Bound and Burned by the One I Loved novel Chapter 4

I dragged myself upright on the cold stone, movements stiff and broken. Blood dripped from my forehead into my eyes, but I didn’t wipe it away. I clutched my satchel tight against my flattened abdomen—hiding the tomb where my daughter had been—and fixed Cassian with a gaze dripping with black venom. 

“The pup?” My voice was a rusted blade. “How touching. The territory’s beloved guardian—the compassionate Alpha—concerns himself with a bastard whelp? Your worry is wasted. She’s ash. Died in the fire while you were playing hero with your foster sister.” 

“Congratulations on your union, by the way. Enjoy your happiness while it lasts. Soon enough, you’ll visit your beloved through the bars of an enforcer’s cage.” 

Cassian’s face twisted, fury warping his handsome features into something grotesque. “Must you speak with such poison? I am the Alpha—protecting the pack is my sacred duty. I didn’t press charges against you for arson. I saved Eira. And now you blame me?” 

“You have no right to speak to me! No standing!” He lunged closer, manic suspicion burning in his eyes. “What happened to the pup? Did you use a binding wrap? Hide her in some den?” His claws twitched. “Listen well—I am the sire. Immutable law. Even if you birthed her in secret today, I will hunt you down and claim her through the Council!” 

Five years as fated mates. This was what he believed of me. The bond was a sick joke. 

He helped Eira to her feet, intending to cross the distance to rip open my tunic and verify. 

Eira let out a perfectly timed whimper of pain, clutching her cheek. Immediately, he pivoted back, all tender concern, leaving me bleeding on the steps. 

“Are you hurt? Where? Shall I carry you to the healers?” he crooned. 

“I’m fine,” she sobbed prettily. “Don’t be angry with her, Cassian. It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have visited the den.” 

Then she turned to me, malice gleaming in her eyes. “But sister, the pup wasn’t yours alone. How could you terminate her behind Cassian’s back? Your heart is too cruel. That was a living soul, not a toy for your tantrums!” 

Cassian’s grief ignited into fresh rage. He whipped toward me, eyes reddened and crazed. “You killed her? You dared to terminate my heir?” 

“Blind fool,” I laughed, bitter and broken. “You threw me down these steps—will you apologize? What right do you have to call yourself a sire? By abandoning your mate in the burning den? Or by spending five months entangled with your foster sister while your daughter died?” 

His brows slammed together, frame shaking. “You—pregnant with my heir—deliberately set fire to murder Eira!” 

“I thought a week would calm you. Clearly, you are beyond redemption!” 

“You selfish, poisonous bitch—you don’t deserve to be a mother! When the pup is born, I will raise her alone. Be kind to Eira, and I might allow you visitation. Otherwise, you’ll never see her again!” 

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