Caleb's POV
"We are falling too hard, brother," I whispered back to Cassian through our link. This isn't just a bond anymore. It's becoming an obsession. I can feel your heart beating in time with mine every time she bleeds.
"I know," Cassian replied, his mental voice sounding infuriated. We both felt like we could tear the wind to rescue her, but the lab is watching. The sensors on the pillars are tracking our adrenaline levels. If we show any sign of love, the scientists will report it to the High Priestess. We have to be monsters in the light so we can be her salvation in the dark.
My father turned to me, his sharp eyes narrowing. "Caleb, you aren't listening. I asked if you agree that the weak should be removed from the primary food list. We cannot waste resources on those who provide nothing to the pack."
I looked at the man who raised me. He was talking about people like Helen. He was talking about the woman I wanted to worship.
"I agree, Father," I said, my voice steady and emotionless. "The pack must remain strong above all else."
The words felt like ash in my mouth. I felt Cassian's wince of pain through our link. We were lying to everyone, but the cost was our souls.
After the meeting finally ended, I made my way down into the main hallway of the pack house. I knew Helen would be passing through here soon to take the re-washed linens to the kitchen.
I reached into the hidden pocket of my tunic and felt the small, square object tucked inside. It was a piece of rare, enchanted chocolate I had brought back from the southern lands. It was infused with honey and a bit of healing nectar. It was a luxury she had probably never seen in her life.
I saw her coming down the hall. She was alone this time, her head bowed, her damp hair clinging to her cheeks. She looked exhausted.
As we approached each other, the hallway was busy with other pack members. Kevin was standing nearby, talking to a group of warriors. He was watching Helen with a suspicious look on his face, his nose twitching as if he were trying to catch a scent.
I didn't slow down. As I passed her, I made sure our shoulders brushed slightly. It was a risky move, but I needed to touch her, even for a millisecond. In that brief moment, I slid the chocolate into her open palm. My fingers brushed hers, and I felt a spark of heat that nearly made me stop in my tracks.
Helen froze, her eyes snapping up to mine. She looked at the small, gold-wrapped treat in her hand, and then she looked at me. She was searching for the man who had been so kind, the man who was supposed to be her protector. She was looking for a smile, a wink, or any sign that the twins truly cared.
But I knew Kevin was watching. I knew the sensors in the wall were recording my every move. I pulled my hand away quickly and looked at her with a gaze of pure ice. I let my upper lip curl slightly, as if the very sight of her was a chore I had to endure.
"Watch where you're going, Omega," I said, my voice loud and harsh enough for Kevin to hear. "The hallways are for those who have a purpose, not for those who clutter the path."
I didn't wait for her response. I kept walking, my heart screaming at me to turn around and pull her into my arms. I could feel her confusion and her heartbreak radiating off her like a physical weight. Behind me, I heard Kevin let out a short, mocking laugh.
"See, Helen?" Kevin called out. "Even the Alphas think you're in the way. You should go back to your hole before you get stepped on."
I turned the corner and leaned against the wall, my breath coming in ragged gasps. I had given her a gift, but I had delivered it with a blow to her spirit. I knew what she was thinking. I knew she was wondering if the tenderness of the night before had just been a cruel trick of the mind.
She tood in the middle of the hallway, the gold wrapper glinting in the light. She looked at the chocolate, and then she looked at the empty space where I had been standing. Her bottom lip trembled, and a single tear escaped, rolling down her bruised cheek. She felt the coldness of my eyes more than the warmth of the gift. To her, in that moment, the dream of a fated mate felt like it was finally, truly