Chapter 327

Third Person's POV

Cassian bent down and set her slippers at her feet, his voice dropping to a freezing sub-zero. "If you want to end the bond, fine. Do your worst. But until that official decree comes down from the Werewolf Council, you're staying right where I can see you."

He saw Trista clutching her comm-stone, backed into a corner by the shoe rack, her eyes full of raw suspicion. It was like the last of his patience just evaporated.

He let out a jagged, self-deprecating laugh. "You don't have to look at me like I'm some rabid dog. I haven't lost my mind enough to force myself on my own Luna."

With that, he marched into his study. The door slammed so hard it felt like the house shook.

The next afternoon, Trista met Elias for lunch.

"Mr. Manwaring," Trista said, her voice laced with concern. "The Ironthorn influence runs deep in this city. If this case is getting too risky for you, please, let me know."

Elias looked at her, his expression dead serious. "Trista, if there is even a one- percent chance that you and Cassian can fix this, tell me now. I'll withdraw the petition and let you think it over."

Trista didn't blink. "That door didn't just close; he slammed it shut and locked it. I know the pressure is huge, but I'm done. This bond has to go."

Elias nodded. "The Ironthorn legal team is a pack of attack dogs, but Cassian is the one who broke the loyalty pact. He's on the wrong side of history here. As long as you're sure, I'm in."

Trista felt a weight lift off her chest.

This top-tier attorney was a total pro—he had the guts of an Alpha but never overstepped his bounds.

Later that day, Trista headed to the Shadowfang territory.

Alistair saw right through her the moment she walked in. "So, that old fox Elias actually agreed to go after Cassian for you?"

Trista lit a stick of calming incense and gave a self-deprecating smile. "Your nose is as sharp as ever, Alistair."

As she turned around, the tip of the incense accidentally brushed against Alistair's expensive custom suit. She pulled back just in time, but the damage was done.

Alistair stared at the tiny singe mark on his thigh and arched an eyebrow. "Is this how you treat your 'uncle' now?"

"I am so sorry," Trista apologized quickly. "I'll buy you a new pair, I promise."

Alistair traced the small hole with his fingertip, his tone playful. "Your heart rate is all over the place today. What's up?"

Trista set down her medical kit, looking frustrated. "Alistair, you're his uncle. He's acting like a total psycho-can't you use some of that 'elder authority' to talk some sense into him?"

Alistair's brow twitched. The second she called him "uncle," he knew she was calling in the cavalry.

"Cassian basically has me locked in the Ironthorn villa," Trista complained. "I'm worried he's going to completely snap and do something bloody. You're his blood— you have to help me keep him in check."

Alistair watched her, his voice dropping into a rare serious tone. "You really want out? For good?"

Trista tapped her chest, her eyes full of resolve. "More than anything."

Alistair looked down, idly fiddling with the heavy obsidian fang pendant around his neck. "Fine. Just focus on the neuro-therapy and try not to poke a hole in my leg this time."

It was nearly 7:00 PM by the time she left Shadowfang.

Suddenly, a pair of blinding high-beams cut through the dark, forcing Trista to slam on her brakes.

"Luna Trista, Alpha Howard has requested your presence at the packhouse." Several heavy-hitting sentries blocked her path.

Trista was escorted back to the main Ironthorn house.

She expected a trial, but instead, she found Howard sitting in a surprisingly calm atmosphere.

"Cassian is refusing to sign because

he still wants you," Howard said

slowly. "Since that stray's brat isn't his, just drop the attitude and go back to being our Luna, We'l consider the past month a mistake“ and move on. The pack won't hold it against you."

Trista stood before Howard, feeling like she was in the middle of a bad joke. "Did your 'perfect heir' forget to mention he was served with a divorce petition at the shareholder meeting yesterday?"

Howard's clouded but sharp eyes

narrowed. A heavy, suffocating wave of Alpha pressure filled the room. "Listen, girl. Keep your eyes on the

future of this territory. One day, the entire Ironthorn map-hunting grounds spanning multiple

states will belong to your and

Cassian's children. Don't go trying to

shake the foundations of this pack over a little pheromone slip-up with some low-tier she-wolf."

Trista let out a cold laugh. It sounded like a winter wind-sharp and final. "The power, the money, even this 'high-tier bloodline' you're so proud of? I couldn't care less about any of it anymore."

Wilmot finally snapped. His inner

wolf was roaring as he jumped to his feet, pointing a finger at her. "There are Alphas all over this continent who play fast and loose with their mating bonds! Especially predators at Cassian's level. He didn't bring that bastard into our sacred halls, and he hasn't cut the bond with you-what more do you want?"