Utter Shock

Utter Shock
Kieran's POV

Xander was beyond joyous to know that I had decided to accept his deal. I made it clear that it was strictly a business deal and we signed contracts and shook hands on it.
And for the first time in a long while, I felt liberated.
Truly.

It felt like I was finally able to own something of mine.
For now, I was going to keep working, just until serious preparations started. But not as much as I normally do.
I had to reduce my workload in order to have time to follow up with the preparations.
There was so much to do and I had a to-do list to guide me every step of the way. And of course, my goddess-sent angel, Xander.

We had just decided on furniture to be used and we were on our way to the palace. I was free for the day.
By now, we had chosen the perfect location for the salon. It was so perfect, I almost cried.
Then we met with a decorator and I pitched what I had envisioned for the salon. How I wanted it to look, everything.

I had high hopes for it. And as much as it was scary to think about, I was really praying to the goddess to make it all work out perfectly. And it had to be before Sabrina and his mother found out. If that happened, hell would break loose. I had managed to avoid it since our last encounter, but it was extremely tiring. I just had to hold out till I was settled.

“She can handle it,” Xander said, clearly trying to convince me to let the decorator handle it.

I nodded.
“I could tell. That's not what is bothering me” I said and I could feel his stare drilling through my head.

“What's wrong?” He asked and I sighed before I turned to him, searching his eyes, debating whether to tell him I was thinking about his mother yet again or not.

“My mother.” He suddenly said, realization clouding his features.

My shoulders sagged.
“I'm sorry, it's just so hard not to think about her” I said and he shook his head, before pulling me closer to him, his arms wrapping around me.

“You have nothing to be sorry about. I'm the one who's sorry you're going through this at all.” He planted a kiss on my forehead before slightly pulling away.

“I'll figure this out, I promise” he said and I smiled sadly.

“I just wish she'd give me a chance” I said and he sighed before smoothening out my hair.

“She's my mother, yes, but the one who needs to give her a chance is you.” He shook his head.

“She has gone way overboard,” he added.

“You're like a miracle” I said dreamily and he stared at me for a second before he started to laugh.

Okay, admittedly, that was weird but I couldn't help it.
It just slipped.
I looked away as my cheeks grew hot.

“You're so adorable” he said as we finally got home.

We made our way into the palace. We were going to spend the rest of the day together and I would go back to work in the morning.

We made small talk about the plans and all as we made our way to his room.

“Oh, would you look at that? Just who we were looking for” A voice called out as soon as we turned around a corner.

Sabrina.
And Xander's mother.

I froze for a second before finally relaxing.
Breathe, Kieran.
I'm prepared for this.

“Oh and look, he's with the tramp. How perfect” she added.

My eyes darted between the two.
Sabrina's hate was glaring, almost like she was desperate to let me know she hated me.
It's okay girl. I'm aware. It was

And Xander's mother just eyed my entire being from head to toe, like I really was the tramp Sabrina had called me.

“Your tongue,” Xander warned and
she clenched her jaw but complied.
“What is she doing here?” His mother asked.
Xander was about to answer when I cut him off.

“To spend time with my man” I said and his mother looked at me in disgust.

“Your man?” Sabrina scoffed.

“You're so unbelievable” she added and I shrugged.

“I specifically told you never to come back to this place” His mother finally spoke to me.

I cut Xander off yet again when he was about to speak. I hoped he understood and let me handle this.

“I’m sorry but…” I started but trailed off, before continuing, “I mean, I'm not actually sorry. Anyway, I can't not come here. You see, my mate runs this place” I finished and she took a step closer to me, a solid frown on her face, almost like she was trying to intimidate me.

I didn't back down however, unfortunately for her.

“You witch” Sabrina said, as she raised her hand, and slapped me.
Almost immediately, I slapped her too, if not harder and I watched as she staggered backward from the force and in shock.

His mother gasped.
“How dare you?!” She said as so much anger came off her in waves.

“With all due respect, ma'am, I have tolerated enough. I am not a witch. I'm just a girl ordained as a mate to your son. I do not understand why I have to take so much hate. If you still won't accept it, then so be it. I can't make you but I will not walk away from where the goddess has placed me,” I said, ignoring the shocked look on her face and turning to Sabrina, “And you, get over your obsession with Xander. He doesn't feel the same. Where's your pride as a woman?” I asked as she cradled her cheek.

I took a satisfied step back.
Sabrina straightened and spat.
“I regret the day I ever saved you from that bleeding mess guy were in, you fucking backstabber” she said and my face hardened.

“I regret ever considering you a person worth calling a friend, but I'm still grateful you saved me. Without you, I never would have been able to meet my mate.” I said and she basically lunged for me.

That was when I realized Xander was still right there.
He pushed me backwards gently and he caught Sabrina.

“Stop it” he said, sternly, his jaw ticking.

“Both of you,” he added.

“Xander…” his mother trailed off and he turned to her.
“She washes dishes at a cheap diner and works at a salon. Is that really who you want to make the Luna of Deathshade pack?” She asked, and I clenched my fists behind Xander.

“Yes. A queen who works as hard as she can to achieve what she wants and doesn't just get handed everything like a spoiled child” he said, obviously taking a jab at Sabrina.

That made me crack a smile.

“What is wrong with you mom? You've always wanted me to find my mate and now that she's here, what? She's a witch? She's not worth it? It's not like you to get brainwashed so easily.” He said, a disappointing edge to his tone. I could not see their faces but I bet she was conflicted at that moment.

“And Sabrina, being childhood friends doesn't mean I cannot exile you from this city. You're treading on thin ice and once it so much as cracks, you're out of her. And please, get over yourself. I never had nor will I ever have feelings for you.” He said to her and I could already hear her sobs.

Xander turned around and grabbed my hand as softly but firm as possible.

“Let's go,” he said as he pulled away.

A fulfilling smile laced my lips as I finally felt somewhat liberated.
I could only breathe easy after they were completely out of sight and earshot.

“Xander” I said as I suddenly stopped in my tracks and he looked down at me with worry.

“Are you ok-” he started to talk but I cut him off.

“I love you” I suddenly said and his eyes widened in shock. Shock that was short-lived by an even bigger sho
ck when I suddenly tiptoed, wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him like my life depended on it.

Complete and utter shock.