Her Purpose || Kai Parker

Chapter 115

**(Mature themes and explicit content ahead)**

As the others moved to clean up the aftermath-disposing of the bodies and compelling the Grill's bewildered customers and staff to forget the horrors they had witnessed-Kai turned to Caroline, a playful glint in his eye. "You think I've earned some brownie points for saving my lover's friend's life?" he quipped, raising an eyebrow.

"Not a chance. You still have a lot of work to do, Parker. But thank you," Lexi said, her gratitude evident even in her teasing tone.

After bidding farewell to everyone, Estrella stepped back through the portal, with Kai leaping in after her. "Are you insane?" Estrella shouted, exasperated by his impulsiveness.

"Yes, I'm insane-insanely in love with you," Kai replied, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. Estrella stared at him, her expression deadpan, not entirely amused by his antics.

"What are you doing here, Kai? You can't keep risking your life like this. You still have to win your coven back, which means your life is worth a bit more," she said dryly, turning away from him in frustration.

She glanced up at the thunderous sky, where dark clouds hung ominously, seemingly reluctant to unleash their downpour. It felt like a reflection of her own internal conflict, her emotions simmering just beneath the surface, hesitating to burst forth.

"You know why I'm here, pumpkin. Two syllables: For you," Kai said, matching her pace as he walked beside her, his tone earnest.

"Four syllables: I won't forgive you," Estrella shot back, her stride unwavering as she focused on the path ahead.

"It's okay. I'll wait for eternity. I mean, you had to wait for me for two centuries. It's only fitting that I get to do the same, though I hope it's not as long. I'm not nearly as brave as you are," he said, a soft smile spreading across his face, his sincerity shining through.

"How will you stay alone for the night?" he asked suddenly, a hint of concern creeping into his voice. Estrella stopped in her tracks, turning to face him.

"How do you know that?" she demanded, knowing Oliver and Noah had taken the twins to their home, which was triple-sealed by her, Kai, and Anthony to protect them.

"I'm text buddies with the couples. I might be a terrible lover, sibling, and son, but I'm not a terrible father. At least, I hope so," Kai replied, shrugging as a few raindrops began to fall from the darkened sky, splattering softly on the ground around them.

"I heard about that idiot Ben and how Oliver fired his ass. Serves him right, honestly," Kai continued, trying to lighten the mood with a grin.

"Found any other idiot to make my ass jealous?" he joked, but his eyes darkened, revealing a hint of vulnerability beneath his playful facade.

Estrella let out a hollow laugh, the sound devoid of true mirth. She halted at the steps of her front porch, her heart heavy with unresolved feelings. "You think I did that to make you jealous? How delusional are you? I began courting someone because I found closure and realized I don't have to carry this guilt anymore."

"Why are you smiling?" she asked, annoyance threading through her voice like a sharpened blade.

"You said 'court' instead of 'date.' Still couldn't forget your roots? How adorable you are," Kai replied sincerely, a hint of mischief dancing in his eyes.

Estrella gritted her teeth, shaking her head in disbelief. "You're unbelievable."

"Sorry, I am sorry," he said, his smile unwavering as he gently took her hand, pulling her closer. The warmth of his touch ignited a flicker of longing within her, though she tried to suppress it.