Chapter 87: Negotiations 2
The office fell silent after his pointed comment. Yuki’s fingers subconsciously clenched into fists at her sides until her nails dug into her palms. She was not here because of the fight with Eloise. Killian noticed those small movements.
He sighed and walked toward her before stopping right in front of her. His cologne filled her nostrils as he invaded her personal space. Her pulse spiked sharply and the proximity started affecting her in ways she did not want to admit. Her breath caught in her throat for a moment.
She tightened her fists, hoping the slight pain would help her control the stupid urge to lean in and breathe in his scent. She did not want to come across as desperate. What was he doing? Her thoughts screamed inside her head. She wanted him to give her space before she lost her mind, but of course, Killian would never respect her wishes.
His fingers grazed her chin, sending jolts of sparks from the contact. She instinctively wanted to flinch away but he held her chin with a firm grip. His gaze focused on her face with an intensity that made her stomach flutter. Killian ran his finger over the bruise. Sparks of electricity and pain radiated from his touch. She bit the inside of her cheek to steady herself and shifted slightly in her seat.
"What were you doing that got you so beaten up?" he asked in a mocking tone. "I thought Alexander assigned Maverick to look over you."
"Having the future beta keep an eye on you and yet you still got this badly beaten." He did not bother hiding the contempt in his tone. "Aside from your face and stomach, where else are you injured?" he asked. The question puzzled her. Her gaze met his directly as she swallowed hard.
"Why do you care?" she scoffed. Killian’s gaze did not falter. White sparks emerged from his fingertips, covering the bruises. She could feel the pain easing. Although they were almost healed by her wolf’s healing ability, his magic made them disappear in no time. A cool relief spread across her skin.
As soon as the bruise was gone, his hand moved to her stomach. He settled it under her top on her bare skin. Sparks erupted from every point of contact. Having his heavy, warm palm on her stomach made her whimper softly. The dull pain felt more obvious now. A warm sensation rushed from his palm into her stomach, easing the ache. Her muscles relaxed against her will.
"It is distracting," Killian admitted. His voice stayed even as he hid his emotions. "Do not overthink it. It is just my wolf instincts," he explained. There was no need for him to say it but it felt like he wanted to draw a clear line there. Yuki smiled faintly. He wanted it to be obvious he was not helping because he cared. It was easier to heal her than to spend the rest of the day fighting his wolf.
Her heartbeat was uneven in her chest.
The pain in her stomach disappeared completely. "I understand," Yuki said. "No need to worry. The other hits are almost healed, Killian. And I am not here to tattle on you. What are we that I would come to you at the slightest inconvenience?" she replied. Something flickered across his face. He pulled his hand back after healing her stomach. His fingers brushed her skin one last time, sending another spark through her.
An amused smile curled at the corner of his lips. "To make it clear, I did not pick a fight," she continued. "This was done by your ex-girlfriend, who I conveniently got matched with in a combat test. It turns out she had a lot of grievances on her mind."
Satisfaction flickered across his face before disappearing. Yuki did not miss it. Of course, he was happy this was Eloise’s doing. "Oh, it would have been fun to watch you lose to her," he chuckled. Yuki knew he was deliberately trying to get under her skin and it was working. She clicked her tongue.
She laughed at his words. "I had no idea you had such a sense of humour, Killian," she sneered. "Where was this humour when you were clinging to me begging me to help you like a good boy, Killian?" she hissed. His composure cracked. He actually glared at her, which she found amusing. His jaw tightened visibly.
She smiled. "I guess it is not amusing anymore," she clicked her tongue at him. "And for the record, I did not lose. Eloise did."
That took Killian by surprise because he knew how well trained Eloise was. "How is that even possible?" he blurted out. His eyebrows rose in genuine surprise.
"What? Disappointed I beat your girlfriend?" she sneered at him. "Maybe ask Kaden. He was there during the fight."
Killian chuckled at her words then slowly stood up. She was taken aback by his laughter. He took a seat opposite her. Contempt mixed with amusement lingered in his eyes. "So you are here to complain about Kaden or something else."
"I am not here to complain," she snapped at him. Her voice rose slightly with irritation.
He did not flinch. "The jealousy in your tone says otherwise, Yuki." She froze at his words. She was not jealous. That was a fact. Her teeth gritted together and her hands curled into fists again.
"I am not jealous, Killian," she barked. "For crying out loud, stop putting words in my mouth." It felt like her head was splitting. Her temples throbbed with building pressure.
"Your body language says otherwise," he calmly replied. Her jaw clenched. He crossed his legs and intertwined his fingers together, resting them on his thighs. "Then why are you here, Miss Donovan?" he asked. "I know it is clearly not because you miss my face."
The space fell silent. Yuki drew in a deep breath. "I am here to redeem the favour," she said. Killian’s gaze darkened. His entire demeanour turned serious. His shoulders tensed visibly.
"So soon," he said. A knot loosened in her stomach. At least he was not denying it. Yuki nodded at his words. Her fingers twisted together in her lap.
"What do you want then?" he asked. "Do not think a favour can make me accept you as my mate with open arms," he said clearly. His voice carried a sharp edge.
"Actually it is the opposite," Yuki stated. "I want you to convince your brothers to publicly reject the bond," she requested. She expected him to be pleased by her request.
Instead, a heavy presence filled the office and Killian’s eyes turned molten gold. The air grew thick and oppressive. His hands clenched at his sides and his breathing deepened.
The temperature in the room seemed to rise with his anger. Yuki’s heart pounded faster in her chest. Nervousness clawed at her throat, making it hard to swallow. She shifted back slightly in her seat as the weight of his fury pressed down on her.
"What did you say?" he drawled, clearly angry.