Page 95 of Bruised MC Bear

One of Kiera’s favorite pastimes was spending late evening hours reading about life before the ravagers. She would sneak into the main floor library and read by candlelight long after curfew passed, after everyone else in the fortress had retired to their sleeping quarters. Coco would keep watch, so whenever the Regent’s personal guards did their rounds, Kiera would snuff out the candles flame and hide until it was safe to continue. So far, they had never been caught, although there had been a few near misses. Since then, they kept their visits to a minimum. The punishment—three days of seclusion, and only bread and water—was not worth the risk, nor was being out of favor with the Regent.

At the other end of the long hall was the kitchen, with the dining room extending from it. Most of the fortress witches had already eaten an early breakfast. Kiera did not mind the empty eating room. She was usually in no mood for making small talk with the majority of the fortress residents, and today was no different. She and Coco settled in at a small prep table with bowls of porridge, two apples, and glasses of warm milk.

Years ago, the kitchen used to be her favorite place, even more so than the library had become. The warmth and bustling activity would help her relax. Her mother was an excellent cook, and took great pleasure in showing Kiera everything there was to know, from chopping vegetables to crushing herbs for soups and stews. Living in the fortress did not diminish her love for cooking. The kitchen staff also seemed to enjoy her company, which meant better cuts of meat and bigger dessert portions for volunteering. Somehow, they weren’t as welcoming to Coco, but it was more her sharp tongue and harsh, centuries-old expressions that made them cross.

“Stop playing with your food,” Coco remarked a few minutes later, pulling Kiera out of her thoughts. “Are you that nervous about meeting him?”

“I don’t know. I cannot quite relax this morning.” She did not add that with the meeting time drawing closer, she was a bundle of nerves.

“Remember something, Kiera. You’re the one in the position of power. Just because Xander is tall and imposing…and handsome, does not mean you have to be on your guard. Just face him, explain your role, tell him exactly what you need. You don’t have to get to know him if it’s not what you want. You only have to work together for a few hours.”

“Thank you, dear. I will.”

“Not to worry. I will be at your side the entire time. I will make sure you do what is necessary. Xander knows the situation as well as anyone else in the Sector. His unit needs more shifters to protect the boundaries and waterways. No one has a choice in the matter. You’re the Chosen, so only you can make that happen. That means he needs you. Trust me, you will both come to an understanding.”

“I hope we can,” Kiera said.

Coco gave her a playful wink. “If all else fails, do your best to have some fun, darling.”

“I doubtfunis even a remote possibility, love,” she answered, just before Regent Minassus strode into the kitchen with a disapproving expression on his face.