The Lost Queen

Chapter Twenty Two

Daya's P.O.V.

After our shower, I told Kaden to mindlink everyone and have them meet us in his office. Without hesitation, he did it, no questions asked.

"I'll tell James to get your family to meet us there too. Chole and the girls will take the boys to one of the mothers of the pack," he said, pulling a shirt from his closet.

I nodded absentmindedly, still standing in nothing but my underwear as I searched for something to wear. I could feel Kaden's eyes on me as I moved, his gaze heavy and intense. I couldn't help the smile that tugged at my lips when I caught him watching.

I've become comfortable with Kaden seeing my body, the scars and imperfections that come with it. His reassurance—that I was beautiful no matter what I'd been through—was always there, and over time, I've learned to trust that.

"It's not polite to stare, love," I teased, mimicking his tone.

He chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eyes, and smirked. He walked over to me, his hands finding their place on my hips.

"It's not rude if I'm staring at something that's mine," he grinned, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead.

I rolled my eyes, turning away from him to continue my search for clothes. As I bent over to grab a pair of black pants, I felt the unmistakable smack of his hand on my behind. I gasped, startled.

"Kaden!" I exclaimed, whipping around and slapping him playfully on the chest.

He threw his head back, laughter spilling from his lips as he dodged my swats.

"You can't bend down without pants and expect me not to do something," he said, his voice playful as he slowly stepped back.

I chuckled softly under my breath, shaking my head. I bent down again to grab my pants, this time giving him a little show. I wiggled my hips seductively, enjoying the slight tension in the air as I slid the fabric up my legs. But before I could pull the grey shirt over my head, Kaden's hands were once again on my hips, his touch firm and possessive.

He pulled me closer to him, his lips grazing the side of my head as he whispered in my ear, his voice husky with intent.

"It's not polite to tease."

Before anything could escalate, I gently pulled away, pushing him back slightly, causing him to growl in frustration.

"We have people waiting for us, remember?" I said, slipping on my grey Nike shoes and intertwining my hand with Kaden's, pulling him toward the door and into his office.

I opened the door slowly, greeted by the sight of everyone already gathered. I waved and smiled at them, but my eyes narrowed in confusion when I spotted Malik on the couch, engrossed in someone's phone.

"I thought we agreed not to bring any of the children?" I said, walking over to Malik.

When he spotted me, his face lit up with a grin, and he scrambled to his feet, launching himself into my arms.

"We're so sorry! He wouldn't stay. He kept saying he wanted his 'mommy' and looking up at us with those big puppy eyes. I mean, who could say no to that face?" Emma rambled, laughing nervously.

I shook my head, smiling softly.

"It's okay. Does anyone have ear buds?" I asked, wanting to keep Malik from hearing our discussion.

James quickly pulled out some white headphones, walking over to Malik to gently place them over his tiny ears. He plugged them into the phone, switching it to a kids' TV show.