Chapter 50 Wife The word slipped out automatically. Caelan's arm came around my shoulders immediately. He leaned down to press a soft kiss to my forehead. Thank you, my queen." The endearment sent warmth spiraling through my chest. But when I glanced back at Blair, something flickered across her features. Her smile never faltered. But her chin lifted slightly, just enough to shift her posture from welcoming to… evaluating. "Is that so?' Her voice remained perfectly pleasant. "Well, that makes sense. Though I suppose old habits die hard - I've been looking after him for so long." My mind raced through the implications. How long was so long? What exactly did 'looking after" entail? She's his sister, I reminded myself firmly. Of course she looks after him. That's what family does. "Blair's always been protective," Caelan said, apparently oblivious to the undercurrent of tension. "Sometimes too protective." His tone carried fond exasperation, like he was discussing an overly devoted pet. Blair's smile widened. "Someone has to make sure you don't work yourself to death. You're terrible at self-care." She turned to me. "You'll discover that quickly enough. He forgets to eat when he s focused on pack business. Stays up until dawn reading reports. Honestly, without constant supervision, he'd probably collapse from exhaustion." Constant supervision. Another loaded phrase. I can take care of myself, I smiled. 'And I'm perfectly capable of taking care of him too." "Of course you are Blair's agreement came too quickly. Im sure you ll learn his routines eventually. Though it might take some time to adjust to… everything Everything What exactly was she implying I needed to adjust to? before I could respond, Scarlett tugged gently on my arm Sable, could I borrow you for just a moment? I wanted to show you something Man was four my response, just guided me a few steps away from the others When we were out of easy hearing range, she leaned close The Bien u amere, ar murmured I glanced back sword who piar stone chatting with Carlen the ked perfectly emprend, perfectly hidh What do you mean? "The way del caries dopped hike wheeling getben. Don't be ridication bed nos light in my che sightened the busses the peablyststie. Protective is one thing bracletta gisen eyes were cut that of posses the way she keeps tous bing him, talking about taking care of "You re imagining things I said firmly "She's been welcoming Maybe, but that dot mean anything sister." 1/3 7:23 pm ) Chapter 50 Scarlett studied my face. You don't believe that No. I don't She's family. I said instead I need to give her the benefit of the doubt Fine Scarlett shrugged. "But if she gets too territorial, just say the word 1d be happy to remind her who the future queen is around here 1 squeezed her hand, silently asking her not to do anything impulsive. She nodded and walked away I walked back toward where Caelan waited. He stood with one hand in his pocket, watching me. "Everything okay?" He reached for my elbow, Fine. Just catching up with Scarlett." Caelan guided me toward the elegantly set table where crystal glasses caught the evening light. Blair followed us immediately, sliding into the seat directly beside Caelan before anyone else could claim it. Carlan remained standing. He lifted his champagne flute, and conversations died around the garden. All eyes turned toward him. Thank you all for coming tonight. His voice carried easily across the intimate gathering. I want to formally introduce you to Sable Crawford, my fiancée." Applause broke out around the table. Peter whistled appreciatively while Leon raised his glass with a knowing grin. Caelan's hand found mine under the table. Our fingers intertwined naturally. Heat crept up my neck as he lifted our joined hands. His lips brushed across my knuckles in a gesture so intimate it made my breath catch. "Congratulations Scarlett beamed at us from across the table. Blar clapped along with the others. "Satie, I really admire your courage." Something in her tone made me look at her more carefully. The words sounded supportive, but there was an undercurrent I couldn't quite identify. After the previous conversation with Scarlett, I paid more attention to Blair, trying to figure out the missing details. Concrage? I kept my voice light To me on from a long relationship and start fresh Blairs violet eyes sparkled with what looked like genuine concern. It must have been so difficult, leaving somente shes dures years together. My stomach dropped How does she know wheid Darrell! Carians fingers tighted around mins i felt him go very still beside me Blais continued before I said respond Yes he must have loved you very much, did the? These years is such a hung time The table had gue quiet w Peters usual juking dement aubered "The separation must have been paid Blau leaned forward slightly, has expresion hell of sympathy. But how fortunate that you met Carlan so quickly afterward What perfect timing" The words landed like small cuts. Each one polite on the surface, but sharp underneath She's making it sound like I jumped from one man to another. Now I totally agree with Scarlett Blue is not nice to me at all 2/3 7:23 pm Chapter 50 Blair turned toward Caclan with that same sweet smile. "My brother, you're so kind and generous." "Appearing right when Sable needed comfort most. Offering her a home, a new beginning. She paused, tilting her head thoughtfully. I'm just curious though…" My pulse quickened. "When exactly did your feelings for each other develop? Before her previous relationship ended, or after?" The question hung in the air like poison gas. Everyone at the table shifted uncomfortably. Scarlett's eyes went wide with shock. Leon and Peter exchanged glances. She just accused us of having an affair. Or me of using Caelan as a rebound. Caelan's expression didn't change, but something dangerous flickered in his eyes. When he spoke, his voice could have frozen blood. "Blair." She blinked innocently. "Yes?"