Chapter 20
Blair’s POV
I didn’t say a word. The silence between us stretched tight.
Christian stared at me, eyes full of hope, as if his heartfelt confession might change something–might move me.
“Christian,” I said at last, shaking my head, my voice flat and unforgiving, “what’s the point of this? You know there’s no
such thing as a do–over in this world.”
“If I could undo anything, I’d take back two things: being born into the Blood Stone Pack… and becoming your Luna five
years ago–even if it was just in name.”
I was done. I didn’t want any more of this. “Christian, when I was hanging off that cliff… I already died once. Can’t you just let me go–for good?”
I turned to leave, but he suddenly grabbed my wrist.
“No. Blair, please. I was wrong–I know I was wrong. I regret everything.”
“You always wanted to seal the mate bond, didn’t you? Let’s go back, I’ll mark you. I’ll make you my real Luna. Please–just
give me one more chance.”
The more he talked, the sicker I felt.
Just when I struggled in vain to break free, a hand gently loosened his grip on my wrist.
I looked over–and saw Cassian. Relief flooded through me.
“Cassian? What are you doing here?”
“I’m here for the Alpha Summit. Passing through. Saw you by chance.”
He cast a wary glance at Christian, then looked down at my wrist where faint red marks had begun to appear.
“Did he hurt you?”
Christian’s expression darkened when he sensed the intimacy between us. His brows drew together. “Who the hell are
you? She’s my wife.”
Cassian chuckled, then turned to me. “Is that true?”
I shook my head without hesitation. “He’s just some stranger.”
“I’m her friend. And if you’re just a stranger, then stop bothering her.”
With that, he took my hand and led me away.
Christian tried to follow, but Cassian’s beta and a few warriors stepped in and blocked his path.
It wasn’t until we’d walked a good distance that I realized–we were still holding hands.
When Cassian noticed me looking, he quickly let go. “Sorry, I acted on impulse.”
“It’s okay. I should be the one thanking you.”
Chapter 20
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We strolled in silence for a bit until we reached the lake.
I stared out at the calm water, but something inside me felt anything but calm. The sorrow I’d tried so hard to bury was
rising again.
Cassian asked gently, “Do you want to talk about it? About him? Or what happened between you two? Sometimes letting
it out helps.”
Honestly, I hadn’t thought about the past in a long time. I even believed I’d forgotten it completely.
But when the source of all that pain stood right in front of me–I realized just how naive I’d been.
I didn’t know how to respond. Didn’t even know where to begin.
Cassian saw I didn’t want to talk, so he didn’t push me. Instead, he walked over to a flower stand nearby and picked out a
bouquet.
“You don’t have to say anything. But I hope these can bring you a little joy.”
He handed me a bunch of yellow roses.
I thought everything was finally clear–that Christian would give up at last.
But the next day… not only was he standing outside my place again–Lysander, Orion, and Zayden were with him.
The second they saw me; their eyes filled with tears.
“Blair-!”
I stepped back a few paces, dodging the hug they all tried to give, and stared at them coldly.
“Don’t call me that,” I said. “Your sister died on that cliff.”
The moment the words left my mouth, their eyes welled up even more.
Lysander broke down crying. “It was my fault,” he said hoarsely. “I’m sorry–I’m so sorry.”
“Alpha Lysander, what is this? Are you trying to guilt–trip me now?”
Chapter 20
