CHAPTER 103: SOOTHE ME

Kieran’s POV

The warmth of her back against my forehead was an anchor. For the first time since this curse began, the storm inside me didn’t rage; it quieted to a whisper.

I’d heard all the words before—the empty platitudes from motivational broadcasts, the hollow reassurances. But hearing them from her... it was different.

She spoke from a place that felt raw and real, and her scent wrapped around me like a balm, convincing me she wasn’t lying just to make me feel better. She meant it.

She is right, a quiet voice inside me acknowledged. I am a survivor. I survived the assaults, the degradation, the soul-crushing pain.

Surviving didn’t mean I was weak; it meant I was strong enough to endure, to push through when giving up would have been easier. My brothers and I, we did that together.

A need, deep and primal, rose in me. "Can I... can I hug you?" I asked, my voice rough.

I felt her body stiffen for a fraction of a second before she relaxed, a soft sigh escaping her. "You can go ahead."

I didn’t hesitate. I unwrapped my arms from around myself and wrapped them around her instead, pulling her back gently against my chest.

Oh. So this is what Kayden felt. This incredible warmth that seemed to seep from her very skin into my bones, chasing away the cold that had taken root in my soul.

The scary thoughts, the memories, they just... drifted away. All I could think about was the feel of her, the solid, real comfort of her in my arms. I inhaled deeply, burying my face in the crook of her neck, and exhaled, my breath a warm puff against her skin as the last of the tension left my body.

Mate.

The word echoed in my mind, clear and undeniable from my wolf.

What?

Did I hear that right? That means... Kayden was right all along. How could my wolf not have recognized her as our mate until now? My mind, finally clear, started connecting the dots. Kayden found out when his curse was triggered, too.

She isn’t just a comfort. She’s the cure. A medicine I now fear I’ll always crave.

"Thank you," I murmured against her, the words feeling inadequate for the profound calm she’d given me. I didn’t know what else to say. More than that, I was afraid to say anything that might shatter this fragile peace and make her pull away. I couldn’t bear the thought of this warmth ending.

She shifted slightly in my arms. "It’s no problem. I just wanted to help."

"You did," I said, my voice low and sincere. "You helped a lot." I just wanted to stay like this, holding her, for a little while longer. This feeling, this undeniable rightness, confirmed it. Eleanor wasn’t lying. She was our true mate.

But that thought brought another, more troubling one: Scarlet. Truth be told, the vibe I get from her has always made me uneasy. She might not have any obvious reason to deceive me and my brothers, but I need to be sure. I’m going to investigate her.

The door creaked open, and I looked up to see Sir Alfred standing there. His usual composed face held a clear look of relief and deep satisfaction as his gaze landed on us, still wrapped together on the floor.

Eleanor immediately tensed, a soft gasp escaping her as she tried to move away. But I held her a little tighter, not ready to let go. I could feel her nervousness radiating through her, a fluttering, anxious energy. It was... cute.

Alfred simply gave a knowing, approving nod. "My apologies for the interruption," he said softly, his voice warm. "I merely wished to ensure... that all was well. It seems it is."

Sir Alfred eyes met mine. "It seems like your body is back to itself again. Take care of it." With a final, respectful nod, he excused himself and left, closing the door with a soft click.

My hand immediately went to my cheek, my fingers tracing my own jawline, my own nose. My face is back to normal. The relief was so potent it left me lightheaded. So it’s true. Our wolves can only recognize her completely when the curse is receding, when her presence acts as the antidote to its poison.

Several quiet moments passed, the only sound our shared breathing. I couldn’t let the silence stretch any longer.

"I believe you now," I said, my voice quiet but clear in the stillness. "Completely."

She shifted slightly in my arms. "About what?"

"About the fact that you’re my mate. Our mate." I felt her breath catch. "I bet your wolf told you that, too, right?"

A soft, hesitant "Yes," was her only reply.

I took a deep breath, my next words feeling like a vow. "Do you remember that day? The day I told you that if I ever found out you were really our mate... I would never let you go." She didn’t respond, but her stillness was answer enough. "That still stands, Eleanor. You won’t be getting rid of us at all." I tightened my embrace just a fraction, not to trap her, but to feel the solid reality of her. "But I promise you this. I will make sure that I reach the point where I deserve you."

——

Eleanor’s POV

His words left me stunned, a confusing whirlwind of emotions tightening my chest. I didn’t know whether to feel touched or terrified. Before I could even process it, his arms loosened their hold, and I seized the chance, scrambling to my feet as if the floor itself had grown hot.

"I... I hope you get better. See you later."

The words tumbled out, a meaningless, polite reflex. I didn’t even look back as I stepped out of the room, pulling the door shut behind me.

I nearly collided with Keith and Kayden, who were approaching the door. Their faces were a mirror of sharp, unspoken curiosity. My cheeks flamed.

"Excuse me," I mumbled, not meeting their eyes, and hurried past them down the hall, not slowing until I was safely back in my room with the door locked behind me.

I leaned against it, trying to catch my breath and absorb what had just happened. The intensity in Kieran’s voice, the raw promise in his words was too much.

The shrill ring of my phone finally cut through the chaos in my head. I’d left it behind on my bedside table. I walked over and picked it up, my hand still slightly unsteady.

"Hello?"

"Ellie! What’s up? You weren’t picking up!" Mira’s voice was a burst of normalcy.

"Sorry, I left my phone when I went to... attend to something," I said, my voice still a bit breathy.

"No worries! Listen, you need to get dressed. Quickly!"

"Why? What’s the issue?"

"It’s the super mall! They’re having a massive discount event today only! I would’ve told you sooner, but you know work has been keeping us busy to pay attention to anything else. I wouldn’t have known if a former co worker didn’t tell me. You have to come with me." Her tone turned knowing. "At least it’s a nice excuse to get out of that Vexxon estate for a bit, right?"

"Right," I agreed, a wave of relief washing over me. "I’ll be right there."

I desperately wanted to leave this place, to put some physical distance between me and the memory of Kieran’s embrace, his vow.

Maybe then I could forget the way his words had sent a flush of heat through my thighs and left a telltale dampness between them.

Geez.