His new stepsister His biggest threat (Claire and Elijah) novel Chapter 108

**Betrayal Births by Joseph King**
**Chapter 108**

**Claire’s POV**

As soon as Dr. Adrian finished speaking, the unmistakable sound of Ethan’s voice echoed down the hallway. It was as if a switch had flipped; both Elijah and I froze in place, the air thick with tension. For a fleeting moment, time seemed to stand still—neither of us dared to breathe. I could feel Elijah’s hand in mine, his grip loosening ever so slightly, a subtle reminder that he was still on the mend.

The sound of boots resonated against the floor, steady and deliberate, and then Ethan stepped into the doorway. His hair was tousled, suggesting he had been pacing anxiously outside, and his face bore the tight lines of worry.

“Well,” Ethan exhaled deeply, and a wave of relief washed over him as his gaze landed on Elijah. “You’re awake. Thank the goddess.”

Elijah’s lips curled into a faint smile, though it was weak. “Don’t get all sentimental on me, old man. It’s embarrassing.”

Ethan shot him a playful glare, the corners of his mouth twitching upwards. “You nearly died last night, and you think I’m going to pretend I don’t care? Elijah, please. Just let me have this moment before you revert back to your insufferable self.”

“Trust me, I’m already there,” Elijah murmured, but the softness in his eyes belied his words. Their banter flowed effortlessly, a rhythm that felt as natural as breathing, and I found myself instinctively stepping back, almost as if I were intruding on a sacred moment. It was a glimpse into a bond that transcended words—a father and son connected by something ancient and profound, something that felt entirely separate from me.

Wrapping my arms around myself, I watched them exchange words, a mix of relief and warmth swelling in my chest. I was grateful that Elijah was alive, that his color was returning, that he could still tease someone. Yet, beneath that warmth, a sharp pang of something unsettling stirred within me—a feeling that was both foreign and familiar, a sensation that felt tied to my wolf.

Just then, my mother rushed into the room, her brows knitted in concern. The moment she spotted me, she reached for me, cupping my face in her hands just like she used to when I was a child.

“Are you alright?” she whispered, her voice laced with worry. “You look exhausted.”

“I’m fine,” I replied, though my voice betrayed me, revealing the truth I was trying to hide. “I stayed with him all night. I… I didn’t want to leave.”

Her gaze shifted to Elijah for a brief moment, as if weighing the significance of my words—not just for me, but for him as well. Then her expression softened, and she tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear, a familiar gesture that felt comforting.

“I’m proud of you,” she murmured, her voice warm with affection. “And I’m so grateful you were there for him.” She hesitated, glancing towards the doorway, then leaned in closer. “But sweetheart… one of the Alphas is outside. He says he’s here to see you.”

I blinked in surprise, my heart racing. “He’s here for me?”

“It seems so,” she confirmed, her tone serious.

Ethan and the few elders he had brought in were already deep in conversation with Elijah, questioning him about the attack. Seizing the opportunity, I slipped quietly out of the room. My wolf stirred within me, a mix of curiosity and unease thrumming through our connection.

As I stepped outside into the soft morning light, I caught sight of him—a tall, broad-shouldered Alpha with an unexpectedly timid expression, a stark contrast to the power that radiated from him.

He held flowers. Actual flowers. And a small velvet box wrapped delicately in his hands.

“Oh,” I breathed, the word escaping my lips before I could stop it.

The moment he saw me, he straightened, an air of nervousness washing over him. “Princess Claire?” His voice was surprisingly gentle, almost hesitant. “I… I hope I’m not intruding. I heard about what happened last night. I wasn’t sure if I should come, but… I needed to know you were alright.”

Recognition flickered in my mind. He was one of the Alphas who had persistently asked me for a dance at the gala—a polite, charming presence that had been both frustrating and endearing.

“I’m fine,” I replied softly, the words tumbling out with a hint of fatigue. “Just tired.”

“That’s understandable,” he said, glancing back toward the cabin, worry etched across his features. “Is Prince Elijah alright as well? There were so many rumors swirling by the time I made it outside. Some said he was attacked. Others claimed you were. I couldn’t just stand by.”

A warmth blossomed within me despite the awkwardness of the situation. His concern felt genuine, and I could see the uncertainty in his eyes as he fidgeted with the flowers.

“I appreciate you coming all the way here,” I told him sincerely.

His face lit up, relief washing over him like sunlight breaking through clouds. “I wasn’t sure what you liked, so I thought flowers might be safer than… well…” He lifted the velvet box sheepishly, as if it were a secret he wasn’t sure he should share. “A gift. Nothing extravagant. Just something I hoped you’d like.”

He spoke with such care and respect that it made me want to smile, even though exhaustion and worry weighed heavily on my chest.

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