Page 44 of Broken Souls

“What?” I ask.

“I asked how you've been. What's on your mind?” Dash asks.

“I was just watching Carson and Brian,” I whisper so they don't hear.

“What about them?” Dash looks to them then back to me.

“They have a spark,” I say.

“Fuck no, they don't,” Axe says strictly, his protectiveness of his sister shining through his tone.

“She has a mate.” Dash frowns.

“Yeah, but I think Axe and I are proof that you can have a connection with another person besides your mate,” I reason.

“Interesting.” Dash nods in agreement.

“Even if she didn't have a mate, Brian would never touch my sister,” Axe speaks loudly so they both hear him.

“What?” Brian steps away from Carson as if he's been caught doing something he shouldn't and Carson turns red with embarrassment.

“I'm watching you,” Axe declares.

“Nothing happened,” Carson whispers, appearing shy for once when she's usually confident.

“Axe, shh,” I whisper so he doesn't embarrass her further. Axe looks surprised I told him to be quiet and Dash laughs.

“I want to make a toast.” Dash sobers up from laughing and raises his glass. “To Axe and Elora. They're going to make one interesting couple to watch.”

Everyone toasts us and we all take a drink. The oven beeps and Carson brings a roast to the table. Everyone goes silent as we all pile our plates with food. No one even says anything during dinner. They are literally eating like animals, which is funny. I guess I'm not the only one who's going to miss Carson when she leaves, her food being one of the biggest losses. I don't eat too much because I'm craving that cake. When dinner comes to an end, Carson places the cake on the table. Axe tries to swipe his finger through the icing but Carson slaps his hand.

“This cake is for Elora. She gets the first piece,” Carson scolds him.

“It's not my birthday.” I frown.

“I know. This is a thank you for bringing us all together.” She smiles.

“Oh, thank you.” I smile, feeling myself get emotional at her kindness.

Carson serves up the cake and gives me the biggest piece. I ravage the cake in minutes. It's a beautiful combination of chocolate, cream and sponge. The rest of the night goes by effortlessly. It feels so good to have a group of friends, werewolves, that I feel safe around. This is my good fortune. I had to suffer tremendously for years but now a beautiful future lies ahead of me. I owe it all to Axe.

***

Axe wakes me up, the sun barely shining through the window.

“What?” I groan, lifting my head.

“Carson's leaving. You can say goodbye,” Axe says softly.

I get out of bed and go downstairs where Carson is waiting in the living room with her bag by her feet.

“Elora.” Carson wraps me in a tight hug.

“I'm going to miss you,” I tell her.

“Axel, go away so we can have privacy,” Carson orders. He rolls his eyes and walks off. “Before I go, I need to thank you. Thank you for mending my brother.”

“It was the other way around,” I say.