My Convicted Wife is My Mate (Bella and Kane) novel Chapter 27

chapter 23
BELLA’S POV

That Sunday, I was cleaning the counter when I heard a car door slam outside. I looked up through the window and saw Tara stepping out. Her long hair bounced as she walked up the porch steps.

She was wearing jeans, boots, and that curious expression she always wore when she was about to say something she shouldn’t. I had given her the address days ago, and now that she was here, I felt both excited and nervous.

When I opened the door, she gave me a hug before her eyes instantly went to Kane. He was sitting by the small dining table, quietly flipping through a book. He looked up for just a second. Strands of his dark hair fell across his face.

Tara blinked. Her mouth was slightly open. Then she leaned closer to me and whispered, except it wasn’t really a whisper “There’s no way this guy was exiled.”

I groaned, pressing my hand to my forehead. Of course, she would say that. Both Kane and Tara had heightened hearing, so there was no way he missed that comment. I let out a small laugh to ease the tension and looked at Kane.

“This is her way of saying you look nice,” I said lightly.

He looked at me for a moment, then nodded. “I see.”

Even in the simplest clothes - cheap sneakers, plain pants, and a faded jacket - he looked amazing. His tall frame, the strength in his shoulders, the calm confidence that followed him everywhere - it was impossible to hide. His face was perfect. His jawline was firm, and those deep eyes were so intense that you could get lost in them.

If not for his clothes, he could’ve passed for an actor or a high-profile model. I admired him silently, wondering again how someone like him could ever be exiled.

What could he have done? And why did it bother me so much to even think about it?

Tara broke my thoughts. “If, uh, you need an introduction to a pack, I can ask my parents…”

Kane didn’t answer. He turned another page in his book. His hair slipped forward again, half covering his face, and it was clear he had no intention of entertaining the topic.

I noticed Tara’s brows pull together. She wasn’t used to people ignoring her. But Kane wasn’t being rude. He was just done with the conversation. That was just how he was.

Tara tapped her lip, studying him.

“You’ve done a lot of kind things to help Bella,” she said finally. “You look kinda familiar. What pack did you say you were from?”

Kane sighed. “I didn’t.”

And that was that.

Tara stared at him like she wanted to argue, but his tone ended it. He leaned back in his chair and kept reading. I could sense the discomfort in the air, and I hated it. I didn’t want Kane feeling cornered in his own space or mine.

“Leave it, Tara,” I said quietly. “You’re prying.”

She looked at me with frustration in her eyes. “I’m just saying…he doesn’t look like someone who’s been exiled. You sure you’re not hiding some celebrity here?”

I sighed. “Being cast out of a home has nothing to do with looks. You of all people should know that.”

She shrugged but didn’t answer. Her eyes, though, stayed fixed on him.

And yes, I couldn’t deny it. He looked like he belonged anywhere but outside a pack. With that face, he could’ve been a model. With his strength, he could’ve been a leader. With his quiet intelligence, he could’ve survived in any system.

But then I thought about myself. I had degrees too - medical ones. I used to be a great doctor. And yet, no one wanted to hire me once they saw my record. It had taken me months to get my current job, and only because of a probation program designed to help ex-convicts stay out of prison.

Life wasn’t fair. I knew that better than anyone.

“Respect his privacy, Tara,” I said finally. “He doesn’t owe you an explanation.”

Tara rolled her eyes and sat down. “Fine.”

We sat in silence for a moment. Kane was still reading. He looked so normal, so harmless.

Tara suddenly stood up and walked around the small cabin. I sensed her restlessness. She stopped in front of Kane, placing her hands on her hips.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify