Chapter 18-The Kiss

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Chapter 18-The Kiss

Brendon Kingston's POV

I clenched my fist as rage filled me at the thought of that wolf attacking Sydney. When I first saw her in that town before the Season, I assumed that she was weak and too soft for being the Luna of the European pack, but I was too selfish to let her out of my grasp. There was something about her that just pulled me in.

But after seeing her fight off the wolf from the clearing and remaining calm about it, I was greatly surprised and my perception of her had changed. I no longer saw her as the soft-willed meek chosen but someone who had a great deal of inner strength and toughness.

After all that she had been through, Sydney was still standing tall and strong. And I was proud of that. For her. I was wrong to assume that she would be like most of the she-wolves who fainted or panicked when bad things happened. Sydney? She fought for her rights and was stubborn and fighting till the very end.

Shouting and shrieking broke my thoughts and I sighed irritability. Why had I thought housing Sydney's siblings together in my home would be a good idea?

At first it was to get into Sydney's good graces but after awhile, I was glad for the companionship that a silent house could not give. Back then, both Sarah and Sean had a healthy dose of fear for me, but now that they lived together with me, that fear had disappeared. Sure they still respected me but at times it was hard to deal with them when they started arguing.

I groaned in annoyance as Sarah shouted angrily about how Sean was not respecting her as she was the eldest and whatnot while Sean retorted that age didn't matter as height trumps all.

I really contemplated to get them their own home on pack grounds and away from my house. It was only when I slammed my study door open that silence reigned once again.

I stalked into the living room where both siblings sat quietly with Sydney in between them with her arms crossed. "This has got to stop." I snarled angrily and glared at all three Carringtons.

Sydney shrugged and stood up and moved away from her siblings and entered the kitchen. I followed after her impatiently, "Sydney." I growled but softened my tone.

Sydney smothered a laugh as she looked at my face before pulling out a jar of ice cold water from the fridge and poured herself a glass.

"I'm sorry about them, but this is actually quite a daily occurrence. Besides, we all know why Sarah's a little grumpy. A certain beta isn't around for the past week." Sydney offered and Sarah yelled from the room, "I can hear you!"

I smirked inwardly, whatever charm Sarah was using on Rhett, it was working. I've never seen him chasing so hard after a girl before. It was quite refreshing for a change.

But my thoughts turned serious when I remembered why Rhett was gone for a week. He and a few other members were bound to be back later this week from the North American pack with two hostages. Hostages that would suffer till their last breath for hurting Sydney.

I just hoped that Sydney would not know what I was about to do because I was sure that she would be shocked beyond words. Whatever it was, the wolf thirsted for the blood from those who had hurt her. And that included her pathetic beta and his mate.

There was one other person to add to that list and my jaw clenched. I was a useless chosen. I could not even protect Sydney while I was just metres away. She had gotten hurt again under my watch.

In truth, there was nothing for me to take from the car. I just needed a small break to pull myself and my thoughts together. I knew what Sydney was planning to ask-the issues that I was facing with the wolf.

However that involved telling her about what I had done and gone through. And I wasn't particularly ready to open that can of worms yet but I knew I owed Sydney answers. She had figured out that I barely had any sort of control over my beast.

It was my lack of control over the wolf that made me hurt her. And I guessed I owed her her answers. I was a fucking weakling. I snarled angrily to myself inwardly.

Never in my wildest dreams had I thought that Sydney would open up to me this quick. I assumed that after all I had done, it would take months or even years for her to even talk to me without me initiating the conversation.

Two days have passed since her attack and the feeling of her lips against my jaw was still ingrained in my brain. I was surprised that she had initiated it and when her lips pressed against my jaw lightly, my dead heart took a leap. It was as if a spark had ignited my dead being and I couldn't seem to believe it.

I was definitely pleased and hope bloomed in my chest that maybe our relationship wasn't destined to burn into ashes amidst the flames. Having her in my arms was something that I treasured. People now didn't really understand that something so small and trivial like that was not to be taken for granted. Also, knowing that she was naked didn't help, sure she was in her wolf form but that didn't cease the yearning to be with her.

Her coat was of a light brown colour, a shade like the sand you could see on the beach. And with her crystal blue eyes? She was stunningly beautiful. However due to her short height, she was slightly smaller than the average female wolf and compared to her, I was probably at least thrice the size of her.

But that fed my ego of sorts, that I could be seen as her protector, someone who would always be by her side. Unfortunately, I was still no closer to finding who had attempted to get rid of Sydney. I had sent wolves out into the forest for blood trails, scents, anything that could lead us to Sydney's attacker. But there wasn't any sort of leads or trails and I was beyond frustrated and murderously angry.

At least, Sydney's wounds were gone and her ankle was now fine except for a little ache here and there when she over exerted herself. Of course, I made sure that she stayed off her foot and well it wasn't an easy feat considering Sydney was one of the most stubborn people I've ever met.

I rubbed my jaw unconsciously on the spot where Sydney's lips had been that day and I was broken out of my thoughts when an argument started. Again.

"I swear if you piss me off one more time! I'll send you off to boarding school!"

"Ha! Go ahead! It'll be a good thing I won't have to see your ugly face everyday!"

I sighed irritatedly, wishing that Sydney's siblings still feared me. Clearly that was no longer going to happen. It was a weekend thus the fights and arguments among the Carrington siblings were longer and more frequent throughout the day.

As Sydney had revealed that Sarah had been an accountant in the North American pack, I had given her a job as one and so far, it was going well. Sean on the other hand was enrolled in one of the schools here and was doing very well. He had joined football as a sport and his grades were fine.

I was glad that Sydney's siblings were adjusting fine but I just wanted some damn alone time with Sydney without any of her siblings around. But from the way things were looking, Sarah could be moving out anytime from now with the way things were going with her and Rhett. Cara was hardly at home now due to life as an university student with her major in design and with her boyfriend Adam.

It was an opportunity not to be missed considering that Sydney was more open towards me more than ever. The awkwardness and silent uncomfortable moments had decreased greatly. Now, she was smiling and laughing more around me and being herself.

There were a few new things that I had learned about her now that she was less reserved. Sydney had a sharp tongue and with that came wittiness and dry humour. I would never have expected those traits from her considering she looked like an angel.

Sydney was also more open with her feelings and expressions around me. I no longer saw the cool blank mask she had on a month ago. Now, if she was displeased or unhappy, I could see it from her face and I didn't have to feel her emotions through our bond. And of course I took this as another two steps forward.

"Sean! Shut the hell up and stop goading Sarah!" I could hear Sydney snap as annoyance leaked into her tone. Also, another thing I had learned about my chosen was that she could have a mouth that rivalled that of a sailor. I had heard her swearing violently once when she had hit her knee against the leg of a table.

And honestly, I've never heard so much combinations of colourful swearing before in my life. This was surprising as I had dealt with people that were less than satisfactory and they had cursed me to the pits of hell and insulted my parents and whatever words they had deemed horrible and demeaning. Thus, I was surprised but amused. Who knew that Sydney Carrington had such a potty mouth?

A small smile curved onto my face at the thought of Sydney swearing. And I guessed I must have missed part of the argument because a smacking sound could be heard and Sean yelped out in pain. The dynamics of the Carrington siblings were something I've never experienced before. It was simply refreshing but at times trying.

As a child, I didn't have any siblings until I've met Cara, my half sister when I was ten years old. Seeing the circumstances we had grown up in, arguing and fighting amongst ourselves over petty things were something that could not be tolerated or there would be dire consequences. It didn't help much that our father never liked children. He had only seen us as an accessory and not family.

My mood turned dark immediately as thoughts of the man who had the same DNA as me surfaced in my mind. My jaw clenched and I looked down at my watch to see that my appointment with some of the leaders was in about ten minutes.

I entered the living room to see Sarah and Sydney watching a movie with Sean no where in sight.

It seemed like the fight was over and I grimaced at the romantic comedy playing on the television. Honestly I had no idea why Sydney and Sarah didn't go to the cinema room in the basement.

Sydney caught sight of me standing at the doorway with a coat in my arms and questioned curiously, "Where are you going?"

I shrugged, "I have a meeting with some of the pack leaders and such. I'll be back later."

Sydney nodded and gave me a smile, "Alright, dinner will be ready by six. I'll see you later."

I nodded and left and as I walked out of the house, I couldn't help but realise how...domesticated we seemed. And somehow, an actual smile crossed my face. I hadn't really smiled this way for a long time. I shrugged on my coat and drove off with a small smile on my face.

***

"I'm happy to report that everything is fine. There have been no challenges to my position and also, everyone is living peacefully and harmoniously and thus, I do not have any irregularities to report." The West Leader announced and I nodded.

"Good."

My pack was divided into four groups. The north, south, east and west. And the leaders and I would meet at least once every two weeks to make sure that everything was in order.

It seemed that the meeting would be finished earlier than I had originally thought. That meant I had more time to finish the paperwork and business deals with the Asian and the South American pack before I could go back home to have dinner with Sydney.

"Is there anything else to report?" I questioned coolly as I met everyone's respectful gaze. Sure I may seem like a hardass but only people in my inner circle got to see me relaxed and playful. Sydney was the only one who could make me forget the trials and the heavy weight of being an alpha.

"No Alpha Kingston." The leaders murmured and I nodded, "Alright then, all of you can leave." I dismissed them and all four leaders stood up and thanked me before leaving. I sighed and headed towards my study in the pack house to quickly seal the business deals so I could get back home.

Before I could even begin, a knock on the door sounded and Kyle entered arrogantly. Fucking great. Kyle Preston was a distant cousin of mine who I could barely tolerate.

If he wasn't related to me, he would've disappeared by now. But he was family and there wasn't anything I could do about it. However I could tell that at times, he thought that I wasn't fit to run a pack but he had kept his mouth shut.

But he respected me and listened to my orders but at times, he was a pain in my fucking arse. "Cousin, how are you?" He greets and I sigh inwardly before placing my cold facade on. "I'm fine. How are you?"

"Fantastic. I'm just here to discuss some issues with you." He drawled out and sat down opposite me and took some papers out of his folder.

Kyle was one of the head guards in the pack and one of the head members of the pack army. He was ruthless and maybe that was why he was in charge of certain matters regarding the security of the pack.

"I've been thinking about this a lot recently. Our pack growth rate has been expanding a lot recently. The population has tripled since the seventh century and because we now own at least two third of the Asian pack's territory, why don't we fully claim it?"

I shut my eyes in exasperation before staring coldly at Kyle. "Are you suggesting we go to war with the Asian pack?"

Kyle nodded coolly and shrugged, "Of course. We'll definitely win."

His nonchalance about this made me snap and I slammed my hands down on the desk, "At what cost? Families will be broken up, people will die! Nobody wants war!" I snarled angrily.

Not liking my response, Kyle retorted back, "Well you wouldn't mind if we had to go to war with the North American pack for your little blonde!"

This was the fucking last straw. With deadly silence, I clenched my jaw before asking dangerously as my eyes turned dark. "Are you challenging me Kyle?"

The wolf paced and stalked about agitatedly, this was definitely an unspoken challenge. The wolf howled and thirsted for the fight but I pushed it back with all the strength I had.

"Of course not cousin. I apologise for overstepping." Kyle bows down over exaggeratedly and leaves while I exhaled deeply and did my best to calm myself down before I went on a rampage.

Looking down at the paperwork I had, I growled angrily before shoving them into a folder and left the pack house. I couldn't stay there anymore for a single minute. The rage was building and I took slow deep breaths to calm myself down. It didn't help much but the knowledge of Sydney being home when I arrived did helped.

I entered the house as my wolf paces agitatedly in my mind. Kyle was always going to be trouble, but what could I do? He was family, even though distant.

As I stepped into my home, I was met with the delicious smell of actual food and a hint of lilacs. Immediately, my wolf calmed down and my dark mood disappeared. Amazing, I marvelled at the effect that Sydney had over my wolf.

Entering the kitchen, I stopped to see Sydney bending with her derrière facing me as she stooped to get something out of the oven.

Lust hit me square in the face and it took all the self control I had to not reach over and pull her into my arms so I could ravish her. Fucking hell Kingston! Get a hold of yourself! I growled at myself inwardly.

Sydney sighs and pulls out the food and places it on the table. "Oh good. You're back just in time." She states and moves to discard the packaging on one of the counter tables. I frowned when I noticed the boxes and the wrapping.

"You said dinner will be ready, that's frozen pizza." I pointed out and Sydney crossed her arms defensively and raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah, I said dinner will be ready. And it is."

I snorted and Sydney frowned and shrugged, "Hey if you don't want to eat it, I'll give it to Sean." She reached out for the plate on the table and I took it away from her grasp.

"I never said I didn't want it." I pointed out once again and Sydney sighs before studying me, "Okay then." She turns around to grab the mozerella cheese shaker from the fridge and I chuckled softly before taking a bite into the cheesy goodness. Sydney was just full of surprises.

"Do you want to watch a movie while we have dinner?" She questioned as she took a tiny bite on her slice of pizza.

"Sure. Why not?" I answered and it seemed like my stomach did a flip when a beautiful smile crossed Sydney's face. "Okay! Lets go!"

We made our way down to the cinema room carrying the food and drinks and I came to a realisation that I had never been really truly relaxed like I was now.

Settling down onto the sofas, Sydney tossed me the remote, "Here. You get to choose."

I raised my eyebrows in surprise and flicked through the different movie options before settling for a film that looked vaguely interesting. The opening credits started and Sydney let out a laugh, "The Dark Knight?"

"What?" I frowned, confused. "You've never watched this before?" Sydney asked incredulously and I raised an eyebrow, "Is that a sin?"

"No. It's just I assumed all males must have watched this at least once. After all, it's Batman." Sydney explained as she took another bite of her slice of pizza.

I shrugged and gave her a quick glance, "Well, I told you that I hardly watch movies." Gunfire sounded and I watched as men started robbing a bank.

"I see. Well, I think you may like this film." Sydney answered back as her eyes were glued onto the screen. To be honest, during the film, I was actually paying more attention to my chosen than to the film itself.

I enjoyed watching her. Seeing all the different expressions on her face as she unconsciously nibbled on her pizza while her attention was fixed solely on the screen. "Stupid! Trusting someone like that!" She scoffed at one of the characters and I bit back a smile.

Soon enough the film ended and I had to say it was an enlightening experience watching a movie with Sydney. "What did you think? Was it good?" Sydney questioned curiously as her blue eyes turned towards me.

I nodded and admitted, "Yes." Sydney beamed at my response and I couldn't help but let a smile cross my face. A silent filled moment passed before Sydney hesitantly asks, "Were you lonely as an only child before Cara arrived?"

At this question, I stiffened and shrugged before answering, "Back then, I didn't have time to be lonely or to have any sense of a childhood. So I guess I would say no. But looking back, I guess you could say yes."

Sydney pursed her lips and she reached over to hold my hand. I looked down at her smaller hand in mine before squeezing her hand. I knew she was feeling a little sad for me and I gave her a little smile. "I'm so sorry. I-I can't imagine what that must feel like for you. I don't think I can ever go by ten years without my siblings."

"You don't have to feel bad for me. Because of my past I've been able to be where I am today."

Sydney watched me with an expression on her face that I couldn't really decipher and my silver eyes locked onto her blue eyes. "That day you said I could ask anything. Is today still eligible for my requests?"

I should have known that this was going to come up sooner than later but I did owe Sydney her answers. Thus I gave a stiff nod and placed the plates and glasses onto the table. "Go ahead."

"What did Cara mean when she said that you have...issues with your wolf?" Sydney asks as she hugged her legs to her chest. I looked away from her earnest gaze and down to the carpeted flooring.

"I had a troubled childhood of sorts. And that caused my wolf to be...more guarded against people. I guess you could say I have trust issues. Survival is our only instinct. If the wolf saw someone as a threat, that person will be eliminated immediately. The wolf looks out mostly for ourselves and now you."

I said quietly and Sydney blinked as she took in everything I've just revealed about myself. Somehow, I felt lighter now that I've told her a little about my troubled past.

"I don't know if I have done. Thus, I apologise for everything that I've done to you." At this, Sydney's gaze flew to mine and she just watched me while sitting opposite me.

"I never really meant to hurt you. Blackmailing you was wrong and threatening your brother did not make things better. Hurting you was something that I'm sure I will pay for when I die. Sydney, if I could turn back the clock, I would have done things differently. And I'm sorry for everything I've done to you."

Sydney's gaze remained fixated on mine as silence enveloped us. The wolf paced around anxiously in my head as we waited for her response. Could she really forgive me for all I've done to her?

A movement caught my attention as Sydney moved closer to me. "Did you really mean it?"

I caressed her cheek as she leaned closer to me. "Of course I did. I'm truly sorry about everything."

Sydney shook her head and licked her dry lips before continuing, "No, not that. Would you really have killed my brother if I refused to be with you that day?"

My eyes fell to the ground and I felt like a complete bastard as my actions were thrown back into my face. "No, I wouldn't have. I may be many things but I don't harm teenagers or children. After all, I have a sister too. Threatening your brother was just a ruse for you to go with me, I would never have gone through with it."

Sydney seemed lost for words and she glanced away from my earnest gaze. "Oh." She murmured and I clenched my jaw and exhaled deeply.

"Sydney, I know it's a lot to ask but I would like you to give me a chance-to give us a chance. So that we can start over." I said quietly and sincerely.

At my statement, a stunned expression crossed her face as she studied mine. She sighs and hesitates before laughing softly with a hint of resigned sadness to her voice.

"Maybe it was meant to be. You know you taking me away from Will or should I say rescuing. Because the events from then have led me to see that Will wasn't what I thought he was. So I guess I should thank you for rescuing me in a really dark twisted way."

I clenched my jaw once again and she sighs before letting go of my hands to fiddle with the edges of her top. "Kingston, I-"

Immediately, I knew what her answer was. I was a fucking idiot to think that a mere apology could atone for all the things I've done to her. I forced a smile on my face before leaning in to push a stray curl of her golden hair behind her ear.

"It is fine if you don't want to. I fully understand." I say softly as my gaze met hers. I could see emotions warring in her lovely blue eyes due to the close distance between us.

Before I could even realise what was happening, Sydney leaned forward and closed the mere inches between our mouths and pressed her lips against mine hesitantly.

I was shocked but I quickly took over and moved my lips against hers slowly. The mere brushing of our lips against each other sparked something primal in me. The kiss was slow and gentle until I gave into that instinct and threaded my hands in her silky hair before moving my lips against hers urgently.

The kiss was now urgent and frantic, full of need and passion. Distinctly, I could feel her hands cradling my jaw, her fingers were brushing against the stubble on my cheeks and I growled lowly before hefting her off the sofa and onto my lap where we continued kissing without any interruptions.

The scent of her-lilacs and one of her perfumes send a heady rush of lust into me and one of my hands left her hair and made its way down to her waist where it clutched onto the soft exposed skin where her top had ridden up.

She let out a soft moan against my lips where my cold fingers touched her warm skin. Sydney's lips were warm and inviting as my mouth moved against hers. My heart was pounding and I was sure my breathing was ragged between kisses but I didn't care.

Kissing Sydney was nothing like I've ever imagined. Maybe it was because she was my chosen and not another face that I didn't care about. Whatever it was, I was glad that she had made the first move this time by leaning forward to kiss me.

All I wanted to do was to carry her up to my room and to see her lying on my bed, flushed as I stripped ourselves and worshipped her body with my tongue and caress. Her hair would be tangled, her body would be heaving from exhaustion and her skin would be flushed and sweaty from our intense bout of lovemaking.

But I knew it would be too soon for any of that. Sydney meant something to me and I wasn't going to ruin whatever progress we had made just because I was an impatient fool.

I slowly pulled away from the kiss and the only thing that could be heard in the dark room was panting and ragged breathing along with the thundering beat of our hearts.

Leaning my forehead on hers, I stroked her cheek gently and her dazed expression let male pride flow through me. Her lips were red and swollen from the kiss and it was amplified from the reflection of the lights from the television screen.

Slowly, our breaths evened out and Sydney looks up at me, her cheeks were pink and she mumbled some excuse I couldn't catch before leaving.

All I could do was just sit there stunned beyond belief. Had that just really happened? I was shocked but pleasantly pleased. And of course, I didn't regret it, not one bit. But could Sydney have regretted it? I hoped not.

I quickly got off the sofa before making my way to her room. I had to know. I had to know if she regretted it. Because I certainly didn't.

I rubbed my face with my hands anxiously but tried to remain calm as I knocked on her door. Sydney opened it and her eyes widened as she caught sight of me standing in front of her.

"Did you regret it?" I ask huskily as reached out to caress her cheeks tenderly with my fingers. Sydney wouldn't meet my eyes and I tilted her head up gently so that her gaze met mine. Startling blue eyes locked onto my silver ones and she gives a tiny shake of her head before murmuring softly. "No."

Her skin had a pink tinge to it as she blushed furiously but I was ecstatic and the wolf howled in delight that our mate was finally accepting us.

"Good." I answered before leaning in once again and slanted my lips against hers for the second time that day.

***

A/N: Hi. Well, I hoped that all of you are satisfied with the chapter. AHAHA Please do vote and comment because this chapter is the one you've been waiting and begging for like ages? AHAHAH and also it's almost 5,000 words. So please hit the vote button and comment to let me know your thoughts? AHAHA pretty please with a cherry on the top?

Also, thanks to your many suggestions, what do you guys think of Joseph Cannata playing Kingston? Let me know your thoughts here!

Once again, thanks so much for reading and I love each and every one of you! <3 <3 <3