Chapter 18: Chapter 18

JASMINE

I woke up, unsure of how long I’d been asleep. But there was a surprising calmness within me, a feeling that was almost hopeful. Maybe this could actually work. The presence of Aaron and Erik beside me was a comforting reminder that we were stronger as a team.

The Wolfheart wizards brought me a potion. Without hesitation, I drank it, feeling the warmth spread through my chest, replenishing some of my strength.

Aaron and Erik were already up and about, pulling on the Wolfheart guard uniforms. I didn’t need to question why. They had arrived in their wolf forms, driven by the same desperation I felt when I thought I might lose Sebastian.

Erik was adjusting his sleeve when a flash of pink caught my attention. I reached out and traced the scar on his arm. It was identical to mine—both of us marked by silver so the spell could drain enough blood to save Sebastian.

“They did it too…” I whispered, my throat tightening. It dawned on me that they must have performed the same ritual to save me when I had passed out. I looked up to find their eyes on me.

The weight of our shared experience hung heavy in the room, like a storm about to burst. Their scars were a silent testament to how close we had come to losing each other. I reached out to Aaron, my thumb gently brushing his scar.

My heart pounded in my chest, but I couldn’t tell if it was fear or something more. “I…” My voice wavered. What could I possibly say? My eyes stung with unshed tears, my emotions threatening to spill over.

Aaron’s hand covered mine, his warmth seeping into my skin. “Shh… You don’t have to say anything,” he said, his voice gentle and soothing, like a balm on my raw emotions. I swallowed hard.

“I just wanted to say thank you…for being there for me. For not letting me go.” My voice broke under the weight of my emotions.

“I love you,” Erik said, his voice slicing through the air. His hand cupped my face, his thumb gently stroking my cheek, causing my heart to ache.

“I love you too,” Aaron echoed. Hearing those words from both of them, in unison, was like a beautiful melody—a harmony that resonated deep within my soul.

I pulled them both close, wrapping my arms around them. I reveled in the solidness of their bodies, the warmth of their breath against my skin. Aaron’s face was buried in my neck, his lips grazing my pulse, sending a shiver down my spine.

Erik’s hand gripped my waist, pulling me closer. I was acutely aware of them—of how much I needed this, how much I craved their touch. The air was thick with desire, our connection drawing us deeper into each other.

Erik’s breath was ragged, his body tense against mine. I could feel his control slipping. Aaron’s grip on me tightened, his mouth barely grazing my skin, teasing the line between restraint and hunger.

A low, primal sound rumbled from Erik, a growl of frustration that sent a shiver through me, igniting every nerve in my body.

“Breakfast is served,” a voice called from outside the door, breaking the spell.

I pulled away, my chest heaving as I tried to catch my breath. I blinked, trying to regain my composure. Aaron smirked, a hint of a smile playing on his lips, while Erik’s grin was pure mischief.

They weren’t embarrassed. They weren’t avoiding the moment. If anything, they seemed pleased—like they knew exactly what had just happened, and they were okay with it. We made our way to the dining room, where the Wolfheart family and their guests were waiting.

I wasn’t sure what to expect—how they’d react to all four of us together—but when I saw the smiles on their faces, I felt the tension in my chest ease.

“My dears, it’s so good to see you up and well,” Philip said warmly, his eyes filled with gratitude.

The atmosphere felt lighter, and I allowed myself to breathe, knowing we were welcome here. As we approached the table, my heart soared at the sight of Sebastian, sitting at the head with a healthy color in his cheeks.

He was alive. Whole. And looking at me with such warmth that tears welled up in my eyes again. Without thinking, I moved toward him, drawn to him like a magnet. He stood and opened his arms, pulling me into his chest.

I buried my face in his familiar scent of amber and wood. I let myself melt into him, the relief so overwhelming I could hardly stand.

“I didn’t show up this morning,” he whispered, his lips grazing my ear, “because I wasn’t certain about the situation…with them.”

His voice was tentative, as if he were wary of intruding on the budding relationship between me, Aaron, and Erik.

“It’s fine,” I whispered back, pulling away just enough to look into his eyes.

For the first time in what seemed like an eternity, I smiled without the shadow of fear or worry looming over me. Sebastian’s smile broadened, and when I released him, Erik and Aaron were there, drawing him into tight hugs—the kind that spoke of brotherhood and unspoken bonds formed in adversity.

“You had us worried,” Erik voiced, his tone rough with emotion.

“I apologize,” Sebastian responded, hugging him back just as fiercely.

“It’s good to see you’re all right,” Aaron chimed in.

“Take a seat, let’s eat. We’ll have plenty of time to chat after breakfast,” Thabata suggested, grinning from her chair. “Jasmine, darling, I requested pancakes. Sebastian mentioned they’re your favorite,” she informed me, her face lit up with a smile, and in her blue eyes—identical to Sebastian’s—I saw a powerful surge of gratitude.

“You didn’t have to bother with that,” I responded, settling myself at the table.

Thabata chuckled softly. “Nonsense. Breakfast is a sacred ritual in this house.” In that moment, I felt as if the Wolfheart family had enveloped me in their warmth—not as a stranger, but as one of their own.

We all enjoyed breakfast together, like one big family. Despite my desire to relish the light and sweet moments, I couldn’t ignore the heavy aura emanating from Sebastian. Each glance we shared carried a weight that permeated the air around us.

I assumed it was the aftermath of the attack—the wreckage of his pack still fresh in my memory. But as I observed him, I felt something even deeper—something more ominous.

As we drained the last drops of our coffee, with Philip still laughing at tales about our parents, Sebastian cleared his throat.

The laughter ceased. A layer of tension blanketed us—thick and stifling. Deep within, through the bond we shared, I sensed it. Something was amiss.

“We need to discuss something,” Sebastian announced, dabbing his lips with a napkin and shifting uncomfortably in his chair.

His tone was controlled, but the weight of his words resonated louder. My eyes met his, silently pleading for him to assure me that everything would be all right. But his eyes were filled with concern, confirming the truth my heart feared.

“If it’s a serious matter, we can excuse ourselves so you can talk privately,” Anthony suggested.

“No need,” Sebastian responded, his gaze sweeping the room. “Actually, I believe you might be able to assist.”

A shiver ran down my spine.