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There was a flicker of doubt in her eyes, but to his relief, she nodded, folding her arms in a protective stance. “All right. I can’t promise I won’t freak out, but I’ll try to keep an open mind.”

Kris let out a slow exhale of relief. “Thank you. That means…a lot.” He swallowed, steeling himself for what was to come. Then he took a step back from Cassia, lifting his palms in a gentle plea. “Trust me?”

Cassia studied his face for a long moment, then gave a single, careful nod. “I’ll do my best,” she whispered.

She’s willing to give us a chance,Kris said with relief.

That’s all we can ask for,his bear replied.

“All right,” he murmured. “Then…let me show you.”

He turned away from her slightly, preparing to shift.Here goes,he told his bear.Now it’s up to you.

But just as he started to let go of the world around him, and his mate, Cassia’s phone rang, shattering the quiet of the clearing.

Kris flinched, stunned by the jarring intrusion.Of all times…

“Apologies,” Cassia murmured, her face crumpling as she reached into her pocket and glanced at the screen.

Kris watched her face pale.Who could it be?

I don’t know, but they have terrible timing,his bear growled in frustration.

“Hello?” she murmured, pressing the phone to her ear. She winced, shooting Kris an apologetic look before taking a few steps away. “I…now’s not a great time.”

The voice on the other end of the line rose, the words too faint for human ears. But Kris wasn’t just human, and he caught every word.

“It’s me,” the man said.

“What do you want?” Cassia hissed.

“You,” came the reply.

Kris’s stomach tightened in knots, but he forced himself to remain calm.

However, his bear let out a mournful roar.This is not good.

Another few minutes and they would have revealed themselves to Cassia. They would have shown her what they were and told her they were mates, destined to be together forever.

But now…

Cassia’s shoulders stiffened. “Maybe you should’ve thought of thatbeforeyou cheated on me,” she replied, her voice tight with hurt.

The man’s tone wavered. “I’m sorry, Cassia, truly. It was cold feet—I panicked. I didn’t know what I was doing. But we can fix this…we can fixus.I still want to marry you.”

A wave of anger and sadness twisted in Kris’s chest.Marry her?Adrenaline spiked in his veins.

She is ours!his bear roared.

But how could they stand in her way if she still had feelings for this man?

Cassia pressed her free hand to her forehead, half-turning away from Kris. “This isn’t the best time to talk,” she said, voice trembling. “I’m…I’m in the middle of something.” She glanced over her shoulder, meeting Kris’s gaze with conflicted eyes.

“Don’t end the call,” the man pleaded, desperation lacing his words. “We love each other, Cassia! I made a mistake, but we can move past it. I’ll do anything.”

Her knuckles whitened around the phone. “I’m not sure how you expect me to believe that after what happened. Saying you ‘panicked’ is one thing, but youslept with my best friend.” Her voice shook, raw pain simmering beneath the anger.

“I know!” he burst out. “I—I was stupid, I got scared about the wedding, and I… God, I’d do anything to take it back. Just…please, let’s talk this through. You’re the only woman I want, Cassia.”