All Chapters of Forbidden: My Alpha Brother’s Obsession : Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

CASSIEThe rest of the lectures pass smoothly. After the afternoon seminar, a classmate named Ryan falls into step beside me on the way out of the building. He has easy confidence and a smile that probably works on most people.“A few of us are heading to a house party on Saturday,” he says. I already know where this is headed. “You should come. Good music, not too crowded. I can introduce you around.”“Thanks.” I adjust the strap of my bag. “But I’ll pass.”“Come on, Cassie,” he tries again, his voice lighter. Such a stubborn human. “You’ve been here three weeks, and I’ve only ever seen you in class or the library. Live a little.”“I’m still settling in,” I tell him. “Maybe another time.”Ryan accepts the refusal with

CASSIEChristmas at Emilia’s house smells like cinnamon and pine-scented candles. Soft lights glow along the staircase railing, and the low hum of a holiday movie drifts from the living room. I sit on the edge of the guest-room bed, still in the sweater I traveled in, and let the quiet settle around me.Part of me is happy to be here, but the other half wants to be back at TNU. I’m in my second year now, so the campus feels more familiar than it did twelve months ago, yet the ache in my body tonight is a reminder that some things haven’t changed.Two weeks before coming here, I had to donate again. It’s the second scheduled draw of the year, which means I don’t have to do it again until next year. We finally settled into a rhythm of twice a year after the first long recovery.Elaris is quiet, her presence thinner tha

CASSSIEUncle Hayden sighs, the sound heavy in the silence.“I can’t,” he finally says.“Why not?” My voice cracks. Tears burn at the edges of my vision. Even if my family’s house will be rented or sold, that decision should have come from me. “How could you?”Uncle Hayden comes around the desk and stops a few feet away. His hands open at his sides, and he smiles softly.“Your father was CEO and Beta, Cassie. He wanted you taken care of, but pack law is clear,” he tells me, his voice calm. “Beta’s estate can’t be held by an unmated daughter. It stays under the Alpha’s management until you turn twenty-five or until you take a husband. I kept it rented so the place wouldn’t rot. Your father knew the rule. He agreed to it.”The words might be true, but they still hurt. I had

CASSIEWe jump apart so quickly that the bedframe creaks. My heart races for an entirely different reason now. Austin clears his throat and runs a hand through his hair. I wipe my cheeks and call, “Coming,” in a voice that doesn’t sound steady.The near-kiss hangs in the room, unfinished but impossible to ignore. The knock comes again, much sharper.“Dinner’s ready,” Haven calls through the door. Maybe she didn’t hear me earlier. “You’ve been up there forever.”“Be down soon,” I answer, my voice louder than before.When I turn, Austin is already watching me. I force a small laugh, trying to push the awkwardness aside.“Haven likes to cook. She takes it personally if people are late.” My eyes fall on the paper bag

CASSIEMorning light filters in through the window. I pat the bed blindly for my phone. Elaris is still silent. Shifting didn’t make much of a difference, and there are no forested areas here for a run. I push that thought off and check my phone.Aunt Pat has finally replied. Finally.“Hey Cassie,” I read the words on my screen. “I’m sorry I missed your calls, sweetheart. Things have been busy here. I love you too.” Her reply isn’t unusual. If I don’t count the lack of a missed call or request for a video chat. But the lack of follow-up questions or interest in knowing why I called her guts me. I dial her instantly.The line rings out. A minute later, a text arrives.Aunt P: Can’t answ