Chapter 17 I stared at his message, then blocked his social account completely. My peace was worth more than his entitled rage. A mind-link attempted to force its way into my consciousness. Darrell's mental voice felt like sandpaper against my thoughts: "Sable! Why did you block my number? Answer me!" I slammed up every mental barrier I possessed and cut the connection. My wolf Esme practically purred with satisfaction. 'Good. Block out all his noise." The only comment that made me smile came from Kate: "OMG!!! Our gorgeous girl is getting married! Congratulations!!!" I was still staring at the cruel comments when my phone rang. Caelan's name on the screen felt like a lifeline. "Hello, certain ancient artifact," I answered, forcing lightness into my voice. "How's your royal crankiness today?" His laugh was rich and warm. "This ancient artifact is considering locking his troublesome fiancée in a tower. Seems like the medieval approach might be necessary." Despite everything, I found myself grinning. "You'd have to catch me first, old man." "Old man? His voice carried mock hurt. "I prefer 'distinguished gentleman in his prime."" "Sure, and I'm the Queen of England." 'Actually, you will be a queen. Close enough." My stomach did something fluttery. "Speaking of which, I need professional consultation services. Emergency level." "Professional consultation is expensive. Can you afford my rates?" "I'll pay with my stunning beauty and sparkling personality." 'In that case, I'm severely underpaid." His voice turned softer. "What's wrong, Sabi?" 'I'm having a complete meltdown over these dress photos. They're all perfect. How am I supposed to choose?" 'Simple solution - buy all of them." I nearly choked. "Caelan, do you have any idea how much these must cost?" 'Money isn't an object for you anymore. If you like something, we get it." The casual way he said it made my chest warm. Like my happiness was the most natural priority in the world. "Actually," he continued, "speaking of gifts, I'm having a car delivered to you today." 'A car? Caelan, I already have a car." "That old thing barely qualifies as transportation." 'It gets me where I need to go," I protested. "And besides, I'm leaving town in a few days anyway. There's no point in getting a new car now." "There's every point. That vehicle you're driving isn't safe." 1/2 I frowned. How would you know? You've never seen my car." A pause. "I've… seen your social media posts. The repair bills you complained about. Engine trouble. Brake problems." My stomach did a little flip. He'd been paying attention to my random posts about car troubles? "You've been stalking my Instagram?" 'I prefer staying informed about my fiancée's wellbeing." His voice carried a hint of embarrassment. "The point is, you've been driving a death trap. Multiple breakdowns. That post last month about the mechanic saying your brakes were 'more suggestion than function'?" I winced, remembering that particular rant. The car was an old Honda that Darrell had given me actually, it was a former pack utility vehicle that had seen better days. When he'd handed me the keys three years ago, he'd claimed I was too inexperienced to handle a nice car. "You're still learning to drive," he'd said. "Better to practice on something you can't damage. I'll get you something nicer once you've proven you can handle it." That "nicer car had never materialized, of course. Just like so many of his other promises. "You read that?" *I read everything you post, Sabi. And that car is going to get you killed." "It's not that bad-" *Sable, from what you've described, that thing is held together with prayer and duct tape. I won't have my fiancée risking her life in an unsafe vehicle." "Are you trying to corrupt my pure soul with material goods?" I'm trying to keep you alive long enough to marry me." He paused. "Unless you're having second thoughts about the engagement?"