Chapter 23: Chapter 23

JASMINE

We were still basking in the warmth of our shared intimacy, teetering on the brink of starting anew when a knock reverberated through the room, shattering the moment.

“Erik, we have a meeting in ten minutes about merging the guards.” Sebastian’s voice echoed, a sense of urgency slicing through his typically composed tone. Something was off, more grave than usual.

Erik and I shared a look, the burden of duty swiftly creeping back in. He planted a kiss on my forehead, his lips lingering just long enough to offer comfort.

“Don’t stress over it. We’ve got this under control, okay?” His voice was gentle yet authoritative, wrapping me in a promise of protection.

I nodded, but a sliver of worry continued to gnaw at me. Erik had always been my shield—he took that role seriously, sometimes too seriously.

We got dressed in silence, the lingering heat between us unspoken but palpable. Just as Erik reached for the door handle, I halted him, my hand softly gripping his arm.

“Erik…” My voice was barely audible, but it was sufficient.

He spun around instantly, his honey-hued eyes locking onto mine.

“I don’t think I’ve thanked you enough. For always being there, for never leaving my side.”

He stood motionless, his gaze softening, as if weighing my words. Then he shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

“You don’t need to thank me,” he said, stepping closer, his hands cradling my face with a gentleness that sent warmth radiating through me. “Being by your side isn’t something you thank me for—it’s what I live for. It’s my privilege. Always.”

Before I could respond, he sealed my lips with a kiss, urgent and brimming with emotions that words couldn’t convey. His hands held my face as if I were the most precious thing in the world.

When he pulled away, his forehead rested against mine, our breaths intermingling in the intimate silence.

“I love you,” he murmured, the words brushing against my lips.

“I love you too,” I responded, my heart swelling, brimming with the truth of it.

With one last lingering glance, Erik took my hand and guided me out of the room. The weight of our duties pulled us back to reality.

We walked into the meeting room, and my heart fluttered when I saw Aaron and Sebastian already seated. For a fleeting moment, guilt constricted my chest. Did they know? Could they sense that Erik and I had just been together? The idea that they might be jealous flashed through my mind, but I quickly dismissed it.

Philip joined the table just as Aaron cleared his throat, taking charge.

“We’ve received the council’s approval for temporarily merging the guards,” Aaron declared. His words were steady but laced with resolve. “Given the severity of the attack, they’ve deemed it an emergency and have approved the union. However, we’ll need all active alphas to attend a council meeting tomorrow to formalize the decision.”

Philip nodded in agreement. “We need this as soon as possible. Just confirm with your parents, and we’ll proceed with the formal request.”

My eyes swept the room, meeting Erik and Aaron’s gazes. Both nodded in silent agreement, understanding the gravity of the situation.

“Traveling now isn’t ideal,” Erik added, his protective nature surfacing. “But we don’t have many options. We’ll need to bolster security for the trip.”

Aaron concurred. “If all goes as planned, we leave tomorrow morning. Our parents can meet us there.”

The tension in the room intensified.

“Talk to them tonight, and get some rest, especially you, Jasmine,” Sebastian said, his voice firm, more distant than usual. He never called me by my full name—always Jazzy or Angel. His words left a peculiar feeling in my chest. Was this jealousy?

I swallowed hard but didn’t have time to dwell on it. Everyone stood up, Aaron and Erik already dialing their parents, and I knew I needed to do the same.

I dialed my father first. We spoke briefly, and he agreed to the meeting. My heart ached as I heard his voice—it had been too long.

By the time I ended the call with my mother, I felt a longing for home, for the warmth of her hug. Everything happening around me made me yearn for that sense of safety.

I trudged upstairs, my body yearning for rest, but my mind was far too restless. A long bath seemed like the solution. I hoped the hot water would ease the tension, but even as the warmth enveloped me, my thoughts swirled. The alliance, the looming threats, and…the undeniable attraction between my mates.

After toweling off, I pulled on a nightgown and draped a robe over myself. I gazed at the vast, vacant bed, aware that sleep would elude me if I were alone. Not tonight. I yearned for their presence—Erik, Aaron, Sebastian. I could still sense the heat of Erik’s body against mine, Aaron’s hand resting on my waist. It was nearly perfect. Almost.

Yet, the thought of us four together seemed like a fantasy. A fairy tale. How could I possibly request that from them? I was still anxious about their feelings, if they perceived it as a betrayal. I was desperate for answers, and I needed them immediately.

I roamed the house, hunting for them, but the Wolfheart estate was a maze, its corridors twisting and turning in bewildering ways. Just as I was about to surrender and cry out for assistance, a familiar aroma—a blend of wood and amber—struck me.

Sebastian.

I traced the scent to a secluded library, the door slightly open. Inside, the gentle radiance of a fire lit up the room, casting a cozy light on Sebastian’s form. He was seated on a leather couch, a book in his hand, his expression calm yet intensely concentrated.

For a moment, I paused, lingering in the doorway and observing him. His sharp, attractive features softened by the firelight, his blue eyes following the lines of the book. He was stunningly handsome, in a way that was almost disconcerting. And the most charming part? He seemed oblivious to it.

His eyes rose when he sensed my presence, and a small, welcoming smile graced his lips.

“Come in,” he invited, shutting the book and gesturing to the spot next to him.

I traversed the room and settled down beside him. He reached out, tucking a loose, damp strand of hair behind my ear, his fingers grazing my cheek.

“You were with Erik before the meeting, weren’t you?” His inquiry wasn’t hostile, but it was direct—no beating around the bush.

My heart fluttered, uncertain of his response. What did he want to hear? What was he expecting me to say?

I averted my gaze, swallowing hard.

“Yes,” I admitted, my voice barely louder than a murmur.