Chapter 81
Chapter 81
Cassian’s POV
Every sentence Samantha uttered was a deeper drop in my gut.
I had said those things.
Finished
Hearing her parrot them now, every word felt like a silver–tipped nail driving into my bones.
My chest was heavy, like I was carrying a mountain.
Even the wolf inside me was suffocating, letting out a low, muffled roar.
“Did Trista tell you all this herself?” I asked, my voice barely a whisper.
Samantha nodded. “If Trista hadn’t told me, how would I know p>
She was speaking the truth.
I had only voiced those regrets in the study, convinced Trista couldn’t hear.
Samantha carefully approached me, her fingers reaching for my hand, gently brushing my knuckles. “Cassian, since Trista has chosen to let go, to free us p>
“Since neither of us can move on-” She looked up, deliberately softening her omega scent. “Can we start over p>
She leaned in, rising on her toes, aiming for a kiss.
The omega scent drifted closer, winding up my gland line.
I stood completely still, testing something.
Was I testing my heart, or my wolf, to see if there was any residual spark for this omega?
The answer came faster than I expected.
The moment her lips neared mine, I recoiled, reflexively pushing her away like I’d been electrified.
The move was sharp, a primal rejection.
My wolf felt a wave of nausea–not toward her, but toward the idea of “substitute” affection.
“The car is at the door,” I said, turning away. “Go pack. Take Algernon back p>
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Chapter 81
P:
I had already sent the order via Mind–link–the Ironthorn car wouldn’t be late.
Neither my mind nor my body could accept Samantha.
This time, I knew with absolute clarity-
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Finished
All I felt for her was guilt and responsibility.
Samantha staggered, nearly losing her footing.
She looked at me in disbelief, her voice cracking. “Cassian, I loved you for so many years! I sacrificed everything for you! How can you turn on me like this p>
I turned to face her.
I pulled my Alpha aura back to an icy stillness–no outward dominance, just an immovable boundary suspended between us.
“Samantha,” I stated. “I know you suffered for me over the last six years, and I appreciate that p>
“So, I will meet your every demand p>
“I protected you and Algernon by faking the paternity test, keeping you safe from hunters, media, and rival packs p>
I knew the report was fake.
My wolf didn’t need paper to confirm its blood, but Algernon wasn’t mine.
“I didn’t explain the truth to Trista, to spare your dignity p>
“I ignored Trista, letting her hurt, all to care for you
My fingers tightened involuntarily as I spoke.
and Algernon p>
I was fighting my wolf–fighting the urge to bolt out and chase the she–wolf we had both driven to the breaking point.
“Samantha,” I continued. “I can compensate you as much as possible, but I will not sacrifice my marriage, or the mating bond between Trista and me, as the price p>
“Do you understand p>
My voice was low, but it landed like a rock, defining the boundary.
Her composure shattered. Tears streamed down her face. She raised her left hand, thrusting it
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Chapter 81
toward me. “Cassian, look–what is this? ”
Finished
She raised her voice, throwing down her final card, demanding an answer I couldn’t dodge.
My gaze followed her finger.
The moment I saw the ring on her finger, I froze.
It was Trista’s wedding ring.
The ring we exchanged at the Stone Circle, witnessed by the Moon Goddess.
The ring she put on herself, after letting my wolf bite her finger and bleed into the metal.
I reacted instantly, my fingers clenching. I reached out, instinctively tearing the ring off Samantha’s finger. “How is this wedding ring on your hand p>
Samantha flinched, pulling back. Her arm flew up to shield her chest, fiercely protecting the ring. “Cassian, Trista took it off and gave it to me herself! Are you surprised p>
As she spoke, her eyes held a twisted, victorious malice.
She looked like an omega finally claiming its trophy.
My heart sank lower.
I stepped forward, clamping her wrist. My grip tightened, the suppressed Alpha aura lending an icy command. I forcibly stripped the ring from her finger.
The instant the metal slipped into my hand, I felt the sharp contrast of its temperature.
Samantha’s hand was hurt. She trembled, crying harder. “Cassian, Trista doesn’t want you anymore 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.