Caylin’s POV
The teasing only stopped when I finally spoke up. But that night, Zevran scolded me for it.
"Breena is a guest of our pack. Stop arguing over every little thing with her."
This time, I stayed silent. I sat down on the couch without a word.
Just then, Riven sent me the moon contract.
[Read through the contract. If everything looks fine, we'll have it sealed and signed.]
I had only just opened it when Zevran's voice came from behind me.
"What are you investing your gold in? Didn't we agree you'd pay the moonstones for the mating den? Don't waste money on random things right now."
I did not answer. I put away my crystal phone and glanced at the basket nearby.
Inside were Breena's academy skirt, underclothes, and stockings.
"Can you stop imagining things?"
Zevran quickly explained, "Breena got caught in the rain. Since you two are about the same size, I gave her the new nightgown and underclothes you bought."
That nightgown and underclothes were something Zevran had personally chosen for me. They were private gifts between mates.
Yet he had given them to Breena.
The meaning was obvious. The clothes were not the issue, but the one wearing them was.
Cough, cough!
Breena's coughing drifted from the bedroom.
"Breena!"
Zevran's expression changed instantly. He rushed back into the room.
"What happened? Are you hurting anywhere?"
"My throat feels a little sore, Zevran." Breena sounded like an injured pup.
"I'll get medicine right away!"
Zevran hurried back into the living room and searched through every cabinet.
I watched him moving around anxiously. Then I lowered my head and replied to Riven.
[The contract looks good. Let's sign it today.]
[And help me find a new place to stay.]
Riven agreed immediately.
I turned toward the bedroom, seeing Zevran who was feeding Breena herbal medicine one spoonful at a time.
This rented den was far too crowded for three wolves.
I was stepping away.
I would leave them their peaceful little world. Just the two of them.
So I did not disturb them. I turned around and spent the night in the study.
The next morning, I woke with a spinning head. My nose felt blocked, and my voice was rough.
"Caylin!"
Zevran burst into the room, holding up his crystal communicator.
"Let's switch to that fully built den! It's only seven hundred thousand more moonstones. If you add a little more to the down payment, we can get a larger three room house. Breena can have her own room."
"That way you won't have to suffer sleeping in the study anymore."
Over the past few years, Zevran had poured all his house funds into his pack business.
The original plan was for my family to cover the down payment first and buy a small two room den for our mating ceremony.
After that, we would pay the debt together.
But now, so Breena could live with us, he was willing to spend more and buy a larger home.
And he made it sound like he was doing it for me.
"Do whatever you want."
I did not object. None of it had anything to do with me anymore.
"So well behaved today. You deserve a kiss."
Zevran grinned.
"I'll send you the link. Discuss it with the broker."
"Breena still isn't feeling well this morning. I'm taking her to the healer's hall. Buy some food at noon. She likes fish."
After giving his instructions, he turned to leave.
"Wait."
I could not stop myself from calling out.
"Zevran, don't you notice anything different about me?"
"Yeah, your voice sounds a little rough, and your nose is blocked, Caylin." Zevran paused before adding, "But I know you're strong. Just drink more hot water. You even went hunting with stomach sickness before."
Those words cut deeper than any silver blade. They almost destroyed the last bit of light left inside me.
It was the same illness.
Last night, he had rushed to find medicine for Breena and stayed by her side all night, telling her stories.
