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
My Cheating Mate Emma pov The coffee shop was warm and familiar, a place I'd come to dozens of times before everything fell apart. Jeremy sat across from me at a corner table, his hands wrapped around a glass of water instead of the coffee he used to drink black with two sugars. He looked terr
*Dr. Chen asked me today if I'm stuck in self-punishment. If I'm using guilt as a way to avoid moving forward. I didn't have an answer. But sitting here now, alone in this house that should have been ours, I think maybe she's right.* *I'm stuck. Stuck in the guilt. Stuck in the self-loathing. Stuc
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







