Chapter 441
Chapter 441
Third Person’s POV
Finished
Alpha Edwin narrowed his eyes, his gaze heavy with suspicion. “Mr. Manwaring, exactly what is your deal
with Trista p>
Elias looked around the room and gave a relaxed, easy smile. “Dr. Holmes and the Ironthorns are done. They’ve chosen to stand by and watch–that’s their business p>
Then, his expression went cold. “But Trista is my son’s godmother. For her, I’m willing to do whatever it takes p>
“Her business is Manwaring business. ”
Elias let each word land, like he was reading a property deed. “Her enemies are my enemies. Period. I suggest you all keep that in mind p>
His stance was as hard as iron, yet he remained perfectly elegant.
He kept a respectful distance, giving Trista top–tier protection without a hint of impropriety.
He turned to her, his eyes softening instantly. “I’ll wait for you in the car p>
“No need,” Trista replied calmly. “I’m coming with you p>
Elias offered a polite goodbye to the group and escorted Trista out.
Cassian watched the taillights of Elias’s car fade into the night.
He instinctively took a step forward to chase them, but Fred blocked him.
Cassian looked at him, his dark eyes now nothing but hollow craters of grief.
He shoved Fred’s hand away and stumbled toward his own car.
Behind him, Alaina’s voice, Wilmot’s barking, and Wynn’s frantic shouts all blurred into white noise. He couldn’t hear any of it.
All he felt was a vast, absurd emptiness.
When she was in trouble, she went to Elias.
Cassian had stood right in front of her for what felt like forever, but she only had eyes for someone else.
She would accept kindness from anyone but him. She was gentle to the whole world, but she’d built a fortress against him.
She was erasing him from her life with surgical precision, and she wouldn’t even give him the chance to
make amends.
Humphrey, seeing the state Cassian was in, hopped into the driver’s seat. “ Alpha Cassian, let me take the
2:59 pm DXXM.
Chapter 441
wheel p>
Finished
Cassian leaned back against the headrest and closed his eyes. His voice was so low it was almost a ghost of a sound. “Take me to the club p>
Humphrey caught a glimpse of him in the rearview mirror and felt a chill.
The feral, cornered energy coming off Cassian made the air in the car feel like lead.
He didn’t say a word; he just hit the gas.
9:00 PM. Trista’s House. The black Manwaring sedan pulled up smoothly to the curb.
Trista unbuckled her seatbelt and turned to Elias, her tone serious. “Mr. Manwaring, thank you for tonight. Truly. I owe you one. Let me host you for dinner sometime soon p>
Elias looked at her–so professional, so tense–and let out a low, melodic chuckle.
In the dim light of the car, the sound was warm and incredibly soothing.
“Trista, you’re way too serious p>
Elias tapped his fingers against the steering wheel. “Dealing with people like that isn’t even a workout for me. It was honestly no trouble at all p>
Trista wasn’t about to let it go. She stared him down, clearly uncomfortable with being in someone’s debt -especially when it involved pack politics.
Seeing she wouldn’t budge, Elias let his smile fade into something softer, more genuine. He leaned toward her. “If you really feel that bad about it… how about you help me out with a PTA meeting for my little guy next week p>
The joke lightened the mood instantly.
Trista didn’t catch the social subtext or feel any “dating” pressure; she just gave a firm nod.
To her, Elias had dropped everything to help her and had publicly crossed the Blackthorn pack–one of the Big Eight in L.A.–just for her sake.
She had to pay him back.
Besides, Sayer was her godson.
Stepping in for a busy father at a school meeting was the least she could do.
Late Night. Private Club Booth.
“Are you insane? You trying to drink yourself to death p>
Fred snatched the glass out of Cassian’s hand before he could take another hit.
The sharp, stinging scent of high–proof alcohol filled the booth, making the air feel even more suffocating.
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Chapter 441
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Finished
Cassian struggled to open his eyes. He looked at Fred like a man who had already lost his soul before collapsing back onto the sofa.
He was gasping for air, his chest so tight it felt like a wolf’s claws were crushing his heart.
He stared at the ceiling, his voice a jagged rasp as he talked to himself. “I can’t… I can’t break my word again. I promised her freedom. I have to do it p>
Fred wiped the table clean, moving the rest of the bottles far out of Cassian’s reach.
“Cassian, wake up,” Fred said, his voice brutally cold and sober.
“You and Trista are done. The fact that you even chose to let her go shows you haven’t completely lost your mind yet. Don’t throw the rest of it away now p>
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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.