Chapter 25: Flames of denial

~Cayden’s POV~

This can’t be real... impossible. Hazel? Pregnant with my child?

The words played in my head like some sick joke. I stood there, stiff, barely breathing as Caspian took a step back from me. I noticed it instantly—the disappointment in his eyes, the sharp shift in the air between us. My brother, my blood... turning away.

I reached out instinctively, like that could somehow fix this. "Brother... this can’t"

But he cut me off, his voice slicing through the noise like a dagger.

"It’s enough, Cayden. Enough of your lies and deceit. But for how long will you keep doing this, huh?"

He stepped back further, shaking his head in disgust. "Alpha Cayden."

That last part? He emphasized it—mocked me with it. My title suddenly felt like a heavy burden around my neck. My eyes widened because that was it. That was exactly what I’d been running from.

Any connection with Hazel always ended in chaos. The closer I got to her, the more I felt like I was unraveling. Worse—I was dragging her down with me.

I sent Ragnar away. I made a deal. I told myself it was for her safety, that staying away was the only way to protect her. She didn’t need to be tangled in my world. And now...this?

A child? free\NovelFire.c o(m)

No. No, it couldn’t be. I wasn’t even inside her long enough. Barely even touched her that way. And Natasha? I’ve been with her countless times, and not once has she gotten pregnant. Not once.

This had to be a scam. A cruel setup. She’s faking it.

And now, she’s taking Caspian away from me. My own brother. My last anchor. Without him, I’m... lost.

The anger began to boil under my skin. I needed answers. I needed to see her.

I shoved Caspian out of my way and stormed through the crowd toward the hall’s entrance. But then

I stopped, like my body hit an invisible wall.

There she was.

Hazel.

Standing tall in the middle of chaos, her gaze locked with mine like we were the only two people in the room. Tears streaked down her face, ruining her makeup. Her hands clenched the fabric of her dress like it was the only thing keeping her grounded. Her chest heaved, but her stare?

Fierce.

"You.."

teeth

eyes dropped

feeling crept into my chest. Not fear. Not anger. Something

shielding her like I was a disease. That only enraged me

lungs. "First becoming our mate... and now pregnant? Are you aware of the danger and embarrassment you’re bringing to my pack?

blink. Her stare

laughed. Low. Painful. Like the kind that comes from somewhere deep and

to have control over this situation? I would pick you to be the father

heart twisted, but my anger

all of this?! Can’t you just leave?!" I shouted,

Caspian’s arm tightly. "I... wish

weren’t loud,

can leave. With your illegitimate

were harsh. I meant them to be. If she stayed... she’d die. This pack, my world—none of it

the rest of her human days in

But instead of breaking...

She stepped forward.

heels clicked against the marble like

She slapped me.

Hard.

And then again.

then a third

across my face and through the gasping

call my

into the collar of my suit. She yanked me closer, eyes blazing with fury.

shoved her back, not

thing you could possibly do to me. Any ’or else’ will just be the tip

had gone

was cursed the moment she walked in. Every time she enters, everything goes to

lose control. Not in front

it, she... she always knows

near the edge of the crowd. My parents were up on the mezzanine, and the Gilbert wolves were gathering near Marcus.

And then he spoke.

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