Loving The Better Brother novel Chapter 230

Chapter 230 Similar Eyes

ARDEN

“You’re not coming back here?” Tessa’s voice crackled over the video call, but her concern came through loud and clear.

The screen on Cade’s tablet flickered slightly, revealing both her and Owen side by side in the common area back at the Academy. Tessa had her hair in a messy braid and dark circles under her eyes. Owen, as usual, wore a teasing expression, his eyes dancing with mischief.

I pursed my lips. “Just for a moment,” I said. “I can’t return while Winters is still in charge.”

Tessa nodded slowly. “Yeah, I get it.”

Owen tilted his head. “Wait, is Cade really running for Alpha?”

I smiled without meaning to and gave the smallest of nods.

“He got my vote,” Owen declared, throwing up two enthusiastic thumbs. But Tessa immediately smacked

his arm.

“Don’t say that,” she muttered under her breath, casting a glance over her shoulder. “You don’t know who’s listening.”

I frowned. “Is the tension really that high in there?”

“Kinda,” Tessa replied after a thoughtful pause. She leaned closer to the screen. “Winters is definitely suppressing Cade. It’s subtle but as someone who knows his true colors, I can feel it.”

Owen sighed and nodded. “It does feel like no one’s allowed to say Cade’s name out loud unless it’s in a warning”

“What about the North people?” I asked despite already expecting the answer.

“They’re being quieted,” Tessa said. “You can tell they’re uneasy. I don’t really know how to describe it-it’s like they’re waiting for something to happen, but they’re afraid to be seen waiting.”

I exhaled slowly, my fingers curling around the edge of the counter. Behind me, the soft hum of the Callahans’ quiet northern house settled into the silence between us.

“We have another assembly for Winters’ next function,” Tessa added, her lips tightening. “And I don’t know. It seems like he’s rewarding those who support him with points.”

My lips pressed into a thin line. That sounded exactly like something Winters would do.

“I’ll make sure to dig deeper into it,” Tessa said, catching my expression. “Just… don’t worry too much. okay?”

“As if you can do anything,” Owen teased, earning himself another playful smack from Tessa.

“Don’t worry, Tessa repeated. “This guy will help me, too.

Chapter 230 Similar Eyca

I chuckled as I watched the two of them. “I trust you,” I said quietly.

But her next words made my stomach drop.

“Your brother is very close to Mr. Winters, though.”

My shoulders tensed, and my jaw clenched. Iraised a hand to rub the bridge of my nose.

I didn’t even want to call Kieran my brother anymore.

“I’ll talk to you guys soon,” I said, my voice softer than I intended.

“We hope to see you soon!” Owen said brightly, trying to keep the mood light. “Tell Cade he better win. We’re already placing bets on him.”

“Shut up, Owen,” Tessa groaned, massaging the bridge of her nose, but I chuckled anyway.

They truly were the best friends I could’ve asked for.

The screen blinked out a moment later, leaving a brief silence in its wake.

A soft pat at my side pulled me from my thoughts, and I turned to find Honey grinning up at me with her usual bright, dimpled smile. Her long curls bounced slightly as she rocked on her heels, fingers toying with the edge of her oversized sweater, which featured a sparkly unicorn today.

Cade had decided to keep her here while they repaired the damages at the past facility. It seemed she struggled in new environments, but she was honestly doing remarkably well. According to Cade, she usually had episodes at their house too-thanks to all the memories she held from her time with Elijah.

“Come out,” she said, her eyes shining. “We have a visitor.”

“Hmm?” I asked, bending slightly to her level. “A visitor?”

She nodded eagerly. “Visitor like you.”

I tilted my head, intrigued. “Huh? What do you mean by that?”

୮

Honey placed a finger against her lips. “Very powerful,” she whispered. “And pretty. Like you. Light like you.”

That gave me pause. Powerful? Pretty? Light?

She might not have spoken in full, grown-up sentences, but sometimes Honey said things that felt too sharp to ignor

“I don’t know anyone like me,” I murmured.

Honey just giggled and tugged at my hand. “Come! She’s here now!”

She led me by the hand like a little parade leader, humming a tune under her breath. Her fingers were soft and warm in mine, and I couldn’t help but smile as she led me out of the kitchen, glancing back to make sure I followed.

Chapter 230 Similar Eyes

Being around Honey always did something to me; it felt like her innocence filled the cold spaces I had grown accustomed to keeping hidden.

“You’re so sweet to me, you know that?” I said as we reached the hallway.

She beamed. “I like you best. You’re not sharp inside.”

“Sharp?”

“Like knives,” she explained simply before skipping ahead toward the living room.

I followed her and froze when I saw who was in the doorway.

Bethany Spirit stood there, her arms crossed loosely, dressed in casual jeans and a soft white blouse. It was the most ordinary I’d ever seen her, yet something about her presence still filled the room with an undeniable energy.

What was she doing here?

2

Mirage and Nathan stood nearby, seemingly at ease. Nathan held a mug in his hand while Mirage engaged Bethany in conversation about something I couldn’t quite hear. There was no tension; it felt like a normal visit. Did they have a good relationship even before all this happened?

Oh, why was I even questioning it? The three of them shared a similar approach when it came to governance, so it wasn’t a surprise.

Bethany turned her head and stiffened, taking me by surprise. Whenever I saw her, it seemed she remained wary of my presence-though I couldn’t fathom why.

“There, pretty lady!” Honey exclaimed proudly, skipping over to take Bethany’s hand. Then she grabbed mine, dragging me forward with surprising strength, “Stand here!”

“Wait, Honey-“I began, confused, but she was determined.

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