Chapter 34 The room seemed to grow quieter , the hum of conversation fading as people nearby turned their attention to our conversation . The once lively atmosphere was now charged with tension , and t could feel eyes on us , waiting for the inevitable confrontation . It was as if the entire gathering had come to a standstill , the air thick with unspoken words . Loriks grip on my hand tightened , his fingers pressing into my skin . He must have sensed my apprehension , and this was his way of shielding me from what was to come . Andrews cruelty was legendary , and Lorik didnt want his fathers venom to strike me again . But what he didnt realize was that I was no longer as vulnerable as I once was . I love Shirley , Lorik said suddenly , his voice smooth and firm . We wont be separated . My heart fluttered at the words , a mix of emotions swirling within me . For three years , I had longed to hear Lorik say he loved me . But now , the words felt hollow , like a shield he was raising against his father , not a confession of genuine feeling . He was using me , and the realization stung more than I expected . Andrews icy gaze settled on me for a moment before flicking back to his son . Love ? he sneered . Dont concern yourself with such trivialities . Father , theres something else you should know , Lorik interjected , his voice tinged with a vulnerability I rarely heard . Mother … shes very ill . Andrews response was immediate and cold . Dont concern yourself with such trivial matters , he said dismissively . You should focus on what really matters aligning yourself with those who benefit our pack . His eyes , hard and unfeeling , betrayed not a flicker of concern . His lips curled into a sneer that wa almost grotesque in its callousness . I was stunned by his lack of empathy , but the blow must have hit- Lorik harder . I could feel the tension in his body , the way his muscles tensed as if he were trying to hold himself together . Loriks fists clenched so tightly that the veins in his arms bulged , turning his skin an angry red . His mothers pain meant nothing to Andrew , the woman who had stood by his side for years , sacrificing everything for him , was now just a trivial matter . * What do What do your children and loved ones mean to you ? Loriks voice rose , shaking with barely contained fury . Are we all just convenient tools to be used and discarded ? Andrews eyes glittered with something dark and dangerous , but neither Lorik nor I cared anymore . After 1er Go My Alpha He Knelt in Regret We had been silent for too long , letting him dictate our lives and the entire Silvermoon pack Not Andrews voice dropped to a low , menacing tone . Dont think youre on solid ground , boy , he said , his words laced with threat . I can always replace you with your brother . I watched Loriks reaction closely . His jaw clenched , and a muscle ticked in his cheek . I knew the mention of his brother was a deep cut , one that reopened old wounds . Caroline had once told me that Andrew was ruthless , a cold blooded man who saw his children Lonk , his brothers , even Lorcia as pawns on his chessboard . But to hear him say it so openly , so coldly , must have been a devastating blow to Lorik . Sharik , Loriks brother , had once been the proud heir to Silvermoon . But after a battle injury left him able to fully recover , Andrew had cast him aside , unceremoniously exiling him to survive as a rogue wolf . And then there was Narik I had never met Narik . He still attended werewolf school and rarely returned to the Silvermoon pack . I had heard whispers , though , of an ordeal Andrew had arranged when Narik was just a child an ordeal that nearly cost him his life . They were blood brothers , yet strangers by circumstance , each bearing the scars of their fathers ambition . Lorik had gone through the same pain as his brothers , nearly abandoned after a battle to protect Silvermoon left his legs so damaged that he couldnt stand . If Andrew hadnt been desperate for an heir at that time , Lorik might have shared Shariks fate . But no one had expected Lorik to get back on his feet , to become the powerful Alpha he was now . What they didnt know was that it was me who had healed Loriks legs . If they knew I possessed such power , what would they do to me ? The thought both frightened and excited me . But now wasnt the time to dwell on that . No , Lorik said firmly , his voice growing stronger with each word . Im Silvermoons Alpha now . You cant take that from me . Andrews laugh was harsh and dismissive . Dont talk big here , Lorik . Nothing you say means anything to anyone . Tather , everyone in this room knows my worth , and you should too , Lorik shot back , his voice tinged with a mix of pain and defiance . I could see the anguish in his eyes , the deep hurt that threatened to consume him . We were allies in this fight against Andrew , and I knew I had to support Lorik now . My fingers tightened on his hand , a silent message to stay calm , to not let his anger overwhelm him . Andrew sneered , sensing the tension between us . Lorik , youre just an immature , hedonistic child . I After Knelt in Regret saw that new car in the garage , a multi million dollar limited edition global sports car . You squandered Silvermoons money on that . What did I teach you ? Youre simply not good enough as sa Alpha . For a moment , I froze , and then a slow smile spread across my face . Are you talking about the treasure blue sports car plastered with diamonds ? I asked , my tone light , almost teasing . Thats my car . The room fell silent , all eyes on me . Andrews expression morphed from disbelief to fury . No , he spat , how could you possibly afford a car that expensive ? Lorik must have bought it for you ! Youre a materialistic woman who doesnt deserve to be Luna of Silvermoon ! In the ongoing romance novel "CEO's Twins Want Mommy Back" by CrushReel, Cassandra finds herself in a seemingly perfect marriage with a loving husband and adorable stepchildren. However, her troubled past looms large, raising questions about the true stability of her newfound family. As she navigates the complexities of blending her past and present, Cassandra must confront the shadows that threaten to disrupt her blissful facade. What secrets lie beneath the surface, and how will she protect her newfound happiness from the ghosts of her past? This modern tale delves into themes of redemption, family dynamics, and the intricate balance between love and secrets. The unique blend of billionaire romance and office drama adds layers of intrigue to Cassandra's journey as she strives to keep her personal life from unraveling. 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