Chapter 6
Caius came back on the same day Grayspire Pack was hosting its victory banquet, inviting allied packs from across the region.
His mother shot him a disapproving look. “If it weren’t for this celebration, I bet you’d still be in Oakshade babysitting Thalia. Completely forgotten about your own parents, haven’t you?”
Caius glanced at me instinctively.
I sipped my wine, smiling faintly.
He looked a little flustered as he stepped closer, trying to explain. “There was a business contract that needed signing in Oakshade. It ran expected.”
Before I could respond, a few packmates gathered around with grins and half–finished drinks.
“Well, well, look who’s finally back together–Grayspire’s golden couple!”
“It’s been a minute since we’ve seen you two side by side.”
“Seriously, Zira used to be the queen of arm candy–never seen her date the same guy twice.”
“Guess it takes a real Alpha to tame her, huh?”
I kept my smile polite. “Oh, we’re actually preparing to dissolve the mate bond.”
Dead silence.
Caius froze.
His eyes darkened like a storm cloud about to break, staring at me with something between fury and disbelief.
The others looked at each other, stunned.
“Zira, come on. You’re kidding, right?”
I swirled my wine glass lazily. “Paperwork’s ready. Caius, once this dinner’s over, let’s go sign it.”
Without a word, he grabbed my wrist and pulled me toward the exit. “We need to talk. Now.”
Right then, my best friend Liora showed up, totally unbothered.
“Oh–Zira, you left your prenatal report in my car.
Caius froze. His eyes widened, stunned.
“You’re… pregnant?” he asked, voice barely above a whisper.
I watched the joy bloom across his face. And for a second, I let it hang there–sweet and cruel.
,” I said calmly. “Just hit the two–week mark.”
“Yes,”
He blinked, confused. “What did you say?”
“Two. Weeks.” I smiled, cool and unwavering.
And just like that, his joy shattered.
The warmth drained from his face, replaced by something cold and gut–deep.
His jaw clenched. His knuckles turned white where he held my wrist.
I jerked free and laughed bitterly.
“Caius, since the moment Thalia came back, have we even touched each other?”
The crowd gasped.
“Zira–are you saying… you cheated?” someone blurted out.
I tossed my head back with a short, mocking laugh. “Cheating? Please. Like I’m the only one.”
Caius’s voice trembled, his eyes red. “Zira, I swear–I never betrayed you. Never.”
“No?”
Chapter 6
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My smile turned razor–sharp as I pressed the button on a slim remote in my pocket.
The music stopped.
The banquet hall’s central screen lit up–and there it was.
A photo: Thalia, half–dressed in lingerie, straddling Caius’s lap, mid–kiss.
The crowd went silent.
Caius’s mother gasped and collapsed.
Security scrambled to control the chaos.
His Beta began rushing the guests out.
And still–Caius and I stood face to face, locked in our personal war.
His eyes were bloodshot, but he couldn’t meet my gaze.
“Don’t be ridiculous!” his father roared. “You’re twisting this into something disgusting!”
I turned to him slowly, venom in my voice. “So you think I fabricated those photos? That I made all this up to slander Caius and Thalia?”
Caius stepped closer, desperate to explain. “Zira… this isn’t what it looks like. It’s a misunderstanding-
Liora shoved herself between us.
“A misunderstanding?” she snapped. “You wanna see the texts your sweet little sister sent Zira when she forwarded those photos? You wanna see what kind of smug, smug–ass face she made when she said enjoy?”
“I swear, I’ve never met someone so proud to be a homewrecker. And you’re gonna stand there and defend that?”
“Must be the family values, huh?”
Her words were brutal, but Caius didn’t respond. He just looked at me–like he still believed there was something left to salvage.
“Just one chance,” he whispered. “Please. Let me explain.”
I looked at him, blank and cold.
“No need. Let Thalia explain how I got those photos.”
I turned to leave.
He reached for me again.
“I’m pregnant, Caius. Back off.” I stepped back, hand protectively cradling my belly.
His face turned ashen. His eyes were wet.
“Stay away from me,” I said, voice sharp as steel. “Don’t touch me.”
Back in the car, Liora slammed her palm on the steering wheel. “Okay, but he still hasn’t signed the mating bond dissolution papers! You seriously can’t stay married to this garbage man!”
I stared straight ahead, calm.
“Oh, he’ll sign.”
“I just made sure he has to.‘
Liora hesitated. “Can I ask something?”
I didn’t answer, but she asked anyway.
“Who’s the baby’s father?”
Images flickered through my mind–heat, breathless need, his mouth at my ear and eyes like fire in the dark.
I looked out the window, voice soft. “It doesn’t matter.”
Chapter 6
