Evaline:
The moment Oscar asked the question, I froze. My entire body stiffened before I even realized it, and I knew Draven had felt it.
He turned his questioning gaze toward me, but I couldn't bear to meet his eyes. Instead, I stepped out of his hold. My feet moved on their own, and once again, I sat down beside Rowan.
Without hesitation, I placed a protective hand in front of him, as though my small move could shield him from the storm gathering in this room. My gaze locked firmly on Oscar, daring him to push further.
I saw the surprise flash in both of my mates' eyes, their expressions hardening with disbelief. To them, I must have looked as though I was choosing Rowan over them, protecting him from their judgment.
Oscar opened his mouth, but before he could speak, Draven's voice broke through the heavy silence.
"Are you… trying to protect him from us?" he asked, his voice low, carrying an edge I couldn't mistake. Shock... or maybe jealousy... was burning in his tone.
