Chapter 69
Elowen's POV
I stood perfectly still as Casper's fingers worked their magic through my hair. The gentle tug as he twisted strands into an elegant updo sent pleasant shivers down my spine. His warm breath tickled the nape of my neck, and I caught our reflection in the mirror - me seated at his vanity, him standing behind me with intense concentration etched across his handsome face. The room smelled of his signature pine and smoke scent mixed with my vanilla and honey, creating something entirely new between us.
"You nervous, baby?" Casper's deep voice broke the silence as he secured another pin in my hair.
I met his eyes in the mirror. "A little," I admitted, watching as his fingers deftly arranged a stray golden-highlighted strand. "I've never been to a masquerade before. The whole mask thing feels... strange."
Casper paused, bending down to rest his chin on my shoulder. His amber eyes locked with mine in the mirror, warm and reassuring. "Remember, you're not alone in this. I'm your wolf. Always." He pressed his lips against my temple, his nose brushing across my freckles.
"Your wolf," I repeated softly, a small smile tugging at my lips. The weight in my chest lightened slightly, though anxiety still gnawed at my insides.
When he finished with my hair, Casper reached for the silver-blue mask Sophie had custom-made. It was breathtaking - delicate crystal embellishments caught the light, sparkling like stars. He placed it carefully against my face, securing the ribbons behind my head with gentle fingers.
"Perfect," he whispered, his eyes darkening as he took in my transformed appearance. "Like it was made for you."
I touched the edge of the mask, feeling strangely protected behind it. "It feels like... a new beginning somehow."
"That's exactly what it is," Casper's fingers caressed my cheek beneath the mask. "You deserve every beautiful thing, El."
My eyes dropped, darkness creeping back into my thoughts. "What if after all this is over... you and Cass hate me? For dragging you into this danger because of me?"
"Look at me," Casper cupped my face, his voice low and firm. "No matter what happens, we will never hate you. This isn't your fault. It's our choice."
Juno whispered in my mind: Trust him. He means it.
I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat as Casper helped me to my feet. The silver-blue gown Sophie had brought shimmered around me, catching light with every movement. Casper's eyes trailed over me, hungry and appreciative.
"Let's find Cass," he said, offering his arm.
The moment we stepped into the hallway, I froze. Cindy stood at the end of the corridor, dressed in casual loungewear. Her eyes flashed with hurt and anger when she saw us.
"Casper, why are you taking Elowen to the party but not me?" Cindy demanded, her voice echoing off the walls. "El, tell my brother I should go too!"
Tension radiated from Casper. "Cass and I decided you shouldn't go to Moonbleed," he explained calmly. "It's too dangerous."
"Dangerous?" Cindy's eyes widened, pointing at me accusingly. "Then why are you taking her?"
I pulled away from Casper's grip and walked toward my best friend, guilt washing over me. "Cindy, we're not going there to party. We're investigating Drake, what he did to me..."
Cindy's expression softened slightly, though suspicion remained. "I know what he did. Everyone's talking about it. But I'm your best friend, El. You could trust me."
I took a deep breath, looking back at Casper whose eyes flashed with warning. "I do trust you. You're my best friend," I said firmly. "But this isn't just about me anymore. I wouldn't forgive myself if something happened to you because of my mess."
Cindy studied my face, her anger slowly dissolving. "Promise you'll tell me everything after? And take me next time there's fun to be had?"
"I promise," I said, relief flooding through me as she nodded.
"Take care of her," she warned Casper before heading back down the hallway.
When we found Cassian waiting by the stairs, I pulled both brothers into a quiet corner. "I have an idea," I said quietly. "About Sarah."
Casper's body instantly tensed at his ex-girlfriend's name. "What does she have to do with anything?"
"Sarah never misses a chance to show off," I explained, heart beating faster. "And she hates me. If she sees me with you both..."
"She'll lose her shit," Cassian finished, his eyes lighting up. "And when she's angry, she says things she shouldn't."
"We could use her to get information about Drake," I continued, watching Casper's jaw tighten.
"Sarah is dangerous, El," Casper warned, concern etched across his features. "She knows how to manipulate people."
"I know what she's capable of," I said quietly, my fingers unconsciously touching my neck where her slap had landed days before. "But Drake wants what he can't have. The more he sees me with you both, the more desperate he'll get. We can use that."
Casper and Cassian exchanged worried glances. "I don't like putting you in Sarah's line of fire," Casper said.
"I've dealt with worse," I replied, straightening my shoulders. "And this time I have you both."
After lengthy discussion, we agreed on a modified plan. I would stay within sight of either Casper or Cassian at all times. We'd establish code words for danger, and Sophie had hidden tracking devices in our accessories.
Cassian checked his watch. "We should leave soon."
Casper nodded, then turned to me, cupping my face gently. "You sure about this, cutie? We can find another way."
I leaned into his touch, finding strength in his warmth. "I'm sure. No more running." I looked between them, these two men who'd become my everything. "Besides, together we're stronger than Drake could ever be."
Cassian's lips quirked into a rare smile. "Damn right."
Casper pressed a gentle kiss to my lips. "Let's go give Drake a night he'll never forget."