Chapter 15
Caspian’s face was a portrait of disbelief, his eyes wide as the damning recording played through my phone. The room, once filled with celebration, now hummed with tension. Ophelia, her face twisted in panic, lunged for the phone, her fingers reaching desperately. “Claire, how could you set me up like this?” She demanded, her voice a high–pitched wail.
I sidestepped her frantic grasp, my heart racing with a mixture of relief and fury. “Wasn’t I forced into this by you?” I retorted, my voice icy and unforgiving.
On the other hand, Caspian, snapping back from his stunned silence, shoved Ophelia with such force. that she tumbled onto the shards of broken glass scattered across the floor. Her scream of agony was a sharp, piercing cry that cut through the murmurs of the crowd. The guests, wide–eyed and horrified, could only watch as the scene unfolded.
Ignoring the pain of her new injuries, Ophelia clawed at Caspian‘ s pant leg, her voice rising in desperate, broken pleas. “It’s not what it looks like, Caspian! I can explain. I loved you so much, but you all chose her. I was just desperate to keep you!”
Without a second glance, Caspian kicked her away, his face a mask of cold resolve. Ophelia fell again. among the shards, her injuries now more severe. The situation had spiraled beyond her control, her desperation evident in every anguished cry.
“Caspian,” she cried out, her voice cracking, “you promised to treat me well for the rest of our lives. Why are you doing this to me?”
Caspian s gaze finally settled on her, his expression hardening. “The kindness I extended was because someone once saved me,” he said, his voice steady. “But that person was never you.” Turning away from her, Caspian approached me, his concern etched in every line of his face. “I’m. sorry, Claire. Are you alright?” He asked, reaching out to help me.
I recoiled from his touch, my anger surging. “Don t touch me!” I snapped. The sight of him, so desperate and broken, only solidified my resolve that he was not worth my suffering. Before Caspian could respond, a new figure emerged from the crowd. Alpha Atlas, his presence commanding and regal, swept in and lifted me into his arms with an effortless grace. His deep, velvety voice carried a carefree amusement. “How did you grow up with such miserable people?” He asked. His words, though lightly spoken, brought a fresh wave of tears to my eyes. The air between us crackled with a strange energy. My human senses had always been drawn to his undeniable charisma, but now, something more profound stirred within me. My wolf, restless and agitated, howled in longing. It was as if my wolf had grown tired of waiting for me to end my connection with Caspian. It yearned for Atlas‘ s presence, drawn irresistibly to his scent–a rich, earthy aroma tinged with the sharp tang of pine and the faintest hint of wild musk.
Atlas s scent was intoxicating, a potent mix that stirred something deep within me. His eyes, a striking blue flecked with gold, held a glint that spoke of power and dominance. His wolf was an imposing force, an Alpha whose mere presence commanded respect and submission from other wolves. Despite his reputation of being unapproachable, my wolf was unabashedly attracted to him, eager to be close to his formidable aura.
It was a contrast to Caspian, whose presence had become a dull ache of disappointment. I had heard that Alpha Atlas was nearly impossible to match, his wolf so dominant and fierce that lesser wolves would bow down or retreat in fear. Yet here I was, my wolf leaping at the chance to be near him. Caspian’s voice broke through the haze of my thoughts. “You have no right to hold Claire! Let her go!” His anger was palpable as he advanced on Atlas, his fists clenched in a futile attempt to confront him. Alpha Atlas turned his gaze back to Caspian, his expression cool and challenging. “And you do?” His voice was a low, dangerous purr.
Suddenly, realization dawned on Caspian. “What the hell did you do? Why can‘ t I feel my connection with my mate anymore? Did you steal my mate away? You motherfucker!” His words were a
thunderclap in the room, causing gasps of shock to ripple through the crowd. His accusations hung heavy in the air.
The fruth was, Atlas hadn’t stolen me. It was our wolves who had chosen each other, a natural progression that had come from years of neglect and dissatisfaction. My wolf had been searching for a true Alpha s protection, and now, with Atlas‘ s powerful presence, it had found what it craved. I couldn’t bear the sight of Caspian any longer. “Caspian, just go. Get lost,” I said, my voice firm. Caspian stood frozen, his eyes wide with shock. He had not expected me to side with Atlas, and the realization seemed to shatter something inside him. Without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving the room in stunned silence.
Alpha Atlas carried me back to the Bloodvenom Pack‘ s infirmary, where my wounds were treated with care.
The day after, Ophelia became the subject of ridicule and scorn throughout the entire continent. Meanwhile, Caspian stood vigil every night outside the pack house. I eventually had to expel him from my life entirely, giving him his belongings and the wealth he had amassed over the years. Despite my efforts, he persisted in his attempts to reach me.
One night, after another visit from Alpha Atlas, I encountered Caspian at the pack‘ s border. He kneeled in front of me..
