Chapter 329
Third Person’s POV
Trista wasn’t lashing out anymore. Instead, she had developed a defensive wall that bordered on pathological.
She followed a rigid routine: back and forth between the clinic and the Blue Bay apartment, staying quiet-too quiet. She still refused to let him set foot in the master bedroom.
When she looked at him, the love was gone. Even the hate had faded. In its place was the kind of fear a prey animal has for a predator, as if she expected him to snap and tear her throat out at any second.
Friday morning, Cassian was waiting in the living room.
As Trista headed for the door, he blocked her path. “It’s the weekend. I’m going with you to see your parents. I’ve already put some gifts together p>
Trista’s refusal was flat and final. “My parents aren’t interested in having your scent in their home p>
The words stung. Instinctively, Cassian grabbed her waist and hauled her against his chest. Trista started to struggle, but when she looked up, she saw a dangerous, predatory glint in his eyes. Her heart skipped a beat. Memories of news headlines about Alphas losing control and turning violent flashed through her mind.
Just as the tension reached a breaking point, Cassian’s phone vibrated frantically. He let go of her, his face dark, and answered.
Humphrey’s panicked voice cut through the silence. “Alpha Cassian… that ten- billion-dollar project you just closed? Someone just sniped it right out from under
us p>
Trista, standing close enough to hear, whispered to herself, “Who in L.A. has the balls to rip a piece of meat that big out of Ironthorn’s mouth p>
Cassian spun around, his eyes so cold they could have frozen the air. He pinned her with a lethal stare.
10:00 AM, Humphrey entered the Ironthorn Boardroom, his expression grim.
“Alpha Cassian, we identified the competitor who hit us at the eleventh hour. It was Alistair’s people p>
Cassian’s fingers drummed a slow, rhythmic beat against the mahogany desk. After a long silence, he spoke. “Get the car. We’re going to Shadowfang territory p>
Humphrey hesitated. Wilmot and Alaina are already over there p>
Cassian leaned back and closed his eyes, looking exhausted. When he finally opened them, his gold pupils were sharp. “Get everything ready. We’re flying East this afternoon. I’m getting that project back p>
Meanwhile, at the Shadowfang packhouse.
Alvin was in total shock. He couldn’t believe his grandson had launched such a malicious attack against Ironthorn. He looked at Alistair. “Did you really do this p>
Alistair sat in his wheelchair, idly stroking the black obsidian pendant around his neck. He gave a calm nod. “He’s too arrogant. As his uncle, I figured I’d teach him a lesson on how to survive in this city p>
Wilmot was vibrating with suppressed rage.
Shadowfang was a powerhouse, and he didn’t want an all-out war if he could avoid it. “Alpha Alistair, if you have a problem, bring it to the table. You have history with our elders, but Ironthorn hasn’t crossed your borders in years p>
Alistair looked up, his gaze like a razor. “You messed with my healer. That makes it my business p>
Wilmot and Alaina traded a look.
“Alistair,” Alaina said softly. “If
Cassian was disrespectful, you have every right to check him as an uncle. But this is a private matter between a husband and wife. Is it really worth starting a corporate war over p>
Alistair’s voice was flat. “Whether it’s ‘worth it’ isn’t for you to decide p>
Wilmot’s pride snapped. He stood up abruptly.
“Alvin, look at your grandson!” Wilmot growled. “Ironthorn has spent years playing peacemaker between the packs. I never thought Alistair would be the one to open fire on us p>
He leaned in, his voice a lethal warning. “Alpha Alistair might be a big deal, but Ironthorn isn’t a soft target. If this is how you want to play it, we accept the challenge p>
With that, Wilmot and Alaina walked out. Once they were gone, Alvin raised his cane to strike. “You lunatic p>
Alistair caught the cane effortlessly. “Grandpa, I’m not looking for a world war. But as long as Cassian refuses to sign those papers, I’m going to personally snipe every major deal he touches p>
Alvin stomped his foot. “Trista is his Luna! She’s family p>
Alistair patted the old man’s shoulder. “Trust me, Grandpa. I know exactly what I’m doing p>
An hour later. Cassian’s Office.
“What did Alistair say?” Cassian asked.
Alaina looked at her son and sighed.
“Cassian, I don’t get it. Why are you
clinging to this bond? You’re the master of logis now even outsiders Fare taking Tristaside. How much is
the pack going to lose before you give in p>
Cassian’s eyes were like ice. “I didn’t get this seat by being lucky. I’ve dealt with guys like Alistair before. If he wants to fight, fine. But end the mating? Never p>