Chapter 288
Third Person’s POV
Cassian dismissed Humphrey with an irritable wave. The sheer, high–rank anxiety radiating from him made it hard for Humphrey to even breathe,
Humphrey bowed his head and retreated.
Cassian hovered over a text box, hesitating over a sentence intended to reach the mate who had stopped responding to him, only to delete the whole thing in a fit of frustration.
Suddenly, he caught a scent. His wolf roared–it was Trista. She had gone back to the apartment.
He grabbed his coat and bolted out of the office like a predator on a scent trail.
10:00 AM, Trista had snuck back while Cassian was supposed to be handling pack business.
She quickly grabbed her laptop and some clothes.
She knew Alvin of the Shadowfang Pack wasn’t exactly a welcoming host; if it weren’t for the medical deal, he’d never allow a Luna with her baggage onto his turf.
Just as she zipped her suitcase, her sharp ears caught the faint click of the bedroom door lock.
Her heart hammered against her ribs.
She turned around just as Cassian walked in, his face like a thundercloud.
Seeing the man who was supposed to be miles away dealing with territory disputes, she frowned. Her voice dripped with resistance. “What are you doing here? Your anxiety is so thick it’s making me sick p>
Cassian strode forward and snatched the suitcase from her hand. “Where do you think you’re going p>
“I’m stressed out. I’m staying at Shadowfang for a few days to clear my head p>
Cassian’s gaze intensified, though his tone softened slightly. “If you need space, I’ll take you anywhere you want. But Shadowfang is not the place for you p>
Trista finally snapped. “Cassian, you are the reason I’m stressed! Looking at you makes me feel suffocated and miserable. Do I really have to spell it out for you p>
Cassian went pale, stumbling back as if he’d been struck.
He immediately caved. “Lying to you last night was a mistake. I’ll stay at the packhouse for a few days and leave the apartment to you, okay p>
“No!” Trista pushed past him.
Seeing her head for the door, Cassian lost his composure. He lunged forward and locked her in a desperate hug from behind. “Trista, if you don’t believe me, I’ll swear it on the Moonstone!” he growled frantically.
“I admitted I’ve looked after Samantha since she got back, but that was just to settle a debt. I haven’t touched
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her, and I haven’t broken our bond. Please, just believe me once.
Trista knew if this dragged on, she’d never get out.
Pear
She took a silent breath and softened her voice. “Talk is cheap. Let me go clear my head for a few days. Once the resentment fades, you can come get me p>
Cassian loosened his grip, his eyes searching hers with a pathetic hope. “Really p>
Trista held up five fingers. “Five days. Let me get my head straight. You come pick me up in five days, and I won’t argue p>
It was a classic psychological play: the Door–in–the–Face technique. The more he pushed, the harder she’d fight.
By offering a compromise, she created a path to escape.
Cassian was silent for a moment before testing the waters. “Fine. But my father wants you to come back to the estate with me tomorrow p>
Trista didn’t even blink. “Cassian, your grandfather and I don’t mix. If I go, that dinner will turn into a disaster in minutes. For everyone’s sake, I’m staying home p>
She turned and left.
Cassian caught her wrist, hesitated, and finally gave in. “I’ll drive you p>
To soothe the fractured mating bond, Cassian personally drove her to the Shadowfang territory.
On friday night, Cassian went to Howard’s house alone.
Cassian’s aunt, Veronica, grabbed his hand affectionately. “Cassian, where’s Trista p>
Before he could answer, Alaina cut in coldly. “Trista is busy demanding a mating severance. Why would she be here p>
Cassian’s face went pitch black.
Veronica looked worried, while Wilmot scowled. “She didn’t even show her face? She has zero respect fo tradition p>
Veronica tried to play peacemaker. “Don’t be like that. Cassian, I brought a gift for her. I’ll stop by your place tonight and have a heart–to–heart with her p>
Alaina beat Cassian to the punch again. “Don’t bother. They’ve separated. Trista is living with the Shadowfangs now p>
Cassian stared at his mother, speechless.
“The Shadowfangs?” Howard and Wilmot both looked like they’d been slapped.
Howard slammed his glass onto the table, shattering it. He was shaking with rage. “The Ironthorn Luna is shacking up with our rivals? If word gets out, how are we supposed to show our faces p>
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Chapter 288
He roared at Cassian, “Go to there right now, I don’t care if you have to drag her–bring her backs
Facing the collective fury of his family, Cassian finally spoke. “Grandpa, I’m the one who took her there. I’ll bring her back in a few days myself. But not today p>
He had given Trista his word.
Besides, she was still in the middle of her “cooldown.” If he tried to force her now, she’d never come back.
Howard swung his cane, catching Cassian with a brutal strike
“You absolute fool p>
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