Chapter 32: Chapter 32

Nivaan’s POV

A deep sigh escaped my lips and I slumped on the chair kept nearby. Kiara was by my side in an instant. She kneeled in front of me and clasped my hand, “You don’t have to worry about anything, Nivaan. I would never believe anything against you….”

“She was telling the truth, Kiara. I was the one who made a deal with Ariana. I traded your freedom for mine,” I blurted out before I lost my nerve. Shock flitted across her face which was soon replaced by hurt. I swallowed and lowered my eyes; waiting for her to lash out.

“How is that possible? I have seen you suffer at that vile woman’s hand.” Her lips pressed in a thin line and she shook her head, “That woman, she blackmailed me into doing so many things using you as a bargaining chip…”

A painful sigh escaped my lips as my heart shivered inside, “Ariana refused to fulfill her part of the bargain…” Tears brimmed in my eyes as I looked at my sister’s face, “I swear I planned to save you the moment I was set free… I know it is hard to believe coming from me but…”

“I trust you, Nivaan. You don’t have to explain anything. Back then you went to great lengths to keep me safe. If you gave up my location, you must have a very strong reason.”

I gaped at her for an entire minute, “You don’t blame me for handing you over to Ariana?”

“I don’t…. moreover, that happened so long ago,” her lips lifted in a weak smile, “Let us not talk about this again.”

I couldn’t believe my eyes. My sister didn’t hold me responsible for her ruined life. If I knew that Kiara would be so forgiving, I would have told her about it long back.

Kiara squeezed my hand as she let out a deep sigh, “We both have been through a lot but I don’t want to discuss any of that. I want only one thing; I want to see you happy.”

When Kiara said ‘Happy’ only one name popped into my mind ‘Emilia.’ I wanted to be with her more than anything else. I clenched my fists recalling the cruel words I had spoken to her a while ago. I tore my hair as a pang of guilt enveloped me. I had to apologize to her as soon as possible.

I rushed to her tent as soon as I could but was greeted by the empty canvas. I ran outside looking for her but she wasn’t in the garden as well.

“Have you seen Emilia?” I asked in an anxious voice as I trotted to the entrance. He scratched his chin before replying in a slightly confused voice, “I think I saw her go out of the camp. She also had a bag in her hand…” He shook his head as he continued, “I am sorry, Alpha Nivaan. I am a bit sleepy.”

My jaws hung open and I staggered a step. Hadn’t I told her not to talk to me ever again? What if she had really left? Blowing out a gust of air, I tore my hair. I was such an idiot. Why did I have to say such harsh words to her?

I accidentally brushed the golden bracelet on my wrist. There was a small spark of light and I felt a small tug in my mind; almost as if the bracelet was prodding me to go west.

I decided to follow the sensation. To my surprise, it led me to the lake. The band actually worked. Emilia was seated on a large rock. She had a few pebbles in her hand. She threw them one by one watching the ripples drift through the water.

I crept behind her and placed my hand on her shoulder. Contrary to my expectation, she didn’t get startled.

“I am sorry if I overstepped my boundaries, Nivaan. I just didn’t want you to live with the burden of such a huge secret….”

Her shoulders shook and she sniffled as if trying to muffle a sob. “I know that you don’t want to stay with me… I fully understand your reasons behind it.” She turned to face me as she continued, “I promise I won’t make things difficult for you. I have talked to an old lady. She needs a caretaker. I can move with her and….”

I went down on my knees and covered her mouth, “I don’t want you to go, Emy… I want to take you to my packhouse and live there as a family.”

Her eyes widened in disbelief. I couldn’t blame her for not trusting my words. I had always been so rude to her. Tears rolled down her cheeks; drenching my hand covering her mouth.

My heart clenched as if a knife had sliced through it. I had caused her so much pain but she never complained. Wiping away the tears with the back of my hand, I cupped her face.

Her lips lifted in a weak smile and she let out a deep sigh, “You don’t have to force yourself to do anything Nivaan.”

“I am not forcing myself to do anything, Emy. I want to be with you. I want to raise our son together; not because I feel responsible but because I want to.” Drawing in a deep breath, I continued, “Emilia Ryanwood, I like you and want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you accept it?”

Emilia gasped and she shook her head a moment later, “Did I hear it wrong?”

“You didn’t,” I said as I drew her face close to me. My lips grazed across her lips. “I want to spend the rest of my life with my fated mate.”

“What about Valence?”

“I will talk to her… I am sure she will understand,” I said as I picked her up in my arms. “Ready to go home, Mrs. Lovelock?”

Her face took on a beautiful shade of red and she nodded slightly. Pressing her head closer to my chest, I kissed her head. My wandering soul had finally found its destination.