Kaida's POV Blinking, I recognized Alpha Kairos standing in front of me.

His face was just inches away and his eyes stared straight into mine.

When our eyes fell on each other, I suddenly experienced so many feelings I didn’t know what to do with.

The way he looked at me gave me goosebumps and I felt a chill go down my back.

A long period without communication did nothing to weaken the natural bond we have.

As I looked at him, I couldn’t stop wondering what was going through his mind and what he expected from me.

"It's been a while, Kaida," he said, his soft voice reminding me of honey.

A bigger, wider smile came over him as he got closer and I could feel my cheeks grow warm.

I took a deep breath, though my voice still sounded shaky.

"I’m doing well, Alpha Kairos."

I had trouble with his new title and wasn’t sure how to start the conversation.

When he looked at me in such a way that gave me goosebumps, it looked like he knew every thought in my mind.

He smiled and the smile lines on his cheeks became visible.

He said, "For me, today holds special meaning," and his words brought joy to my heart.

As soon as the feeling came, I put it aside, thinking it was just me being especially cautious.

It’s possible that he was friendly instead of being pushy.

He looked at me in a way that made me question that perspective, as if he knew everything about me.

Ayla’s voice rang out loudly, calling me from the front of the clinic.

I stood up fast, wanting to go to her so we could meet in the middle.

I was wrapped in an embrace and I was able to release my worry.

Having Ayla around was like having someone magical at my side, helping me break the awkwardness.

She was full of energy and always looked for opportunities to try something new.

We knew each other since we were kids and she was always there by my side through all my troubles and celebrations.

Ayla clutched me tightly as we made our way to Alpha Kairos and Orion.

I could tell Alpha Kairos was watching me intently and an unpleasant chill went down my skin. I kept telling myself it was silly and I didn’t feel that way.

However, the way he stared at me, possessively, told me that he was thinking about more than just getting me in bed.

Alpha Kairos said all of a sudden, in a low voice, "Be mindful of her."

Ayla glanced at him, not knowing what he meant.

"What does that mean?" she sounded concerned as she asked the question.

"It's best not to squeeze Kaida the way you are now," said Kairos.

"You must have noticed she’s not very strong."

Her arms clutched me tighter and I could sense the way she wanted to protect me.

Her loyalty was unmatched, so I knew she was willing to sacrifice anything to keep me out of harm’s way.

"Why shouldn’t I?" She asked in a steady, firm voice.

Alpha Kairos looked at me and suddenly I felt a jolt of energy going through me.

He said, "Because she's... mine," using a tone that sounded entirely his own.

Ayla’s eyes went wide with surprise which made me feel my cheeks get warm.

"Excuse you?" Her voice grew stronger as she said.

"Could you explain what you mean by that?" she asked, looking at him in a way that made her eyes seem narrow.

Alpha Kairos stared at me without losing his focus.

"I said what I meant and I meant what I said," he replied, keeping an even tone.

"No one will touch Kaida if it's up to me."

As I heard what he was saying, a shiver went through me.

There was an energy in what he said that had me feeling stuck.

Because I was stunned, I couldn’t say anything, so I stayed there motionless.