My Best Friends Mate

Chapter Thirty Five

KIARAS POV

When I woke up it was barely daylight and Ryan wasnt here. Smelling the air and looking around, it looked like he hadn't been here at any point last night. While disappointment hit me, a desire to see Craig creeped into my mind. This mate bond thing was no joke but to be honest, last night was nice. I didnt have to think about war, or fighting or keeping a wall of hardness up. I could relax. Craig was right, the ocean had a way of taking everything away in the tide when you were there. I got up and got dressed, making sure that nothing had been disturbed. I looked back at mine and Ryans photo one more time before leaving for the packhouse.
I needed to talk to Dustin about last night. When I arrived I was surprised to see my brother, Ryan and Craig walking out of the front door, smiling, laughing and recalling old memories. I watched them catch my scent and look in my direction. Craigs face beemed while Ryans was that of discontent. My brother looking between them and arching his eye brow at me while giving me a look.
"Careful Kiara" my brother mind linked me. Craig met me as I walked towards him, stopping when we became face to face.
"Good morning" he said softly.
I didnt want to but I couldnt help but smile.
"Good morning..What were you three up to?" I said playfully.
"Just retelling old war stories" he replied winking at me.

"Speaking of war stories...." Natalia spoke up as she exited the packhouse and slithered up to Ryan like a snake.
I glared at her interaction with him. She smirked when she saw me and Craig, clearly aware of the fact that we are chosen mates.
Placing her hand on Ryans shoulder and sliding her fingers down his arm.
"Hey Craig, remember that time in Tampa? I know Ryan does." not taking her eyes off Ryans arm.
Ryan just looked at me and Craig slightly turned his head to look back at her before returning his gaze to mine and without breaking eye contact he responded to her.
"Were you there that time? Ive lost track how many times youve been around..or not been around. You know me, half human and forgetful and all.." He smiled at me again.
He hadnt forgotten. He was making a jab at her random appearances and frequent absences in Ryans life.
"screw you Craig" she said with fire in her eyes.

Dustin exhaled deeply "OK! if we're all done here, lets get to the arena."
Natalia grazed her hands across Ryans chest as she switched from his left to his right side. I was trained by my parents and the zetas to never react, only to respond but at that moment, it took every ounce of strength I had not to kick her ass. She was making everyone uncomfortable and pissing me off and to make matters worse Ryan did nothing.
I didnt want to be there today.
"Kiara, we could really use you today." Dustin said.
I watched Natalia give me a malicious grin, a fire boiling inside of me.
"Count me in"

DUSTINS POV

This was awkward as fuck and super uncomfortable having to be in the middle of this. I had so many other things to think about. Alyssa was suffering from severe morning sickness, I had to make a plan for this Michael bullshit that was hanging over our heads with a lot of uncertainty, my sisters mate is a friend of mine and Ryans who she also loved and lastly Im about to break up a girl fight. I think that about sums it up. Oh, I forgot that Kiara and I were supposed to start training with our long lost uncle who is a Lycan. That I was actually looking forward to. Gabriel was off recruiting Lycans and as much as I wanted Kiara and I to sharpen our strengths as a Lycan, it could wait. Lycans are powerful and the more we have the better. I was ready for all this to be over. Reminiscing with Craig and Ryan about our wild teen years had been a nice break from it all. I wondered if Kiara realized how different these two were despite their many similarities but most of all I wondered if she realized that before her and Ryan got involved he had been cold, dark,dangerous and shut off. My sister had brought a warmth and light to his life but I was beginning to see Ryan return back to his old self.

CRAIGS POV.

I could read Kiara well and she did not like Natalia. Not many people did. I couldn't stand her actually. I saw it in her eyes how much she didn't want to be there. I had always had a gift in reading women and it came in very handy during my playboy days helping me to turn the situation to my advantage. I watched Kiara refrain from acting on impulse. Id heard about her before realizing she was my mate. How skilled she is in mixed martial arts, survival and situational awareness. I didnt realize how badly this girl sometimes just wanted peace and she was not getting it right now.
I studied her emerald eyes that were showing strength and resilience.