Chapter 35
Elowen's POV
My legs felt like lead as we walked through the massive double doors of the Pack house. The grand oak-paneled meeting room stretched out before us, making my stomach twist into tight knots. Alpha Austin stood with his back to us, facing the floor-to-ceiling windows, his broad shoulders rigid under his tailored suit. Luna Ella sat at the long table, her posture perfect, eyes sharp as they tracked our entrance.
I instinctively moved closer to Casper and Cassian. Without a word, they positioned themselves on either side of me, a wall of muscle and protection. My mother kept her distance, chin tilted up defiantly as she entered behind us.
The door closed with a heavy thud that echoed in my chest. Nobody spoke for several excruciating seconds.
"Three days," Alpha Austin finally said, turning to face us. His voice was low and dangerous, eyes flashing gold as they fixed on my neck. "Just three days, and my sons decided to share a mate and complete a double marking?"
The disappointment in his tone made me shrink back. I fought the urge to cover the marks on my neck with my hand. Juno growled within me, not appreciating being made to feel ashamed of our choice.
Casper stepped forward, shoulders squared. "It was necessary, Father. Drake threatened her—"
"With photographs," Cassian added coolly, his voice steady where Casper's had heat. "He's been manipulating and controlling her. The marks offer protection."
Austin's gaze fell heavily on me, making my skin prickle. "And you, Elowen? What do you have to say for yourself?"
I felt the marks on my neck throb under his scrutiny. My throat went dry, but I forced myself to stand taller.
"It was my decision, Alpha Austin," I said, my voice stronger than I expected. "I asked them to mark me. I wanted it."
His eyes narrowed, assessing me like I was a puzzle he couldn't solve.
"Beta Hartley," he said sharply, turning to my mother. "Now would be the time to explain this engagement contract I've been hearing about."
My mother straightened her spine, expression hardening. "With all due respect, Alpha, that is a private agreement between two Packs. Even under these circumstances, I'm not at liberty to disclose the details."
Her eyes gleamed with calculation as she added, "The interests involved are far more complex than they appear."
Luna Ella's perfectly shaped eyebrow arched slightly as she exchanged a meaningful look with Austin. My stomach dropped. What the hell was my mother hiding?
"I'm disappointed in you both," Alpha Austin said to his sons, his voice heavy with judgment. "These photographs show Elowen with Drake in... intimate moments." His eyes cut to me. "I have to wonder if you were involved with my sons before properly ending things with Drake?"
The room's temperature seemed to plummet. My cheeks burned with humiliation and anger.
"Especially you, Casper," Austin continued, his voice sharper. "We all know your history with women. Did either of you truly consider how to protect Elowen? Clearly, you failed."
Casper's fists clenched at his sides. "Father, I admit my past mistakes, but with Elowen, I never—"
"I swear on my life," I cut in, my voice trembling with emotion, "I never betrayed Drake before ending things. Never." My nails dug into my palms. "Those photos were taken without my knowledge or consent."
Austin studied me for a long moment, his expression unreadable.
"The timing of all this is... convenient," he said carefully. "Your mother comes to enforce an engagement contract just as you've taken not one, but both my sons as mates."
"Because they're the only ones who've ever protected me!" The words burst from me before I could stop them. "Drake has been controlling and manipulating me for years while my mother looked the other way!"
My mother made a strangled sound. "That's not true! Drake was your best chance at—"
"At what?" Cassian interrupted, his voice razor-sharp. "Being traded like property? Being photographed without consent? Being drugged at parties?"
Luna Ella stood with graceful authority, her movement instantly commanding attention.
"I believe we all need to calm down," she said, her voice soft yet powerful. "What's done is done. Our priority now is Elowen's safety and the Pack's stability."
She turned to me, her gaze softening slightly. "As my sons' mate, you should move into the Pack house permanently. It's not only tradition but also the safest option for you now."
Her eyes shifted to my mother. "Beta Hartley, you must be tired after today's events. Perhaps you should return home and rest. We can continue this discussion tomorrow."
My mother's mouth tightened into a thin line. For a moment, I thought she might argue, but something—maybe self-preservation—won out. She nodded stiffly, avoiding my eyes.
"This isn't over," she said quietly, the threat clear in her voice.
"No," Alpha Austin agreed, his tone making it clear he wasn't taking sides. "It certainly isn't."
As my mother turned to leave, Alpha Austin addressed his sons once more.
"You two," he said, his voice stern. "My office. Now."
Casper's hand found mine, squeezing gently. "We'll be right back," he murmured, his lips brushing my ear. "Don't worry."
Cassian's cool fingers traced the mark on my neck, sending a shiver down my spine. "Stay with Luna," he instructed softly. "We won't be long."
As they followed their father out, Luna gestured for me to sit beside her.
"You've caused quite a stir," she said, but there was no accusation in her tone. "A double marking is... unprecedented."
I swallowed hard. "I didn't know it was so unusual."
"My sons have always shared everything," she said, watching me carefully. "But a mate? That requires a special woman."
Heat crept up my neck at her words. "I never planned this," I admitted. "But when I'm with them, I feel... complete. Protected."
Luna's eyes softened marginally. "I can see they care for you deeply. But understand this, Elowen—" Her voice took on a steely edge. "If you're playing some game, if you hurt either of my sons, there won't be a Pack in existence that will offer you sanctuary."
I met her gaze directly. "I would never hurt them intentionally. What I feel for them is real."
She studied me for a long moment before nodding. "Then let's prepare your rooms. You'll need space of your own, even as their mate. A woman always needs her sanctuary."