Chapter 21 Hearing the truth now , Claire sat frozen , memories unspooling . Yes ... in the past , she had glimpsed him once or twice , but she'd dismissed him as just one of Aaron's friends . Now , hearing Caden's confession , her heart stirred with emotion , and fear . Could she really accept a love this pure , this heavy ? Did she deserve it ? Because deep down , she knew , she didn't love him as much as he loved her . Not yet . Aaron had drained her heart dry . That relationship had cost her everything , left her scarred and cautious . She was terrified of giving her all again only to be shattered once more . She couldn't afford another six years of agony . Sensing her unease , Caden gently took her hand and laced his fingers with hers . His warmth seeped into her palm , into her chest . " Don't be afraid , " he said softly . " Not every story is meant to have a perfect ending . If one day you stop loving me , we'll part ways . It won't be the end of the world . " " You're worthy , Claire . Worthy of my love , of joy , of everything good this world can offer . My love for you - it's given freely . You don't need to earn it , " His eyes held hers with steady tenderness , a warmth that could melt glaciers . Claire didn't answer , but her eyes glistened , shaken by his sincerity . Aaron , watching them , felt his chest ripped apart . His gaze locked on their entwined hands , and his vision went red . " Claire , don't listen to him ! " he burst out , voice raw . " That's not love . Love isn't letting go - it's holding tight , never letting you out of sight ! " Tears stung his eyes . The bitterness flooding his chest nearly drowned him . So this was what it felt like to see the person you loved in someone else's arms . To choke on helplessness . To shatter with jealousy . And suddenly he realized : if this was unbearable , then what about her ? How had Claire survived all those years , watching him with Sophie ? He hardly dared to dwell on this . But the image of her - eyes red - rimmed , utterly broken , standing before him and demanding answers - flashed behind his eyes once more . She had questioned him , raged at him , unraveled into hysterics . 1 But back then , he'd only found her outbursts irritating . Especially when compared to Sophie's quiet compliance , Claire's raw emotion just felt like another burden . He even wondered why she couldn't be more like others ' mates - gentle , forgiving , turning a blind eye . But now , in her place , he finally understood . With desperation clawing at him , Aaron lunged forward and crushed her into his arms . Like countless times before , he pulled her possessively against his chest , holding her with a grip that refused to let go . His lips was about to come down , wild , frantic , claiming hers . Smack ! The slap cracked like a whip . Claire struck him across the face , hard enough to turn his head . " Aaron , " she said coldly , " our bond ended , and our love too . I don't even recognize your idea of love ! " " You don't love me . You only love yourself . Stop lying to me and to yourself . " She shoved him away with all her strength . Caden instantly pulled her behind him , eyes sharp as steel . Chapter 21 8400 " Aaron , she's my girlfriend now . Touch her again and you'll answer to me ! The Ironfang Pack doesn't bow to anyone - especially not abroad , where our influence is far greater than yours . " Claire's parents stepped in too , shielding her protectively . " Aaron , we may be old , but we'd rather die than let you take her , no matter how strong you pack is . You're poison to her . Don't you dare harass her again ! Get out of here ! Or we'll kick your ass every time we meet ! " In their rage , they snatched bowls and plates off the table and hurled them at him . Porcelain shattered against his face , splitting his skin . Blood trickled down his cheek . But Aaron didn't flinch and dodge . He just stood there , staring at Claire - silent , broken , bleeding . Chapter 21 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!