At Brachenhowl Estate, Colt stood waiting at the front steps as the transport SUV pulled in.
When the door opened, Eleanor stepped out.
Her cheeks were pale, but her spine held straight.
Colt didn’t speak. He took her hand in silence, then reached into the vehicle to lift her luggage.
He led her inside.
Duskridge may have held titles, but Brackenhowl was old blood, the richest werewolf clan for a century, like the multi billionaire families of the human world. Even Eleanor’s father would bow
his head here.
“This used to be my suite,” Colt said as they walked into the east wing. “I had it redone recently. Though it looked a little more feminine now. Might suit your taste better.”
He paused at the door. “If you don’t, I’ll find another wing, or another house. Whatever you want, Elle.”
“I’ve taken the room next to yours,” he added more quietly. “Just in case you need anything.”
Eleanor looked around. Marble, gold accents, hand–carved wood. But it was the warmth that
struck her.
She had spent her childhood in a plain room tucked away in the attic of Duskridge.
As she grew older, she quietly adjusted to being overlooked, while her parents constantly renovated Sadie’s room, adding more luxury with each passing year.
And now, Colt had prepared all this–without her saying a word.
So this was what it meant to be seen. To be special. To be valued.
He noticed her tears and mistook it for discomfort. “You don’t like it? I can make it softer, more feminine if that’s what you’d like. And if it’s still not right, I’ll add more–anything you want.”
He turned to call the staff, already barking an order-
She touched his arm gently. “Colt, stop. I didn’t say I didn’t like it. I’m just overwhelmed. In a good way,”
Without a word, Colt reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. He opened it slowly, revealing a delicate silver pendant in the shape of a lily–her favorite flower.
“I had this made for you. It’s not just jewelry. It’s a promise. That from now on, you’ll never be overlooked again.”
He stepped behind her and clasped it around her neck, letting his fingers linger for a moment. The warmth of his touch made her eyes sting. She brought a hand to the pendant, heart swelling.
A part of her, long buried, began to believe in happiness again.
“If you’d picked me back then, you would’ve never known that kind of pain.”
Before he could say more, Eleanor wrapped her arms around him.
“Thank you, Colt. For loving me without asking anything in return. I’ll repay that love starting today.”
He stood still for a beat, stummed then folded her gendy imo his ams.
Then two weeks from now, we will make it offical*
Dot’s hand busted her cheek, tender and warm, and Eleanor leaned in without thinking.
Eleanor’s heart pounded as Cot leaned in. Her eyes fumered shut, los sightly parted, unsure if
STE MES TERCON
But ATOWITE STed find out the moment he kissed her
Ele…” He whispered, 1 can’t wait to taste your lips. To have you all to myself. Because I know you belong to me”
Just as ther lics were about to meet a knock echoed sharply against the door.
Ami imemoing something
Started, Eleanor stepped back and tumed to the doorway.
A man stood there, mimoring Cott’s face so precisely it was like looking at a reflection–same Shong jawine same som ger eles
Mat… who is he?
Dot cleared his throat. “Eleanor, meet my own. This is Cal®
3:37 am DDDD
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