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
"What do you recommend?" "Full security. My vampires surrounding the meeting location. Your father and Marcus present but armed. Emma and Grace nowhere near the actual meeting—they stay upstairs, protected by my best warriors." He paused. "And you need to be prepared for them to say things designe
The honesty was refreshing. And somehow more reassuring than empty promises would have been. "Fair enough." I started up the stairs. "Forty-five minutes. We'll be ready." I checked on Emma and Grace first—both still sleeping peacefully. I left them there, closing the door quietly, before heading
My Cheating Mate Jeremy pov The drive home was the longest and shortest of my life simultaneously. Every mile felt like victory. Every breath felt like peace finally settling over us after months of chaos. We'd won. The hunters were neutralized. Dr. Chen was cooperating. The alliance with Lord
My Cheating Mate Jeremy pov The armory felt different this time. Quieter. More controlled. No pack-wide mobilization, no warrior teams gearing up together with the energy of anticipated battle. Just me. Lord Castellan. Three of his most trusted vampire lieutenants. My father. And Marcus—the on







