I said don’t start
A soft knock interrupted my internal argument
“Sabi? You awake? Caelan’s voice carried through the door, gentle but cautious. ‘Can I come in?”
I pulled the comforter up to my chin. “Give me a second.”
Take your time.
I ran my hands through my tangled hair, trying to make myself presentable. There was no way to avoid this conversation.
“Okay, I called out.
The door opened slowly. Caelan stepped inside, carrying a steaming mug. He’d changed from last night’s formal clothes into dark jeans and a navy sweater that made his eyes look even bluer. His hair was slightly mussed, like he’d been running his hands through it.
“Morning. He smiled. “Thought you might want some coffee.”
“Where are we?’
“My suite at the Moonridge Grand. He set the mug on the nightstand within reach. “You passed out last night. I brought you here.”
The rich scent of coffee made my stomach growl. I wrapped my fingers around the warm ceramic, grateful for something to do with my hands.
“What about my luggage?”
“I had someone collect it from your old room.” He gestured toward the far corner where my suitcase sat next to several shopping bags. Also picked up a few things you might need
1 blinked at the bags. Designer logos peeked out from tissue paper.
“You didn’t hew to-
“I wanted to.” He shoved his hands into his pockets. “There’s a full bathroom through that door. Take your time getting ready.”
After he bed, I investigated the shopping bags. A complete wardrobe spilled out – designer jeans, silk blouses, cashmere sweaters. Even underwear, though 1 tried not to think too hard about how he’d known my sizes.
The man thanks of everything
I grab my own clothes from the suitcase instead. Something felt too intimate about wearing things he chosen for me.
I walked into the bathras and let the hot water wash away the lingering confusion from last night, though it did nothing for the questions multiplying in my head
When I emerged, towel dried and dressed in my own jeans and sweater. I noticed details Id missed before. The suite closet hold men’s clothes not new purchases, but bed in pieces Suits, casual wear, workout grat & leather jacket hung on one book like it belonged there
The bathroom counter held a second toothbrush, shering cram, and areas with obvious wear marks
I was confused Carlan hadn’t just booked this suite for our visit. He’d been staying here regularly
But why?
I decided not to ask whatever brought him to Mannridge repeatedly was his heinwer, not mine
I found him in the main living area, seated at a thogany deck with a laptop open Wire rimmed glasses perched on his nose, transforming his dual commanding presence into something more approachable Almost scholarly
God, why does he have to look s what? Feme’s voice dripped with amusement. “Sexy? Intelligent? Mate worthy?
Shut up
The planes shouldnt have been sexy. They were just practical eyewear. But combined with the way he d rolled his sleeves up, revealing strong forearms, and the focused concentration on his face…
I’m losing my mind.
He looked up when I entered, immediately closing the laptop and removing the glasses. A smile warmed his features genuine and soft in a way that made my chest tighten.
“Better?”
Heat crept up my neck. “Yeah.”
This is insane. Before learning about the mate bond, I could talk to Caelan normally. He was just… family. An older brother figure who d helped me through difficult times
But now? Now I couldn’t look at him without remembering the electric shock of recognition. The way his wolf had surfaced briefly, claiming me with golden eyes
How am I supposed to accept someone I’ve always seen as family as my mate? It’s like falling in love with my own brother.
The mate bond pulsed between us, a constant awareness of his presence. His scent. The way he moved. It was overwhelming and terrifying and I wasn ready for any of it.
My heart is already broken 1 can’t trust love again.
Carian stood, closing the distance between us. When he reached for my hand, I let him take it. His palm was large and warm and completely engulfed my
Lingues
He led me to the dining table, where breakfast waited. I caught sight of our joined hands and panic spiked through me. I yanked my hand back, avoiding his eyes.
‘I can manage, I mumbled, settling into the chair across from him.
He didn’t comment on my withdrawal, just took his own seat. That’s when I noticed the plate of blueberry scones.
My favorite blueberry scones.
“Go ahead, he said, noticing my stare. “Eat.”
“I’m not hungry.”
My stomach chose that moment to growl loudly. Traitor.
My face burned with embarrassment. Caelan’s mouth twitched upward.
“Eat,” he repeated, gentler this time.
I took a bite of the scone, expecting hotel catering quality. Instead, familiar flavors exploded on my tongue – buttery, sweet, with just the right amount of tartness from the berries.
“This tastes exactly like I stopped mid-sentence, staring at him. “Did you buy these from Sunrise Bakery?”
“Yes.”
“But Sunrise Bakery is thirty minutes away. How did you-“
“I drove there this morning because I know you like their scones.” His answer was matter-of-fact, like it was perfectly normal to drive an hour round trip for pastries.
“How did you know I like these?”
His smile turned mysterious. “Because I’ve been here before. Because of you.”
The scone turned to dust in my mouth. “Been here before? When?”
“First year. Second year. This year. He leaned back in his chair, studying my face. “Every year since you left.”
My blood stopped flowing. My thoughts scattered like leaves in a hurricane.
“You’ve been… watching me?”
“Not watching. Visiting. He corrected gently. ‘Making sure you were safe. Happy.”
This cant be real.
The evidence was everywhere now that I knew to look for it. The lived in clothes. The personal items. The way he’d known exactly where to find my favorite bakery.
My heart hammered against my ribs.
When I thought I was alone, he was watching over me.
The wright of that realization crashed over me I stood abruptly, needing space, needing air
The coffee table caught my hip as I tried to sidestep it. Hot coffee splashed across the surface and onto my hand.
“Shit!
Carlan moved faster than should have been possible. His hands captured mine before I could pull away, examining the reddened skin.
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