When Dakeyras arrived, Kiara felt something in her relax. This in turn set her on high alert. This wasn't right. She'd just met the man, and why in the world was she still having internal battles about him. It should have been settled the minute she'd decided there was no way she could take him as a mate. She was glaring at the stupid mark when Jaii spoke to her. In surprise, she looked up, eyes wide before she even comprehended what he'd said. "He's not my mate!"
Kiara's hand flew to her mouth in surprise and shock. No only had she spoken like this to someone she considered an alpha, it wasn't very nice either. It also wasn't technically true. She tried to explain, but it came out as, "I-I-I mean..." and she could get no further. Instead, she just looked down at her feet, embarrassed and shuffled away. Instead of paying attention to the people, she closed her eyes and listened to the nature instead. She heard the song of the birds and the whistle of the wind. Almost involuntarily, her feet started to move before she caught herself and stopped.
So much for that. Instead, she turned back to the small group of shifters. Jaii, she had grown up with when she had actually run around like a child. Kennedy had come to the pack at a few years back, but they'd never talked. Rhea was the pack healer, but Kiara had never needed her services. This new girl was.... new girl. Kiara had already forgotten her name. She blamed this on being easily distracted. Then there was Dakeyras, her technical mate, also a stranger. Sam would be coming soon, but they also had never talked. Rubbing the back of her neck uncomfortably, she began to realize she may have gotten herself into a bad situation.