Chapter 69
Chapter 69
Third Person’s POV
* Finished
He stared into her eyes. “I can handle the emotional breakdowns and all the drama. But you have to accept Samantha’s existence and learn to live with her p>
Cassian’s gaze bored into Trista’s face, watching for any sign of yielding.
He lowered his Alpha aura slightly with every word.
“I leave tomorrow for a week–long business trip out of state,” he announced, his voice cold and commanding. “When I get back, I expect you to have moved back into the Ironthorn house and remembered your place p>
The statement felt like a hook dragging across Trista’s nerves.
His cold detachment hurt more than any yell.
She violently yanked her hands free and shoved him. “Why? You’re the one who broke the vows! Why am I the one who has to put up with this p>
Cassian reacted fast, grabbing both her wrists, trapping her against the car seat.
“Because you’re my Luna,” he stated, his voice low and forceful. “Even if you hate it, you have to endure it p>
Trista’s emotions completely spiraled. Her voice shot up. “I won’t be your Luna anymore p>
Her scent gland was aching with agitation, the mating bond felt ripped apart in her chest, but she bit out the words. “I don’t want you, Cassian! I want to terminate the mating bond! What part of ‘sever the mating bond‘ don’t you understand p>
The air in the car snapped tight.
Cassian’s face went absolutely frigid, her words finally hitting his true bottom line.
“Trista,” he said icily. “Without my consent, no auction house in all of LA will touch your obsidian cane, and no healing center will hire you p>
He didn’t raise his voice, but he was enforcing a cold fact with the authority of the Ironthorn. Alpha–in this territory, he owned the gate, and he could shut down every exit she had with one phone call.
Trista hammered him hysterically. “Cassian, you bastard p>
18:46 Sat, Dec 27
Chapter 69
Her fists hit his shoulder and chest, chaotic and furious.
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The car was small. Her wolf roared in her mind, lunging forward, only to be smashed back into the seat by the harsh reality.
“Trista,” he pinned her wrists, forcing her still. “I know you don’t really want to break the bond p>
His voice was hard and unforgiving. “Even in the most extreme case, if you actually stand before the Stone Circle to terminate, I told you: the consequences are too high for you to handle p>
They stared at each other.
The despair in Trista’s eyes slowly curdled into pure hatred.
Suddenly, she lowered her head and bit down hard on his shoulder.
Her teeth tore through the suit fabric and broke skin.
An agonizing pain shot through his shoulder and up to his brain. Cassian let out a low grunt, his throat working hard, but he didn’t push her away. Instead, he tightened his arms, pulling her closer.
In the small space of the luxury car, the air was dead quiet, nearly suffocating.
Only their ragged breathing grew frantic. The wolf’s deep growls mixed with their frantic heartbeats.
After what felt like an eternity, the taste of rust and blood spread in her mouth. Trista finally let
Her mouth was stained red. Her eyes were fiery red.
Her lips trembled. Her hateful gaze was fixed on Cassian.
“The day of the mating ceremony,” she said, every word weighted. “I swore before the Moon Goddess. I, Trista, would rather lose my own life than give up on you, Cassian p>
She took a deep, trembling breath, then added, “I regret it now p>
“Even if this completely destroys my life,” she finished, “I am walking away from you p>
With a final surge of strength, she flung his arms off, scrambled out of the car, and shoved the
door open.
Cold air rushed into the cabin.
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18:46 Sat, Dec 27
Chapter 69
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Finished
Trista didn’t look back. She nearly sprinted across the street, sobbing hysterically, like she was escaping a cage that was about to devour her whole.
Cassian lightly touched his throbbing shoulder, his fingers finding the warm, wet blood. A radiating pain spread outward.
He watched through the car window as Trista ran, breaking down completely on the sidewalk.
This was the second time he’d heard the word “regret” from her mouth.
But he hated that she kept using “death” to force and test him.
That was not the choice he wanted to make.
A knot of frustration tightened in his chest. He slammed the car door shut, floored the gas pedal, and drove toward a high–end private members club downtown.
In the dimly lit, soundproofed room, neon lights from the LA night shone through the window.
Fred leaned on the sofa, swirling his drink. He offered a brutal but helpful reminder. “Is it possible Trista isn’t using the termination as leverage p>
He looked up at Cassian. “Severing the mating bond is her actual, honest goal. You’re just too arrogant to see it p>
Cassian’s heart sank. He frowned, but his voice was still stubbornly assured. “She went after Samantha today p>
“She called Samantha a homewrecker,” he recalled, fighting his anger. “She threatened to take back the house and force Samantha and the kid out of LA. She clearly still wants our mating p>
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Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.