Chapter 201
Chapter 201
Third Person’s POV
Cassian’s eyes were locked on Trista’s face, searching for even a single crack in her composed expression. “If that’s the narrative you want to run with,” he said, his voce dropping to a freezing chill, “then fine p>
Despite his refusal to explain himself, Trista remained eerily calm.
She looked him dead in the eye, her tone sincere to the point of mockery. “Actually, I’m moved. Seeing you and Samantha risk everything, even going against the mating bond for love? It’s inspiring. I’m honestly rooting for you two p>
The air in the back of the luxury sedan grew so thick with Alpha pressure it was hard to breathe.
Cassian felt like a ten–ton weight was crushing his chest.
His breathing was heavy, and a lethal aura radiated from him–the telltale sign of a high–level Alpha on the verge of snapping.
He ground his teeth, issuing a low warning. “Trista, don’t push me. My patience has a limit p>
Trista let out an innocent–sounding sigh. “I was just trying to help, but I guess I overstepped. I’ll watch my boundaries next time p>
Cassian fought to keep his rage on a leash, his heavy breathing filling the cramped cabin.
His face was a mask of dark fury. “Let me make this clear,” he whispered, his voice like a death threat. “If anything happens to Samantha or that boy, I’m coming for you. I won’t let it slide p>
Trista actually patted her chest as if giving a solemn vow “Oh, you can count on me. If Howard looks for someone to blame, I’ll take the heat. I’ll make sure your precious she–wolf doesn’t get a scratch p>
They stared each other down at close range. Every word out of Cassian’s mouth sounded like it was being squeezed through a meat grinder. “I hope you’re not just saying this to piss me off p>
“I’m a woman of my word,” Trista replied firmly.
She knew she didn’t have the leverage to openly revolt yet–Cassian still held all the cards.
But right now, his relationship with Samantha was basically an open secret within the pack.
If Samantha wanted to climb the social ladder, Trista was more than happy to give her a shove.
Only by forcing the pack to officially recognize that mother and son could Trista finally wash her hands of this hollow mating.
Late that night, the black sedan rolled slowly into Ironthorn territory. Brooke, the lead omega, opened the door with a bow. “Alpha Cassian, Luna Trista. Please, step out p>
The moment they were on the ground, Samantha rushed toward Cassian, her voice thick with tears. “Cassian, I’m terrified! What am I going to do p>
Brooke stepped between them instantly, physically cutting her off. “Miss Fernandez,” he said sharply. “Luna Trista is standing right there. Watch your tone and remember your place p>
1/2.
Chapter 201
30%
Finished
Samantha snuck a glance at Trista, but the invisible weight of the Luna’s aura made her recoil. She scrambled back a few steps.
Seeing her look so haunted, Cassian offered a low murmur of comfort. “Don’t be scared. Whatever happens, I’m standing in front of you p>
Samantha nodded frantically, looking like she’d just been given a lifeline.
Nearby, Fred let out a mocking, disgusted snort, while Wynn looked ready to stomp her feet in rage.
After soothing Samantha, Cassian turned back to Trista
Seeing her standing there motionless,
2 stepped forward and took her hand again, forcing the connection.
Trista didn’t fight it. She knew a
“Cene here was pointless.
Cassian was a master at playing the “perfect couple” for the pack.
By walking in hand–in–hand, he wanted to show the elders that he still had everything under control, even with Samantha in the picture.
He wanted to prove to Howard that keeping Samantha around wouldn’t be a liability for the pack.
The foyer was lined with two rows of omegas and armed guards.
Samantha followed Brooke inside, her heart hammering against her ribs.
When she saw the backs of Cassian and Trista walking side–by–side, envy flared in her eyes.
“If it weren’t for her,” she thought, “I’d be the one holding his hand. I’d be the one walking into Ironthorn by his side p>
Inside the main hall, Howard sat in the center chair, looking like a judge delivering a sentence.
Cassian’s parents were seated on either side of him, and the head of security stood by the door, stone–faced.
The silence in the massive room was suffocating.
Fred and Wynn were smart enough to stay back, not daring to get too close to the blast zone.
As Brooke stopped, Samantha froze in place.
Cassian led Trista toward the elders.
Howard gave a slight nod, and Brooke issued a cold command, “Miss Fernandez, step forward p>
Samantha edged closer to Cassian, not daring to move an inch further than necessary.
Cassian looked at Trista for a long, complicated beat before slowly letting go of her hand. He stepped over to Samantha’s side, planting himself firmly in front of her.
He spoke up before Howard could even open his mouth his voice deep and resolute. “Everything that happened tonight is on me. If there’s going to be a punishment, take it out on me alone 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.