Chapter 39
Elowen's POV
I was flipping through a book I'd found on the shelf when a knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. Before I could answer, Casper pushed the door open, his amber eyes gleaming with excitement. Cassian followed behind him, carrying a large white box tied with a golden ribbon.
"We've got a surprise for you," Casper announced, his voice filled with barely contained enthusiasm.
My stomach fluttered. "A surprise? What for?"
Cassian placed the box on the bed, his ice-blue eyes watching me intently. "For tonight's celebration."
I set the book aside and approached the box cautiously. "You didn't have to get me anything."
"Just open it," Casper urged, practically bouncing on his heels.
I tugged at the ribbon, my fingers trembling slightly. As the lid came off, my breath caught in my throat. Nestled in tissue paper was the most beautiful dress I'd ever seen—a champagne gold slip dress with delicate spaghetti straps and a plunging V-neckline. The material caught the light, shimmering as I lifted it from the box.
"Holy shit," I whispered, holding it against my body. The silky fabric felt cool and luxurious against my fingers. "This is... I can't..."
"You hate it," Casper's face fell immediately.
"No!" I clutched the dress tighter. "I love it. It's just... I've never owned anything this beautiful."
Cassian's lips curved into a rare smile. "There's more."
A soft knock interrupted us, and a woman with a sleek black bob and professional makeup kit entered. "Hello! I'm Sophie, your stylist for today."
My eyes widened. "Stylist?"
"Can't have you wearing that dress without the perfect hair and makeup," Casper explained, leading me to the vanity chair.
Sophie worked efficiently, styling my hair into loose waves with a deep side part. She applied makeup that enhanced my features without hiding my freckles, just the way Casper had once insisted. I watched myself transform in the mirror—champagne gold eyeshadow making my amber eyes pop, a touch of highlighter accentuating my cheekbones.
"You look stunning," Sophie said, stepping back to admire her work.
Cassian and Casper disappeared into the walk-in closet while Sophie finished. When they emerged, the sight of them stole the air from my lungs. Cassian wore a sleek black suit that hugged his lean body perfectly, with a crisp white shirt and black tie. Casper, in contrast, had chosen a wine-red velvet suit with a black silk shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal his chest.
Both stopped dead when they saw me.
"Fuck," Cassian breathed, his eyes darkening instantly.
Casper's mouth actually hung open. "You're... goddamn, baby."
My cheeks heated under their intense stares. Sophie smiled knowingly and packed up her supplies. "I'll leave you three to it," she said, slipping out the door.
"One last thing," Casper said, retrieving another box from the closet. He opened it to reveal a pair of crystal-embellished stilettos with delicate ankle straps.
I gasped. "They match the dress perfectly!"
"We'll help you put them on," Cassian said, his voice deeper than usual.
To my shock, both men dropped to one knee before me. Casper took my right foot, his warm hands caressing my ankle as he slid the shoe on. "Perfect fit, Cinderella," he murmured, pressing a kiss to my ankle that sent heat racing up my leg.
Cassian held my left foot with precision, his fingers gently tracing my skin before securing the strap. His touch was controlled but devastating, his eyes never leaving my face as he secured the strap.
"You're fucking killing me in those shoes," Casper groaned, standing up.
I think they want to devour you right here, Juno purred in my mind.
"We should go," I said quickly, my voice breathier than intended.
Cassian offered his arm, and I took it, feeling dizzy with the attention. As we headed downstairs, my new heels clicking on the hardwood floors, I caught several pack members staring openly at us.
In the kitchen, Luna Ella was arranging flowers in a vase. She turned and her eyes widened when she saw me.
"Oh my," she said, a warm smile spreading across her face. "You look absolutely beautiful, Elowen."
"Thank you," I mumbled, still not used to compliments.
"Are you three going somewhere special?" she asked, her eyes taking in our formal attire.
Casper leaned against the doorframe, all charm and sex appeal. "Date night with our beautiful mate," he said, winking at his mother. "Thought we'd show her off a little."
Luna's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Well, have a wonderful—"
The temperature in the room seemed to drop as Alpha Austin appeared in the hallway. His expression hardened as he took in our appearance, his eyes lingering on my neck where both marks were visible.
I instinctively moved closer to Cassian, my heart racing.
He can't stop us, Cassian's voice filled my mind through our link. Don't worry.
Let him look. He needs to see who you belong to now, Casper's voice purred in my head.
My cheeks burned, and I struggled to keep my expression neutral as Alpha Austin scrutinized us.
"Going out?" he asked, his tone clipped.
"Yes," Cassian replied simply. "To celebrate."
Alpha Austin's jaw tightened, but after a tense moment, he just nodded. "Don't be back too late."
I released the breath I'd been holding as he walked away, feeling Casper's hand slide to the small of my back. His fingers drew small, comforting circles against the silk of my dress.
"Let's go," Cassian said, guiding me toward the door.
Outside, I gasped when I saw the gleaming black Lamborghini waiting for us. Cassian opened the passenger door, helping me inside while making sure my dress didn't catch.
Casper slid into the back seat, leaning forward to whisper in my ear. "Our private party is going to make you forget all about the bullshit of the past weeks."
As Cassian started the engine, a thrill ran through me. For the first time since receiving their marks, I felt a genuine sense of excitement about our future. Juno rumbled contentedly in my mind as we drove away from the Pack house, heading toward our own private celebration.