Semua Bab Mated to My Ex's Brother: Bab 11 - Bab 20

The cabin sat at the end of a narrow, winding road, tucked between tall pines that reached up like fingers scraping the moonlight. It looked almost too peaceful, with its moss-covered roof and wraparound porch, like something out of an old postcard.But peace was the last thing I felt as we pulled into the gravel driveway.Jaxon turned off the engine and just sat there, hands on the wheel, staring out into the dark.“You sure this place is safe?” I asked, voice softer than I meant it to be.He nodded once. “I haven’t brought anyone here in years. Not even friends.”I blinked. “Why not?”He finally looked at me. “Some places… they stay quiet because they need to.”There was something in his voice—worn, maybe a little sad—but I didn’t press.Instead, I opened my door and stepped out. The air was crisp, biting in that fresh way mountain air always is. N

I never expected quiet to be so loud.Jaxon had gone back inside after checking on me. I sat alone on the porch swing, legs tucked under a blanket he’d draped over my lap, staring out at the pine trees dancing in the breeze. It was one of those afternoons where the world felt still, like it was holding its breath. Or maybe I was just too deep in my own head to notice it moving.I’d come here thinking I’d get clarity. Space to breathe. But all I’d done since arriving was second-guess every decision that led me here—especially dragging Jaxon into it.The screen door creaked again, and I turned to see Jaxon holding two mugs.“Coffee,” he said, walking over. “Well. More like coffee with too much milk because someone used the last of the real stuff and didn’t tell me.”I managed a smile as I took the mug. “Sabotage. Classic Omega move.”“You’re not slick,” h

Another knock, louder this time.Jaxon stood up slowly and walked to the door. I followed, heart hammering.He opened it.And there, standing on the porch in a pressed suit and smug smile, was Cyrus.“Well,” he said, hands tucked in his pockets. “This is cozy.”I froze.Jaxon didn’t say anything—just tilted his head slightly, like he wasn’t impressed. I could feel the tension buzzing through him.“Cyrus,” I said carefully. “What are you doing here?”He stepped forward, but Jaxon blocked the doorway before he could cross the threshold. It was a silent, unmistakable move. One that screamed: not welcome.Cyrus smirked at him, then turned his attention back to me. “You’ve been hard to reach, Elara. Thought I’d pay a friendly visit.”“This isn’t a friendly visit,” I said, my voice more brittle than I wanted. “You’re not supposed to be here.”He lifted a manila folder and tapped it against his palm. “Actually, I have every right. You’ve violated the terms of our legal separation.”My blood

“And if I refuse?”She tilted her head, a practiced neutrality settling over her expression, but I could still see the tightness in her jaw.“Then they’ll assume guilt,” she said, and I felt the floor beneath me tilt slightly.I looked down at my hands, clasped too tightly in my lap. I hadn’t realized how hard I was gripping my fingers until the skin turned pale. “So I walk in there and pretend like this is fair?”“This isn’t about fair, Elara,” she replied quietly. “It’s about surviving the system.”I glanced up. “That system is the one Cyrus built.”The Council liaison didn’t argue. She just rose from the couch and smoothed her skirt, brushing imaginary lint from her sleeve. “You have seventy-two hours to prepare. You’ll be given a statement window, a behavioral assessment, and an opportunity for support testimony.”“Support testimony,” I repeated. “You mean people who’ll vouch for my sanity while my ex publicly rips apart my life?”She gave a small shrug, neither denying nor confirm

This isn’t just about the bond anymore.I knew it the moment I saw Cyrus sitting smugly across from me in that courtroom, manipulating every system he could get his claws into. He didn’t care about justice, about peace, about anyone's healing. This wasn’t about our relationship. This was about control.And now… war.“No,” Jaxon said again, his jaw tight, fists clenched at his sides. “This is war.”I followed him out of the chamber, adrenaline making my legs weak. My hands were shaking, and I didn’t even notice until Jaxon took one in his, holding it with quiet steadiness as we walked in silence toward the exit.“Where are we going?” I asked softly once we stepped outside.“Somewhere quiet,” he said. “Where you can breathe.”We didn’t go far. Just a few blocks down to one of those almost-too-perfect cafes tucked between boutique stores. The