Chapter 187
Chapter 187
Third Person’s POV
Isaiah leaned against the windshield, arching an eyebrow at her. “Seriously? It’s New Year’s Eve in LA You’re not going to leave a world–class Alpha like me to spend it alone, are you? Come on, take me around?
Trista didn’t say a word. She casually tossed the bag of expensive healing salves into a nearby trash can and climbed into the passenger seat.
Half an hour later, they were at Onyx.
Trista led Isaiah through the thumping chaos of the dance floor to a VIP booth with the best view in the house. “Everything tonight is on my tab,” she said, leaning back. “The only condition is that you cooperate fully with my clinical trials after the holidays p>
Isaiah flashed a grin–reckless, cocky, and full of Alpha swagger. “Done. Consider it a favor to you p>
Up on the second–floor VIP terrace, Fred was leading a group of pureblood Alphas toward the stairs. His wolf instincts picked her out instantly–even in the cocktail of scents, Trista’s cool, crisp aura was unmistakable.
He signaled for his crew to head on without him and walked were locked onto Isaiah like a predator tracking prey.
raight to Trista’s table. His eyes, however,
“What’s a stray wolf like you doing crossing territory lines into LA?” Fred asked, not bothering to hide his hostility.
Trista’s hand paused over her drink, and she lapsed into silence.
In the tight–knit circles of the wolf elite, the social grid was always transparent.
“Maybe dial back the dominance before you talk to me,” Isaiah shot back, unimpressed.
Just then, his comm–stone buzzed. He stood up, giving a polite but flashy nod, and headed outside to take the call.
Once Isaiah was out of earshot, Fred sat down. His face was grim, his brow furrowed. “Where the hell is Cassian? It’s New Year’s Eve. How is he not by your side p>
Trista poured him a glass of top–shelf liquor with practiced grace, her voice as flat as someone discussing the weather. “He’s off doing his ‘Daddy‘ duties. He’s with his precious omega and the heir to his bloodline, watching the ritual fireworks under the stars p>
Fred’s smirk slowly hardened as he looked at her.
Her pheromones were eerily calm–not a single ripple. It was the kind of silence that made his skin crawl.
“With your brains and your resources,” Fred lowered his voice, a hint of ruthlessness creeping in, “can’t you find a way to just… get rid of Cassian p>
Trista’s lips curved into a self–mocking smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “I’ve run the numbers on that. But he’s trapped me in a perfect stalemate–a cage built out of a ‘mating bond‘ and a ‘clan alliance. If I really
10:26 Wed, Jan 7
Chapter 187
wanted to break out of this, I’d have to crush my own soul along with the contract until there was nothing left but ash p>
And she wasn’t about to make that kind of sacrifice,
Fred stared at her. For once in his life, the smooth–talking wolf found himself completely speechless.
Meanwhile, in the shadows of a plaza downtown, Samantha stood outside the black Bentley, clutching young Algernon. She looked frantic.
“Cassian, the ritual has started. Won’t you come out and be with Algernon p>
It was the Blood Moon. She had used every trick in the book to “borrow” Cassian from the Ironthorn Luna for one night, and she wasn’t about to let him slip back to that villa casily.
Cassian sat in the back seat, his face dark. He was absentmindedly rubbing his communication stone, unsettled by the faint, nagging stings coming through the mating bond.
He glanced at the crowds outside and frowned. “Samantha, do you want me to go public about my relationship with Algernon p>
The words hit Samantha like a lightning strike. Her face went deathly pale.
Realizing she’d pushed too far, she scrambled to shove the boy back into the car, her movements frantic as she tried to cover her tracks.
To keep her status, she flipped the script, her voice rising with forced emotion.
“How could you even think something so terrifying p>
She looked him in the eye, acting the part of the martyr. “At the end of the day, you aren’t Algernon’s biological father. You claiming him is already unfair to your mate. I’m already eaten alive by guilt as it is- biological father. You claiming him is already unfair to yo our mate. I’m already eaten alive by guilt as it is please, don’t test me like this p>
Seeing Cassian’s brow smooth over slightly, she quickly pivoted. “It’s New Year’s. This park is private; there’s no one else here. Just consider it a gift for the boy. Stay and watch the fireworks with him for a little bit. Please p>
Cassian gave a small nod, and Samantha finally let out a breath of relief.
The park was nearly empty.
The driver stayed with Algernon as he set off small fireworks.
Samantha, sensing Cassian’s lack of interest, moved closer, her voice dripping with contrition. “I’m sorry, Cassian. Tonight is on me p>
“You ignored your grandfather’s wishes to claim Algernon for our sake, and you’re keeping the truth from Trista just to protect us… I am so grateful to you, truly p>
“I just didn’t expect Algernon to be so attached to you. He looks up to you so much. Lately, he’s been crying for his ‘Daddy‘ constantly. He gets so upset he won’t even eat. Honestly, this kid is running me ragged p>
Ruby Walker
Ruby Walker is a rising voice in the world of romance and spicy fiction. With a gift for weaving deep emotions, sizzling chemistry, and unexpected twists, her stories are a blend of passion and drama that captivate readers from start to finish. Ruby’s writing style is bold and irresistible—perfect for those who crave intense, addictive love stories.