Chapter 400
Third Person’s POV
Alaina knew her son.
Finished
Cassian was in that dangerous phase where guilt meets obsession–he was spiraling, and Trista was the only thing he could see.
In a game like this, Rowena’s poise and rationality would likely only make him feel more suffocated.
Inside the car, Cassian shot Rowena a freezing look before leaning back and closing his eyes, radiating a “do not disturb” energy that was impossible to miss.
Rowena just gave a faint, unbothered smile. She wasn’t one to take hostility personally.
Making a calculated concession, she spoke in a calm, level tone. “Alpha Cassian, let’s take the pressure off. If you don’t want to go through with the mateship, I’m not going to force it p>
Cassian’s eyes snapped open. They were shot through with blood vessels, his pupils dark and intense as he scanned her face for any hidden catch.
Rowena crossed her legs, looking every bit the polished professional. “Give it to me straight. Are you planning on getting back with your ex p>
“It’s not a plan,” Cassian rasped, his voice holding a jagged, do–or–die determination. “She’s the only one for me. Period p>
Rowena arched a brow. A flicker of genuine respect–rare for a top–tier L.A. elite – crossed her face. “I have to admit, I admire the devotion. You don’t see that kind of romantic streak in our circle very often p>
Her tone shifted back to the cold, corporate edge of a pack heir. “But we both know that from the day we were born, we’ve carried our packs on our backs. In this world, interests always come first. If you think you can balance pack duty with your personal life, go ahead and roll the dice p>
“I don’t need to gamble,” Cassian said with the arrogant bite of an Ironthorn Alpha. “I’ll clear every obstacle in my way and bring her home myself p>
Rowena was silent for a moment before giving a breezy shrug, like she was signing off on a waived contract. “Fine. If your heart isn’t in the mateship, then from here on out, we’re business partners. No strings attached p>
The heavy aura in the car lifted slightly. Cassian gave a low nod. “Thanks. ”
As the tension receded, Rowena leaned back, her tone shifting to that of an analyst reviewing a failed merger. “You know, if your house is on fire, it doesn’t matter how big your business grows. You can take your time winning her back, but making an enemy out of Alpha Howard? That’s just bad business p>
Thinking about his father and grandfather acting like thugs at Silverlight made Cassian’s face go dark. A wave of violent pheromones flooded the car before he could catch himself.
Rowena caught the warning sign and wisely shut her mouth.
ut her mo
2:35 pm D
Chapter 400
Finished
They reached the elevator in the healing center, and the sharp scent of antiseptic made Rowena wrinkle her nose in disgust.
As the doors slid open, she reached out to help Cassian, but he jumped like he’d been burned, violently shoving her hand away.
Trista and her assistant, Zelda, were standing right there.
Rowena didn’t let the petty display of “social distancing” phase her. She gave a smooth, professional greeting. “Fancy meeting you here, Dr. Holmes p>
Trista stopped, giving a brief, polite nod–the kind of cold acknowledgment you give a stranger at a networking event.
Then, she walked right past Cassian without her eyes lingering on him for even a second.
Watching Trista walk away, Rowena couldn’t help but whisper, “I get why you’re obsessed. She’s hot p>
When she didn’t get a response, Rowena looked back to find Cassian staring at the empty hallway like a nan who had just lost his soul.
Alpha Cassian,” Rowena prompted. “Let’s get you to your room p>
Once she had him settled and the medical staff arrived, the healer took one look at Cassian’s bleeding abdomen and turned pale with rage.
He whirled on Rowena. “As his family, how could you let him run around? This is the third time these stitches have torn! He’s under mandatory bed rest. He doesn’t move an inch p>
Rowena looked at Cassian, her tone detached. “I’m a friend, not family. But I’ll be sure to tell his parents to keep a very close eye on him p>
Fred and Wynn burst into the room shortly after.
Seeing the “cleanup crew” had arrived, Rowena grabbed her bag. “Since the cavalry is here, I’ll take my leave p>
She headed to the pharmacy to pick up her meds, but ran into Trista again in the hallway.
Zelda took the hint and headed back to the office, leaving the two alone.
Rowena stopped, keeping a respectful distance.
“I was just giving him a ride. Don’t read into it,” Rowena said.
Trista found the comment almost ironic. Her lips quirked into a ghost of a smile. “Ms. Porter, Cassian and I are long over. You don’t owe me an explanation p>
12:35 pm
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.