Heart Bound

Lunch with the Lockwoods

Cal's POV

As I watched my mother turn to Kyrie, her eyes gleamed with a newfound interest. She gave that practiced, regal smile I’d seen countless times, the one that meant she was plotting something.

“Kyrie, dear,” she said, her voice smooth and inviting, “why don’t you stay for lunch? It’ll give you a chance to get to know us better. And I’m sure Cal would appreciate it.”

Kyrie glanced at me, a mixture of surprise and nervousness flashing in her eyes. I gave her a reassuring nod, squeezing her hand subtly. I knew what she was thinking—my mother wasn’t exactly known for her warmth, especially with new people. And especially not with people who didn’t come from the “right” lineage. But I wanted Kyrie here, wanted to show her that no matter what my family thought, she was mine.

“Sure,” Kyrie said with a polite smile. “Thank you for the invitation.”

My mother’s smile grew as she turned to lead us to the dining room, and I caught a glance she exchanged with my father, as if they were silently agreeing on something. The unease I’d felt since we entered the packhouse grew stronger, but I kept my hand on Kyrie’s shoulder as we followed them into the dining area.

The dining room was grand, with high ceilings and windows that overlooked the garden. A long mahogany table sat in the center, set with silverware and gleaming glasses. And, to my surprise, a few people were already seated at the table, people I hadn’t expected.

Hannah Creed sat at the far end, her blonde hair perfectly styled, her blue eyes lighting up when she saw me. Next to her were her parents, Alpha Creed and Luna Miranda, both dressed in elegant, tailored outfits. The Creeds were one of the oldest families in the pack, and Hannah’s parents held considerable influence.

Hannah’s eyes narrowed slightly as she took in Kyrie, her mouth pressing into a tight smile that didn’t reach her eyes. I could see the wheels turning in her mind, trying to make sense of Kyrie’s presence beside me.

“Well, this is a surprise,” I murmured under my breath, giving Kyrie a quick glance. She looked slightly taken aback, but she held her head high, her confidence unwavering.

“Oh, didn’t I mention?” my mother said with a small smile as we took our seats. “The Creeds are joining us today. It’s been far too long since we all shared a meal.”

I saw Kyrie’s jaw tense, her fingers curling slightly as she took in the setup. She could feel the weight of the stares on her, and I could sense her discomfort through the bond, but she kept her composure. She was tougher than she looked, and that resilience made me even more determined to stand by her.

As we settled in, my mother immediately turned to Hannah, her smile warm, her tone bright. “Hannah, dear, you look radiant today. And that dress—absolutely stunning. Doesn’t she look beautiful, Cal?”

I forced a polite nod, unwilling to give my mother the satisfaction. “Yes, you look nice, Hannah,” I said, my tone flat, hoping she’d get the hint. But the comment seemed to embolden my mother even more.

“Yes, she does,” my mother continued, her gaze sliding between me and Kyrie. “She’s always been such a poised young woman, someone who could truly support an Alpha.”

I felt Kyrie stiffen beside me, and I could feel the unspoken tension building. The insinuation was clear, and I knew it wouldn’t be long before my mother made her intentions known.

“Hannah’s family has been so gracious to us over the years,” my father chimed in, his voice as smooth and deliberate as my mother’s. “We couldn’t ask for a better match for our family.”

I took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. “Actually, I don’t think you’ll need to be looking for a match. I’ve already found mine.” I reached over, taking Kyrie’s hand in mine, the simple gesture making my intentions clear.

My mother’s smile faltered for just a second, but she quickly recovered, her gaze sharpening as she looked at Kyrie. “Cal, dear, don’t be ridiculous. Kyrie isn’t… she isn’t from a known family. And she certainly isn’t someone we’d expect to carry on the line.”

I felt a spark of anger ignite in my chest. “Kyrie is a wolf, Mother. And she’s my mate. That’s all that matters to me.”

The room went silent, and I could see the shock ripple through everyone seated. Hannah’s eyes widened, disbelief and anger flashing across her face. Her mother’s lips thinned, while Alpha Creed’s expression turned stony.

“Your mate?” Hannah’s voice was a whisper, her gaze darting between me and Kyrie as if trying to comprehend the reality. “But… but you’re supposed to be with me. We were… we were meant to be together. Our families agreed.”

Kyrie’s hand tightened in mine, and I felt her pulse quicken. She looked between Hannah and my parents, and I could see the hurt flicker in her eyes as the reality of the situation sank in. But she didn’t pull away; instead, she lifted her chin, facing them head-on.

“It’s true,” I said, keeping my voice calm but firm. “Kyrie is my mate, and that’s not something that can be arranged or negotiated. It’s a bond, something deeper than any contract or agreement.”

My mother’s gaze hardened, and I could feel the disappointment radiating from her. “Cal, we had an arrangement. Hannah was promised to you. Her family has been our ally for generations. This isn’t just about you; it’s about the future of the pack, about keeping our alliances strong.”

“I’m not a bargaining chip,” I replied, my voice rising slightly. “And neither is Kyrie. She is my choice. The bond between us is real, and I won’t ignore it just because it doesn’t fit into your plans.”

Hannah’s mother, Luna Miranda, leaned forward, her gaze icy as she addressed me. “Cal, you’re young. You don’t understand the weight of your responsibility. Being an Alpha is about more than personal feelings. It’s about sacrifice and loyalty.”

I held her gaze, my hand still entwined with Kyrie’s. “I understand exactly what it means to be an Alpha. And I know that the loyalty I feel toward Kyrie is stronger than any arrangement you could make.”

Hannah’s father, Alpha Creed, spoke next, his tone harsh. “We’ve given years of loyalty to your family, Cal. We offered you our daughter as a sign of that loyalty. And now you turn your back on us for… this girl?”

Kyrie flinched, but she didn’t let go of my hand. She met Alpha Creed’s gaze, her eyes steady. “I may not come from a family you know,” she said quietly, her voice calm but unyielding, “but I am Cal’s mate. And I would do anything to protect him and this pack.”

The room went silent again, everyone processing her words. I could feel the resolve in her, the strength that Selene, her wolf, had awakened within her. This was the real Kyrie—the one who wasn’t afraid to stand up, to fight for what she believed in.

My mother broke the silence, her voice a soft but steely command. “Cal, I think you need to reconsider. This isn’t just about you and Kyrie. This is about the future of our family, our pack.”

“I’ve considered it, Mother,” I said firmly. “And my choice is made.”

Hannah stood abruptly, her face flushed with a mixture of anger and hurt. “Cal… I thought you cared about me. Our families have been talking about this for months. How could you… how could you choose her?”

I looked at Hannah, feeling a pang of guilt but standing my ground. “Hannah, I respect you, and I always will. But I can’t choose you over Kyrie. My heart, my wolf… they’re with her.”

Hannah’s gaze turned icy, and she took a step back, her shoulders tense. “Fine,” she said, her voice shaking. “But don’t expect me to sit back and watch this without a fight.”

She turned, her parents rising with her, their expressions a mixture of anger and contempt. Alpha Creed looked at my father, nodding curtly. “We’ll discuss this later,” he said coldly, his gaze flickering to me with an unspoken warning.

They left the room in a tense silence, and I felt the weight of my parents’ disapproval settle over me. My mother looked at me, her eyes filled with disappointment, but I held her gaze, my determination unwavering.

“Kyrie is my choice,” I said quietly, but firmly. “And that’s final.”

My mother’s expression softened for a moment, but then she sighed, turning away as she muttered, “We’ll see how long that conviction lasts.”

I knew it wasn’t over. My parents would fight me on this, and Hannah… well, she wouldn’t let go easily. But with Kyrie by my side, I felt stronger, more certain of my path. And no matter what challenges lay ahead, I knew we would face them together.