Chapter 347
Third Person’s POV
He buried his head deep into the crook of her neck, greedily inhaling the scent of herbs and cool rain before it vanished forever.
His voice was small, stripped of all pride. “Just let me hold you. Just for a second p>
Trista’s struggling slowly died down.
Cassian tightened his grip, his nails almost digging into her clothes.
If he could, he would have frozen time right there anything to stop the clock from hitting nine and ending his world.
Feeling the air squeezed out of her, Trista gave a sharp, low warning. “Cassian. That’s enough p>
Her blatant disgust hit him like a poison needle to the spine.
He remembered a time, back in that freezing bedroom, when he’d thrown that exact same phrase at a bright-eyed Trista who just wanted to be near him. “That’s enough p>
He finally understood: being treated like a burden by your mate felt like having your heart torn out by a predator’s teeth.
Cassian let go, his hands stiff. The bloodshot corners of his eyes looked raw in the morning light.
His throat worked as he forced out a single word. “Let’s go p>
Neither of them had the stomach for breakfast.
Cassian grabbed her carry-on and followed her out like a shadow. They ran into Fred the moment they stepped downstairs.
Fred eyed the suitcase, raising a brow. “Moving day? Where are we migrating to this early in the morning p>
Trista caught Cassian’s eye and cut him off before he could speak. “I’m moving back to my parents’ place,” she said flatly.
Until the bond was officially severed, anything could happen.
She wasn’t about to give Fred-or anyone—the details.
Just then, Isaiah scrambled out of the elevator.
He caught the scent of tension in the air and hurried over. “Trista, I know the way. Let me drive you p>
Trista frowned. She hadn’t expected these two to be hanging out.
“I’m good,” she said politely. “Cassian and I are going to my parents’ to handle some family business. You guys go ahead p>
Isaiah reached for the suitcase in Cassian’s hand, but Fred grabbed him by the collar and hauled him back.
Cassian shot them both a lethal look, then led Trista to his car.
Once the black sedan pulled away, Fred finally let the kid go.
Isaiah brushed off his shoulder, annoyed. “What was that for, Fred? Anyone can see something’s up p>
Fred watched the car disappear. “What exactly do you think you saw p>
“It’s Monday morning. She’s got her bags packed and she’s ‘going home.’ What else could it be but a trip to the Altar?” Isaiah shrugged, calling it like it was.
Fred actually gave the kid a nod.
He’d guessed as much, but he was genuinely surprised that Cassian was actually letting go.
Isaiah rubbed his hands together, looking excited. “Should we throw Trista a party tonight or what p>
“Don’t get ahead of yourself,” Fred warned. “Wait until the ink is dry on the papers p>
Isaiah dragged Fred toward his modded supercar. “Well, we’ve got nothing better to do. Let’s follow them. Just in case he tries to pull a fast one at the ceremony p>
In the sedan, Cassian watched the sports car tailing them in the rearview mirror. He gripped the
steering wheel until his knuckle et
cracked. Instead of speeding up, he intentionally slowed down, trying to milk every last second of this drive. Cóntent
They hadn’t even reached the Altar when the car’s comms system started vibrating.
Humphrey’s voice came through, sounding more panicked than ever. “Alpha Cassian, the core members and Howard are already in the council chamber. We’ve got a situation at the border. You need to get here now p>
Cassian glanced at Trista. Her brow was already knotted in a deep scowl. He spoke into the comms, his voice steel. “I told you, I’m off pack business this morning. Tell them to wait p>
“Howard brought in the negotiators from the rival packs,” Humphrey pressed. “The boundary meeting starts at nine sharp. Howard said you have to be there to hold the line p>
Cassian slowly pulled the car over to the curb. The engine’s idle sounded deafening in the quiet street.
He turned to Trista, his eyes full of defeat. “Something came up with the pack. I can’t blow off the elders. I’ll drop you at home, but we’re going to have to push the ceremony back p>
Trista let out a cold, mocking laugh. Her eyes turned sharp as blades, her healing aura turning jagged. “Cassian, seriously? What’s the play this time p>
There was always a boundary dispute. Always a crisis.
With his level of power, there was nothing he couldn’t handle later. But this had to happen right on the way to the Altar?
Cassian unbuckled his seatbelt and leaned toward her. His heavy Alpha aura filled the cramped car. “Trista gave you my word. I’m letting you go under the moonlight, and meant it If you don’t believe me, come to the council chamber with me.
Trista hesitated. She knew Cassian-this had “stall tactic” written all over it.
But if he didn’t go, she knew for a fact the ceremony wouldn’t happen today. “How long?” she asked coldly.
“I’ll try to shut those old men up before noon p>
Trista didn’t waste another word. She shoved the door open and stood on the sidewalk with her suitcase.
“Fine,” she said, looking at him
through the window. “I’ll choose to believe you’ve actually got an emergency I’m going to wait at the gates of the Altar. If you’re not there by noon, I’ll wait until the afternoon. I’m staying right there until you show up.” S