Loving The Better Brother novel Chapter 226

Chapter 226 A Reflection

CADE

“Thank you for doing this,” I said softly as soon as Arden was gone. “It means a lot to the both of us.”

Bethany had just finished explaining the danger of everything-what the fight ahead would look like, we could lose-but none of it compared to the fact that she had chosen to stand with us anyway. I me gaze fully, filled with gratitude. “We wouldn’t be able to do any of this without you.”

She sat behind her desk, her back straight, arms folded.

Bethany nodded once. “You’re welcome,” she said. Then, after a pause, she tilted her head. “Are you tw mates?”

I was surprised by the sudden shift in topic. “Oh. Yes,” I answered, joy blooming in my chest. “Second chance,” I added, running a hand through the back of

my hair.

She raised a brow. “So, you weren’t her original mate?”

I shook my head. “No, I wasn’t.”

My tone instinctively darkened as I added, “It was originally Jaxon Trevane from the West.”

Bethany hummed thoughtfully, but I rushed on before she could say anything else.

“But it doesn’t matter. I don’t care.” I leaned forward a bit, resting my forearms on my knees.

A silence settled in the room.

“Arden.” I muttered.

“She’s-” I smiled to myself, glancing at the spot she had just occupied moments ago. “She’s all warmth. but fire too, if you know what I mean. There’s this honesty about her that just hits you in the chest. She doesn’t try to be perfect; she’s just real.”

Bethany said nothing. I wasn’t even sure she was still listening, but once I’d started, I couldn’t seem to stop I could talk about Arden all day.

“She’s beautiful. I mean, anyone can see that. But it’s not just her outer appearance. She’s beautiful on the inside too. She looks at you like she sees through every mask, but she never uses it to shame you. Instead, she lifts you up with that knowledge.”

I chuckled, glancing down at the floor.

“I didn’t know how much I needed someone like her until I met her. She challenges me. She makes me want to be more, do more.” I glanced toward Bethany again. “My wolf has never been this loud and still at the same time. He’s restless whenever she’s far away, yet filled with this strange kind of peace when she’s close. I’ve never experienced that before.”

I rubbed my hands together.

Fint

She brings out the best in me. And I never even knew these parts existed until she did.”

Another silence filled the space-longer this time.

Then, a soft smirk tugged at Bethany’s lips. She leaned back in her chair, amusement visible in her eye

“You must love her,” she said quietly. “A lo”

I let out a soft breath, glancing down again. “I do”

Then I looked up, adding, “Probably more than anyone would think, really.”

Bethany’s smile was faint, but something behind it looked wistful.

“Then she’s in good hands,” she murmured. “I don’t have to worry about anything.”

I tilted my head, unsure if I heard her last statement right. “What was that?”

“Nothing,” she replied quickly, waving a hand. “Just… take care of her. Well.”

I nodded. “Of course. No one has to ask me to do that. I’ll do it through and through.”>

Then she coughed again, and this time, it sounded worse. Dry, but deep. I sat up straighter.

“Can I ask something?” I said.

She raised an eyebrow while she took a sip of water.

“Why are you helping us?” I asked slowly. “I mean, you’re risking your place in court, your reputation, yo standing. We might not even have good intentions. You don’t know for sure.”

Bethany tilted her head, then let out a soft chuckle. “Are you looking out for me?”

“No,” I said truthfully. “I’m just curious.”

She was quiet for a moment, then sighed and turned slightly her seat.

“Arden,” she started off.

Then she looked up at me with something like understanding, perhaps even pain.

“I see myself in her.”

That was all.

r

Before the moment could stretch too long or become too revealing, she crossed her arms and straightened again, resuming her usual poise.

“You should go now,” she said briskly. “You have a lot to plan, and Arden’s been in the restroom for far too long.”

I stood quickly, still slightly overwhelmed by everything but grateful beyond words.

Ind her,” I said with a smile.

Bethany didn’t reply, but could see the softness in her expression compared to before. It seemed she trusted us more now.

With one last glance back, I stepped out of the room and into the hall.

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