My Fated Alpha's Cruel Game (Elena and Marcus) novel Chapter 207

Chapter 207: Chapter 207 Buried Secrets Surface

Briar’s POV

After weeks of discussion, Asher and I had finally reached an agreement to return to his birth pack. The four-hour drive to the Starfall Pack felt longer than usual, with Asher’s grip tightening on the steering wheel the closer we got to his family home.

The house that came into view wasn’t as grand as my parents’ estate, but it commanded respect with its sturdy construction and well-maintained grounds. As we stepped out of the car, the front door swung open and a figure emerged onto the wraparound porch.

Asher’s entire demeanor shifted beside me. "Son of a bitch. What’s he doing here?"

"Who?" I asked, studying the man who stood with arms crossed, blocking the entrance.

"My older brother. The one who abandoned us before our parents were murdered and couldn’t even be bothered to show up for their burial."

The bitterness in Asher’s voice was unmistakable as we climbed the porch steps. The man standing there had the same dark hair and strong jawline as Asher, but his eyes held a coldness that made me instinctively step closer to my mate.

"Rowan," Asher said, his voice clipped.

"Never thought I’d see your face around here again," Rowan replied, his tone equally frosty.

"Strange. I could say the exact same thing about you."

The tension between them crackled like electricity. I moved slightly in front of Asher and extended my hand toward his brother.

"I’m Briar," I said, hoping to defuse some of the hostility.

Rowan’s gaze traveled over me with obvious assessment before he accepted my handshake. His grip was firm, testing.

"So you’re the famous hunter-turned-werewolf I’ve been hearing about."

"She was stolen by hunters as an infant. She’s found her true nature now and embraced it completely," Asher said, his protective instincts flaring as he positioned himself beside me. "Now either move aside or I’ll move you myself."

For several long moments, the brothers stared each other down. Finally, Rowan’s mouth curved into a smirk and he stepped aside with exaggerated courtesy.

The interior of the house surprised me. Instead of the neglected bachelor dwelling I’d expected, everything was meticulously maintained. The furniture was polished, the floors gleamed, and fresh flowers adorned the mantelpiece. Someone had been taking excellent care of this place.

Before I could comment, a group of people approached us with considerably more warmth than Rowan had shown.

"Briar, meet my sister Greta, her mate Julian, and their daughters Mila and Lila," Asher said, his voice softening as he made the introductions.

"We’re so glad to finally meet you," Greta said, pulling me into a genuine embrace.

"The pleasure’s mine," I replied, immediately liking her welcoming energy.

"They’ve been the caretakers of the family home since I left," Asher explained, but I noticed his eyes scanning the room with critical attention.

"You moved dad’s armchair?" he asked suddenly.

"It’s safe in the den. I promised I wouldn’t dispose of anything without your permission," Greta assured him quickly.

"You’re welcome to take whatever you’d like. We weren’t sure if you were planning to stay permanently," Julian added diplomatically.

"We’re just visiting. We’ve built a good life in our current pack," Asher replied.

"Of course you have. Must be nice having Alpha Damien and Luna Elena as in-laws. They’ve got quite the reputation," Rowan interjected from across the room, beer in hand.

"What would you know about reputation? You’ve never even met them," Asher snapped.

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