Chapter 103 A Reflection
CADE
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“Thank you for doing this,” I said softly as soon as Arden was gone. “It means a lot to the both
of us.”
Bethany had just finished explaining the danger of everything–what the fight ahead would look like, what we could lose–but none of it compared to the fact that she had chosen to stand with us anyway. I met her gaze fully, filled with gratitude. “We wouldn’t be able to do any of this without you.”
She sat behind her desk, her back straight, arms folded.
Bethany nodded once. “You’re welcome,” she said. Then, after a pause, she tilted her head. “Are you two… mates?”
I was surprised by the sudden shift in topic. “Oh. Yes,” I answered, joy blooming in my chest. “Second chance,” I added, running a hand through the back of my hair.
She raised a brow. “So, you weren’t her original mate?”
I shook my head. “No, I wasn’t.”
My tone instinctively darkened as I added, “It was originally Jaxon Trevane from the West.”
Bethany hummed thoughtfully, but I rushed on before she could say anything else.
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Chapter 103 A Reflection
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beautiful on the inside too. She looks at you like she sees through every mask, but she never uses it to shame you. Instead, she lifts you up with that knowledge.”
I chuckled, glancing down at the floor.
“I didn’t know how much I needed someone like her until I met her. She challenges me. She makes me want to be more, do more.” I glanced toward Bethany again. “My wolf has never been this loud and still at the same time. He’s restless whenever she’s far away, yet filled with this strange kind of peace when she’s close. I’ve never experienced that before.”
I rubbed my hands together.
“She brings out the best in me, And I never even knew those parts existed until she did.”
Another silence filled the space–longer this time.
Then, a soft smirk tugged at Bethany’s lips. She leaned back in her chair, amusement visible in her eyes.
“You must love her,” she said quietly. “A lot.”
I let out a soft breath, glancing down again. “I do.”
Then I looked up, adding, “Probably more than anyone would think, really.”
Bethany’s smile was faint, but something behind it looked wistful.
“Then she’s in good hands,” she murmured. “I don’t have to worry about anything.”
I tilted my head, unsure if I heard her last statement right. “What was that?”
“Nothing,” she replied quickly, waving a hand. “Just… take care of her. Well.”
I nodded. “Of course. No one has to ask me to do that. I’ll do it through and through.”
Then she coughed again, and this time, it sounded worse. Dry, but deep. I sat up straighter.
“Can I ask something?” I said.
She raised an eyebrow while she took a sip of water.
“Why are you helping us?” I asked slowly. “I mean, you’re risking your place in court, your reputation, your standing. We might not even have good intentions. You don’t know for sure.”
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Chapter 103 A Reflection
Bethany tilted her head, then let out a soft chuckle. “Are you looking out for me?”
“No.” I said truthfully. “I’m just curious.”
She was quiet for a moment, then sighed and turned slightly in her seat.
“Arden,” she started off.
Then she looked up at me with something like understanding, perhaps even pain.
“I see myself in her.”
That was all.
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Before the moment could stretch too long or become too revealing, she crossed her arms. and straightened again, resuming her usual poise.
“You should go now,” she said briskly. “You have a lot to plan, and Arden’s been in the restroom for far too long.”
I stood quickly, still slightly overwhelmed by everything but grateful beyond words.
“I’ll find her,” I said with a smile.
Bethany didn’t reply, but I could see the softness in her expression compared to before. It seemed she trusted us more now.
With one last glance back, I stepped out of the room and into the hall.
She sees herself in Arden.
The thought alone brought a smile to my lips. But that smile faded quickly when I heard her voice. A sob echoed from the direction of the restrooms, causing my heart to sink. My body moved before I could think. I turned the corner, pulse racing, heart already knowing who it
was.
Arden was curled on the floor, slumped against the cold wall, her shoulders trembling violently as quiet sobs wracked her body. Her hands were pressed against her face. The moment I laid eyes on her like that, my wolf surged forward, instincts snapping awake like a growl in my chest. I dropped to my knees beside her and pulled her into my arms without hesitation.
“Arden,” I whispered, pressing my face against her hair. “I’m here. I’ve got you,” I said, despite
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Chapter 103 A Reflection
not knowing what had happened. She shook in my hold, and gods, she felt so small.
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But something wasn’t right. It wasn’t just pain in her scent; there was a deeper undertone- fear.
And something else. I pulled her in tighter and froze. Another wolf. If I recognized this scent, it could only belong to her brother–Kieran.
Every hair on my neck stood on end.
“Arden,” I said again, more gently, trying not to let the sudden heat in my blood reach her. “What happened, baby?” She didn’t answer. She just cried harder, her fists tightening around the fabric of my shirt.
I pulled back slightly, cradling her face in both hands. Her eyes were red and puffy, her cheeks flushed, and her lips trembling. Her whole body felt as if it had been through a storm.
“Hey,” I whispered, thumbing away a tear. “I told you before, remember? You look better when you smile.”
I paused. “Even though you’re still the prettiest person I’ve ever seen, no matter what you’re feeling.”
She choked on a breath, a small, broken sound. Then her eyes met mine, and something in her shattered all over again.
“Cade,” she whispered, struggling to speak properly. She reached up, wrapped her arms. around my neck, and buried herself into me. Her grip was tight and desperate as she pressed her body closer to mine.
“Please,” she said, her voice frayed. “Please make me forget.”
“Take me, please.”
