Chapter 196
Chapter 196
Third Person’s POV
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Finished
After the way Fred had torn Samantha apart in front of the entire room, followed by the relentless mockery from the high–born wolves, Cassian’s heart was likely bleeding for her.
Trista knew exactly how he operated. Right now, he was probably hidden away in some quiet corner, doing everything in his power to soothe his traumatized omega. He wouldn’t have a single thought to spare for his Luna in name only.
“So, you’re the one? Cassian’s Luna p>
Near the shadow–drenched pillars at the exit, Madison Poole stepped out to block Trista’s path.
Trista slowed to a stop, giving a faint, clinical nod. Her expression was as stagnant as a dead pool of water.
Madison’s eyes raked over her, dripping with a brand of jealousy that only comes from someone insecure about their own bloodline. “Don’t think a pretty face keeps you in that seat forever,” Madison sneered. “In our world, a title is just a piece of paper if you can’t hold onto your man. The only woman branded into Cassian’s soul has always been Samantha p>
Trista shook her head slightly, her voice a flatline. “You’re mistaken. My Alpha and I grew up together. Twenty years of history. I am his only mate p>
Madison looked at her like she was a pathetic child living in a fairy tale. She covered her mouth with her sharp, manicured nails and let out a sharp, nasty laugh.
“Luna Trista, instead of standing here debating me, why don’t you take a little trip to the third- floor VIP suites? Go see who your Alpha is behind closed doors with right now p>
Trista’s lips curved into a faint, icy smirk. “Thank you for the… ‘thoughtful‘ tip, Ms. Poole p>
So, they were bold enough to share a room at the gala.
Trista spotted Luna Chloe and Luna Priscilla chatting nearby. She calmly adjusted the velvet shawl slipping from her shoulder and walked toward the group of high–ranking she–wolves with a steady, elegant stride.
The other Lunas dropped their air of superiority when they saw her, greeting the Ironthorn Luna with forced warmth.
After a few moments of small talk, Trista flashed a perfect, charming smile. “Luna Priscilla, Luna Chloe… Cassian is stuck dealing with some ‘urgent‘ pack business, and honestly, standing around here is getting a bit dull. Would any of you care to join me in the inner suites on the
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Chapter 196
third floor for a few rounds of Wolf Cards p>
Finished
The chance to gamble in the exclusive third–floor rooms was a status symbol Luna Chloe couldn’t resist. She agreed instantly.
Soon, Trista and Chloe were escorting Priscilla up the grand spiral staircase, followed by a trail of high–ranking she–wolves.
Bringing up the rear was Madison, hovering like a vulture waiting for the kill, along with a group of social climbers hoping to catch a glimpse of a scandal.
The air on the third floor was heavy with the oppressive weight of a high–level Alpha presence.
Inside the private suite reserved for the Ironthorn couple, Samantha had just finished showering.
She had washed away the grime of her public humiliation and changed into a set of Trista’s clean clothes–outfits that carried the faint, elegant scent of evening primrose.
She stepped out of the bathroom, feeling small and out of place. Cassian was standing by the floor–to–ceiling window, his back to her. A single red spark from his cigarette flickered in the dim light. “Cassian… I’m finished,” she whispered, stepping closer. “Thank you for… for saving me back there p>
Cassian turned slowly. His dark eyes swept over the dress–it didn’t fit her right–and his gaze turned unreadably cold. He didn’t offer the comfort she was fishing for.
“My driver is downstairs,” he said flatly. “Go. Now p>
He paused, his voice dropping an octave. “Take the back service exit. Don’t go through the front doors p>
Samantha froze. Her heart sank.
To keep Trista from finding out she’d touched the Luna’s clothes, he was willing to sneak her out like a common thief.
She watched his tense profile and softened her voice, playing the “innocent” card. “Cassian, about tonight… I just lost my head. I didn’t mean to make everyone think there was something going on between us. It wasn’t on purpose, I swear p>
Cassian crushed his cigarette, the scent of burnt tobacco hanging around him like a shroud. “I know it wasn’t intentional. I’m not blaming you p>
Samantha felt her muscles relax for a split second.
But then, Cassian’s next words hit her like a bucket of ice water. “But from now on, in public p>
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watch how you address me. Stop just calling me Cassian p>
Six years ago, when he was young and infatuated, he’d allowed her to skip the titles.
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Finished
Six years later, when she returned with the boy, he’d been so overwhelmed by the shock and pity that he’d let the intimacy slide.
But just now, a realization had hit him like a physical blow. Ever since Samantha had reappeared, Trista had stopped using the soft, private nickname she used to have for him.
Trista was stubborn–more than any she–wolf he knew. If Samantha kept overstepping and calling him “Cassian” like they were equals, he realized with a sinking dread that he might never hear Trista say his name that way ever again.
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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.