Chapter 65
# Elowen's POV
Nightmares of Drake's cruel smile and unwanted touches haunted my sleep, fragments of yesterday's revelations weaving through my dreams like poisonous threads. Even in unconsciousness, the rage and pain lingered. But sometime during the night, the darkness gradually retreated, replaced by a sense of security I hadn't felt in years.
I woke to warmth surrounding me like a cocoon, the twins' protective embrace slowly transforming my fear into comfort. For a moment, I floated in that fragile space between nightmares and reality, where their presence created a shield against the memories that had tormented me just hours ago.
My eyes fluttered open to find myself sandwiched between Casper and Cassian. Casper's face was inches from mine, his eyes half-lidded with sleep and desire, while Cassian's body pressed against my back, his warm breath tickling my neck. In the soft morning light filtering through the curtains, they looked like fallen angels—beautiful and dangerous.
"Morning, babe," Casper whispered, his voice rough with sleep as he brushed a strand of hair from my face.
After last night's breakdown, I expected to feel raw and exposed. But something had changed. The twins' unwavering love, their fierce protection—it was healing me, slowly but surely.
You're not afraid anymore, Juno observed, her voice proud in my mind.
I don't want to be afraid anymore, I replied silently.
Good. Stop trying to please everyone. Be fierce. That's who you are—who we are together. That's what makes you irresistible to them.
Cassian's lips found the sensitive spot behind my ear, sending shivers down my spine. "What are you thinking about so intently?" he murmured against my skin.
I turned in their arms, feeling brave and wanted. "About how different everything is now," I admitted. "How different I am."
Casper's fingers traced the line of my jaw. "You've always been perfect, Elowen. You're just letting yourself believe it now."
I leaned forward, pressing my lips to his, savoring the taste of him—rich and intoxicating. When I pulled back, I shifted to give Cassian the same attention, his kiss cooler but no less passionate than his brother's.
As much as I wanted to stay in this bubble of warmth and desire, reality came crashing back. "The bar," I gasped, suddenly remembering. "We need to figure out what to do about that new place Jake mentioned last night!"
I tried to wiggle free, but four strong arms pulled me back down to the mattress.
"Five more minutes," Cassian murmured, burying his face in my hair.
"We can't," I protested, though my body betrayed me by melting back into their embrace. "We need a strategy. We can't just walk in there unprepared."
Casper chuckled, the sound vibrating through his chest against my palm. "Don't worry, cutie. After Jake mentioned that new place last night when he called, I asked him to dig around and get us some info. He should be calling back any minute with what he found."
I raised an eyebrow. "And?"
"And," Casper said with a lazy smile, "he was going to check out who's behind—"
As if on cue, Casper's phone rang on the nightstand. He reached over me to grab it, his body pressing against mine in a way that made my breath catch.
"Speak of the devil," Casper answered, putting the call on speaker. "You're on speaker with all three of us."
"Morning, boss! Morning, other boss! Morning, lovely Elowen who is way too good for these two!" Jake's cheerful voice filled the room.
I couldn't help but smile. Jake had quickly become a friend, his goofy personality a bright spot in the darkness that had surrounded me.
"Cut to the chase," Cassian said, though I could hear the affection beneath his gruff tone.
"Right, so, The Moonbleed Taproom. Swanky place. Not owned by Drake."
I sat up, suddenly alert. "Then who?"
"Someone named Irene White."
The temperature in the room seemed to drop ten degrees. Cassian went rigid beside me, his face a perfect mask of indifference that didn't fool me for a second. I felt my stomach knot. Irene White. The name I'd heard whispered around the pack house when people thought I wasn't listening. Cassian's former flame—the one who'd broken his heart.
Scared of an ex, really? Juno scoffed in my mind. Girl, you've got both of the hottest twins in love with you now. She's old news.
"Irene?" Casper repeated, his eyes darting to his brother.
"Yeah, you know her?" Jake asked.
I looked between the twins, pretending confusion while anxiety bubbled in my chest. "So this is THE Irene, huh?" I asked, unable to keep a hint of jealousy from my voice.
Cassian's jaw tightened, a muscle jumping beneath his skin. "My ex."
"Not just any ex," Casper elaborated when his brother fell silent. "They were high school royalty. Cassian was captain of the track team, she was head cheerleader. Ice princess with a face that launched a thousand Instagram followers."
"She left," Cassian said flatly. "Three years ago. No goodbye, no explanation. Just vanished to pursue her modeling career."
I tried not to picture the woman who had captured Cassian's heart before me, though I'd seen photos around the pack house. "What was she like?" I asked, wanting to hear it from him.
"Pure white hair," Casper answered when Cassian remained silent. "And eyes exactly like Cassian's—ice blue that can freeze you on the spot. Petite but perfect proportions."
"Sounds lovely," I muttered, jealousy flaring in my chest.
She's not his mate. You are, Juno reminded me firmly.
"Uh, guys?" Jake interrupted. "There's more. Word is, while Irene's the face of the operation, there's Reid money behind it."
My blood ran cold. "So Drake is involved."
"Seems like it. Though nobody's seen him there yet."
I shook my head in frustration. "Why is his family so damn mysterious? Where do they even live? Have either of you ever met any other Reid besides Drake?"
Both twins shook their heads.
"I've been thinking about that," Cassian finally spoke, his voice thoughtful. "What if there is no 'Reid family'? What if it's just Drake, allied with another pack? We've never met his father, never even heard his name."
The possibility struck me like a thunderbolt. "That... actually makes sense. But it's just speculation."
"Oh!" Jake's voice piped up. "Almost forgot the best part. They're having a masquerade party tonight to celebrate their grand opening. Half-price drinks, free dance performances. Word is, it'll be packed with hotties."
I could practically hear Jake's grin through the phone.
"So you're planning to go?" Casper growled, suddenly irritated.
"What? No! I mean, unless you want me to? For reconnaissance?" Jake backpedaled quickly. "I'm Red Wolf through and through, boss! Just thought you'd want to know what's happening next door."
"Red Wolf is closed temporarily," Casper emphasized. "Not permanently. Don't forget who signs your paychecks."
"Never, boss! My loyalty is unquestioned! Please don't dock my pay!" Jake's dramatic plea made even Cassian crack a smile.
"Shut up," Casper said, but there was no heat in it. "Can you get us three invitations to this party?"
"Already working on it. Should have them by noon."
"Good. We'll be there tonight."
After ending the call, I looked at the twins, determination settling over me like armor. "A masquerade party," I mused. "Perfect cover."
Cassian nodded, his ice-blue eyes calculating. "No one will know who we are."
"Until we want them to," Casper added with a dangerous smile.
I climbed out of bed, energy coursing through me. "Then we've got work to do. Let's give them a night they'll never forget."