Chapter 35
“Don’t. You’re embarrassing yourself, Daisy.”
“Am I?” she asks, her eyes wide with innocence. Daisy thrust her chest, exposing her cleavage. Honestly, all this is pathetic and embarrassing for her. She will be one of the most powerful women in this city, yet she acts like that?
“It’s pathetic. I’ve told you many times that I don’t want you. I’ll never take you as my Luna,” I’m frustrated. Tears dance in her amber eyes, but she blinks them back.
“But why? I’m beautiful, smart, rich, and an alpha daughter. I’m an asset to you.”
“I don’t want you. I don’t want an asset either,” I snarl. I don’t care if I seem harsh.
“We have known each other since we were kids, and being together makes sense.”
“Not to me,”
“Your words injure me, your highness. All I ever wanted was to be yours. But you’ve always been harsh,”
“You’re being inappropriate, Miss Zhang. If you want us to continue working together without a fuss, please stop trying to lure me. If not, I will discontinue all future projects our companies have.”
Daisy seems startled by my threat, but only for a moment. She frowns and leaves the office.
Daisy comes back five minutes later, wearing a stylish office outfit.
“I was trying my luck once again, Lavista,” she smiles confidently, taking a deep breath. “Could you not give me that judgy look? Everyone wants you, but it seems another has taken your heart. So, who is she?
11
“Let’s discuss the newest project,” I said, changing the topic. Daisy smiles calmly and nods.
I go straight to my wing when I arrive home later that evening. As I walk there, I hear whimpers from Apphia’s room, which is adjacent to mine. I barge into the room. She is crying and thrashing in her sleep. I rush to her and gently shake her. However, it only seems to frighten her more.
“Get off me,” she cries.
My lycan whimpers. I’m disarmed when I understand why she is struggling and crying. My mate is dreaming about the day of her assault. I shake her, waking her from the depths of her nightmare. She jolts awake, sitting and looking around. Her body is shaking like a leaf on a breezy day. Her face is fear- stricken as she looks at me with a wary gaze. It’s like I’m a stranger to her.
11
You were having a nightmare, but you’re safe now,” I coo.
Apphia pulls her legs to her chest, and her arms wrap around her knees. She stays like that for a long
time, calming herself, yet tears flow from her eyes. I don’t know how to help her; I wish I could hold her.
“!
Apphia,”
She lifts her teary gaze to meet mine. “I swear no one will ever hurt again,” I assure. I raise my hand
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Chapter 35
+25 Bonus
carefully so as not to startle her and wipe her tears from her face. Apphia does something I didn’t expect. She gets on her knees and throws her arms around my neck, silently crying again. I hesitate to hold her back, but I can’t take it anymore. I wrap my arms around her tightly, realizing how thin she is. We stay in an embrace for a long time.
“I’m never going to let anyone hurt you, Apphia,”
She pulls away from me, sniffling and wiping her cheeks, “C- can you stay next to me for a little while? I know it’s a lot to ask, but-”
“I’ll stay by your side until you drift to sleep,” I reply without thinking twice.
She slowly lies down, closing her eyes. However, sleep doesn’t find her quickly. But I stay with her, stroking her hair gently, sitting at the edge of her bed.
I wonder why she trusts me to be by her side. ‘She doesn’t trust you yet. The mate bond compels her to trust you and feel safe,‘ Nico explains.
She must be confused as to why she feels compelled toward me, of all people, in this strange new
environment.
Apphia finally falls asleep, and I’m tempted to crawl into bed with her, but I do not. Instead, I kiss her forehead and leave the bedroom for my own suite.
I go straight to the shower. I strip down and hop in the shower. I let the warm water relax me. I sigh as I remember what I discovered about my mate. My mate is a marked wolf with divine powers.
After the shower, I dry myself with a towel and put on boxers. I get in bed, lying on my back and facing the ceiling, hands behind my head. It is cold around, and the wraiths (darkness) within me whisper, tormenting me. It wishes to come out and take over. It’s another long, sleepless night for me.
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Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.

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