Chapter 31
Elowen's POV
I woke up slowly, wrapped in warmth and safety. The leather couch in Casper's office cradled my body, but the true comfort came from the two powerful frames surrounding me. Casper's arm was draped protectively across my waist, his steady breath warming my neck. On my other side, Cassian's body formed a protective barrier between me and the rest of the world.
The events of last night flooded back—the twin marks on my neck throbbing gently, confirming it wasn't some vivid dream. I really belonged to them now. The thought sent a wave of satisfaction through me, along with a sense of security I'd never known before.
I shifted slightly, and immediately felt both men tighten their hold. Casper's eyes opened first, that mesmerizing amber gaze finding mine.
"Morning," he murmured, his voice still rough with sleep. His fingers traced the mark on the left side of my neck, sending pleasurable tingles down my spine.
"How are you feeling?" Cassian asked, now awake as well, his ice-blue eyes scanning my face with concern.
"Complete," I whispered honestly. "Different, but... good different."
Casper smiled, pressing a kiss to my forehead. "The link will strengthen with time. Don't force it."
My stomach growled loudly, breaking the moment. Cassian chuckled.
"The marking takes a lot of energy," he explained, sitting up. "I'll get us some breakfast."
As he moved away, I reached for my phone on the nearby desk, wanting to check the time. My heart nearly stopped when I saw the screen. Five missed calls from Mom. Three from Cindy. Several texts from numbers I didn't recognize. My stomach twisted into a tight knot.
"What's wrong?" Casper asked immediately, sensing my distress.
With trembling fingers, I opened Cindy's messages first.
El, Instagram is blowing up with pics of you and Drake in bed! People are saying you're cheating on him with the Thornwood brothers. I'm stuck dealing with pack elders right now, but I'll be there as soon as I can. What do you need me to do? Call me!
The blood drained from my face.
"Elowen?" Casper's voice sharpened as he sat up beside me.
Without a word, I opened Instagram. It didn't take long to find what Cindy meant. There I was, clearly unconscious on Drake's bed, my clothes disheveled. The caption made me want to vomit: "See how the Alpha sons' little pet betrayed her loyal boyfriend."
"That fucking bastard," I hissed, Juno growling deep in my consciousness.
Casper took one look at my phone screen and his eyes flashed gold, a low, dangerous growl rumbling from his chest. Cassian abandoned his search for food and was instantly back at my side, his expression darkening as he saw the photos.
"I'll kill him," Casper stated, not a threat but a promise.
The comments beneath the photos were worse.
Pack slut
Always knew she was spreading for the Thornwood brothers
Alpha sons' plaything got what she deserved
With shaking hands, I scrolled to my mother's messages. Each one felt like a knife in my chest.
How DARE you embarrass me and the entire Hartley name like this?
Come home IMMEDIATELY. We need to handle this scandal!
I absolutely forbid any relationship with the Thornwood brothers. They'll only ruin you!
If you don't come home within the hour, I'm coming to get you myself!
I let the phone fall to my lap, my chest heaving with anger as Juno howled inside my mind. My mother cared more about her precious reputation than what Drake had done to me. Of course she did. She always cared more about appearances than my happiness.
Before I could speak, my phone rang again. My mother's name flashed on the screen.
"You don't have to answer that," Cassian said quietly, his hand finding mine.
"No," I said firmly. "I'm done running. Done hiding. I've been claimed by two of the most powerful wolves in the territory. I'm not afraid anymore."
I answered the call, putting it on speaker so Casper and Cassian could hear.
"Elowen!" My mother's voice sliced through the speaker, sharp and cutting. "You shameless girl! The entire pack is talking about you and those Thornwood boys. Do you have any idea the disgrace you've brought to us? I spent years raising you to be a proper Beta daughter, and this is how you repay me?"
Every word she spoke fueled the fire building inside me. Years of resentment, of never being good enough, of being treated like a burden rather than a daughter—it all erupted.
"What the hell are you talking about?" I snapped, cutting her off mid-rant. "You think I don't know about the engagement contract you signed with Drake? You have no right to judge me!"
There was a moment of stunned silence on the other end. My mother clearly hadn't expected me to know about her dirty little secret.
"How did you—"
"Does it fucking matter how I found out?" My voice rose, trembling with rage. "Were you ever going to tell me? Or just sell me off to him without my knowledge? What kind of mother does that?"