Se connecterThird Person's POVCassian's emotions were clearly getting the better of him. His deep, commanding voice had turned rough with restrained emotion."I told you I'd respect you," he said to Trista. "I told you I'd watch over your happiness, and I meant every word. So why are you still so guarded around me?"His voice rose with frustration. "Do you really think Xander is that much better than I am? That he's somehow more honorable? More worthy of your trust?"Trista was slightly tipsy, her eyes unfocused, giving her an innocent look."Cassian," she replied, "I don't want to be on guard around you. I just... can't help it."Those four words—"I can't help it"—hit Cassian like a blow, sending him staggering back."You destroyed the trust I had in you," she continued. "No matter how sincere you are now, part of me still feels like you're lying to me. I'm terrified of getting hurt by you again!"Alcohol had a way of strippi
Third Person's POVBefore Trista could speak, Verity cut in, saying, "I brought Dr. Holmes to Xander's office to examine me. Is there a problem with that, Rowena?"Rowena immediately forced a smile. "I'm sorry, Verity. I was just asking."Verity turned to Trista. "My time is valuable. Why are you still standing there? Go inside and get everything ready."Trista hurried into the office.Verity's harsh attitude toward Trista helped ease Rowena's suspicions.She left, though a trace of doubt still lingered on her face.Verity didn't go into the office right away.Instead, she peeked through the crack in the door.But all she saw was Xander and Trista exchanging a few words about work before focusing on their own tasks. She let out a disappointed sigh, then walked inside.Seeing her, Trista stood up and said, "Verity, please have a seat."Verity reached out a hand. As she studied Trista's face, she felt increas
Third Person's POVTrista fixed her gaze on the distant night sky, her voice barely above a whisper."Sayer has a mother. The three of them are a perfect, happy family. Anyone else trying to force their way in would only shatter that harmony."Every word she uttered so casually felt like a heavy blow directly to Cassian's heart.If only he had understood the weight of her words sooner, he and Trista wouldn't have ended up like this.It was all his own doing. A self-inflicted misery.The pain from the wound on his arm was nothing compared to the agonizing ache ripping through his chest.Swallowing the bitter taste of regret, Cassian opened the car door for Trista and saw her home.The next morning, Trista had just arrived at her office when a knock sounded at the door. It was Verity.Trista smiled, ready to greet her politely, but Verity was already pressing a hand to her forehead, a deep frown creasing her brow."
Third Person's POVA while later, Cassian emerged from the building, cradling Sayer in his arms.The little boy seemed to have fainted from sheer terror, lying still against Cassian's chest.Cassian wore a sharp black suit, but a deep, jagged gash cut across his arm. Crimson blood seeped through the dark fabric, dripping onto the floor. In the dim light of the night, however, no one else seemed to notice.Bianca Manwaring, Elias's wife, was visibly shaken. A female officer and Humphrey supported her from either side, guiding her out.Trista rushed forward, her eyes wide with worry. "What happened to the boy?""He fainted from the shock," Cassian reassured her. "But they're both safe. Mother and son are fine."As a trained healer—and with a werewolf's naturally sharp sense of smell—Trista immediately caught the sharp metallic tang of blood. Her eyes swept over him, instantly locking onto his injured arm.Reaching out
Third Person's POVTwo days later.On her way home from work, Trista received a call from her younger brother, asking her to pick up some late-night takeout for him.While she was waiting for the fast-food order, a woman leading a little boy around three years old walked past her.Hearing the woman call the boy "Sayer," Trista instinctively glanced over.With just one look, she recognized him. It was Sayer, Elias's son.Trista shifted her gaze to the young woman holding Sayer's hand.She was tall, fashionably dressed, and possessed a gentle, striking elegance.Hearing Sayer call her "Mommy" confirmed it—this duo was undoubtedly Elias's wife and son.The woman seemed to be on the phone with Elias, her smile radiant and full of warmth.Trista looked away to pay for her food and prepare to hail a cab. But out of the corner of her eye, she caught a horrifying sight: a group of suspicious-looking men suddenly amb
Third Person's POVBy mid-afternoon of New Year's Day, the servants at the Ironthorn packhouse were already rushing around, making final preparations for the grand feast.Howard sat in the living room, chatting with Cassian's parents and his aunt's family.Fred had dropped by early in the morning to offer his holiday blessings before taking Wynn back to his place, and the two had yet to return.Meanwhile, Cassian stood alone by the floor-to-ceiling window, his eyes glued to his phone screen.In the past, today would have been the day he visited Trista's parents over at the Silverlight Pack.By tomorrow, Trista would have come over to return the gesture and visit his family elders.But when he drove over to the Silverlight territory this morning, their house was completely empty.It wasn't until he called her that he found out she had taken her parents to church for New Year's prayers.She was doing it on purpose.
Third Person's POVUlva stood up and grabbed an extra set of silverware. "Isaiah, since you moved in next door, there's no reason for you to go hunting for food on your own. Anytime you don't feel like cooking, just come over. We've always got plenty."Attwater was already pulling out a chair. "My
Third Person's POVAfter breakfast, Trista cleared the table and headed straight to the healing center.The second she stepped out of her car, she was hit by a wave of cheap perfume mixed with a bitchy, taunting pheromone.Trista felt a physical wave of annoyance. "Samantha, it's way too early for
Third Person's POVFred was quick. He immediately spotted the angry red handprint on Wynn's face, and his eyes darkened instantly.He strolled forward, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Can't we just sit down and talk? Wynn's been an adult for a long time, Wilmot. You still think you can handle her
Third Person's POVHe buried his head deep into the crook of her neck, greedily inhaling the scent of herbs and cool rain before it vanished forever.His voice was small, stripped of all pride. "Just let me hold you. Just for a second."Trista's struggling slowly died down.Cassian tightened his gr







