Chapter 68
Cassia slipped back into the ward, her gaze instantly drawn to Arthur. He sat on the bed, fiddling with his fingers. For a moment she lingered at the door, her stare heavy. Arthur felt it and looked up.
“Mommy,” he murmured, straightening.
Cassia walked over and sat beside him, brushing her palm gently over his hair. Her throat tightened.
“Arthur… you know our house caught fire. So…” she hesitated, “…we’ll be staying in the pack house for one week, until everything is resolved p>
Arthur’s brows knit together. “The pack house? You mean… living with Alpha Aiden and his family p>
Cassia nodded reluctantly.
“Are you okay with that?” she asked softly.
Arthur didn’t answer right away. His eyes searched her face instead, as if measuring her unease more than her words.
Cassia sighed. She had turned this decision over a hundred times in her mind… it was a terrible idea. That house held too many memories of her past. Sofia was there. Eva’s memories were there. But Arthur deserved safety, and she had no choice.
Finally Arthur shrugged. “If you’re okay with it, then I’m okay too. It’s just one week. That’s not so bad p>
Her lips curved into a thin smile, though her chest still burned. She wasn’t doing this for herself. Only for
him.
Cassia rose, her steps heavy, and found James waiting in the hall.
“My son agrees,” she said flatly. “But make sure Aiden knows this…if I stay, it’s for Arthur’s sake. Just one week. And during that time, he stays away from us p>
James inclined his head. “Of course. One week. I’ll handle it p>
Cassia narrowed her eyes at him. “I’m trusting you, James….not Aiden. Don’t let me regret it p>
His lips parted, as though he wanted to say more, but he only gave a small nod. “You have my word p>
She exhaled and then asked, “Can I borrow your phone? Damien must have seen the news….he’ll be worried
sick p>
James handed her the phone and moved down the hall, giving her privacy. Cassia quickly dialed Damien’s
number.
“Damien,” she whispered when he picked up.
“ Cassia!” His voice came alive with relief. “Oh my God. I heard about the fire. Are you okay? Is Arthur safe?
17:40 Fri, Oct 17
Chapter 68
a
48
55 vouchers
Did you get hurt? Do you want me to come back right now? Say the word, and I will.” His worry spilled through the line like a tidal wave, and despite herself, Cassia smiled.
“I’m okay. Arthur too. We got out in time. Aiden saved us p>
There was silence on the other end. She could almost feel his mood shift.
“Aiden?” he asked tightly.
“Yes,” she admitted.
“Does that mean you’ve forgiven him p>
Her brows shot up. “What? No! Damien, I haven’t forgiven him p>
“Then come home. Leave that place p>
“I can’t. Not yet. I have to find my mother p>
Damien exhaled heavily, but before she could say more, before she confessed the truth about staying in Aiden’s house…she stopped herself. Telling him would only stir jealousy and anger she didn’t need right now.
“Where’s Mom?” she asked instead.
Across the line, Damien’s eyes flicked toward Beta Kael. He clenched his jaw. “She’s fine… just asleep. I’ll call you when she wakes p>
Cassia frowned. Her mother never slept this early. Something felt off, but she let it drop. “Alright. I’ll give the phone to Arthur p>
She walked back into the ward and handed the phone to her son. “It’s Uncle Damien p>
Arthur’s face lit up. “Uncle Damien p>
“Arthur, my champ,” Damien’s voice warmed. “How are you, little man? Mommy told me what happened. Are you alright p>
“Yes, Uncle. I’m okay. When are you coming back? We miss you already… especially Mommy p>
Cassia’s cheeks flushed. “Arthur….” she whispered sharply, but the boy only giggled.
Damien chuckled softly. “Really? I miss her too. And I miss you. I’ll be back as soon as I can. Promise me you’ll take care of her until then. You’re the future Alpha, remember. You have to protect her p>
“Okay,” Arthur said proudly, before passing the phone back to his mother.
“Damien,” Cassia said softly.
“I love you, Cassia,” he murmured.
Her heart jolted, heat racing down her spine. She opened her mouth, but he cut in gently, “You don’t have to
17.40 Fr, 061 17
Chapter 68
say it back. I just wanted you to know. I’ll be back soon?
Z 50 vouchers
Her lips trembled into a smile. “T” But before she could decide, the ward door swung open. Aiden walked in with James at his side.
Cassia froze, her chest tightening as her gaze locked on Aiden. Strange sparks ran down her spines. He looked furious, jealousy smoldering in his eyes.
“Are you there, Cassia?” Damien’s voice pulled her back.
“Yes,” she said quickly, her eyes still locked on Aiden. “I’m here. I love you, Damien.. and I can’t wait to see you” And then she ended the call.
Her hand shook slightly as she returned the phone to James. “Thank you. ” She sat back beside Arthur, avoiding Aiden’s burning stare.
Jealousy flared in him like fire. His fists curled at his sides as he took a deep breath, forcing control.
“How are you feeling, Arthur?” he asked at last.
“I’m fine, Alpha Aiden. Thank you for saving Mommy and me
Aiden’s hard expression softened, a smile tugging at his lips. “You know I’ll always be here for you and your mom,” he said, his eyes shifting deliberately to Cassia.
Their gazes clashed, Electricity, Cassia rolled her eyes and turned away.
“Everything’s arranged,” Aiden continued. “The doctor cleared you both. I can take you home p>
Cassia rose, her chin lifted. “I don’t need you, Aiden. I’m a doctor too, I’ll discharge myself and my son. James can take us.” She glanced at James, who stepped forward immediately.
“Of course, I’ll wait until they’re ready and drive them to the mansion,” James said.
Aiden’s eyes narrowed at him, but he said nothing. He only turned back to Arthur, forced a small smile, and walked out of the ward.
The door shut behind him. Cassia let out the breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.
TBC
17:40 Fri, Oct 17