LOGINThird Person's POVTrista couldn't tell her parents about the blood and despair of her past life; she had to use cold, hard logic to convince them.Too many epic romances were eventually crushed under the weight of prejudice and real-world pressure.Randolph spoke up, his voice heavy. "Whatever you decide, we're behind you. If they're going to look down on us, there's no reason for us to go looking for trouble."Seeing her family's support warmed Trista's heart, but she remained practical."Cassian's grandfather and father aren't simple men. Now that the gloves are off, we need to avoid Cassian as much as possible. It'll save us a lot of grief."After they reached an agreement, Trista retreated to her room.Since the day she woke up in this life, she had been living in a blur—busy dodging Cassian, busy with her internship, busy paying off debt.Only now did she start to dissect Cassian's bizarre behavior over the last few weeks.She had jilted him at the altar. Given Cassian's dominan
Third Person's POVTrista let out a fearless, mocking laugh. "This Alpha superiority complex is honestly nauseating. Strip away that self-important bloodline you're so proud of, and you people have absolutely nothing."Wilmot bolted upright, his muscles coiling with a tension that signaled he was seconds away from snapping. "You dare insult the Alpha bloodline of Ironthorn?""I'm not the one planning to bond with your son," Trista said, staring directly into his bloodshot eyes. "Why shouldn't I call out a megalomaniac when I see one?"Before she could even finish the sentence, Wilmot let out a feral roar. With the explosive speed of a werewolf, he swiped a heavy water glass off the table. It turned into a blur, whistling through the air like a lethal projectile aimed straight at Trista's head.In the split second it took for Ulva and Alaina to scream, Cassian moved. He lunged sideways, shielding Trista with his own body.The glass slammed into his back with a dull, sickening thud. It
Third Person's POVIn his last life, he failed to protect her wolf.In this one, he was ready to shred every Ironthorn law to pieces before he let her suffer a single second of disrespect.Trista knew there was no talking sense into him. She just tossed back a cold remark, "We'll see how 'unpleasant' things get at the dinner table tonight."A few hours later, Trista arrived at the restaurant with her parents.Cassian met them at the entrance, glancing around before frowning. "Where's Attwater?"Trista countered immediately. "This isn't exactly a friendly family reunion. Why would I bring him? So he can learn how to be humiliated by Alphas?"Cassian winced. He had no comeback for that.At the door of the private suite, Trista noted the three people waiting inside. Wynn was conspicuously absent—clearly barred from attending.Alaina stood up to welcome the Holmes family, while Cassian stepped aside to usher them in.At the head of the table, Howard and Wilmot sat like statues—rigid, arro
Third Person's POVBy mid-October, the L.A. air had finally begun to cool.Trista was finishing up a treatment report when her parents called, sounding ecstatic. They had found the perfect place.During her lunch break, she rushed over to meet them.It was a high-end complex in the heart of the city—a ground-floor duplex with massive front and back yards.But when Trista saw the price tag, her internal alarm bells went off.The quote was significantly lower than the market value for the neighborhood.She pulled her parents aside outside the sales office, her voice a sharp whisper. "Mom, Dad, something's wrong. A price this low means either the foundation is rotting or the title is dirty. We can't take it.""Don't talk nonsense!" Ulva interrupted. "This is a prime location. It's fully furnished and no one's ever lived here. I've sniffed every corner—the scent is clean."Trista stood her ground. "Meat bones don't just fall from the sky. A move-in-ready place this far below market value?
Third Person's POVHoward nodded, satisfied. "Until Cassian officially seals a mating bond, we cannot lower our guard around that low-life rogue.""You're right, Dad," Wilmot added, his tone lethal. "An Alpha of Ironthorn mating with a rogue like her? It's an insult to our bloodline."Alaina sat nearby, gracefully sipping her coffee, but a seed of doubt was growing in her mind."Did my son really call off the temple ceremony because of Samantha? Or is there something else?"Howard turned to Alaina with a direct order. "Set it up. As soon as Cassian is back from his trip, invite Mrs. Porter and Rowena over. From now on, I want you socializing with them frequently."Howard's intention to find a replacement bride was crystal clear.Alaina gave a non-committal nod. "I'll see what I can arrange."She didn't argue, but she had no intention of following through.Rowena was young, ruthless, and her ambition rivaled any male Alpha.She was a shark in the boardroom, but she'd be a nightmare as
Third Person's POVCassian stared at her, his eyes flashing with the territorial hunger of a beast guarding its kill. "I bought it back to give to you.""I don't want it!" Trista blurted out. It was a reflex.She wasn't about to forget how much it hurt the first time; she wasn't touching his expensive gifts again."Since you paid for it, it's yours," Trista said, taking a steadying breath."Once I finish my internship and make enough money, I'll buy it back from you myself. Just don't hike up the price when the time comes."Cassian gave her an unreadable look that eventually dissolved into a helpless sigh."Fine. I'll keep it safe for you. Whenever you want the Silverlight legacy back, it's yours."They stood by the car in a quiet standoff.On the outside, Trista looked perfectly calm, but inside, she was scoffing.She knew exactly which was more important: the cane or her life.Seeing she wouldn't budge on the jewelry, Cassian didn't push. He took a calculated step back.He closed th
Trista's POVAs my words settled, time seemed to freeze in the small living room. Alaina's face instantly paled.Wynn shot up. "I know he's a jerk, but you are mates! You swore an oath before the Moon Goddess. Don't be rash."We did swear before the Moon Goddess. But I was the only one fighting to
Trista's POVAfter finishing the discharge paperwork, I waited for the elevator with my mom.The lift arrived. The doors split apart. The cold metal line cut the waiting crowd in half.I saw him immediately.Cassian stood sideways, shielding Samantha. His arm formed a stable arc, a small wall prote
Cassian's POVThe last trace of Trista's scent vanished around the corner of the mall like she'd fallen off a cliff.In that exact moment, a sharp, agonizing cramp hit me right in the chest.Inside my head, my wolf let out a mournful howl that quickly turned into a furious snarl, "You arrogant, bon
Trista's POV"Calm?" I repeated the word in my head."Am I not calm enough?"Inside my consciousness, my wolf lifted its head and let out a soft, mournful whimper.I had never been so calm in my life—calm enough to hear the sound of twenty-five years of devotion drying up and shattering into dust.







