Semua Bab The Heartbroken Luna’s Choice: Banish Love: Bab 11 - Bab 20

Trista's POVI turned my head, making his breath land harmlessly away from my scent gland.For three years, his way of soothing me never changed. He'd lower his aura, move closer, and deepen our bond via marking me one more time, calming my wolf. I knew if I agreed, the mating bond wouldn't hurt anymore.But now, her scent was on him. That sweet, faint after-smell felt like a needle, pricking my senses repeatedly.I pushed him away. "Wait."I pulled out the prepared document and placed it, along with a silver-ink pen, on the table. It was the "Moon Goddess Rejection Protocol" copies, issued by The Elder Council.The sound of paper sliding against wood was quiet, but it was a thin blade that sliced the room's silence in half."Cassian," I looked up at him. "Let's file for a termination of our mating contract."He picked up the stack of papers, casually flipped through two pages, paused at the 'Sworn Rejecter' line, and then closed it. He put it back down.His gaze slid over my face. Hi

Trista's POVI forced my breath back into my chest, keeping my voice flat. "You helped the Silverlight Pack. And in return, your pack and you gained significant standing and reputation. The Elder Council reserved a seat for you because of it. Mating with me benefited you.""I have chosen the dignified way out. I haven't publicly accused you at the Ceremony, nor have I filed a complaint with The Elder Council, nor am I taking any public resources from Ironthorn. What more do you want?"He didn't flinch. "I've always calculated costs and benefits. The mating bond, for me, was never just an emotional matter."He looked at me, his tone as cold as reciting rules. "You say you won't take any Ironthorn assets. That's because I'm certain you can't."I was silent.So, all that was left between us, from a mate to a broken thread, was just a string of numbers.I took a pen and paper from my bag. I wrote an IOU and pressed my thumbprint onto it. "Name a number. Principal and interest. How much do

Trista's POVI stared at him and countered, "You claim this is for the stability of the pack. But you, as Alpha, betrayed the mating contract. Aren't you worried that will weaken the pack? The Elder Council will eventually notice. Aren't you concerned the rumors will drag Simmons Group through the mud?"He looked at me. His voice was a low pressure, squeezed out from his chest bone. "If Ironthorn runs into any trouble, I'll handle it myself. Can you?"The air was stretched taut between us, like a thread ready to snap.I fell silent.I hadn't even terminated the contract, yet I was already pinned down by the numbers he put on the table—one million.If I caused any fluctuation in the Simmons Group stock price, I couldn't bear the consequences.He reached out and tucked the loose hair on my neck behind my ear. His movement was decisive and emotionless. "If you don't want to go to the pack plaza, stay here in the villa. Wynn will bring you breakfast. Get some rest."I didn't answer. He di

Trista's POVI walked into the high-rise downtown, carrying takeout and a vial of wolf fever suppressant.The elevator smelled of new carpet. The rain outside was filtered by the AC, leaving only a cold draft.When the door opened, Samantha stood there. She wore a thin-strapped nightgown. The night air left a chill on her shoulders. Her bare ankles were on the wooden floor."How long have you had the fever?" I put the items on the counter and took out a thermometer.She coughed twice, pressing her fingers to her chest. "Since the afternoon. It got worse after dark.""Take your temperature first. If it's bad, I'll drive you to the healing center," I handed her the thermometer. I unwrapped the takeout. The heat pushed back the dampness in the room. She still had a fever.I put the thermometer away and draped a thin blanket over her shoulders, covering her collarbone and shoulder blades.She whispered, "I'm sorry to call you so late. Should I... should I explain things to your mate?""No

Trista's POVI floated in a black, boundless silence for a while. Then I heard my wolf calling me from a great distance.Its voice seemed to come from under the ice, thin and weak, yet it knocked against my chest, through water and bone.It was calling me back. It was weak, but it still tried to push me toward the light.I followed that call upwards. On the third morning, I finally opened my eyes.The world was stark white at first, then slowly came into focus.My head still felt light, pressured by damp air. But the faint call from my wolf was closer now—it rested its ear against my sternum, telling me, "Wake up."My consciousness was slowly returning. I remembered I had an interview scheduled with Dr. Spencer about my mentorship. I had missed the appointment.I needed to explain the situation.I pushed the door open and walked out of the bedroom. The study door was slightly ajar. A low, steady voice was speaking inside.I stopped. I recognized Cassian's voice. It was a workday, past