"Yes. That one."
Carrie's manicured finger snapped toward the gown clutched in Chloe's small hands, her lips curving into a sharp, entitled smile. "I want that gown. Now."
The boutique fell unnaturally quiet, as if even the air sensed the shift. Somewhere beyond the glass walls, the city of Paris continued to breathe—but inside, something darker prowled just beneath the surface.
"Yes—yes, of course, ma'am," the saleswoman stammered, already moving.
Chloe's grip tightened.
She didn't understand why her chest felt hot, why something fierce curled in her belly like a growl waiting to be released. She only knew one thing with absolute certainty.
This dress was her mother's. She saw it first.
The saleswoman reached her and, without hesitation, yanked the gown from Chloe's grasp.
"No!" Chloe protested, clutching the fabric. "I saw it first. I'm buying it for my mommy!"
The woman clicked her tongue impatiently. "You can choose something else, little girl. This gown is handcrafted and extremely expensive. It should be worn by someone… appropriate. Like Miss Carrie."
Raphael stiffened.
Behind the mask that concealed his identity, his jaw clenched. He had walked red carpets and faced flashing cameras, but nothing made his blood burn like watching someone belittle a child.
"Give it back," he said coldly. "Or I'll have your manager here in seconds."
The saleswoman hesitated, then lied smoothly, "I'm sorry, sir. This gown has already been purchased."
"That's not true!" Chloe snapped, her voice trembling but strong. "I took it from the rack. Tell her to buy something else!"
Carrie's smile vanished.
She stormed forward, heels striking the marble floor like warning clicks. Snatching the gown from the saleswoman, she bent down until her face was level with Chloe's.
"You little brat," she hissed. "Your mother isn't worthy of this dress. Do you even know how much it costs? You could never afford it."
Gabriel growled.
Not metaphorically.
An actual, low, instinctive sound escaped his throat before Raphael could stop him.
Carrie recoiled slightly—but her pride burned hotter than her caution.
Before anyone could react, she shoved Chloe hard.
Time fractured.
Raphael and Gabriel lunged forward, horror tearing through them as Chloe stumbled backward—straight toward a tall mirror.
But the impact never came.
Two powerful arms caught her mid-fall.
Strong. Solid. Unyielding.
Chloe gasped as she was lifted effortlessly, her small hands clutching instinctively at a broad chest. When she opened her eyes, she found herself staring into piercing blue ones—eyes that mirrored her brother's… eyes she had seen reflected in the mirror every morning.
"Are you hurt, little moon?" a deep voice asked, threaded with raw concern.
Caden Wayne hadn't meant to intervene.
He had been watching from a distance, instincts bristling, wolf pacing beneath his skin. He had told himself it was none of his business—until the moment the child was pushed.
Something instinctive and violent had surged through him then.
Seeing her safe in his arms steadied him in a way nothing had for years.
"Caden!" Carrie cried, rushing toward him. "Thank Goddess you're here. These children were bullying me!"
Caden didn't look at her.
His attention was wholly on the girl trembling against him, her heartbeat loud beneath his palm. His wolf purred—recognition humming through his veins like a half-remembered song.
"It's alright," he murmured.
Gabriel exploded.
"Put my sister down!" he shouted, kicking Caden's shin with surprising force. "Bad man!"
Pain flared—but Caden barely noticed.
Instead, he stared at the boy.
Same dark hair. Same sharp jaw. Same furious glare he'd seen in his own reflection for decades.
His breath caught.
Impossible.
Raphael grabbed Gabriel before he could strike again. "Easy, champ. Let's not stir any more trouble."
Caden gently lowered Chloe to the floor, ensuring she was steady before straightening.
Then he turned—slowly—to Carrie.
His patience was gone.
He took the gown from her hand without asking, walked to the counter, and placed his card down.
"Put this on my account," he said calmly. "The dress belongs to her."
Chloe opened her mouth to protest—but Raphael placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, sensing the finality in the Alpha's voice.
"No need," Raphael said firmly. "I'll pay."
Caden's gaze locked onto his, sharp and assessing. "I insist."
It wasn't a request.
He walked away without another word.
Carrie stared after him, stunned, rage and disbelief twisting her features. "Caden, wait!" she called, scrambling after him.
She didn't understand.
She couldn't.
She believed beauty was power. That time would erase the ghosts of Caden's past. That marriage would make him forget the woman who had died, leaving him without even saying goodbye.
So what exactly was happening all of a sudden?