Chapter 0131
“…I’m sorry.”
That’s all Alaric says.
***
→→25 BONUS
Alaric’s POV
I hear the Arbun brothers‘ criticism of me, but I can’t refute it.
I am arrogant, foolish, and blind. My focus has always been on my ambition–on leading DarkWood to become the strongest pack in the world, so my people could live better lives. I believed that sacrificing everything for my goal was justified, that I could remain untouchably calm and collected forever.
Until I met Cara.
“…I’m sorry.”
That’s all I can say.
I don’t know how to explain myself this is a problem with no solution. My actions speak for themselves. I am exactly what they say I am.
A bastard.
Worse, I’ve become the very type of bastard I despise.
I rarely bow my head, but this time, I lower it deeply. However, the moment Aidan Arbun notices my submission, his fury only grows. His sharp eyes lock onto the faint mark on the side of my neck–a mark Cara left.
“You bastard…!”
Before his brothers can hold him back, Aidan’s fist connects with my face. The impact is hard enough to whip my head to the side.
I don’t fight back.
…Because I deserve it.
“You’re not sorry at all!” Aidan yells, his voice shaking with anger. “If you were truly sorry, you’d stay out of Cara’s life! You wouldn’t be here, messing with her again now that she’s finally happy!”
He punches me again. I take it.
“Why come back after all this time? Why drag her into this mess again when you’ve done nothing to make up for what you’ve done?”
+25 BONUS
Chapter 0131
I remain silent, enduring his rage.
Aidan takes another step forward, grabbing me by the collar of my shirt. His voice trembles with fury as he snarls, “Without you… if you had stayed away… Cara could’ve moved on! She could’ve found another man, someone who could give her a happy life! She could’ve had a better love, a better marriage!”
There is only one thing I cannot yield on.
“…I’m sorry,” I say firmly. “But that is not going to happen. I will pursue her again. I will win her back.”
“You-!”
Aidan’s face turns red with anger, and his body tenses as if he’s ready to hit me again. But before he can, I break free from his grip. My strength far exceeds his, leaving the famed Arbun racer both frustrated and stunned.
Grabbing his jacket collar, I-lean in close, speaking firmly.
“I will not leave Cara again,” I say. “I know I broke my promise, and I’ll face the consequences for that. But staying away from Cara… That’s the one thing I will never agree to.”
“I love her.”
Aidan’s entire body trembles with rage. His eyes redden, his breathing becomes heavier, and I can feel the air around him heat up. He’s on the verge of shifting–ready to fight.
But I don’t fear battles.
“-Enough!”
Ryan’s voice cuts through the tension.
The other twin steps forward, forcing himself between us and breaking the charged moment. Calm but firm, Ryan raises a hand, his voice low and measured.
“For Cara’s sake–and for the sake of our two packs‘ ongoing alliance,” Ryan says, his sharp tone betraying his usually playful demeanor, “if you two are going to fight, do it somewhere else. Not here.”
(( >>
…
Aidan turns his head away, still fuming, but he doesn’t argue with his brother.
I narrow my eyes, studying the renowned financial investor, Ryan Arbun.
Every member of the Arbun family possesses extraordinary talents, each a celebrated genius in their respective fields. Ryan Arbun may appear playful and friendly, but he is far more than
what he seems.
Leaning quietly against the wall, Colin, who has been silent this whole time, finally speaks.
0131
“Your words just now–were you serious?” he asks, his gaze piercing.
“You’re going to start pursuing Cara again?”
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