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Mrs. Samuels shifted the conversation abruptly from Clifford to Kira, She spoke about Kira's childhood.
Kira remained silent, her gaze fixed intently on Clifford's face, her lips curled into a smile that lacked warmth.
After they finished eating, Clifford was about to leave. But Mrs. Samuels called out to Kira, "Go with your boyfriend."
Without a word, Kira and Clifford exited the sitting-room together, walking side by side in silence. Mr. Samuels turned to his wife and asked softly, "Are you sure we're not being fooled? Do you think she really is in a relationship with him?"
Mrs. Samuels furrowed her brow, lost in thought. She didn't believe Kira was lying—especially the way she had treated Clifford. She shook her head slowly and replied, "I think she's hiding something, but I can see she's more comfortable around Clifford than any boy I've seen her with."
Hearing this, Mr. Samuels exhaled in relief. They couldn't have more children; their hope was that Kira would fall in love someday—perhaps even give them a grandchild to continue the Samuels lineage.
Mrs. Samuels's expression grew tense. Turning to her husband with concern, she asked, "Do you think we should tell her the truth? Maybe it will help her understand herself better, and stop her hatred towards men."
Mr. Samuels wrapped his arms around her waist and gently assured her, "I don't think that's necessary now. Let's hope Clifford can soften her heart. We should support him."
Mrs. Samuels leaned into his chest, murmuring softly, "I just pray she finds love."
After leaving her parents, Kira suddenly grabbed Clifford roughly and slammed him against a tree. The impact made the branches shake, and Clifford's glasses slipped from his face.
She stared into his eyes, then took a step back in shock. Clifford instinctively adjusted his glasses and started to turn away. But Kira grabbed his wrist, pulling him back and pinning him to the tree.
She sniffed him deeply; his scent was intoxicating.
"You're not weak, but you pretend to be," she said softly. "When you say you're an orphan, you're not sad. That means you're lying. You felt uneasy when my mother wanted to talk about your family and your parents. Why are you deceiving everyone?"
Clifford's eyes widened in surprise. He hesitated before asking, "Why do you hate men?"
Kira fell silent, her expression blank as she stared at him without responding. Clifford, anxious, continued, "Everyone has secrets they don't want others to know."
She let out a chuckle and clapped her hands, amused. "An alpha pretending to be weak and getting bullied at school—what do you think your pack will say if they find out?"
Clifford pursed his lips tightly, about to walk away. But Kira reached out and grabbed his wrist, her grip firm. "I'll reveal your secrets to everyone if you don't break the mate bond between us," she warned.
Clifford quickly pulled his arm free and walked away, not looking back. Kira stood there in silence, her expression unreadable.
Kira heard Aya's voice echoing in her mind: "He loves you."
She scoffed inwardly and retorted aloud, "Men don't love—they only use."
Without another word, she turned on her heel and went back inside the house.
Mr. and Mrs.. Samuels were stunned to see her return so soon.
"You're back already?" Mrs. Samuels blurted out, concern etching her face.
Kira flashed a quick smile and replied, "He said he could manage on his own. He's very shy, especially when I'm around."
She offered several flimsy excuses, which Mr. and Mrs.. Samuels didn't seem convinced by. But she didn't care. Ignoring their doubts, she strode inside, slammed the door shut, and flopped onto her bed.
The Samuels couple exchanged worried glances, their eyes filled with hopelessness. It seemed they had little hope of Kira falling in love with Clifford.
Meanwhile, unconcerned by her parents' worries, Kira was busy scribbling on a piece of paper at her study desk. Suddenly, she paused, her gaze shifting toward the window. Her eyes narrowed as she leaned forward, then swiftly jumped down through the window.
Leaning against a nearby tree was Pascal, his hands in his pockets. He shut his eyes, pursing his lips as a fallen lock of hair brushed his forehead. His handsome face was lit with a faint grin.
"You shouldn't be here," Kira said coldly, her voice tinged with displeasure. Her face was expressionless.
Pascal opened his eyes and grinned wider. "I brought you some gifts…"
Before he could finish, Kira cut him off sharply. "I don't want anything from you. I won't accept it."
Turning to head back inside, she was halted when Pascal suddenly asked, "I heard you brought a nerd home. Who is he to you?"
Kira spun around, raising an eyebrow. She wasn't surprised that Pascal knew—she'd sensed it. Pascal seemed capable of hypnotizing people, a rare ability even among betas. She'd also noticed the neighbor's strange presence lately; the man who lived in the farmhouse opposite, she'd seen only a few times. Recently, he'd appeared at his doorpost whenever her school bus dropped her off.
"He is my boyfriend," Kira said with a smile, clutching her dress shyly.
Then, she acted coy, her cheeks flushing slightly as she looked away.
Pascal's face darkened, veins bulging on his forehead as he looked at her with cold, piercing eyes. His voice deepened, laced with menace. "You can't fool me, Kira. I want you to sever all ties with the others. I can't share you with anyone. You are mine—mine alone. And when I become—"
Before he could finish, Kira roared, cutting him off sharply. "Don't even mention it!"
Shaken, Pascal took a step back, furrowing his brows as he observed her. Kira was panting, her fists clenched tightly, trembling with restrained rage. The claws at her fingertips were already extended, her eyes flickering with a feral glow. He realized with a jolt that she lost control whenever the word "Luna" was mentioned—her true nature flickering beneath her composure. A faint smile touched his lips, confident that her secret was still hidden from others.
"I will make you mine, and mine alone, Kira," Pascal vowed coldly, his voice unwavering.
Kira shot him a disdainful look. "You're too weak to achieve that," she spat, then swiftly turned on her heel. With effortless grace, she leapt through the window, landing softly in her room. Turning back to Pascal's lingering figure, she saw his mouth move, muttering darkly, "You wouldn't mind me getting rid of them for you, would you?"