of Cha

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ho was consumed by sparring with a few young wolves. She also wore a faint, calculating smile on her face, her expression alm

t didn't flinch; Cassian was bigger than life with his easy, unbrotherly confidence. And I saw t

ease simmering in my tummy. She turned to me, her face immediately so

h an edge I hadn't caught earlier. "Good to se

ression neutral. "I wanted to check on the pack's tr

he spoke with one of the older wolves. "He's... ver

hest. Cassian's being a leader had always been something for me to be

of something that made my heart clench. Her gaze lingered on Cassian just a

d-loyal, always there for me. I had to believe she would not cross the lines. But the d

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d over Minaj's expression, that almost predatory way she watched him. Of course, I was likely getting worked up over nothing, my insecurities twisting the truth of what had

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gth, his presence. As the months grew into something much deeper, something she could no longer ignore: watching him lead, fierce l

med to make him love her more. Minaj's hands clenched into fists, her heart twisting with jealousy. Why should Niki get to have it all? She'd failed t

in her veins. She would be the one by his side, the one he relied on the one one he turned to. She would ne

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ening, Mina

r footsteps silent as she entered the dimly lit

dy, though confusion flashed in

. wanted to check on you. You've been working

ening somewhat. "It's been ha

he felt his muscles tense beneath her touch, and her heart ran a pace, a thri

s. Whatever you need, whenever you need it." Her eyes held his, op

crossing his face. Neither closer, nor farther away. "Thank you,

own his arm, tracing his skin in a way that left little to the imagination. "You deserve someone who

nally pulled away, hardening his gaze.

t of frustration. "Niki doesn't understand you like

nd firm, his expression unreadable as

I'm... I'm sorry. I just... I hate seeing you unhappy. You deserve

ng deeper than any reprimand. "Niki is my mate, Min

and yet she willed herself to nod, to back off, suppressing the anger now writhing under the polite

If Cassian couldn't see her worth now, she would make him see it. She needed only that perfect plan. And with Niki's v

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interesting than the last. She had learned to be patient over the years, and if there was one thing she

ell, she knew just how to make