Claimed By The Mafia Rogue King (Snow and Cupid) novel Chapter 87

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Chapter 87

Snowflakes

I said it and I didn’t take it back, because I know I have spoken nothing but the truth. The purest truth. I am beginning to feel drawn to Cupid in a way that terrifies me, a way that tastes nothing like attachment.

It is thicker than whatever I ever felt for Ares. It was deeper, darker, rooted in something that pulls at my bones.

I watch Cupid drive off after handing me hope and I swallow down the thick bile in my throat. I straighten my shoulders, forcing myself to focus on the news that’s already airing.

The Sweet Gossip Feed is talking about my divorce. The session is ongoing, cameras dissecting my meltdown while my phone has been dead for two days.

My family must be frantic. My friend too. I sigh where I stand in the dress Cupid bought for me, hold my head high, and turn toward the sacred court.

Somehow I have a new confidence clinging to me like armor. A strength that wasn’t there before, as if his words carved steel into my spine. I don’t know how it happened or why, but I trust him. I trust that this divorce will bend in my favor.

I approach the courthouse, only to see Kashi outside pacing, phone clutched tight, worry etched into his every line. The moment he sees me, he freezes. Relief floods him, so raw it shakes him, and before he can reach me Eshan rushes ahead, practically crashing into me in a hug.

“Snow.” His voice breaks the second his arms cage me. I lower my eyes against the emotion thickening my throat. “Where have you been since yesterday? We’ve been calling and texting.”

When he pulls back, I search his eyes, he looks so genuinely worried, so humanly affected, and he is here. Caring.

I smile, helpless against it. Cupid took me to his loft, but I can’t tell anyone. Not yet.

I lace my fingers through my brother’s and walk toward Kashi who still stands rooted, stunned, analyzing me.

The second I reach him, he averts his eyes. His jaw is tight.

“The session is beginning. Let’s go.”

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He turns to leave, but I catch his wrist and force him to face me. He is terrified. Maybe they thought I’d harmed myself, considering how hopeless I was last time.

“You won’t ask for withdrawal from the case, Kashi. I have a new witness that will help us.”

He searches my face, brows pulled together and I meet him with a bright smile.

“Trust me.”

He doesn’t argue. He simply leans forward, kisses my temple, and guides me in. Eshan follows.

When we pass through the first threshold, flashlights bloom, the press has gathered in full force.

But before entering, I stop and whisper.

“I’ll use the women’s room first.”

He nods, relief amplifying, and I slip away.

Inside, the bathroom is empty, sterile, calm, mine alone. I stand before the mirror, staring at my own reflection until a wicked smile curves my lips. I peel back my sleeve, revealing my

arm.

Then I reach for the earring I wore and drag the sharp edge lightly across my wrist, peeling flesh, coaxing bruises and redness.

I wash the blood. My wolf heals, but only enough to seal the wound, leaving discoloration that looks days old. Perfect. I pull the sleeve back down and walk out.

When I emerge, Kashi is waiting. I join him, and together we enter the courtroom, the final hearing. Unless Roc wants backlash, he won’t stall this again.

Roc sits at the highest seat, regal and grave. Our eyes meet for a beat and my heart leaps. He never had the heart to force me to remain Ares‘ wife, and I know it.

I break the gaze and let Kashi guide me. My eyes sweep the room. The Mooncresters are here, my mother and Dante seated proudly. The Frosts, even Pinky who never has time for anything.

My human father sits farther in. I break ranks, walk to him, and take his hand just briefly. He pats it, tells me to go on with a soft smile. I swallow and obey.

If only I obeyed four years ago. If only.

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“Your Honor, my client Ares Bani wants to take his wife home and continue tending to her mental health as he always has,” Lawyer Rusi begins, stepping toward me. “Isn’t that right, Mrs. Ares Bani? You want to go home too, don’t you?”

Kashi rises for rebuttal but Ares speaks first, voice carrying.

my wife to me. I have cared for her for four years. You have no right to separate us

“Release

and I never cheated on her. Not once!”

The lie is so bold I scoff, loud enough to echo.

Kashi meets my gaze and I nod. He swallows, then nods too.

“Your Honor, we have a witness who will take the stand.”

“Bring the witness forward,” Roc declares and silence snaps tight.

I should call myself insane for trusting Cupid, a man I barely know, a Godlike. My entire fate is hanging on him on his word.

The silence is graveyard–deep. Even Ares‘ confusion is palpable. Kashi looks toward me, silently asking who but before I can answer, the sound of a car arriving splits the hush. Cameras explode.

I stand rigid, heart caught in my throat. I don’t turn. I wait.

The doors swing.

Ares bolts to his feet, shock punching through him and My own knees nearly buckle.

“I will testify to the infidelity of Ares here, Your Honor.”

Lencia’s voice slices the silence, and I almost forget to breathe.

She steps forward, swollen lip displayed like a flag. She stops before Ares, glares at him with venom, then turns and bows to Roc.

“Your Honor, I am Ares Bani’s mistress.”

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