LOGIN"I trust you too. Caden, I trust that—that you chose me. That you'll keep choosing me. That Emily's pursuit doesn't—doesn't tempt you. Doesn't make you question whether comfortable friendship with her is—is easier than complicated bond with me." "It's not about easy. It's about right. You're right
Caden kissed my shoulder. "You're devious. Hope Reed-Castellan, you're absolutely devious and I love it." "I'm protecting the bond. Emily wants to play games? Fine. We play smarter. We—we gather evidence instead of just reacting. We build case that gets her exiled if she doesn't back down." "I'l
The Next Generation Hope pov I sat in Caden's lap, comfortable and warm, his arms around me while we watched a movie. The mate bond hummed contentedly. Three days since we'd acknowledged it, and already it felt—felt natural. Right. Like we'd always been meant to be exactly here. My phone rang.
Three dots appeared. Then: **Liam:** Sure? What kind of advice? Is everything okay with you and Hope? **Emily:** Not really. We had—had a fight. About Caden. The whole mate bond situation. I just—I need perspective from someone who knows her. Someone who can help me understand if—if she's really
The Next Generation Emily pov I slammed my bedroom door so hard the walls shook. Screamed. Actually screamed. Let all the rage and hurt and—and betrayal out in one long, furious sound that probably had my parents running to check if I was okay. I wasn't okay. I was—I was devastated. Destroye
I thought about it. About Emily's determination. Her strategic mind. Her—her refusal to accept that the mate bond was non-negotiable. "I'm worried she'll try to create doubt. Make you think—think I'm not committed. Or make me think you're—you're not worth the complications. She could—could spread
Was he right? Was I only sorry because I'd been caught, because Emma had left, because I was facing the loss of everything? No. The realization settled in my chest with surprising clarity. I was sorry because I'd hurt her. Because I'd seen the devastation in her eyes, heard the pain in her voice,
My Cheating Mate Jeremy pov The bakery's cinnamon roll scent had just hit my nose when the sirens blared—three sharp wails that made every wolf in hearing distance freeze. Attack. Rogues. All fighters to defensive positions. My wolf surged forward instantly, years of training overriding the
My Cheating Mate Jeremy pov I sat in my car down the street from Beta Marcus's house, watching the door Emma had just closed. The finality of it felt like a physical blow—like watching the last chance I'd ever have with her disappear behind wood and paint. My wolf howled in my head, a sound of
"I did it for us!" Vanessa's composure finally cracked completely. "She was standing in our way! She was keeping you from claiming what's rightfully yours—what's rightfully ours! I love you, Jeremy. I've loved you for years. And I'm not going to let some nobody Beta's daughter take you from me!" "







