Third Person's POV
By noon the next day, Cassian rushed over to the healing center only to find out that Trista had taken a leave of absence.
Across town, at a brand-new luxury complex, Trista was finishing up the paperwork on a new place for her parents.
Ulva looked at her daughter, her eyes full of worry.
"Mom, don't worry," Trista said, trying to ease her mind. "I originally wanted to open my own practice, but Xander talked me into staying at Sheptran. Even though his family runs the place, my salary and bonuses are huge."
"But you're about to be single," Ulva said, still not convinced.
"You're going to have a lot of expenses. You need to save your money; we don't need a villa this fancy."
"Living like this is the whole point, Mom," Trista insisted.
"Once I'm officially out of my place, I'm moving in with you. I'll bring in the money, Attwater can focus on school, and you and Dad can just garden and hang out at the park. We're going to live however we want. We move in May."
With Alistair—Cassian's uncle—backing her, Trista felt like she had all the leverage in the world.
Cassian was currently walking a tightrope between the Ironthorns and Shadowfangs; he wouldn't dare start a war with Alistair right now. She was getting this separation, no matter what.
10:00 PM. An ultra-exclusive private club downtown.
It was a playground for the human elite, but because it was so private, it was a popular spot for local werewolves to lay low.
Trista and Wynn were tucked away in a corner booth, surrounded by four polished, submissive-looking call boys.
Wynn was in her element, flanked by the guys. The mix of booze and expensive cologne had her feeling a bit buzzed.
She didn't hesitate to pull out her phone and post a provocative photo to her story—a blur of club lights in the background, and her toned arm draped casually over a boy's shoulder in the foreground.
Trista's wolf naturally hated alcohol, so she was just there for the vibes.
Every drink and service tonight was being charged to Cassian's black cards. She hoped every notification hitting his phone made his blood boil.
Trista moved a glass of red wine away from Wynn. "Wynn, where's Fred been? I haven't even heard a peep from him lately."
"Him? The elders are breathing down his neck to 'carry on the bloodline.' He was about to snap, so he bailed to Northern Europe for some peace and quiet," Wynn said, scratching her head.
Fred and Cassian were the same age, both just turning thirty.
Wynn, who was blunt and lived life on her own terms, treated all the guys around her like buddies.
Wynn's instinct to submit was part of her DNA. In front of Cassian, she barely dared to breathe. "Uh... hey, Cassian. Take it easy. Don't be mad at Trista. My wolf was just acting up, so I dragged her here for some... juice..."
"The car is outside. Go home. Now." Cassian pointed toward the door. Wynn grabbed her bag and ran.
Cassian looked around at the crowd watching them, then looked back at Trista. "Are you walking out on your own, or do I have to carry you?"
Trista rolled her eyes, grabbed her bag, and walked out.
On the sidewalk outside, Cassian caught up to her. "It's late. I'm driving you."
Trista was actually a little surprised; he hadn't tried to force her back to "their" house this time.
She stopped and looked at him, her voice flat. "Cassian, we've known each other for twenty years. This back-and-forth is just embarrassing."
Cassian stepped closer and tried to take her hand. "Then what do you want from me?"
Trista's eyes were cold.
She shook him off and gave him a sarcastic smile. "You say that like I actually have a say in any of this."

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