Chapter 238
As the back patio came into view, along with Asher’s broad shoulders and unruly hair, I realized my gut had been right after all. Flecks of dazzling gold swirled in his eyes and were bright even in the dark, much brighter the porch lights with their artificial glow.
His shoulders visibly relaxed as his eyes settled on my face. Only. I could see and feel the fury that painted his iris’s gold. While my vision might’ve tunneled on Asher, I didn’t fail to notice he wasn’t alone. Reclined on the swinging bench was Breyona and Giovanni. Mason and Clara occupied the two chairs off to the side.
There wasn’t a single smiling face, only scowls carved deep with worry.
I’d almost forgotten about Ember and Angelica, both of which were partially concealed behind my back, until Asher let out a snarl that nearly shook the entire house.
Ember went deathly still. The temperature rose several degrees, quick enough that a sweat began to break out along the back of my neck.I took a step towards my mate.
“Don’t, Asher. They’re with us.”
Breyona shoved herself off the bench, evading Giovanni’s arms before they could pin her in place. “Since f*cking when?”
“It’s a recent development.” I admitted, waiting for Brandon to chime in. When he didn’t, I was forced to continue. “You don’t have to trust her. Trust me, okay?”
“Where’s Tessa?” Ember didn’t hesitate to ask.
Surprisingly, Clara was the one who answered. “Your sister’s inside with her mate. You ain’t welcome in yet, though.”
“Where the f*ck have you been?” Asher bellowed.
I bristled at fury in his voice, thinking he was talking to me. His eyes, however, were trained on Brandon.
“Oh, you know. Here and there.” Brandon replied dryly, grunting when Ember slammed her elbow into his ribcage.
I wondered if Ember could set things on fire with her glare, because she looked angry enough to kill.
Brandon sighed dramatically. As usual, he wasn’t taking a d*mned thing seriously.
“I was captured by Ember…my mate.”
He was more than reluctant to admit the second part.
Silence and shock rippled along each of their faces, the same that had passed through me back when I found out. As deafening as it was, the silence didn’t last long. It was replaced with a low growl I barely recognized as my own when she walked out.
must be going crazy. Did I just hear Brandon-” Cassidy’s laughter was cut short when she popped her head
flame. All rational thought evaporated from my head as I stared into her eyes, trying to force two words through her skull and deep into her
I know.
ounce of it was forced into the command I sent out to the shadows, drawing them from the depths of
truly register
me, his eyes wide with confusion and outrage. I stumbled back, swallowing my surprise when he went to take a step towards me. Ember, of all people, cut him off. Her palms were flat against his chest as she held him back. His eyes flickered between her face
chest continued to heave, and as
until the
voice had taken on sent
me.
weight of what I was about to say, a truth that would change everything and could never
It’s always been
Cassidy threw back her head and snarled. She wriggled
mind, Asher. You know me! You’ve
I, and for the first time in our tumultuous relationship, he truly seemed torn. When Asher failed to come to her rescue, Cassidy hurled her words at Brandon, who appeared much less
this to me?! You’re my best-friend. I-I
big, baby-blues watered so convincingly that if it hadn’t been my own brother that whispered her name in my ear, even I would’ve believed her. I wasn’t at all surprised when Brandon’s eyes slid to my own
I
Asher’s chest, directed at his younger brother. “Touch
just calm down.” Mason chimed in, ever
a thin line. “I’m on Lola’s side. Look at her arms. That
Brandon from me this entire time, cursed under
Brandon. Get your head
able to dish it back tenfold.He spoke through gritted teeth. “I am listening.
Ember whispered. “…she’s
remained the same. Color seeped into her hair from her roots, staining the golden strands a deep auburn. Her eyes followed, the blue
a vicious snake coiling in the
you for this! Freya will kill you! You ruined years of work for nothing. Nothing! We’re going to kill you-all of you!” Cassidy screamed and snarled, switching between manic laughter and fury so potent a chill skittered down
even though there was no need, craned her head over
this, please.
could tell he wasn’t listening. The sting of betrayal hurt that much more coming from him, radiating down the bond as it added his emotions to my own.
now. She ceased her thrashing long enough to
stupor to gape
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