When The Luna Broke Her Chains novel Chapter 17

Chapter 17 The Heartless Alpha

Astrid lies draped across Cassian’s chest, her cheek pressed to the rise and fall of his breathing. Her fingers trace slow, hopeful lines across his skin. She waits for him to pull her closer the way he used to–hungry, eager, unable to keep his hands off her.

But tonight… He feels distant.

He touched her, yes. Took what he wanted, yes. But his mind was somewhere else entirely.

Astrid swallows the discomfort building in her chest. She tries not to remember the things Xena said.

Fated mate. Davina. Mirror image.

No. It can’t be true. It can’t be.

Who even is Davina? Why would Xena lie? Why would she say such cruel things unless—

Her heart sinks. The doubt is unbearable. Finally, she lifts her head from Cassian’s chest and meets his eyes. “Alpha,” she whispers carefully. She never calls him by his name. He hates it when she does. Xena is allowed, but not her.

Cassian opens one eye lazily. “Hm?”

Astrid hesitates, then forces the words out. “Who is Davina?”

Cassian goes rigid beneath her. Every muscle tightens. His voice hardens. “Who told you about her?”

Astrid reaches to touch his cheek, hoping to soothe him, but he grabs her wrist midair. Not gently. Not lovingly.

Her breath stutters. Her heart gives a painful squeeze. “Is she your fated mate?” she asks, voice thin. “Did you meet her at Alpha Duran’s name day celebration in Crescent Ash?”

Cassian sits up sharply. Astrid gasps as she’s jostled, clutching the sheets to cover herself.

“You should know better than to meddle,” Cassian snaps. “What’s with all these questions, Astrid?”

He swings his legs to the side of the bed.

“And what if she is my fated mate? What if I met her that day? What if I fucked her like I just fucked you? What of it?”

Astrid’s lips tremble. “You… you don’t have to yell at me she murmurs, leaning in to kiss him–but he shoves her back.

Tears burn her eyes instantly. She turns her face away, wiping them quickly.

“Cass-” she begins, then corrects herself in a whisper. Alpha. I was only curious.”

“Well, stop.” Cassian stands, grabbing his robe. “You don’t need to be curious.”

Her voice catches. “So what is this, then? You’re just using me until your fated mate returns?”

Cassian turns sharply, a wine goblet in hand. He glares at her–then smashes it against the floor, wine. splashing across the stone.

Chapter 17 The Heartless Alpha

Astrid flinches violently, covering her mouth.

“Stop asking questions,” Cassian growls.

Finished

He paces. His anger makes the room feel smaller. Astrid shrinks into the sheets, wishing she could disappear. Fool, she thinks bitterly. This is who he truly is. You let yourself fall for him. That’s your mistake.

She gathers the blankets to get up, to flee, to breathe.

“Wait.” Cassian stops her with his voice, not even bothering to look at her. “I saw the medicine on the floor in Xena’s chambers. That was what spilled, right?”

Astrid freezes. “Y–yes. It was that. I spilled it accidentally

Another lie. Another crack in her breaking conscience.

Cassian’s expression sharpens. “I hope you brought her a new batch. Her lunar energy must remain unstable, Astrid.”

Astrid forces a nod. “Of course. I replaced it, Alpha.”

Another lie.

“Good.” He exhales, tension easing from his shoulders. You must keep giving her the Knotgrass. Actually, increase the dose.”

Her stomach twists. Increase it?

Cassian continues, “If her lunar energy stabilizes, she could regain her wolf. Davina won’t like that.” He stiffens, correcting himself quickly. “I won’t like that.”

Understanding dawns on Astrid in a slow, cruel wave.

She is nothing but a placeholder. A convenient body. Someone to warm his bed while he waits for the woman he truly wants.

She looks at him, and there is no warmth in his eyes. None for her. There never was. She only just imagined it.

She tries to rise again just as a beta appears in the doorway, head bowed. She doesn’t startle because this isn’t the first time they’ve been caught. The beta doesn’t look at Astrid–he never does. She is invisible to everyone except Cassian, and even he doesn’t see her anymore.

Cassian runs a hand down his face. “This better be important.”

The beta nods. “It’s Xena, Alpha.”

Cassian’s jaw clenches. “What now?”

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222 Inu, Jan 24 S

When The Luna Broke Her Chains