22: Bridges to Cross
Kaelen’s POV
The flickering light of the candle on Irina’s bedside table cast soft shadows on the walls as I leaned back in my chair, arms crossed over my chest. Irina was watching me, her eyes sharp and calculating as she waited for me to continue.
I wasn’t used to asking for help, not from her, not from anyone. But this wasn’t about
- me. It was never about me.
“Celeste needs you,” I said finally, the silence between us finally broken. “More than she probably realizes.”
Irina raised a brow, clearly curious. “You think so?”
“I know so,” I said, sure of myself. “She’s tough, or at least she plays it that way. But I can see right through it.”
Irina turned her head to one side, she looked like she was deep in thought. “Go on.”
“She’s…” I stammered, trying to find the words. “She’s struggling, Irina. I’ve seen her outside, all alone, crying. She tries to mask it, but it’s obvious. And when I asked her what was wrong, she refused to tell me.”
Arina’s eyes became gentle, though her curiosity didn’t completely dissipate. “That’s not
surprising, Kaelen. She barely knows you, and she’s been through a lot. Anybody in her place would think about family.
I nodded slowly, her words vibrating with a truth I already knew. “I understand that. But it doesn’t change the fact that she needs someone. And if she won’t let it be me, then I need you to step in.”
Irina’s lips pressed into a thin line, her arms folding across her chest. “You’re her husband, Kaelen. Shouldn’t you be the one to comfort her?
I clenched my jaw, my frustration simmering just beneath the surface. “You know that‘ s not something I’m good at.”
“And what does that matter?” Irina shot back, her tone firm but not unkind. “She’s your mate, Kaelen. If anyone should be helping her through this, it’s you.”
I leaned forward, meeting her eyes fully. “What about my pride, Irina?”
She blinked, clearly caught off guard by my words.
“You know what I mean,” I pressed on, my voice low but even. “I can’t… I can’t be that person for her. Not yet. Maybe not ever put you” gestured to her. “You’re close to her. She trusts you. That’s why I’m as Successfully unlocked!
Irina sighed, leaning back against the headboard of her bed. “Kaelen, you’re impossible.
“I’m realistic,” I countered.
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Her lips twitched, as though she wanted to smile but didn’t quite let herself. “Fine. I’ll do what I can to help her. But don’t think for a second that you’re off the hook.”
I frowned, narrowing my eyes at her. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
It means,” she said, her voice softening, “that you can’t avoid this forever. Sooner or later, Celeste will need more than just a friend. She’ll need you.”
I didn’t reply immediately; her words hit closer to home than I cared to admit. Instead, I leaned back in my chair, staring at the ceiling.
“I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it,” I muttered.
Irina rolled her eyes, but there was no malice in her expression. “Typical.”
The silence stretched between us a moment longer until she spoke again.
“So,” she said then, the curiosity leading her voice, “precisely how do you think you can help Celeste?”
I turned my head toward her, my brow furrowing. “What do you mean?
“I mean,” she said, straightening in her chair, “if you want me to help her, you must have some kind of a plan. What are you going to do?”
I hesitated, the weight of her question settling heavily on my chest. “I have no idea,” I admitted finally.
Irina raised a brow, unmistakably unimpressed. “No idea?”
No,” I said, my tone sharper than I intended. “If I knew how to fix this, I wouldn’t be here asking for your help.”
Irina sighed, shaking her head. “Kaelen, you’re an Alpha. You’re supposed to lead, to have answers.”
“This isn’t about the pack,” I said, my voice lowering. “This is about her. And she’s not something I can just… command into place.
Irina’s face softened once more, and she nodded slowly. “You’re right. She’s not.”
We fell into silence once more, the weight of the conversation pressing down on both of us.
“I’ll figure it out,” I said finally, my voice quieter now.
Irina smiled faintly, though there was a hint of sadness in her eyes. “I know you will.
As I stood to leave, Irina reached out, grabbing my wrist gently.
“Kaelen,” she said, her tone serious.
I turned to face her, my expression questioning.
“Don’t wait too long,” she said softly. “Celeste is strong, but even the strongest people can break if they don’t have someone to lean on.”
Her words stuck in my head as I left her room, the sound of the door closing behind
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22: Bridges to Cross
me echoing in my ears.
I didn’t know how to help Celeste, not yet. But one thing was certain, I just couldn’t let her face this alone.
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