The Heartbroken Luna's Choice Banish Love novel Chapter 281

Third Person's POV

An hour later, at the Ironthorn packhouse, Cassian was scrolling through a video Fred had posted.

Humphrey, his beta, watched him stare blankly at the screen and quickly looked away.

"Luna Trista's driving is insane," Humphrey couldn't help but mutter in admiration.

Cassian shut off the screen, his voice flat. "I'm the one who taught her."

Cassian walked over to the lounge area by the floor-to-ceiling windows. He couldn't shake the image of Trista pulling off that helmet.

He still remembered what she'd told him back then, "Cassian, from now on, your kisses belong only to me."

He stood by the liquor cabinet, his knuckles tapping rhythmically on the wood.

His kisses had only belonged to Trista; he'd never touched another she-wolf.

By that same logic, everything about her had to remain his and his alone.

Cassian poured a glass of red wine.

His tailored black trousers and shirt highlighted the explosive power of his Alpha physique.

Holding the glass in one hand, he dialed a number. "Alpha Derek, since you're in LA, let me show you some hospitality."

The second he hung up, Humphrey's comm-stone started vibrating.

Looking at the caller ID, Humphrey felt the pressure in his skull spike. He braced himself and approached Cassian.

"Alpha Cassian, Samantha is pushing again. Do you want to go settle her down personally?"

Cassian stared at the blood-red wine in his glass, his voice icy. "You handle her. Just make sure they have enough to survive."

Humphrey's jaw tightened.

Ever since Cassian put him in charge of that woman's mess, his life had been a disaster.

Samantha was like a parasite that couldn't be weaned; she didn't stop until late at night, and now it was 24/7 message bombardment.

Because of this, Humphrey was sleep-deprived and his own mate was starting to question his loyalty—he'd even been kicked out of bed twice this week.

At this rate, Cassian might not break his bond, but Humphrey was going to have to file for a severance at the Pack Council first.

Just then, Alaina walked in. Humphrey respectfully poured her coffee and beat a hasty retreat.

Cassian and Alaina sat in the briefing room.

Alaina was a straight shooter. "Samantha's place was attacked. I assume you've already smelled the smoke?"

Cassian rested his elbows on his knees, head down, giving a low, heavy grunt of affirmation.

At the healing center, Samantha hurried to catch up with Trista, blocking her path.

Samantha glared at Trista's retreating back, her eyes venomous. "Bitch, just you wait."

She was convinced that in time, Cassian would come crawling back.

They'd be just as sweet as they were when they first returned to the States.

Samantha arrived at a cafe following the address Alaina had sent.

She stared at the dark liquid in front of her, then looked nervously at Alaina across the table.

Alaina broke the silence first. "I didn't know what you liked. I figured since you managed to charm Cassian, your tastes might align with his, so I took the liberty of ordering you a cup."

Samantha actually hated the bitter, raw taste of black coffee.

But to fit into the pureblood social circles and not be looked down upon, she forced herself to order pour-overs every single day.

"Thank you, ma'am. Cassian and I are both used to this," Samantha lied, her tone dripping with practiced flattery.

She took a tiny, "elegant" sip.

The extreme bitterness exploded in her mouth. It took everything she had to swallow it.

Alaina hadn't even provided a single sugar cube.

She knew right then: Alaina was up to no good.