"Ah, these things came for you, brother." Her voice was heavy with feigned surprise, as if she hadn't meticulously prepared this very package.
"Thank you." I snatched the box from her hands with practiced ease. "I rented a room here instead of staying with you. I know you're used to living alone." I shot Erin an apologetic glance, hoping she'd buy into the charade.
Aurelia's smile widened, a spark of mischief dancing in her nearly golden eyes. She was enjoying this far too much.
"Of course, I completely understand," she said, the corners of her mouth twitching with barely suppressed glee. Her act was flawless, her enjoyment palpable as we crowded the hallway. I glanced up to see Erin watching us with curiosity.
"Erin, this is my sister, Aurelia. Aurelia this is my new landlady, Erin." I introduced the two women.
"Nice to meet you, Aurelia." Erin said, smiling.
I watched as the two women shook hands, Laughter radiated from Aurelia, her amusement at the situation nearly tangible.
I ushered Aurelia upstairs into my room, her expression was one of triumph, the look of someone who had played their part to perfection yet held secrets just beneath the surface.
"Nice place," she said under her breath, her gaze sweeping the room with genuine approval.
The moment the door latched closed, Aurelia shot forward and enveloped me in a tight hug. "I missed you more than words," she said into my chest, her voice catching with an emotion that resonated deep within my own ancient heart.
"I missed you too." I soaked in her presence. The familial warmth that radiated from her was a comfort to the havoc of the night. "There's so much to tell you."
My throat was tight with the weight of it all. "Erin... She's my mate."
Aurelia's eyes widened, a gasp slipping past her lips before a knowing smile curved them again. "That explains the look in your eyes when you say her name." Her gazedarted toward the hallway outside, as if she could see Erin through the walls. "Did she see you?—"
"—in dragon form, yes. Yet, she's as calm as a summer lake. Either she believes she's hallucinated, or she'sstronger than I ever anticipated." I pondered the enigma that was Erin Montgomery. Then I told Aurelia everything that had happened from the time I woke to now.
"Where did this happen?" Aurelia asked, her witch's instincts kicking in, ready for the cleanup that would keep our existence shrouded in secrecy.
"In the mountains, near the old mill." I described the scene that needed to be erased from the human world.
"Consider it done, brother," she said with a decisive nod. Then, her expression turned sharp, businesslike. "I'll find out what I can about these men after Erin. We need to make sure they don't pose a threat anymore."
"I agree. We have to make absolutely sure nobody is still after Erin. Make sure this is over," I said. Safety for Erin was paramount. Nothing would stand in the way of protecting her.
Aurelia nodded as she typed on her phone. "I'm filling Skye in on this, and she'll help me. Now that you're awake, the others will wake soon. We've got a lot to do."
I hadn’t given my brothers a second thought, with everything going on. Pulled from sleep by the unfamiliar, overwhelming scent of my fated mate, my immediate focus had been entirely on her danger. My every instinct roaring to protect her. But now, with the adrenaline fading, a sharp guilt twisted in my gut.Drake, Chance, Tyson, and Zaden weren’t my brothers by blood, but brothers by choice, forged in fire and loyalty, bound by a bond as true as any shared lineage.
It felt wrong, almost selfish, to be awake without them. But Aurelia was right, if I was awake, their own stirrings wouldn’t be far behind. A low hum of anticipation, like a thousand bees in a hive, filled me. I found myself ready, almost eager, for their boisterous chaos and unwavering solidarity.
Gratitude swelled within me as I looked up at Aurelia "Thank you. This means everything to me.".
"Nothing to thank me for. Now go," she said, her grin returning, infectious and wide. "Be with your mate."
With one last squeeze of assurance, Aurelia left. Alone now, my thoughts turned to Erin across the hall, her mere proximity sending anticipatory flames licking through my veins.
This was more than fate; it was destiny intertwining with choice. And I chose her a thousand times over.
Chapter 8
Erin
The sizzleof bacon filled the kitchen, mingling with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. I flipped the strips. It had been quite an unusual morning. I never made breakfast for guests. Laurie usually did when we had guests. But Ashton wasn't just any guest.
He came down the stairs, his footsteps light against the hardwood floor. A waft of soap and shampoo trailed behind him, evidence of his recent shower. His hair, still damp at the edges, caught the morning light that streamed through the window.
"Morning," he greeted, a half-smile on his face as he sat at the island counter.
