Daphne's POV
How dare he? The fucker kissed me like he owns me or something.
'But he owns you.' My wolf laughed like a maniac, making me huff in frustration.
'He shouldn't have kissed me.' I whined, tracing my lips lightly. I would be lying if I said I didn't enjoy the damn kiss.
'Didn't you kiss him back?'
'Shut up!' I wasn't in the mood to listen to my slutty wolf. If it were up to her, she would have no doubt spread her legs wide already and shamelessly begged Kieran to fuck us. Not that it sounds bad to my lust-lidden brain. I have to admit, the guy can kiss. He almost had me forgetting how intolerable he is, just with one kiss. And now I can't sleep. Every time I close my eyes, all I can see is his stupid face. And how sexy he looked when he stormed into my bedroom fuming with rage. Jealousy does look good on him. I am ashamed to say, I am even getting turned on by it. Not only that. I am secretly hoping that I will get another taste, but of course, I can't ever let him know that. It will ruin my resolve to keep him at arm's length. This afternoon, after he laid his hand on me, it confirmed what I had always thought of him. He is a ruthless and cold bastard. And the far away I keep from him, the better for him.
*******
I sighed, shifting on the bed for the hundredth time. I can't sleep and he is to blame. He had roused these alien feelings in me, I can't explain, and surprisingly, I don't hate it. In fact, I need more. Crave more.
'Our mate is hot.' My wolf gushed.
'Slut.' I insulted, hoping she would keep her lust under control, but I ended up opening an unwanted door.
'You were checking him out earlier.' She argued with a tone I didn't like.
'I wasn't.' I grumbled.
'Did you like what you saw?' She taunted more. 'Cause I certainly did.' She began pushing problematic images into my thoughts. I will be lying if I say a shudder didn't run down my spine. 'He is big, too.' She was deliberately goading me and instead of shutting her up, I fell for the trap like a fool. It wasn't a surprise when my fingers somehow found their way to wet folds, or when I came undone with his name on my lips.
*******
Mortification. It's all I felt after riding my high. I doubt I will be able to look at my reflection tomorrow. 'There is no humiliation in lusting after your mate.' My shameless wolf chimed in, and I couldn't help but get angry.
'It's your fucking fault.'
'Did I also make you kiss him earlier?' She was right, but of course, I couldn't let her have the win.
'He kissed me.' I shouted. 'I want nothing to do with him.'
'Keep lying to yourself, it's amusing, actually.' My wolf scorned, enjoying my dilemma. By the time I fell asleep, we had bickered and insulted each other, all because of the stupid Kieran.
********
I woke up sweating and panting heavily from what seemed to be a wet dream. I can't believe he even dared intrude in my dreams. Can't he just give me a damn break?
"Daph!" I heard a Taylor yell, knocking on my door relentlessly. How the little guy managed to be energetic in the morning was beyond me. I jumped out of bed and got decent before walking to open the door for him.
"Hi, pumpkin." I tried a cheerful approach, scooping him in my hands. He wrapped his tiny arms around my neck, burying his nose in my neck and asked in concern,
"Are you feeling better now?" For a split second, I was confused as to what he was talking about, but then I remembered telling him I was unwell yesterday.
"I am so much better now."
"Good, daddy made breakfast. Let's go eat." I groaned internally, dreading seeing Kieran. But then again, I couldn't say no to Taylor. He has quickly etched himself in my heart and if I am being honest, he is one reason I don't regret joining this pack.
"What has daddy prepared?" I indulged Taylor as I made my way down the hall with him in my hands. The mouthwatering aroma began drifting in my nostrils. There was definitely bacon on the menu. When we got to the kitchen, I hesitated. Kieran raised his head and our gaze held, making my breath hitch. There was something soft in his gaze. It wasn't the usual unattached glare I am used to. My heart somersaulted when he smiled at me, and strangely I found myself itching to reciprocate but stopped myself. I saw his face fall and ignored it as I walked to the nearest stool and placed Taylor down.
"Grab some plates," Kieran said calmly, pointing toward the cabinets. I did as requested. He began filling all three plates before switching off the cooker and headed to the fringe, where he took out what I assumed to be freshly squeezed orange juice. After pouring for us, he pulled a stool close to where we were seated around the counter and sat. Taylor was situated between us. We began eating in silence, reacting to Taylor's blabber now and then but overall, we ignored each other. Every so often when I wasn't looking, I could feel his gaze on me, just like I am sure he felt when I sneaked a peek or two. Did he just get more attractive overnight? I couldn't help but wonder. I weirdly felt this undeniable attraction to him, and it was truly disturbing. What irked me the most was the smirk he was wearing. It was like he knew the effect he had on me.
"What?" I growled, glaring at him fiercely. I had just caught him eyeing me weirdly.
"Nothing, just admiring my mate." His mock innocence made my temper flare. And fast.
I almost got up, but he bellowed, "finish your breakfast." My glare hardened. "Please." He added calmly and for the life of me, I obeyed. Like a docile little thing who didn't have a mind of her own.
Taylor looked between us in confusion. The poor soul couldn't decipher the Cold War going on, or so I thought. "Are you two fighting again?" He asked, shocking us both