Chapter 38: Chapter 38

JASMINE

My eyes fluttered open, the last vestiges of sleep slowly fading away. The comforting solidity of Sebastian’s chest was no longer under my hand, and his familiar, earthy scent of woody amber had dissipated. A twinge of disappointment tugged at my heart, but it was quickly replaced by the warm, spicy scent of cinnamon.

I turned my head and saw Aaron sitting next to me on the couch, his usually sharp brown eyes softened with worry and affection as he watched me.

“Have you been watching me sleep?” I asked, my voice still heavy with sleep, a lazy smile tugging at my lips.

“You looked so peaceful,” Aaron replied, a small smile playing on his lips. “I missed seeing you like this.”

His gaze was intense, as if he was trying to commit every detail of my face to memory. “And I know you won’t sleep well tonight.”

His words weighed heavily on me, and I let out a deep sigh, the truth of his statement settling in my chest like a heavy stone.

“Don’t remind me.” I pulled myself up to sit next to him.

I wrapped my arms around his waist, seeking the comfort that only he could provide. His scent enveloped me, grounding me, and I took a deep breath, wanting to remember every detail while I still had him close.

Aaron hugged me back tightly, pressing a soft kiss to the top of my head. For a moment, the world outside ceased to exist—it was just us, two souls clinging to each other in the calm before the storm.

“You know we’re going to miss you too, right?” he whispered, his breath warm against my hair.

I pulled back slightly, just enough to look into his eyes. His expression was raw, vulnerable.

“It’s going to be torture being away from you.”

The pain in his voice echoed the one building inside me. “Promise me you’ll come back to me?” I asked, my thumb gently tracing the edge of his jaw—a line I had memorized over the years.

His skin was warm under my touch, but the look in his eyes sent a chill down my spine.

“I promise,” Aaron said, a faint smile pulling at his lips, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. He leaned in and pressed a lingering kiss to my forehead, as if sealing his promise into my skin.

Before we could say more, Erik’s voice echoed from outside the room, shattering the moment. “It’s time.”

I stiffened, the harsh reminder pulling me back to reality. I knew this was coming, but knowing didn’t make it any easier. I forced myself to stand, but the pain in my chest was sharp and deep.

The thought of letting them go without me, of staying behind while they faced whatever danger lay ahead, felt like claws digging into my heart.

They stood before me, ready to leave. My breath hitched at the sight of them, dressed in the uniform of the Bellator guard. Erik wore it with an air of authority, his natural dominance amplified by the black uniform, the holsters, and the boots.

But even though the uniforms were part of Erik’s world, they suited Sebastian and Aaron just as well. They stood tall, fierce—warriors ready to fight for everything they loved. Together. And it took my breath away.

“All set, Alpha?” Erik’s head guard called from outside, his voice cutting through the heavy silence.

“Yes, it’s time,” Erik repeated, his voice steady, resolute.

My throat tightened as I stood before them. I swallowed hard, trying to push back the emotion threatening to spill over. I had to say goodbye. I needed to. But it couldn’t just be a simple farewell—I wanted something more, something personal, for each of them. One at a time.

I stepped forward, standing in front of Sebastian first. His piercing blue eyes met mine, and I was lost in them for a moment, the intensity of his gaze pulling me in like a tide. My hands found their way to his face, my thumb gently stroking his cheek as I memorized every detail of his features.

“May the Goddess and magic be with you,” I whispered, my voice trembling. “I love you.”

Sebastian’s response was immediate, his hands slipping around my waist and pulling me close. Our lips met in a kiss that was desperate, filled with everything we couldn’t say in words. He held me with such fierce protectiveness, and for a fleeting moment, I let myself believe we could stay like this forever.

But reality pulled us apart, and as he released me, Sebastian’s voice was hoarse with emotion. “I love you,” he murmured, his forehead pressing gently against mine before he stepped back.

I shifted my attention to Aaron. His brown eyes, typically sharp and witty, were now soft, weighed down by emotion. I cradled his face in the same manner, my fingers tracing the line of his jaw before I murmured, “May the Goddess and wisdom be with you. I love you.”

Aaron’s kiss was equally desperate, but it held a different kind of fervor. His hands were solid on my back, drawing me close as if he were terrified to let go. His warmth seeped into me, and I clung to him, wishing I didn’t have to let him go.

“I love you,” he whispered back, his voice cracking slightly as he pulled away.

Then, I was standing in front of Erik. He flashed me a smile, his honey-hued eyes sparkling with that familiar glint of mischief and passion. I couldn’t resist running my hand through his hair, relishing the feel of it between my fingers.

“May the Goddess and strength be with you,” I said, my voice barely more than a whisper.

Erik didn’t hesitate. He seized my face, pulling me into a kiss that was raw and filled with a nearly primal need. His touch was electric, his dominance undeniable, and I surrendered to him, letting the heat of his kiss engulf me.

But even he had to pull away, his lips leaving mine with a final whisper. “I love you.”

I stood there, shaking, my heart being pulled in three different directions. Each of them held a piece of me, and the thought of being without them left a gaping hole in my chest. They looked back at me, their faces a mix of resolve and yearning.

“Come back to me,” I managed to say, my voice choked with emotion.

They nodded, giving me one last lingering look before they turned and walked out the door.

I didn’t sleep that night. I went down to the Bellator kitchen and made myself some tea, but nothing helped. The pain in my chest from my companions being away, and the uncertainty of what they would find or face, was unbearable.

I checked my cell phone every five minutes, waiting for some news. They had warned me that it would be hard to send updates before they started the trip back and that they probably wouldn’t have a signal.

It was already midnight, and I thought I would have some news, but nothing. It was close to noon when my cell phone rang. It was Aaron.

“Jasmine.” He said my name as soon as I answered, and it made my heart nearly leap out of my chest.

“Aaron, is everything okay?” I asked.

I asked, but he didn’t respond.

“They’re attacking. The witches—they’re at Scire. I—” His words made my chest freeze with fear.

“I just… I don’t know what to do.”