Counterback of the Despised Luna by Diana West

Chapter 460 Stay With Him I heard footsteps approaching, my heart leaping in my chest as I rushed forward. "Doctor, how is Jasper? Is he... okay?" Caden remained by the wall, his posture stiff, his gaze sewhere.

The doctor's shoulders relaxed, and his voice softened. You can breathe easy now. The surgery went well. We got to him in time. The shotgun pellets, though there were plenty, didn't hit any critical organs. They've all been removed. He's lucky-good physical condition, especially as the heir. He'll need a couple of months to fully recover. No stress, no heavy activity. He'll stay here for now, make sure everything heals right. Once the wounds are fully closed, he'll be good to go, but he'll need rest, lots of it.” I exhaled, feeling the weight lift off me. “Thank you, doctor. I understand." He gave a small smile and waved it off. "Don't mention it. He's resting now, so keep the noise down. We don't want to disturb him." "Of course. Thanks again." I watched the doctor leave, my chest still tight, but the relief flooding in slowly.

For a moment, a sharp fear had clenched my chest. If Jasper hadn't made it ... if his life had been stolen because of me... the guilt, the weight of that, would've been a burden I couldn't bear.

Caden's POV: I kept my eyes on Rosaline, searching for any sign that she'd relaxed, that the tension had lifted. When I saw her finally let out a breath, I felt the tightness in my chest loosen, but the storm insidedidn't pass. I clenched my jaw and turned my gaze away, emotions floodingin a rush I couldn't control.

On Werewolf Continent, it was unthinkable for a wolf to see his mate care for another.

The jealousy-it was instinct. It couldn't be helped.

"We..." I began, but before I could finish, Rosaline was already heading toward the hospital room. I had no choice but to follow.

The door was closed, and she stood there, staring at Jasper. He lay unconscious on the bed, his breathing steady but shallow. The emotions on Rosaline's face were raw, unguarded.

"Now that he's okay, can you finally explain things to me?" The words tumbled out, sharp with frustration. I couldn't stand it any longer-the way she kept her gaze on him, as if I didn't even exist.

Rosaline dropped her eyes, taking a moment before turning toward me. "Caden, why don't you go back for now? I'll call you later. I need to stay with Jasper. He got hurt because of me, and I just can't leave him right now." I felt the rage boiling inside me. It was like a fire that just needed a spark. I couldn't contain it. My voice was low, controlled, but laced with a steel edge. “Rosaline, you're my girlfriend, and you're going to be the Luna of the Eclipse pack. Jasper's awake. The doctors are here. They'll take care of him." "He got hurt because of me. I think I should stay here." She didn't finish the sentence, but I wasn't waiting for her to.

I grabbed her chin, forcing her to look at me. Without warning, I kissed her-hard. My lips slammed amahare damandine "mmant Invind harm with mushing noid She made a sound of protest, her hands pushing again my chest. Her strength surprised me, but she managed to break free, her face flushed red, gasping for air. Before I could react, her hand shot out, slappingacross the face.

"You're crazy!" she yelled, her voice trembling with anger.

The slap stunned me. I stood there, stunned, my head turning to the side from the force of it.

I slowly raised my hand to my cheek, touching the spot where her palm had landed. The heat from the slap still burned, but my anger flared, hotter than before. I met her eyes, my voice barely a whisper, heavy with accusation. "You hit... for him?" I never imagined Rosaline would slap me.

Rosaline's eyes were red, teetering on the edge of tears, her face a mask of both rage and restraint. It was clear- she was as furious as I was. I stared at her, the tight knot of frustration in my chest only growing.

My throat burned with unsaid words, but they wouldn't come. With a sharp breath, I turned away, my boots thudding heavily against the floor as I left without a word.

She didn't follow. The silence that hung in the air only made my anger more suffocating.

Back in New Moon City, I stormed through the front door, my mood m dark and oppressive. Heidi was ке sitting on the couch, eyes fixed on the TV. When she saw me, a smile flickered on her lips, but it felt distant. "Caden, where'd you go today?" I gave her a quick glance, barely acknowledging her presence. Heidi and I were just playing a game, and with everything swirling in my mind, I couldn't be bothered with her right now.

"Nothing. Just work stuff." I spat the words out like they were poison, then turned and headed upstairs, each step heavier than the last.

Heidi caught the shift in my mood.

Her eyes softened, and she rushed to the kitchen, returning with a glass of water, setting it down in front of me. Π.

"It's tough when everything piles up, huh? You're hnow, so don't frown. Drink this. You've had a long day." My mind was a storm, but I took the glass, feeling the dryness in my throat from the argument. The water was a small, fleeting comfort.

I drained the glass, then made my way to the study, desperate for sspace.

A few minutes later, Heidi knocked, then entered with a plate of snacks. She placed it next to me, her smile back in place. "Caden, you must be starving after being out so late. I made these myself. Want to try?" She sat next to me, her arm sliding around mine, her hand light on my chest as if trying to calm the storm inside me.

I pulled away, my voice clipped. "I'm not hungry. I'll eat later. I've got work to do." Heidi's voice softened, a touch of pleading in it. "Caden, I worked hard on these. Just a bite. Please?" I rubbed my forehead, irritation crawling up my spine. I don't have the energy for this right now. If you don't need anything else, just go. I'm busy." mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLliIofifl0&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1