Chapter 333
Third Person’s POV
Seeing that he’d read her mind, Trista looked away.
Cassian took the opportunity to pull her closer to the bed, his gaze locked on her face.
“Trista, he rammed me on purpose. Under L.A. law and pack rules, that’s attempted murder. It’s all over the security footage. With the Ironthorn legal team on this, I don’t care how good Elias is-this isn’t just going away p>
Trista shoved his hand off of her. “You try to press charges against Isaiah, and I’ll leak every bit of dirt I have. Your father’s scandals, the illegitimate kids, your own drama-I’ll hand it all to the media and the Werewolf Council on a silver platter!” Cassian was speechless with rage. “You’re really going to go that far for this kid?” Trista just turned her head, ignoring him.
The silence stretched between them for a long time. Finally, Cassian forced a compromise through grit teeth. “Fine. I won’t sue. But I have conditions p>
Trista’s eyes went sharp with suspicion. “Like what p>
“Make that little brat come in here and apologize to my face,” Cassian said, holding her gaze. “And you? You stay here and take care of me until I’m discharged p>
Trista was caught off guard. “That’s it p>
Cassian nodded. “He hit me. I’m letting it slide for your sake, but an apology is the bare minimum. And since I’m injured, it’s not exactly a huge ask for my Luna to look after me, is it p>
Trista hesitated.
Isaiah had been reckless, and Cassian was a shark. If he decided to sink his teeth in, Isaiah’s “tough guy” routine wouldn’t stand a chance against the Ironthorn legal machine.
Besides, Elias had already stuck his neck out for her with the Werewolf Council; she didn’t want to pile more trouble onto his plate.
If Cassian was willing to settle this privately, playing nurse for a few days was a small price to pay.
“An apology and the nursing duty are fine,” Trista said, meeting his eyes. “But you sign a formal settlement agreement. Now p>
Cassian’s face darkened. “Trista, I’m doing you a favor here. Don’t push it p>
“If you hadn’t spent the last few months lying to me about Samantha, maybe I wouldn’t have to double-check every word that comes out of your mouth,” she snapped back.
The reminder hit him where it hurt. He went silent.
Finally, he turned to Humphrey. “Draft a settlement. I’ll sign it. Then tell security to wipe every bit of footage from today. No backups p>
Ten minutes later, the papers were signed.
Trista finally felt the weight lift off her shoulders.
She turned toward the door and called out, “Isaiah, get in here p>
Isaiah marched in, and Cassian-still propped up in bed immediately scowled. “You were lurking in the hallway this whole time p>
Isaiah walked right up to the bed and deliberately poked Cassian’s bruised leg. “What of it? This healing center isn’t your private territory p>
Cassian kicked him away in disgust, and Isaiah retaliated by yanking the blanket off the bed.
Trista watched the two of them, her head beginning to throb.
“See, Cassian? I told you,” Trista lied, covering for him. “His wolf is just acting up. He’s not thinking straight p>
Cassian let out a sharp, annoyed huff.
Trista grabbed Isaiah and pulled him in front of the bed, giving him a look that said don’t mess this up. “Isaiah, you hit him. That’s on you. Apologize to Alpha Cassian so we can mov on
The Locke heir stood there, stiff-necked and stubborn.
Trista went for the jugular: “You want to play it like that? Fine. Next time I go hunting in Shadowfang territory, you aren’t invited p>
Isaiah finally buckled, mumbling a half-hearted, “Sorry p>
Cassian didn’t even acknowledge him; the second the words were out, he gestured for Isaiah to get out.
Isaiah hid behind Trista, the two Alphas engaged in a silent staring contest until Trista broke it up.
“Look, you aren’t dying,” Trista told Cassian. “I’m going to see my parents. I’ll be back at noon. What do you want for lunch p>
“The pack is sending food. Just stay here with me,” Cassian said.
Trista hesitated but eventually nodded.
As she led Isaiah out, she remembered one more thing. She left Isaiah in the hall and stepped back inside.
“I’m free this weekend, but Monday is going to be slammed,” she told Cassian. “I might not be able to give you much attention Should call Samantha to take over or the day?
“Get out!” Cassian roared, his temper flaring.
Trista just shrugged and walked away.
Outside the healing center, she warned Isaiah one last time to stay low while
Cassian was hospitalized.
Once they parted ways, she headed home for a bit.
By noon, she was back in the VIP suite.
An omega had already set out lunch and made a tactful exit.
Seeing Cassian sitting motionless by the bed, Trista walked over and helped him to
the table.
The room was quiet as they ate.
het
Cassian watched her, eventually sliding some meat onto her plate “Go nap on the sofa when you’re done” he said softly. “I’ll wake yott if I need anything.
The sudden shift to tenderness made Trista uncomfortable.
When she didn’t respond, Cassian reached out, trying to brush a stray hair away from her face.
Trista instinctively jerked her head back, leaving his hand hanging awkwardly in the empty air.