Chapter 32 Caelan's POV Darrell's lips moved next to Sable's ear. Much too fucking close. Storm roared in my consciousness, demanding blood. "Tear his throat out! He's touching what's ours!" My hands clenched into fists. The bones in my knuckles cracked audibly as pressure built beneath my skin. What the hell is he whispering to her? Sable's face had gone pale during whatever poison he was feeding her. Her amber eyes widened with something that looked like fear. When I'd kicked Darrell across that lobby, I'd seen the shock in Sable's expression. The way she'd immediately rushed to help him, like I was the dangerous one. Like I was the threat she needed to protect him from. Maybe I am. The thought carved through my chest. I'd spent three years watching her from a distance, telling myself she was happy. Content. Safe. If I'd known she was with someone like him… I would have destroyed Darrell years ago. Would have torn apart anyone who dared hurt her. But Sable didn't know that. All she saw was violence. A man who solved problems with his fists. Is that what she thinks of me now? The memory of her slapping Darrell played on repeat in my mind. The sharp crack echoing through the lobby. Then his hand reaching for her throat, ready to strangle my mate in front of dozens of witnesses. I'd moved without thinking. Pure instinct. But the way she'd looked at me afterward… Jesus Christ, what if she still loves him? The possibility felt like swallowing broken glass. Even after everything, Sable had still dropped to her knees beside him. Still checked for injuries with those gentle hands. What kind of hold does he have over her? Darrell mentioned a necklace. Something about it being worthless junk. The casual cruelty in his voice when he d offered her money to replace it. That was fabella + supphire. The one she made with Suble before she died That bastard had destroyed something irreplaceable. Something serred And then he d called it trash I should have killed him right there Sable stood up. Her face showed nothing as she walked toward me. She grabbed my wrist without a word and pulled me toward the exit without looking back. I followed because the alternative was ripping Darrell's head off in front of half of Moonridge. 1/3 7:17 pm Chapter 32 I wanted to say something. Anything. But the words stuck in my throat. What could I possibly say? Sorry for almost killing your ex-boyfriend? Sable unlocked the car and slid behind the wheel. I folded myself into the passenger seat. She started the engine. We drove through downtown Moonridge in complete silence. Say something, you fucking coward. But every time I opened my mouth, I remembered the fear in her eyes. Sable parked in the hotel garage with jerky, aggressive movements. She yanked the keys from the ignition and turned to face me for the first time since leaving the hospital. Her amber eyes blazed with fury. "What is wrong with you?" The question exploded out of her like she'd been holding it back for miles. I blinked. "What?" "You almost killed him!" Her voice cracked on the words. "Did you see how far he flew? What if he'd hit his head? What if there was internal bleeding?" My jaw tightened. "He was going to hurt you." "So you decided to commit assault in public?" "He grabbed your throat-" I handled it!" She slammed her hand against the steering wheel. 'I didn't need you to rescue me like some damsel in distress!" "How? By letting him choke you unconscious?" Her face flushed red. "By defending myself! I've been doing it for years!" Years. The word confirmed my worst fears. "This has happened before? It wasn't a question. Sable's expression flickered. "That's not the point." "It is exactly the point. My voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. How long has he been putting his hands on you? 'Caelan- "How fucking long, Sabi?" 'He wasn't always like this! He used to be different! I stared at her in disbelief. "You're defending him." 'I'm not defending anyone!" Tears gathered in her eyes. 'I just… I thought you were different. I thought you were gentle and kind." The words felt like knives sliding between my ribs. 2/3 Chapter 32 'But you're just like Darrell said. Her voice broke completely. You're cold blooded Violent. A killer. Something snapped inside my chest. "You want to know the truth? I turned in my seat to face her fully. Fine. I'll tell you the fucking truth." Sable's eyes widened at the intensity in my voice. 'I love you' The words erupted from somewhere deep in my soul. Raw and desperate and completely unplanned. "I love you, Sabi. I've loved you for years." Her mouth fell open. "Every time I came to this city, it was for you. To make sure you were safe. Happy. My voice grew rough with emotion. I watched you from across coffee shops and restaurants, telling myself you'd chosen your own path." "Caelan- "I told myself you were better off without me. Without the violence and politics that come with being queen. The confession poured out like blood from an open wound. "But seeing him hurt you… seeing him try to put his hands on you…" "I would rather have you hate me than watch someone else destroy you." Sable stared at me with huge, disbelieving eyes. "You… what?" "I love you." I said it again, softer this time. "I've been in love with you since…well. That's not important now." Her breathing became rapid and shallow. "That's not… you can't…" "Why can't 17 "Because you're like my brother! The words came out strangled. "You've always been family! Safe! The word sale belt like a slap across the face. fde. That's what I been to her. A comfortable older brother figure. Someone who helped with homework and made her feel protected. hever man ever potential mate. To we you base "You might as well be! 1ean areased down her checks Do you have any idea how confused I am right now! First the mate bod, now tha? I cant hamile