Too Late Alpha The Mate He Never Wanted (Iris and Eric) novel Chapter 40

Chapter 40

Iris’s POV

Jasmine’s words caught me off guard.

“What does that mean?” I asked, instantly perking up in curiosity and slight dread.

She ran a hand through her hair, like she was thinking whether to say something or not keep quiet. She glanced at the door, then sighed. “Exactly what I said.”

I waited for her to speak, narrowing my eyes. “So you’re not telling me to stay away from him?”

“No,” she said again, slower this time. “I’m not warning you for his sake. I’m warning you for yours.”

A chill ran down my spine, and I sat up straighter despite the way my ribs ached. “That doesn’t make any sense,” I said carefully. “Are you trying to say your brother is a bad person? But Rowan’s been… kind to me.”

“Yeah,” she muttered. “That’s the part that worries me.”

I blinked. “What?”

Jasmine walked to the window with her arms folded. Her expression was tight.

“I’ve seen Rowan be many things,” she said slowly. “I’ve seen him furious. I’ve seen him cold. I’ve seen him make decisions that would make anyone shiver. But… gentle? Soft? That’s not a word people use when they talk about Rowan Bane.”

I frowned, my stomach tightening. “But he-”

“I know,” she interrupted, waving her hands abruptly. “I know what you’re going to say. He’s helped you, and protected you. He caught you on the stairs, sat by your bed, and brought you food. He probably even tucked you in, didn’t he?” She said, raising an eyebrow at me.

I didn’t answer, but my bright red face was enough answer. She let out a humorless laugh.

Her eyes were sharp as she continued talking. “That side of him? The one you’re seeing? That doesn’t come out. Ever. Not in front of the pack. Not even with me most of the time. He’s not wired that way.”

“You ever wonder why people flinch when they hear his name?” she asked.

I resisted the urge to fidget. “Why are you telling me this?”

“Because you need to be prepared,” she said simply. “You don’t know him, Iris. You’re seeing what he wants you to see. But underneath, Rowan is… something else.”

I tried to swallow the unease building in my chest, “Are you saying he’s dangerous?”

Her silence answered for her.

Finally, she exhaled and walked back over, sitting on the chair. “Rowan didn’t remain the Alpha of the Blood Moon Pack because he was charming. He earned it with blood and fear.”

My heart skipped a beat.

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Chapter 40

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She continued, “This pack has always been feared. It’s how we survived. We are known for being ruthless and brutal. And Rowan doesn’t hesitate when it comes to protecting the pack. That’s why he never allows outsiders into the pack. The only outsiders allowed are prisoners.”

I looked at her in shock. “But he doesn’t seem like that or am I a prisoner here?”

She snorted. “Do all these look like prisoner treatment to you?”

“No,” I mumbled.

“Exactly. I’m just giving you a head’s up. Nothing more.” she said.

The image of the black wolf with intelligent gold eyes destroying those rogues played through my mind, and I resisted the urge to shudder.

I stared at her, shaken.

She shrugged and leaned back again, her voice softened. “I’m not saying he’s a monster. I’m saying that he’s complicated. He’s not soft. You think he is, because of how he treats you. And yes, I’ve never seen him act like this with anyone. Ever. Except me sometimes. But I’m his sister. He doesn’t hug. He doesn’t help anyone up the stairs or tuck them in.”

I looked away, not sure how I should respond. I thought about the way he carried me like I was weightless. The way he brushed the hair from my face. The way he looked at me like….

I shook the thought away.

“Why are you telling me all this now?” I whispered.

She gave me a small, tired smile. “Because you deserve to know what you’re getting into.”

My mouth went dry. I didn’t know what to say.

I looked down at the blanket, then at the tray, completely avoiding her eyes. “I’m not getting myself into anything. There’s nothing going on.”

Jasmine snorted, trying to lighten the tension. “Sure. That’s why you’re both acting like you just almost kissed and don’t know what to do about it,”

I said nothing.

“Anyway. Take the pills. Don’t sneak out again, and try not to fall down the stairs.”

I didn’t respond.

Jasmine stood and smoothed down her shirt. “Anyway,” she said, shifting the subject easily, “Rowan asked me to show you around later.”

My breath caught. “What?”

She nodded. “Yeah. He said you’ve been cooped up here for too long and it’s probably driving you crazy.

I stared at her. “And what if I say no?”

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