جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 490

Third Person's POVAs the sacred full moon of the mating month drew closer and the ceremonial mark remained missing from their records, Alaina's internal anxiety finally hit a breaking point.Early that morning, she cornered Cassian at the foot of the stairs as he was heading out. "How long do you plan on dragging out this ceremony with Trista? Every pack in Los Angeles is laughing at us!"Cassian lowered his gaze, masking the dark shadows swirling in his eyes. "There's no rush.""No rush?" Alaina's eyes narrowed with suspicion. She stepped closer, her sharp senses picking up Cassian's pheromones.Her face hardened. "Is it because that woman, Samantha, is back?"At the mention of that name, Cassian had a visceral, almost physical reaction. His brow furrowed into a deep, jagged scowl.His voice went stone-cold as he bit out each word, "Trista and I are about to get mated. Don't mention that person again. She has nothing to do with this.""You think I want to mention her? For years, Tri

Third Person's POVThinking back to the last time Fred lied and said Cassian had drunk himself into a coma, Trista was a lot sharper this time.She planted her foot against the door of his sports car, hands on her hips, and arched an eyebrow. "Last time he was 'drunk.' This time, are you gonna tell me he's already in the incinerator?"Fred rubbed his nose awkwardly. "You've really got your guard up lately, don't you?""That's what happens when people team up to play me," Trista said, giving him a cold look.Since the cat was out of the bag, Fred decided to just lay his cards on the table.He leaned against the car frame and studied her. "I'm just confused. You spent years chasing this guy. You finally have one of L.A.'s top Alphas ready to sign the papers, and suddenly you flip the script. Why?""I just woke up. What I feel for him is family stuff, not the 'I want to sleep with you' kind of love.""Who actually believes that?" Fred's face was a mask of disbelief. "Everyone in this cit

Third Person's POVTrista hopped off the helicopter with practiced agility and turned back toward Cassian."Alpha Cassian," she said, her voice business-like. "Let's get our stories straight. Regarding the cancellation of the ceremony, how do you plan to handle the public announcement?"Cassian stared into her eyes, his brow furrowing into a tight, hard knot. His voice carried a trace of dangerous, suppressed tension. "What did you just call me?"Trista blinked, then let out a self-deprecating scoff. She quickly masked it with a polite, borderline dismissive fake smile. "Cassian. My bad. Sorry."Watching her act so casual—almost heartlessly lighthearted—the flare of irritation in Cassian's eyes miraculously vanished. It was replaced by a softness that bordered on humble.He lowered his voice, sounding almost coaxing. "As long as you're happy, I'll handle the rest of the fallout."Trista shivered slightly, feeling a prickle of discomfort at the back of her neck.This soft-spoken, gentl

Third Person's POVCassian knew exactly what this cost. He had to pay a price to blunt the elders' rage and act as a human shield for the Silverlight pack against the inevitable backlash.Alaina let out a sharp cry, rushing forward to intervene. "Can't we just talk? Is corporal punishment the only way you know how to be a father? Is he even your son to you anymore?""Soft mothers make weak sons! You've spoiled both these children rotten!" Wilmot shoved his wife aside. "I'm teaching him what it actually means to be a fit heir for Ironthorn!"At his command, the black-bone whip whistled through the air, striking Cassian's back with ruthless precision.After only a few lashes, the white fabric of his shirt was stained with jagged, terrifying streaks of crimson.Wilmot signaled a pause, his voice dropping to a cold, clinical demand. "I'm asking you one last time: the mating, or the engagement?"Cassian tilted his head back slightly. A fine sheen of sweat covered his forehead, but his eyes

Third Person's POVCassian turned a shade paler, forcing a shake of his head and insisting he was fine.While Randolph turned away to talk to the waiter, Cassian instinctively rolled his shoulders to ease the stinging pain—a tiny movement, but Trista caught it. She knew him too well.Even though Cassian's PR team had smoothed over her jilting him at the temple, there was no way the two old tyrants at Ironthorn would let him off without a brutal taste of "family discipline."In her past life, whenever he defied the elders for Samantha, his back would end up a bloody mess.Trista forced herself to look away from his stiff, aching back and focused on the food in front of her.Cassian quietly pulled on a pair of disposable gloves. He didn't say another word, just sat beside her and patiently started peeling her crawfish.Ulva, knowing Cassian had a sensitive stomach, ordered a mild seafood chowder. "Cassian, have some hot soup first."The waiter arrived with the non-spicy BBQ, and Attwate