Chapter 228

The loud cheers around us slowly faded as I watched Kiara gently pull her hands away from mine. My smile slowly disappeared.

Maybe I had rushed things.

Maybe confessing in front of so many people had been too much for her.

I couldn’t blame her if she wasn’t ready.

I lowered my head, forcing myself to accept whatever answer she was about to give. Even if it wasn’t the one I wanted, I would respect it. Loving her wasn’t about forcing her to choose me. It was about waiting until she was ready.

I let out a quiet breath before looking back at her.

“It’s okay, Kiara,” I said with a small smile, even though my heart felt heavier with every second. “I’ll wait for you no matter how long it takes. If today isn’t the right time, then I’ll keep waiting until the day you believe it is. I know that someday, when the time is perfect, you’ll accept me.”

She simply stared at me as the corners of her lips slowly curled into the sweetest smile I had ever seen.

She stepped closer until only a small space separated us. Without saying a word, she gently cupped my face with both hands. Instantly calming the storm inside me.

"What if today is the perfect time, fake Alpha?" she teased. "I, Kiara, accept you, Jason, to be my boyfriend."

Before I could even process her words, she pulled me down and kissed me passionately on the lips.

The crowded hallway erupted into cheers and wild clapping as I wrapped my arms around her waist, kissing her back just as deeply.

When we finally pulled away from the kiss, gasping for air, Kiara kept her eyes locked on mine.

“I’ve loved you too, Jason,” she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.

"We need to celebrate, guys!" Jasmine shouted. Without giving us a second to breathe, she grabbed my hand and began dragging us through the cheering crowd as we made our way outside the school building.

"Guys, I have something to tell you all," Marcus said, suddenly stepping in front of us and stopping us dead in our tracks.

I frowned, adjusting my grip on Kiara's hand. "What is it?" I asked.

"Uhm... the truth is, I actually recorded a video of everything that just happened," Marcus said, holding his phone tightly as if it were a shield. "I sent it to Gab, and I guess he went ahead and showed it to your parents. Now... well, now they want you all to come home immediately."

Kiara immediately pulled her hands away from mine and took a step back, her eyes widening in panic as she stared at us.

“What if they don’t like me?” she whispered nervously.

“You don’t have to be scared,” I said quickly, stepping in front of her and gently holding her shoulders. “I promise my parents will love you. They’ve been waiting for so long to meet K.”

“He’s right, Kiara,” Jasmine said with a reassuring smile as she took Kiara’s hand. “Our parents are going to love you. You really don’t have to be scared.”

She nodded.

The drive home was filled with Jasmine’s nonstop chatter, while Kiara sat quietly beside me, holding her skirt tightly.

I kept my hand over hers the whole ride, gently rubbing the back of her hand with my thumb to help calm her down.

When we arrived at the pack house, Kiara took a deep, shaky breath. Before we could reach the front door, it swung open.

As soon as we walked into the living room, the whole family was waiting for us.

Gab was leaning against the sofa with a smug grin on his face. Grandma and Grandpa sat comfortably in their armchairs, smiling. My parents stood in the middle of the room, with Uncle Julius beside them, already trying not to laugh.

“So, this is the famous Kiara,” Mom said as she walked over.

Instead of the strict questioning Kiara was expecting, Mom walked right past me and pulled her into a warm hug.

“Welcome to our home, dear,” she said with a smile. “We’ve heard so much about you.”

Dad stepped forward next, a smile softening his usually serious face.

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Kiara,” he said. “Don’t mind everyone. We’re just happy you’re here.”

Kiara’s shoulders relaxed as some of her nervousness faded.

“Thank you for having me, Alpha, Luna,” she said politely.

Grandma smiled and waved her over.

“Come and sit down, dear. We want to know everything about the girl who finally stole Jason's heart!”

The next two hours were filled with laughter, stories, and endless questions.

“So, Kiara,” Uncle Julius said with a teasing smile, “how many times did Jason annoy you before you finally agreed to be his girlfriend?”

Kiara laughed. “Too many times to count, Uncle Julius.”

The whole family burst into laughter.

“Hey! I was a perfect gentleman,” I protested, raising my hands.

“Oh, please,” Gab said with a snort. “We all saw the video. You practically begged her to look you in the eyes.”

“Don’t tease your brother, Gab,” Grandpa said with a chuckle. Then he turned to Kiara with a smile. “But he’s right about one thing. You have the upper hand now. If Jason ever gives you trouble, just tell us.”

Watching Kiara smile and laugh so naturally with my family warmed my heart. She answered all their questions with ease, and before long, everyone had fallen in love with her.

After a while, I looked at the clock and realized it was getting late.

“Alright, everyone,” I said as I stood up and helped Kiara to her feet. “It’s getting late. We should take Kiara home.”

“Look at him,” Gab said with a grin. “He’s already acting like a protective boyfriend.”

“Our little Jason has finally grown up,” Uncle Julius laughed. “Always looking after his girl.”

“Drive safely, big boy,” Jasmine teased in a deep voice, making everyone laugh again.

I quickly led Kiara toward the door. She laughed along with them, waving goodbye to my family as we left.

A few warriors followed behind us. There was no way my parents were going to let me leave without an escort.

The drive to Kiara’s neighborhood was quiet, but it wasn’t awkward. I parked a little near her house.

I turned off the engine and looked at her.

“I’m sorry about my family,” I said with a small smile. “They can be a little overwhelming.”

“Don’t be sorry,” Kiara said softly, leaning back in her seat. She looked at me with a gentle smile. “They were amazing, Jason. I’ve never felt so welcomed.”

“They already love you,” I said with a smile. “How could they not?”

I reached over and gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. My fingers brushed her cheek, and Kiara closed her eyes, leaning into my touch.

Slowly, I leaned in, and she met me halfway.

This kiss was different from the one we shared at school. I rested one hand behind her neck, holding her close as if I never wanted the moment to end.

When we finally pulled away, our foreheads rested together as we smiled, breathing softly.

“I should walk you to your door,” I said quietly.

We got out of the car, and I walked with her along the path to her house.

But as we reached the porch, the peaceful moment disappeared.

Standing at the front door with her arms crossed and a cold look on her face was Kendra.

Panic flashed across Kiara’s face, and she quickly stepped in front of me, placing a gentle hand on my chest.

“Jason, I’ll be fine from here,” she said, her voice filled with urgency. “You should go home. Please, go now.”

I frowned and looked past her at Kendra. She stood silently, her eyes fixed on us, making me uneasy.

I didn’t want to leave Kiara alone with her, but the pleading look in Kiara’s eyes told me that staying would only make things worse.

“Alright,” I said.

I leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.

“Call me if you need anything.”

I had just reached my car when I heard Kendra’s voice behind me.

“Let’s see how long your love story lasts,” she whispered.

I turned around, but Kiara and Kendra were already walking into the house.

I frowned.

Maybe I had imagined it.

Shaking the thought away, I got into my car and drove home.