Chapter 79 Chapter 79
_Leah’s POV_
The moment Kayden ended the call, something inside me twisted.
He didn’t look at me right away. His shoulders were tense. His jaw was tight. That look always meant trouble.
“Kayden?” I asked softly. “What happened?”
He stood up from the couch. “I need to go,” he said quickly. “Right now.”
My heart skipped. “Go where?”
“I’ll explain when I get back,” he replied. “I promise.”
I grabbed his arm before he could move past me. “You just recovered. You can’t rush out like this. What if it’s dangerous?”
His eyes softened when he looked at me but the urgency didn’t leave them. “I have to do this, Leah. Please trust me.”
Athena stirred inside me. Something is wrong.
“I don’t like this,” I said quietly. “At least tell me if you’re going to be safe.”
“I will be,” he said. Then he leaned down and kissed my forehead. “I won’t be long.”
And just like that, he was gone.
The door closed behind him with a soft click but the sound echoed loudly in my chest.
I stood there for a long moment, staring at the door. My mind raced with questions. Fear crawled under my skin.
What could be so urgent that he wouldn’t tell me?
Athena’s voice was calm but alert. Stay aware, Leah. I feel uneasy.
“I feel it too,” I whispered.
The hours passed slowly.
I tried to distract myself. I walked through the halls. I checked on the guards. I sat by the window and watched the moon rise higher in the sky. But no matter what I did, my thoughts kept returning to Kayden.
Every sound made me jump.
Every shadow felt heavier.
When I finally heard footsteps near the door, my heart leapt painfully in my chest.
The door opened.
Kayden stepped inside.
Relief rushed through me....until I noticed he wasn’t alone.
A woman followed him inside.
She was young and very pretty. Her black hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders. Her green eyes were wide and glossy as if she had been crying. She wore a simple coat, pulled tightly around herself like a shield.
I froze.
Athena stirred sharply. Who is she?
Kayden closed the door behind them. “Leah,” he said gently. “Come here.”
I walked toward them slowly, my heart pounding.
“This is Natasha,” Kayden said. “My cousin.”
Cousin?
I looked at her more closely. There was something fragile about her.....something sad.
“This is Leah,” Kayden continued. “My mate.”
Natasha’s eyes widened slightly. She smiled softly and reached out her hand.
“It’s such a pleasure to finally meet you, Leah,” she said warmly.
Her voice was gentle and polite.
I shook her hand. “It’s nice to meet you too.”
She turned toward Kayden and frowned lightly. “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me you had already found your mate,” she said. “I would have come sooner.”
Kayden sighed. “A lot has happened. I forgot.”
She shook her head. “You never forget important things, Kayden.”
I watched them quietly. There was history here. She was family.
Kayden rubbed the back of his neck. “Natasha… I should inform your brothers. They need to know what’s happening.”
Her expression changed instantly. Panic flashed across her face.
“No,” she said quickly. “Please don’t.”
Kayden frowned. “Why not? They deserve to know.”
“They won’t spare Ray,” she said softly. “They’ll hurt him.”
Kayden’s jaw tightened. “Ray is such a jerk. Why do you still take his part?”
Natasha lowered her eyes. “Please, Kayden.”
I felt completely lost. “What’s going on?” I asked gently.
Kayden exhaled slowly. “Natasha’s husband… Ray. He’s been acting strange. He is very possessive and jealous.”
Natasha’s hands trembled slightly as she clasped them together. “He thinks I’m having an affair,” she said quietly. “With another man.”
“That’s ridiculous,” Kayden snapped.
“I swear I’m innocent,” Natasha said quickly, tears filling her eyes. “I have never even looked at another man. Ray is the only one I love. I don’t know why he’s behaving like this.”
My heart ached for her.
“He became violent,” Kayden added darkly. “He hurt her.”
Athena’s voice sharpened. Danger follows her.
Natasha wiped her eyes. “He’s furious right now. If you confront him, it will only make things worse.”
“This is unacceptable,” Kayden said firmly. “Let me call him.”
“No!” Natasha cried. “Please don’t. He needs time to calm down. If you confront him now, he’ll only get angrier.”
She hesitated, then placed a hand over her stomach.
“I’m pregnant,” she said softly.
The room went silent.
My breath caught.
“I haven’t told Ray yet,” she continued. “I wanted to wait until he calmed down. I know he will change when he hears this. I’m sure of it.”
Kayden stared at her. He was stunned. “Natasha…”
“I don’t want you to fight him,” she said quickly. “Please. Let me stay here for a few days. Just until things settle down.”
Kayden clenched his fists. I could see the anger burning inside him.
Athena whispered inside me. She is afraid....truly afraid.
I stepped closer to Kayden and took his hand gently. I shook my head.
He looked at me. “Leah...”
“She’s pregnant,” I said softly. “Stress isn’t good for her. Or the baby.”
Natasha looked at me with gratitude.
“Please,” she whispered again.
Kayden sighed heavily. “Fine,” he said finally. “You can stay here. For as long as you need.”
Relief flooded Natasha’s face. “Thank you.”
“You’re like my sister,” Kayden added. “This is your house.”
He turned toward Fred who had entered quietly. “Prepare a guest room for Natasha. Make sure she has everything she needs.”
“Yes, Alpha,” Fred replied.
Natasha followed Fred down the hall.
When they were gone, Kayden turned back to me.
“Why did you stop me?” he asked. “Ray needs a lesson.”
I looked up at him. “She’s pregnant. It’s better to give Ray time.”
Kayden shook his head. “I don’t understand you women.”
I smiled faintly. “She’s protecting him because she loves him.”
Kayden sighed. “I hope he apologizes. Because if he doesn’t… I won’t spare him.”
Athena whispered quietly. Love can blind even the strongest hearts.
I watched the hallway where Natasha disappeared, my heart feeling heavier than before.
I couldn’t imagine how terrifying it must be to run from the man you loved. To carry his child and still be afraid of him. The thought made my chest ache.
I hoped Ray would calm down. I hoped he would realize his mistake and beg for her forgiveness. No woman deserved to live in fear, especially not someone carrying new life inside her.
I reached out to Athena quietly. I hope everything works out for her.
Athena’s response was gentle. Hope is not weakness, Leah. It is kindness.
I wrapped my arms around myself and took a slow breath. Maybe this storm would pass. Maybe this was only a small detour before peace returned to our lives.
For now, all we could do was give Natasha safety… and time.