6. The burdens we share

The drive was silent.

Not necessarily awkward, just... quiet. Processing.

The city lights blurred past the tinted windows of the black SUV as I sat in the backseat between the two alpha werewolves. Alpha werewolves who were now mine, or maybe I was theirs. I still hadn't figured out which one felt more frightening.

I stared out the window, watching familiar streets pass by. We were getting closer to home, and I could feel my stomach twisting itself into knots at the thought of facing my aunt. I knew she was still awake. She always waited up for me.

How was I supposed to explain any of this?

The collar around my neck suddenly felt heavier.

Would she even agree to the surgery when she found out where the money came from?

I frowned. Wait. Would there even be money?

I looked down at my hands. I'd assumed that... No, I'd hoped... but the twins had never actually promised me anything yet. For all I knew, they weren't planning to give their Moon Jewel anything at all. I might have given myself away for nothing.

I swallowed. I didn't know why they attended the Choosing. They didn't know my reasons either.

"What's wrong?"

I looked up from my hands and turned my head. Emmett was to my left, his silver eyes nearly glowing in the dark as he looked down at my hands. "You're shaking. Are you cold?"

My hands clenched into fists, and I shook my head.

"Something is bothering you. You can tell us. We'll fix it."

I glanced back at my hands. He said that so simply. So casually, as if it's always been his duty to fix my problems. My gaze couldn't help but shift to Rafe. He was looking outside, watching the trees disappear behind us. When he felt my stare, he slightly turned his head and glanced at me.

"We will." He only said, turning back to the window.

My heart pounded in my chest as I tried to find the words to explain. "I..."

I looked down at my feet. My sneakers felt tight around them, probably because I've had the same pair since I was sixteen.

"My aunt is my reason for coming tonight..." I forced myself to meet Emmett's eyes. "She needs surgery."

His expression softened instantly.

"It's expensive, and I can't afford it."

Neither Rafe nor Emmett spoke, so I found myself speaking again.

"I know most women come for love." A weak laugh escaped me. "I want that too. Really, but I need the money first."

More silence. My hands started to feel clammy.

"I don't want you to think this is some strategy to get your money or anything. If you don't want to assist me financially as your Moon Jewel, then it's completely okay. I'll just find somewhere to take a loan and—"

"We'll cover the surgery," Emmett interrupted me.

I blinked. "You... will?"

He smiled. "Of course."

"You don't even know how much it costs."

"I don't need to."

I stared at him in disbelief.

"You chose us," he said calmly. "And we take care of our Jewel. In every way. Your burdens have become ours."

The words settled over me like a blanket. No negotiations or conditions. No questions. Just...

We take care of our Jewel.

"Wow... thank you," I breathed out. My shoulders slumped, as if a weight had just lifted itself off me.

He nodded once.

I couldn't help but wonder. "Why did you stand for me? It can't just be because of the pasta I served you."

He laughed, his head tilting upwards. The sound sent a warmth to my chest, and I couldn't stop a smile from breaking free.

"The pasta was really good." He said, "But Rafe and I were attending the Choosing for the first time tonight."

I looked at him in surprise. "Why only now?"

"Something in my gut told me to." He looked out the window. "Something about it being tonight felt right."

My heart skipped.

"And when you walked onto that stage..."

He smiled.

"I was very glad I'd waited."

Heat crept into my cheeks.

Beside me, Rafe hadn't spoken or looked at us. He continued to watch the road through the window, one arm resting against the door.

Completely silent.

I found myself wondering... did he even want this?

Or had Emmett made the decision for both of them?