~Caden~

"Once Finn recovers, I'll take him away," Ella said.


Caden was fuming. She wanted to leave? He grabbed her hand. "You don't understand the situation."

Instantly, a golden bond appeared between their clasped hands—like a seal.

"Stay, Ella."


It was the most primitive call from the depths of his soul—Caden's wolf begging her to stay.

Marcus's eyes widened. "My God—that's the seal that only appears between destined mates!"


"Caden's wolf has chosen you!"

Finn clapped his hands excitedly. "He really is my dad! I have a dad now!"

Ella stared in disbelief. "But Caden has a fiancée. How is this possible?"

She couldn't believe it. Even if the fiancée was Nova's lie, Caden's hatred for humans was real.

She shook her head. "But we don't have any emotional connection."

No emotional connection? That meant she didn't like him.

Caden clenched his fists, laughing bitterly in extreme anger.

Huh.

Then who was that woman in the room just now, kissing him and moaning in his arms?

"But weren't you enjoying yourself in that room just now, Miss Ella?"

Ella froze, remembering what had just happened. Her face flushed crimson.

What a hypocritical woman!

But Ella's words had struck a nerve. Caden took a deep breath and turned away.

"You're right. I don't believe in destiny either. I won't mark you, let alone make you my Luna."

Though she'd expected this response, Ella still lowered her head in disappointment. "I understand. I'll—"

Caden cut her off harshly. "However, you'll stay at the estate for now. My wolf is calmed by my mate's scent. You and Finn will be well cared for. Don't misunderstand—we're just using each other for mutual benefit."

She wanted to leave? It wouldn't be that easy, Caden thought with an inward sneer as he strode away.

Soon, only Ella and Finn remained in the room.

Finn curled up in Ella's arms. "Mom, can we live here now?" he asked innocently.

"I like it here. And I like this dad too."

Ella stroked Finn's head lovingly. For years, he'd endured hardships without complaint, always understanding beyond his years. "Yes, baby. Alpha Caden is your father, and you can stay here."

"What about you, Mom? I want you and Dad to always be together with me."

Ella didn't answer. She just held her precious child tightly. After a while, her phone rang—her stepmother calling.

Ella's expression darkened. "Finn, rest here in the room. I'll go make dinner for you."

Finn nodded obediently. After closing the door, Ella answered the call.

Her stepmother's voice was shrill and harsh. "You little bitch! You took Finn away! Do you have any idea how much money I lost because of you?"

"You have the nerve to question me? I'll settle accounts with you about Finn sooner or later!"

"Don't think I won't touch you just because you found a man to protect you. Listen—next weekend, you will go on that blind date, or you can forget about getting your grandmother's belongings."

With that, she hung up.

For years, Ella had been forced to go on blind dates. For each man she met, her stepmother received payment.

Ella clenched her fists. In the past, she'd endured it all for Finn's sake. But now, Finn had nearly been killed because of them. It was time to settle this score once and for all.