The Four Beta Brothers – Chapter 112

JUNIPER

When I cracked my eyes open, the first thing I saw was the Burrell Brothers passed out in the chairs along the walls. Axel had one leg propped over the armchair while his head rested on Asher’s shoulder. Asher’s head was propped against Axel’s, and his arms were crossed over his chest. The position did not look comfortable, but the way their chests slowly rose and fell was comforting. I didn’t know where I was, but I knew I was safe with them here.

Then Ethan was sitting in a chair on the other side of him. He was using his arm to keep his head propped, and he looked completely disarmed as he slept. His eyes were soft, and the creases in his forehead that showed up when he was overthinking were nowhere to be found.

e some terrible dream, but when I shifted just slightly, the pain in my chest made me hiss, confirming it was more than a nightmare.

imes in disbelief.

th a smile.

ck.

building in my eyes as reality started to sink in.

his seat, but I could tell he wanted to. I could feel his relief and his panic in my chest, as if it was my own. He had always been hard to read, but now it was like I was reciting my ABC’s. I knew exactly how he was feeling.

hing he wasn’t saying.

out in my arms.” His voice cracked, and a flood of emotions washed through him. It was like he had been holding in all of these feelings, but talking about what happened broke the dam.

conds between his sentences.

was the only way,” Ethan said. He looked away from me, filled with shame.

knowing there was no going back on a mate mark. I was forever branded as Ethan’s mate. I thought the finality of it wou

ling.

essed in white with stark white hair. I didn’t see what happened to her, because she was gone by the time I had marked you. The Moon Warriors found no trace of her either.” Ethan leaned back, the creases

it was. Now I wondered if that was true.

hing. “I would’ve never marked you without your permission. If I thought there was any other way to save your life…”

m, ignoring the pain in my chest that followed. “Come

ed at my hand and hesita

t like an order, and Ethan was instantly on his feet.

d tugged him closer, not stopping until he was sitting in th

zing for saving my life?” I asked.

an was so sure of himself. It was cute seeing his hesitations

g. You said that you wanted to talk to my brothers about everything, and it feels like I took

at.”

long breath, and his body shook. I cupped his face, taking in his warmth. I stared into his eyes, wanting to memorize every feature of his. I had thought I was going to lose him, and I never wanted to fo

feature of his. I had thought I was going to lose him, and I never wanted to forget this moment.

ly incredible,” Ethan said. “You jumped in front of a bullet for me.”

e after me and found me. I don’t think I would’ve gotten away from Craig if it wasn’t for you,” I said. Saying the hunter’s name made my body tense up. “Is Craig—” I swallowed hard. “Is he still alive?”

never touch you or anyone else again.”

he was gone.

ew heavy suddenly, and I felt exhausted. I leaned my head against Ethan’s chest, taking in his scent. “I think I’m going to rest my

l be here when you wake up. We all will be.”

***

t up, his lack of presence making me panic. It felt like there was a void in my

t him.” Asher was sitting in the chair fully awake now. He had a book in his hands, but he rested it on his lap, so he could give me his full attention.

. Asher must’ve seen right through me. “How long have I been asleep?”

y but that was over eight hours ago,” Asher said.

ack to sleep already, but I fought back. I wasn’t ready to go back to sleep yet. It had been too long since I had seen Asher’s face, and I wanted to take it in.

e only ones in the room.

, if you want.” Asher closed his book and started to stand up.

alone.

anything? I can get you water or the nurse if you’re in too much pain.”

blurted. I instantly felt foolish because of how the words came out. I thought about my almost kiss with Asher and all of the unspoken words between us. I had wanted to talk t

, which only made me feel more anxious.

break him out of his stupor.

back if you’d prefer his company.”

fore.

esitant to accept my invitation, but this time he sat on the edge of my bed. He a

still seemed

n’t stop me from caring about him despite everything that went down between us. Knowing he was my mate made those feelings even harder to ignore.

before I gave into the pull of t

out us a lot recently,” I said.

el like a flustered girl from a simple look. I looked down at my hands, knowing my thoughts would get mixed with feeli

’ve been thinking about us?” he repeated, with a question added a

unning high with emotions, and I don’t think I was thinking straight.”

ver way that means to you.”

decision that much easier.

with multiple mates for a reason. She blessed me with you as a mate, and I’m not ready to give up on us. I don’t know if I can fully trust you after everything that happened, but you’ve shown me you’ve changed. If you think you can get past any jealousy with your brothers also being my mates, then I want to give us a real shot.”

ould hear his heart thrumming

ally mean it?” There was hope behind his wor

but I’m warning you now. If you

t I don’t want to hurt you,” Asher said.

y hands were shaky at the thought of kissing Asher again. It was thrill

me.

ht, as if the slightest pressure could break me. I wanted to add more pressure, but moving made my chest ache, and I was okay with that for now. There would be time for more l

***

AXEL

e wall outside of Juniper’s room, listening to the conversation between Juniper and Asher. A weight fell from my shoulders as Juniper agreed to give Asher another chance. I knew Asher was a good guy who let his jealousy get the best of him, and I hoped he would keep his word and be the man Juniper deserved. If he wasn’t, he would have more than just Juniper to answer to.

ust happy for both of them, knowing they deserved the happiness they could bring each other.