Chapter 16 " The last time I was a step too late to confess to Claire . This time , I won't be late again . " His resolute words landed in Aaron's ears like a stone tossed into still water , stirring a thousand ripples . Aaron nearly snapped . It turned out that all this time , they'd been steering him , pushing him into acts that would drive a wedge between him and Claire , so Caden could step in . Fury burned behind Aaron's eyes . He snatched Finnian's phone , voice dark and poisonous as he spoke into the line . " Caden , Claire only ever loves me . I'll apologize to her and we'll get back together ! " "You think she didn't love you before , so now you'll get a second chance ? " Caden replied , utterly calm . " She might not love me , and might not be with me for now , and that's fine . At least I'm better than you . You hurt her . Even if she doesn't pick me , she'll never return to you . The words stabbed Aaron like ice . He forced a brittle calm , grinding out through clenched teeth , " If you and Finnian hadn't been so mean , misleading me into neglecting Claire , none of this would have happened . " Caden's laugh was cool and merciless . " Don't be ridiculous . If you'd truly been devoted to Claire , would a few words from Finnian have swayed you ? You knew those guys long before . They've always had shewolves on the side . Why pretend you didn't know ? " " Many guys in our circle play around . Still , there are a few who stay loyal . Why not learn from them ? Why couldn't you just treat Claire right ? If you'd kept cherishing her , I wouldn't even have had a chance to pursue her . You're the one who betrayed her . " His words hit the mark . Aaron's face went pale in waves ; his lips trembled . " It's not like that ... it's not- " He shook his head , dazed , muttering , and the phone slipped from his fingers and tumbled to the floor . Silence filled the room . Finnian and the others looked awkward , uncertain what to say . They had indeed steered Aaron toward straying - always joking that everyone in their circle behaved that way , that keeping a favorite on the side was harmless . For years Aaron had resisted . Only when Sophie appeared did he begin to listen . They'd all heard the rumors about Sophie and Claire . Everyone knew Claire's character - decent , reserved . Anyone who'd met her could vouch for it . Sophie , by contrast , was a different story . Only Aaron had been blind to her falseness . Finnian swallowed and apologized bluntly . " Aaron , we were wrong about this . We're sorry . " " Maybe Claire and you really weren't right for one another , " another chimed in , putting it on a veneer of concern . " She endured so much suffering for you , weathered so much torment , which was a miracle she didn't break completely . Letting her go might be the kindest thing . " Aaron stayed silent , a boulder of grief lodged in his chest . What could he do now ? Could he blame them ? In truth , they had only nudged him , and he had chosen this path himself . It was his own failing : chasing thrill , rejecting the ordinary comfort he already had . Everything was his fault . He retreated to a private room and ordered dozens of bottles . He drank in a dull , mechanical way , but the burn of liquor did nothing . After many cups , his head cleared and his heart ached like it had been pricked with needles . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!