Chapter 228
Cassian's POV
"I need to grab some clean clothes," I muttered, more to myself than to Casper.
He emerged from the bathroom just as I was contemplating raiding his closet again. He'd changed into loose shorts and a tank top that clung to his muscular frame in a way that would have every female in the pack drooling.
I felt a sharp pang of jealousy despite myself.
It's not fair, I thought irritably. He can just throw on anything and look like he stepped out of a goddamn fashion shoot, while I have to actually put in effort.
"That's my favorite shirt," Casper said, eyeing what I was wearing with mock annoyance.
I smirked, some of my equilibrium returning. "I know. But you have to admit, brother... it looks better on me."
"Prick," he shot back, but there was a ghost of a smile on his lips.
The familiar banter felt like stepping onto solid ground after drowning in quicksand. For just a moment, we could pretend things were normal. That we were just two brothers giving each other shit, not two men facing an impossible situation.
But the moment couldn't last.
"Come on," I said, sobering. "Let's go check on Elowen."
We headed down the hallway toward her room. My heart was pounding, a mix of anticipation and dread churning in my gut. Part of me wanted to see her, to reassure myself that she was okay. But another part was terrified of what we might find.
What if she's already gone? The thought made Zero whine anxiously. What if she didn't wait for us?
I reached for the door handle without knocking. Normally I'd at least give a courtesy tap, but fuck propriety. This was my mate, my woman. I needed to see her.
The door swung open, and I found Elowen sitting on the edge of her bed. She was wearing yoga pants and an oversized T-shirt, her hair falling in messy waves around her shoulders.
God, she's beautiful, I thought, my chest tightening. How does she manage to look perfect no matter what she's wearing?
"Hey," she said quietly when she saw us.
I nodded, giving her what I hoped was a reassuring smile. But as I stepped closer, I noticed details that made my protective instincts flare to life.
Her eyes were red and slightly swollen. Her lashes were damp and clumped together. Her lips were pressed into a thin line, like she was physically holding back tears.
She'd been crying. Recently.
The realization hit me like a sledgehammer to the chest.
We did this, I thought with savage self-loathing. Our plans, our secrets, our failures—they made her cry.
Through the mate bond, I could feel her trying to hold herself together, to present a brave face even though she was falling apart inside. It made me want to gather her up and never let go, to shield her from every hurt in the world.
Even the ones we'd caused ourselves.
"Elowen," I started, my voice rougher than I'd intended.
But before I could say anything else, Casper moved past me, crossing the room in quick strides. He sat down beside her on the bed and took her hand in his, his thumb stroking gently over her knuckles.
"We're here, cutie," he said softly. "Whatever you need, whatever you decide... we're here."
I moved to her other side, completing our triangle. Through the bonds—twin bond with Casper, mate bond with Elowen—I could feel the tangled mess of emotions connecting the three of us. Fear, love, determination, and underneath it all, a desperate, aching hope.
Please, I thought, not even sure who I was praying to anymore. Please let us find a way through this. Please don't let us lose her.
Elowen looked between us, her amber eyes bright with unshed tears. And in that moment, staring at the woman who held both our hearts in her hands, I made a silent vow.
Whatever it took, whatever sacrifices had to be made, I would find a way to protect her and our children. Even if it meant swallowing my pride, admitting I didn't have all the answers, and trusting her to help us find a better solution.
Because the alternative—losing her—was simply not an option I could accept.