Chapter 383
Chapter 383
Third Person’s POV
Finished
Zander stepped smoothly in front of Trista, his gaze cutting through Madison like a winter chill. “Everyone is a guest here, but Dr. Holmes is a guest of honor for the Blades. I’d suggest you find some perspective before you open your mouth again p>
The warning was blunt and unmistakable. Madison froze, her face alternating between a sickly pale and a humiliated flush.
Trista looked at Madison with the same detached pity she’d give a stray dog barking for territory it couldn’t possibly hold.
Madison’s pathetic attempts at provocation were transparent; she wanted to use the “Ex–mate of Ironthorn” label to keep Trista pinned down in a lower social tier.
She wanted everyone to think that without Cassian’s protection, Trista didn’t even belong in this plaza.
Trista took a step forward, her voice calm and carry–all for the benefit of the curious crowd. “Last week, Luna Priscilla personally kicked you out of Bluestar territory. The whole city knows about it. So, should I keep calling you Madison, or should I just refer to you as the Bluestar Alpha’s illegitimate daughter p>
Madison’s face turned the color of raw liver. She shrieked like someone had stepped on her tail. “Say one more word and I’ll rip your mouth open p>
Sayer immediately hugged Trista’s leg. He looked up, his high–pitched voice carrying a strange, unnatural authority for his age. “Excuse me, lady, didn’t your parents teach you anything? Screaming in someone else’s plaza is incredibly trashy p>
‘You…!” Madison was so choked with rage she couldn’t even finish a sentence.
Trista pulled Sayer behind her and gave Madison a final, icy warning. “Madison, you can call me Miss Holmes, or you can call me Dr. Holmes. If you ever try to pin that disgusting old label on me again, I won’t be this polite p>
She was her own person. She had never been anyone’s accessory.
A few yards away, Cassian heard her public declaration. His feet felt like they were made of lead.
Watching Trista so effortlessly strip away her identity as his wife sent a wave of panic through his chest. He realized he was being systematically erased from her life.
“Trista, why are you even wasting your breath on trash like this? If she shows her claws again, just slap her back into place.” Wynn made her entrance, looking lethal in a tight, black dress that radiated “bad girl”
energy.
One of Madison’s friends, clearly lacking survival instincts, stuck her neck out. “This is a Blades‘ party Who do you think you are, talking like that p>
Wynn let out a cold laugh, stepping into the woman’s personal space and looking down her nose at her. “Nobody taught you the rules? You talk to me like that again and you’re finished. Are you tired of living p>
1:09 pm ►
Chapter 383
Finished
Madison knew exactly how volatile Wynn could be. She grabbed her friend and slunk back into the crowd, tail between her legs.
Fred stepped in, catching Wynn’s eye and giving her a look that said that’s enough.
Trista could feel Cassian’s heavy, burning gaze locked onto her back.
She frowned, doing her best to maintain the poise of a high–society healer.
Just then, Penelope–sporting a diamond tiara–ran over like a happy pup. “Zander! Is this the Miss Holmes you’re always talking about p>
Just Trista is fine,” Zander corrected.
Penelope was a natural extrovert. She linked arms with Trista, beaming. “You look absolutely incredible tonight p>
Trista smiled and handed over a gift box. “Happy Birthday, Penelope p>
The girl pried the box open just an inch, her eyes lighting up instantly. “Oh my god! Your taste is amazing! I love this! ”
Trista gestured modestly to her side. “Actually, I have to credit Mr. Manwaring’s refined eye. He helped me pick it out p>
Isaiah chimed in, sounding salty. “Wait, when did you two go gift shopping alone? Why wasn’t I invited p>
The surrounding wolves immediately traded meaningful looks, their eyes darting toward Cassian.
Elias spoke up with polished politeness. “Don’t misunderstand, Alpha Isaiah. It was just a coincidence p>
Nobody in the room believed that for a second, and Cassian believed it least of all.
He stood in the shadows, staring at Trista, his primitive, predatory possessiveness practically vibrating off
him.
Penelope turned to see Isaiah and her eyes turned into hearts. “Whoa! This guy is gorgeous p>
Isaiah dodged her “inspection,” stepping back. “Hey, watch the hands, lady. Keep it professional p>
At 8:00 PM sharp, the gala officially began.
Cassian stayed by Alger’s side, but his eyes never left Trista for a single second.
She remained anchored between Elias and Isaiah, the center of their protection Trista scanned the room.
There were plenty of people here, but she couldn’t catch a whiff of Alistair’s scent anywhere.
“Mr. Manwaring.” Trista whispered, leanining in toward Elias. Have you heard from Alpha Alistair lately?
When Elias shook his head, the worry in Trista’s eyes deepened.
1:09 pm D
Chapter 383
Alistair wouldn’t say a word to her, and while Cassian definitely knew the truth, he’d never tell her.
She made a decision: she was going to Shadowfang herself tomorrow.
Finished
A few feet away, Fred nudged Cassian with his elbow. “You’ve been staring at her all night and she hasn’t given you a single look. Haven’t you had enough p>
Cassian pressed his lips into a thin line, silent.
Fred twisted the knife. “See Elias and Isaiah? Even if you go over there now, you’re just a third wheel. Even though we’re buddies, I’ve gotta be real with you–Elias has the power to match you, and Isaiah has the youth you’re losing. If Trista picks either one of them, she’s doing better than she was with her ‘ex p>
4.6K
3/3
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.