Chapter 18: Chapter 18

Emilia's POV

I groaned as I tried to open my eyelids. My entire body was sore and my palms stung. I was made aware of an incessant muttering in the background. My eyebrows furrowed and I massaged my temples. Couldn't she be quieter?

My eyes snapped open as my brain registered her voice, "Kiara! Is Nivaan alright?"

She stopped pacing to look at me. Placing her hands on her hips, she snapped, "You are really something, Emy! I never imagined you could go to such lengths to just stay here."

What had I done now? The lines on my forehead deepened. I propelled myself to a sitting posture trying to make sense of what she was saying.

"What kind of an irresponsible person are you? You went into the forest in the middle of the night in this state just to prove that you are right! What if something had happened to you? What if someone had harmed your baby?" Kiara ranted as she paced up and down. "You are lucky that NIvaan found you and brought you back."

I shook my head incredulously and snorted. Is that what he told Kiara? My hands went to my stomach. I risked my life; my baby's life to save him. Yet, he left him alone with.... A shudder coursed through me. I shook my head and stopped my mind from bringing back those memories.

I guess it was time to stop being pathetic. If Nivaan didn't want me here, it was best to leave. A groan escaped my lips as I forced myself to stand up, "I won't trouble you anymore, Kiara."

Dang! My legs, they wobbled and I had to rest my back against the wall for support. Sweat trickled down my forehead and my breathing became labored. I didn't know where I would go or how I would survive but I knew one thing, I didn't want to stay here a minute longer.

With great effort, I staggered out of the tent. I don't know why but Kiara followed me.

A hiss escaped my lips as the bright light of the sun hit me. My head started spinning and my vision grew bleak. I swayed but Kiara supported me quickly. There was a long pause before she let out a deep sigh, "You can stay here a few more days if you like."

My lips pressed into a thin line. Kiara was totally pissed at me yet she made this offer. How I wished there were more people like her in this world? How I wished Nivaan.... No, I wasn't going to think about him anymore.

Drawing in a deep breath, I pulled myself together. "I would like to leave, Kiara. Thanks for your kindness," My words came out as cold and firm. For the first time in my life, I was confident that I was doing the right thing.

"She can't leave," Nivaan's voice sounded startling me. How did I not sense his approach?

My heart fluttered as I turned my head to look at him. His gaze was fixed on my abdomen. My heart skipped a beat before thudding crazily. Was he finally going to accept me?

Nivaan took a long moment to tear his eyes away and looked at Kiara. He specifically avoided meeting mine. It stung and the numb ache in my heart flared again. He still didn't want me but as far as he could accept my baby, our baby.... I gulped the lump that had formed in my throat and tried to focus on what he was saying.

"The morons who tried to capture Emilia are the ones behind all the kidnappings. If she stays here, we have a better chance of catching them and solving this case." Nivaan's words stabbed me in my guts. My fingers clenched into tight fists and I glared at him, "So, that is why you want me to stay back? To use me as bait?"

His face turned pale and he shook his head, "It is not like that, Emilia.... I...."

"There is no need to explain anything. I am ready to do whatever you ask but I have one condition."

Kiara spun me around and snapped, "Gosh, Emilia! You never cease to shock me. You tried every means to stay here." Her grip on my shoulder tightened, "Now that Nivaan has given you the chance, you are placing conditions!"

"It's okay, Kiara. Let her speak her mind."

Kiara stopped talking and stepped back in a huff. The sudden loss of support made me stumble but I gripped the edge of the tent to retain balance. I looked straight at Nivaan and said, "You want to use me as bait, fine. But, I can't trust YOU to protect me."

Nivaan flinched giving me a small sense of satisfaction. I kept my gaze fixed on his as I continued, "I want Kiara to train me in self defense."

"That is pretty simple actually. I will ask Nyoni to help you," Kiara spoke up before Nivaan could reply.

"I want you to train me, Kiara. I won't accept a substitute."

"F***! Emy. Don't make this more complicated than this needs to be. You know that I can't even stand the thought of you."

"I am asking you to teach me to fight not to love me."

"Kiara, please.... Do this for me," Nivaan said as he took her hand in his.

She clenched her jaws; her eyes swept from Nivaan to me and then back to him. "Whatever.... Let us just get this over with," she muttered before storming out of this place.

The other guards and servants left as well, leaving me alone with Nivaan. My mind veered to the events of the previous night. I disregarded the safety of my baby when I went to save him. This could never happen again.

I took a step towards him and looked into his eyes. They were cold and indifferent as ever. Biting the inside of my cheek to control my emotions, I spoke those words; the ones that would free me from the clutches of this unwanted bond.

"I, Emilia Ryanwood; the daughter of Alpha Ryanwood accept your rejection."

His eyes widened and he looked genuinely surprised. But, I didn't care. Now that the bond was completely broken I felt peaceful. Without another word, I walked back to my tent....