CHAPTER 121: LOOK AT YOUR FACE

Jarvis raised his glass and clinked it gently against Kieran’s before leaning back into the lounge chair across from him.

"I hope you actually make it to my birthday party this year with Leia," he said pointedly, flashing a half-smile. "You already bailed on the ferry ride."

Kieran gave a short exhale, almost a scoff. "I’ve never missed any of your birthday parties, Jarvis."

"I know, but this time you’re supposed to attend with the woman you like." Jarvis took a sip of his drink, then added, "But right now. What’s weighing you down? Spill it."

Kieran stared into the alcohol swirling in his glass for a long second before finally voicing what had been sitting heavily on his chest. "We all three are Leia’s mates."

Jarvis lifted a brow with intrigue. "That’s good, isn’t it? She’s got three bonded mates willing to protect her with their lives. Few she-wolves are that fortunate."

Then, leaning back Jarvis continued, "Last time we talked, she was still unsure. Besides from the beginning, the three of you wanted to share her. Then, what’s the problem? Why do you look upset?"

"I wanted Leia for myself," Kieran admitted, his voice tight with frustration. "Now, I have to share her with both my elder brothers. The very thought pisses me off." He raised the glass to his lips and downed the remaining alcohol in one go.

Jarvis leaned back, letting out a low sigh. "What’s her take on it? The Moon Goddess didn’t just assign one of you, she gave her three. Hard to argue with destiny when it’s handed down like that."

Kieran nodded slowly. "She was confused at first, but, anyone would be. She’s not running from it. Leia wants time before she accepts the mark. She’s trying to be fair, not rush into anything."

Jarvis watched him closely. "So... have you told your brothers how you feel? Or are you bottling this up alone?"

"They know," Kieran said sharply. "We already fought about it. Ronan and Lucien—" he paused, his jaw clenching slightly, "—their wolves haven’t responded to Leia yet. But mine did. Leia’s wolf connected to mine the moment we touched."

"Then you’re her first mate," Jarvis pointed out, lifting his glass. "Chosen by the Moon Goddess before the others. That’s not something to take lightly."

"I know," Kieran muttered, running a hand through his hair. "And that should make me happy. But all I can think about is her laughing with Ronan, or how Lucien looks at her when he thinks no one’s watching. I want her eyes only on me."

Jarvis gave a thoughtful nod. "Jealousy’s normal, Kieran. But if she’s meant for all three of you, the real question is, can you love her enough to accept all of her choices, not just the part that favors you?"

Kieran went silent, staring out into the distance. The glass hung loosely in his hand. "You’re right. I should accept what she wants. That’s love. And love can’t be selfish."

"That’s what you need to keep in mind," Jarvis said. "What matters is Leia. If she cares for you, if she truly loves you, then nothing else should weigh you down. Not even your brothers."

He picked up the bottle and refilled their glasses, raising his in a small toast. "To my friend, for finding his mate."

Kieran clinked glasses with him and downed the drink in one shot. The warmth of the alcohol spread through his chest, loosening the tension in his shoulders.

"I’ll be back in a bit," Jarvis said, rising from the lounge chair and heading inside.

Left alone, Kieran leaned back and pulled out his phone from the inside pocket of his leather jacket. Hesitating for a moment, he typed:

[I’m missing you.]

Not expecting a reply, he placed the phone on the table and let his gaze wander over the quiet surroundings.

The phone buzzed almost instantly.

His eyes widened when he saw the response.

[Me too.]

Lucien was a bit upset, you know. That’s why I came with him.

Kieran frowned and quickly typed back:

[Why is Lucien upset?]

Leia’s response came shortly after.

[Someone reminded him of your parents.]

[What? Who?]

[I don’t know the name. But Lucien was clearly shaken. He didn’t say much. I stayed with him to help him calm down.]

Kieran stared at the message. Lucien rarely spoke of their parents. And when he broke down, he always did it in silence, away from everyone.

Typing slower this time, he replied:

[Thanks for being with him. I’m glad you’re there.]

She didn’t answer immediately, but he didn’t mind. Just knowing she was there for Lucien gave him some peace. Leia, in her quiet way, had always been the one holding them all together.

[I’ll be back tomorrow, by the way.]

[Okay.]

Kieran put the phone back inside the pocket of his jacket. ’Who could have been so harsh to Lucien? He was upset in the morning, but I thought it was his usual self.’

"Hey, I’m back. Where are you lost?" asked Jarvis.

"Nowhere," Kieran said.

~~~~~

Leia stepped back into the room and saw Lucien still sleeping peacefully on the bed. She moved quietly toward the bed and sat down beside him. Poking his cheek, she smiled.

"Should I teach you a lesson?" she mumbled.

Her gaze fell on the pen lying on the bedside table. Careful not to wake him, she picked it up and went to work. A playful moustache appeared above his lips, followed by three whisker-like lines on each cheek.

She put the pen back where she found it, took one last look at his now doodled face, and slipped out of the room, quietly closing the door behind her.

Making her way toward the kitchen, she spotted the housekeeper just setting down a basket full of groceries.

"You brought so many things," Leia said, hurrying over. "Why didn’t you tell me you were going out? I would’ve come with you."

"Madam, you’re here to enjoy yourself. I couldn’t possibly ask you to help with chores," the housekeeper said kindly, arranging the bags on the counter. "The Alpha mentioned that you both will be staying another day, so I brought supplies accordingly."

"What?" Leia blinked in surprise. She hadn’t known about the extension. From what she understood, they were supposed to return to the mansion tomorrow. So, Lucien wanted to spend more time here?

She didn’t say anything in response, though delight crossed her face. Stepping aside, she let the housekeeper continue organizing the items.

The weather outside was still bad. Leia stepped outside to walk for some time around the beach house.

While walking around, she contemplated whether she should accept three of them or whose mark she should bear first. But what would happen after that? She would be sharing the bed with three of them.

Her heart stopped for a moment. "No, don’t think in that direction now. First, let’s get used to the fact that you’ll be staying with three of them."

Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard a faint sound in the bushes. Turning around, Leia stepped closer since the movements in the bushes didn’t stop.

She stopped under the tall coconut tree, but didn’t spot anything.

Leia looked ahead and found the forest path looked pleasing to take a walk. Looking back at the house, she stepped ahead on the forest path.

"I can’t think of settling down at the moment. I’ve to find answers to many questions. About my father, about Delia and the relationship my father shared with my mother. Though I know these three men are trying their best to capture my heart, but I still fear about a lot of things. I hope they won’t mind waiting for more time."

Leia took a deep breath and her feet slowly halted.

The forest looked darker than before as the sky had turned darker too.

"Let’s go back before I lose my way and panic Lucien unnecessarily," she murmured and went back. As she stepped on the porch, he heard Lucien’s voice.

"Leia! Where have you gone?"

He was right in front of her, almost startling her.

"Ah, I went for a walk. You were sleeping," Leia said and controlled her laughter.

"You can’t go out alone at this hour," Lucien said firmly, stepping in front of her. "This place might be safe, but that doesn’t mean you should take chances."

Leia bit her lower lip, struggling to contain her laughter. Her eyes sparkled with amusement as she looked at him.

Lucien narrowed his eyes. "Why are you doing that? Are you laughing? Do I look like I’m joking right now?"

Leia couldn’t hold it in anymore and burst into laughter. "No! But... you really should take a look at your face in the mirror!"

Lucien blinked in confusion, then instinctively touched his cheek. "What the—?"

He rushed inside.

The housekeeper, standing in the hallway with her head lowered respectfully, tried not to react, but a subtle smile tugged at her lips.

Outside, Leia laughed even harder. "Doesn’t Lucien look absolutely adorable like that?" she said between her giggles.