Chapter 35
Chapter 35
Chapter 35
20 vouchers
Cassia drove back to the mansion, her thoughts heavy. As she entered the estate, she noticed another car driving out. Her eyes narrowed…it was James. He was on the phone, but when he glanced up, their gazes locked for a fleeting moment.
Cassia’s breath caught. James. Aiden’s Beta.
He drove off without stopping, leaving her pulse unsteady.
She parked the car and stepped inside. At the dining table, Damien and Arthur were eating.
“Mommy!” Arthur’s face lit up. Cassia smiled softly and sat beside him, brushing her hand over his hair.
“Did you see them?” Damien asked, noting how quickly she had returned.
Her shoulders sagged. “No. I heard they moved… but I don’t know where p>
Damien heard the worry in her voice and tried to steady her. “You’ll find them, Cassia. They’re probably at the hospital p>
She blinked, realizing she hadn’t thought of that. She should have gone there.
“And there’s a chance you’ll see them at the welcome party tonight,” Damien added carefully.
Cassia frowned. “Welcome party p>
“Yes. James came by. He brought this.” Damien slid the invitation across the table. “The Pack is hosting it in your honor. You’ll meet Alpha Aiden Miller and his family there p>
Her fingers tightened around the paper as her eyes scanned it. A knot twisted in her stomach. Aiden. Tonight.
If her parents didn’t appear, that meant Aiden had kept them from her. He’d already tried to kill her once,what was her family to a man like that? If he had harmed them, she would make him pay dearly.
Damien watched her face pale. “Cassia, you don’t have to go. I can represent you p>
She shook her head firmly. “No. I’ll attend. I can face them, and I can handle myself p>
There was no room for argument in her tone. Damien sighed, resigned.
Arthur, meanwhile, stayed focused on his food. He barely looked up, his little fork scraping quietly against the plate. Cassia had taught him not to eavesdrop on adult conversations, and he obeyed.
Cassia rose from her seat, pulling out her phone. She would need a new dress. If she was going to stand before Aiden tonight, she would look her best and so would Arthur,
At the Pack House, James pulled his car to a stop but remained inside for a long moment. His mind replayed the image of the woman he had just seen driving into the mansion.
Cassia Wrenmoor.
But why… why did she look so much like Amelia? The eyes. The way she glanced at him, as if she knew him. He rubbed a hand over his hair, trying to dismiss the thought. He was imagining things.
He had never liked Sofia and perhaps his disdain for her made Amelia’s memory stronger in his mind. Still… the resemblance unsettled him.
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4:21 pm DDD
Chapter 35
20 vouchers
Sighing, he finally stepped out and walked inside. The Pack House was buzzing with activity. Servants rushed back and forth. For a moment, James wondered if there was more planned than just the welcome party.
Then he saw her.
Sofia, sitting at the dining table with a stylist hovering around her.
“I want the dark red gown,” Sofia demanded, her voice sharp. “It will make me stand out, brighten my complexion. I must look perfect tonight p>
James rolled his eyes. Of course. She had the entire household running like headless chickens so she could dazzle at a party that wasn’t even about her.
“James,” she called sweetly.
He stopped in his tracks, shoulders stiffening before turning to face her. She approached with that false smile plastered across her lips.
“Did you meet the doctor? Did you invite her? And when will she begin treatment for the pack p>
James arched a brow. “Since when do you care about the pack p>
Sofia folded her arms across her chest and pouted. “Since today. I’m the Luna, it’s my duty to care for the people and their well-being p>
He snorted. “Since you became Luna, you’ve done nothing for this pack p>
Her eyes narrowed. “Amelia didn’t donate anything either when she was Luna p>
James’ voice dropped cold. “That’s where you’re wrong. Amelia gave this pack more than you could ever dream of. They loved her. They still do. And they will never love you. She was the true Luna”
Sofia’s lips curled into a mocking smile. “You used the word loved and was, James. Past tense. Amelia is dead. They have no choice now but to accept me. And why should I care if they love me or not? My position is secured. It’s not as if Amelia can rise from the grave and take it back p>
James’ eyes hardened. “Why do I feel like you had a hand in her death p>
For a fraction of a second, Sofia froze, fear flickering in her eyes before she masked it with a smile.
“You keep accusing me of murder. Careful, James. I could have your head cut off for such slander. Besides, you have no proof p>
“What if I do?” he asked, his tone sharp enough to pierce.
Her heartbeat spiked. No. Impossible. Dante had done the job cleanly. No one could trace Amelia’s death to her. James was bluffing. He had to be.
But the conviction in his eyes made her stomach twist.
“Why so quiet?” James pressed. “Feeling guilty p>
Sofia sneered, masking her nerves with venom. “I think your bitterness since your girlfriend left you has made you insufferable. Maybe what you need is a warm body to calm your nerves p>
James’ face twisted in disgust.
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Chapter 35
20 vouchers
“Now, if you’ll excuse me,” Sofia said smoothly, turning away. “I have a party to prepare for. Perhaps you should too. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find someone there to finally keep your bed warm p>
She sashayed off, leaving James standing there, seething.
He exhaled sharply, muttering to himself. What did Aiden ever see in her? She’s nothing but an empty shell.
tbc
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