Chapter 149: Chasing Her – Open Your Heart Part III 

Killian’s POV 

“Don’t be nervous.” 

“Just stay calm.” 

I kept chanting those words like a rookie soldier stepping into his first war zone. It was ridiculous. This was just a simple meeting between me and a woman or so the cocky, delusional part of me kept saying. 

In reality, I’d already worn a path into the floor of my study. I was nothing if not self–aware, a very responsive king, thank you very much. And no matter how much I wanted to stop pacing, I only did it more. Sitting still made it worse. 

I lifted my gaze to the clock. Eight p.m. That meant Ruby was with Elias. The youngest always fell asleep quickly in this kingdom. Maybe the cooler climate helped, perfectly cozy for a baby to drift off in peace. The twins, meanwhile, were still full of energy. Leonidas was entertaining them tonight. 

I’d owe my cousin for that. Big time. 

‘You still have an hour, Killian. Don’t fall apart now‘ 

I clicked my tongue. “How can I not fall apart, El? You’re supposed to share this emotional wreckage with me.” 

“I’m the sane part of your soul, tyrant. Don’t drag me down with you.” 

Elysian’s snide tone gave me a headache. I tuned out most of his rambling, but now he was commenting on what I should do during the meeting. The worst part is my own wolf was suggesting behavior completely inappropriate for an ex. 

“What’s the harm? Just a welcome kiss.” 

“You call yourself my rational side, Elysian? You’re not even close a quarter.” 

I severed the link before I lost my mind. If I let him talk any longer, I’d be insane by the time she arrived. That was when the study door swung open, and Leonidas walked in, looking even more drained than usual. 

“Damn. What happened to you?” I asked. 

He collapsed onto the sofa, covering half his face with one arm, letting out a heavy sigh. 

“And here I thought I was the one carrying the weight of the world.” 

I rubbed my face. “I’m seeing Rosalyn tonight. In the music room.” 

“Oh.” 

That Oh made my blood boil. He was treating this like some casual get–together. I wanted to kick him off the couch or maybe out the window. 

“Wait, did you say Rosalyn?” 

His head snapped up, eyes wide in disbelief. I responded by launching a pillow straight into his face. 

“Too late to be shocked,” I said, deadpan. 

Leonidas caught the throw pillow with ease. “Heh, answer me this. Who asked who out, huh? You or her? No way it was her.” 

“Sadly for you, the answer is yes. Ruby Lucienne.” 

I lifted my chin just a little too high, wearing that smug look I hadn’t outgrown. That stupid pride that said, I’m the one who got to her first. I still liked calling her Rosalyn. Old habits die hard. 

“No way. Seriously?” 

Leonidas leaned forward, gawking like he hadn’t just spent the evening being mauled by toddlers. Then he burst out laughing, and the sound filled the entire study. 

“No wonder you’ve paced a trench into the floor, Your Majesty,” he said, voice dripping with mockery. 

“You can shut up now if you want to stay in this room,” I snapped, jaw tight with irritation. 

But Leonidas, being who he is, only took that as an invitation to stay longer. He sprawled even deeper into the couch like he owned the place. I considered dragging him out by the collar. Or calling his mate. Sean would get it done. 

“O sun of the realm, source of strength and heart of the kingdom… 

My patience flared hotter than before. Leonidas, Successfdity flekea started reciting the kingdom’s old ceremonial 

lines like some drunk palace scribe. 

“Face your foes with unshaken resolve. Raise your head above all enemies. You live for this. Now move!” he declared theatrically. 

“Leonidas, I swear if you want your lover to survive the night, you better stop,” I muttered, half–threatening. 

1/2 

Chapter 149: Chasing Her – Open Your Heart Part II… 

He pouted. “Hey, I’m supporting you in my own way!” 

“Yeah? Well, it’s useless.” 

I adjusted the silk robe draped across me. Most of my chest was bare, the deep V in front doing nothing to cover me up. I was tempted to light a cigar or a kiseru. Those Japanese pipes were excellent for calming nerves. 

“Killian,” Leonidas said, more relaxed now, “just do what you always do.” 

“I have no idea what you mean.” 

“What I mean is be yourself. The best version of that self.” 

His tone had shifted serious, like when he was training new recruits. He reclined fully now, head tilted back to stare at the intricate molding on the ceiling, like he used to do when we were boys hiding from our tutors. “You’ve always known how to act like a real king when it matters. Ruby sees that too, I’m sure.” Then he looked at me really looked. That single eye of his held something gentler than usual. 

“I think tonight will go just fine. You just need to trust it.” 

The weight on my shoulders like a mountain of stone had started to melt away. I was no longer a nervous wreck, like some teenager Igirl, and I had regained control over myself. For the rest of that hour, Leonidas talked about the twins, though he too looked exhausted from keeping up with their boundless energy. 

Sean, apparently, was going to help watch over Elias while he accompanied her later. They’d spoken earlier about something. Most likely, Leonidas’s guess had been right. 

Ten minutes left. 

Elysian was trying to reestablish the connection again, but I told him to wait, he could resurface if the meeting went well. Leonidas stood up and gave my shoulder a firm pat as he passed the sofa. 

“You should go pick her up. Don’t make her walk there alone. Be charming, cousin,” he said with that signature mischievous grin. 

“Easier said than done.” 

Straightening my clothes, I rose from the sofa. I did my best to compose my expression, trying not to ruin the atmosphere before it even began. I waved dismissively, though I couldn’t hide the embarrassment on my face. At this point, I had no choice but to admit even to Elysian that I’d crossed the threshold where logic could save me. 

“GOOD LUCK, YOUR MAJESTY!” 

I tried my hardest to ignore the overly enthusiastic support parade behind me. It was just too embarrassing to acknowledge. I bit the inside of my cheek. I was a Lycan; nothing should be able to bring me this low. 

Ruby’s guest chamber wasn’t far from mine. I walked toward it at a steady pace, even though my heart felt like it might leap out of my chest. The door stood before me–closed. I stared at it, trying to sense what Rosalyn might be doing inside. It was exactly nine o’clock. It’s jst a short walk. 

‘Killian, it’s just a door! Knock already!‘ 

Elysian was already impatient to see our mate again. I could feel the surge of emotions racing through my wolf. After a few seconds, I finally knocked on the door. And soon enough, it opened to reveal the woman I’d always loved. 

Rosalyn smiled sweetly. That entire smile was for me. 

“Hi. Sorry. I’m a bit late, aren’t I?” I said, guilt creeping into my voice. 

“Oh, not at all. We agreed on nine. You’re just two minutes early,” she replied gently. 

Turns out Sean was already inside, standing guard. He bowed slightly in my direction, and I gave him a slow, respectful nod 

in return. 

“So, shall we go?” Rosalyn asked. 

I nearly strained my eyes trying not to gawk as Rosalyn removed the last layer of fabric. The soft skin of her shoulder, the elegant curve of her back, exposed as she turned caught the light of the crystal lamp and seemed to glow. My jaw tensed. My teeth ached. And that wild, relentless part of me, Elysian roared with the need to pull her into my arms and claim her for my bed. 

“Killian?” 

I cleared my throat, suddenly aware I’d drifted far too deep into that moment. I crushed the rush of images that Elysian tried to push into my head. The visions filled with desire and instinct. None of that would help right now. 

“Sorry. My thoughts wandered.” 

I offered my hand, grateful when she took it. Ruby stepped forward, graceful as ever, and walked beside me after giving Sean a brief nod. My chest–tightened with a warmth I hadn’t felt in years as she gently slipped her hand through the crook 

Chapter 149 Chasing Her–Open Your Heart Part II… 

of my arm. 

“Let’s go. It’s been forever since I last saw the music room.” 

There was something more behind those words. I wondered if she, too, was remembering the nights we once spent there, the quiet songs, the echoes of laughter. But questions were too fragile to voice. 

“It’s changed a bit,” I said. 

Ruby turned toward me, curiosity lighting up her face. “Really? I imagine it’s even more beautiful now. Especially with the gardens around it.” 

Her words softened something inside me. I hadn’t walked these halls with her in decades. Not like this. 

“You’ll see. I think it might surprise you.”