excuse myself.

"We'll start with easy stuff until you get a feel for the company and what we do, or you don't have to do anything if you don't want to," Kieran said out right.

"Won't your employees resent me if I go and do nothing?" I asked. Kieran only shook his head.

"No. Things will get done regardless. They won't mind you too much. Just come to work with me starting tomorrow," he said. At least I would have something to do.