Chapter 257
Chapter 257
Third Person’s POV
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His voice was deep and resonant, like it had been aged in oak barrels and tobacco smoke. It sent a faint hum through Trista’s cardrums–the natural, biological vibration of a high–tier Alpha’s
power.
Trista kept her head high, refusing to be intimidated. “Alpha Alistair, my name is Trista Holmes. I’m standing here today as your lead healer, nothing more p>
Alistair let out an unreadable snort and gave a slight flick of his hand.
Abbott caught the cue and slowly turned the wheelchair around, leaving Trista staring at a cold, broad back.
“Get out,” Alistair’s voice was like ice. “I haven’t hit rock bottom enough to accept charity from an Ironthorn wolf p>
Trista gritted her teeth. She knew an Alpha of his rank lived and died by his pride.
After a heartbeat of hesitation, she spoke up softly. “Alpha Alistair, I think you’ve got it wrong. Cassian and I are in the middle of severing our mating. Technically speaking, I’m not an Ironthorn wolf anymore p>
The hum of the wheelchair wheels stopped. Slowly, it turned back around.
Alistair’s eyes, now sharp with interest, refocused on her.
Trista met his gaze head–on, her voice steady with a hint of self–deprecation. “Cassian is out finding ‘new interests.‘ He even brought a love child back to the territory. A man like that doesn’t deserve to be my mate. Honestly, I want you to recover more than anyone. After all, I’m counting on an elder like you to help me get even for all the crap he’s put me through p>
Alistair stared at her, stunned for a second, before a low rumble of laughter broke from his chest.
It was a heavy, magnetic sound that felt both dangerous and thrilling.
“And what exactly are you to me?” He arched an eyebrow, his tone mocking. “Why should I stick my neck out for you p>
“By blood, you’re his uncle.” Trista took a step forward, radiating a quiet, resilient strength. “A nephew who disrespects the sanctity of a mating bond and publicly humiliates his mate needs a lesson in discipline from his family. Doesn’t that sound fair p>
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Alistair let out a playful, cold smirk.
One second she was distancing herself from the Ironthorns, and the next she was expertly playing the family card to gain leverage.
This she–wolf looked delicate, but she had claws hidden beneath the surface.
“If you can actually get me back on my feet,” he said, the darkness in his eyes fading into a hunter’s curiosity, “I don’t see why I couldn’t help settle that score for you p>
Those words were the lifeline Trista needed. Her tense shoulders finally dropped.
Alistair was the only man in this territory Cassian actually feared–he was her only winning
move.
“I’ll give it everything I’ve got,” she promised. To sweeten the deal, she added, “If you doubt my skills, ask Isaiah. That stubborn Alpha is practically cured under my care. He’s just in the home stretch now p>
Alistair rubbed his knuckles. “You mean the youngest son of the Locke Alpha? Isaiah p>
Trista nodded. “The very one. I took his case in France six months ago. Today, he doesn’t touch a single drop of Moon–shadow blockers p>
Sensing his hostility had finally evaporated, Trista took a risk. She stepped closer and knelt beside his wheelchair in a submissive but firm posture, looking up at the feral man.
“Alpha Alistair, starting next week, Dr. Halsey and I will be here every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoon for your sessions p>
Alistair looked down, his eyes scanning her clear, steady gaze. Finally, he gave a slow nod.
“Beyond the basic meds, we’ll be using psychological counseling, acupuncture to guide your energy, and a custom herbal regimen,” Trista explained, her voice soft and rhythmic.
“I want to use sound bowl therapy and a strict diet to slowly wean you off the drug dependency. I’m going to need your absolute cooperation p>
They locked eyes at close range. Alistair’s pheromones weren’t aggressive anymore. He nodded again.
Trista finally let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.
By the time they left, it was nearly 9:00 PM.
Dr. Halsey looked at Trista, noticing the fatigue in her eyes despite her determined expression.
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Chapter 257
辣姊
Finched
He felt a pang of guilt–making a Luna who was going through a massive relationship crisis drive him home every night felt wrong.
“Trista, you can just drop me at the next corner,” Dr. Halsey said. “I’ll grab a cab p>
“Xander said all our travel to Shadowfang is fully reimbursed,” Trista replied, not having it. “Your mate just had a pup. If I drive you, you get home faster. We’re colleagues, don’t be polite
She insisted on dropping him off at his door before finally heading home.
When she walked into the penthouse, she heard Cassian’s voice from the balcony–a muffled, angry whisper.
She caught a glimpse of him gripping his comm–stone, his brow furrowed with rage.
She walked straight to the dining room. There was a stew pot on the table, still warm.
She didn’t touch it. She had no appetite. Instead, she went to her room and quickly packed a bag of clothes and essentials.
She turned to move into the cramped guest room next door.
But before she could cross the threshold, Cassian’s massive frame blocked the way.
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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.