The Lost Queen

Chapter Twenty

Daya's P.O.V.

After we finished in the shower, I slipped into a light blue sweater, pairing it with black ripped jeans and a pair of simple sandals. The soft fabric of my sweater was warm against my skin, and the scent of Kaden still lingered on me, making my stomach flutter.

I took a deep breath before stepping out of the bedroom, my body still tingling from our time together. As I walked into the kitchen, the scent of fresh bread and roasted meat filled the air. James, Liam, Noah, and a few other pack members were already there, seated around the island, eating sandwiches and joking amongst themselves.

The second James' eyes landed on me, a devious grin stretched across his face. My stomach dropped. Oh no.

"The not-so-innocent Daya has awoken," James announced dramatically, sitting up from his stool before bowing down with exaggerated flair.

My face instantly heated up. "What are you talking about?" I asked, feigning cluelessness, though I knew exactly where this was going.

James smirked. "Shall I act it out?"

Before I could respond, he threw his head back and moaned obnoxiously, "Oh, Kaden! Kaden!" His voice was high-pitched, breathy, and entirely too loud.

I gasped, mortified, feeling my face heat up to an unbearable degree. Laughter filled the kitchen, some chuckling discreetly, others outright howling at my expense. My hands instinctively covered my burning cheeks as I looked around in embarrassment.

Just then, strong arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me against a firm chest. The familiar scent of my mate filled my senses, sending a wave of warmth through me, instantly putting me at ease.

Kaden.

His voice was laced with amusement as he spoke, "James, leave her alone before I hold you down and let her beat your ass."

The laughter died down as James' eyes widened slightly. Then, I remembered—I can control the fucking wind.

A mischievous smirk tugged at my lips as I raised two fingers toward James. A sharp smack echoed through the kitchen.

"Shit!" James yelped, reaching up to rub his neck where the invisible slap had landed. His mouth dropped open as he stared at me in disbelief.

I arched a brow at him playfully, silently daring him to continue.

James, ever the dramatic one, immediately threw his hands in the air in surrender. "I want no trouble with you, Your Highness! Please, forgive me!" he exclaimed, bowing down once more.

Before I could respond, I felt tiny arms wrap around my legs, clinging tightly as if afraid I might disappear again. I glanced down, my heart melting at the sight of Malik looking up at me with his wide, trusting eyes.

I smiled, bending down to scoop him into my arms, still snug within Kaden's protective embrace. "Hey, sweetheart," I murmured, brushing a kiss against his forehead.

"You were gone too long," he mumbled, his little voice barely above a whisper as he nuzzled into my shoulder.

I sighed, guilt tugging at me. "I know, baby. But I'm here now," I promised, rubbing soothing circles on his back.

From the other side of the room, Chloe let out an exaggerated gasp, making everyone's attention shift. "Oh my god," she gushed, bouncing Aiden on her hip. "Look at him! He's holding on to you like he never wants to let go!"

Aiden, hearing the excitement in Chloe's voice, turned his head toward me, his big, bright eyes locking onto mine. His little face lit up with recognition, and before I could process it, he was reaching for me, his hands outstretched.