Chapter 2
Kathryn’s Point of View
Ashton grabbed the scissors and tossed them aside, his gaze dark. Before stepping toward me, he took a moment to cover Tiana’s body.
It’s ironic to see someone like him being so tender.
“You’ve always wanted to end our mating bond, haven’t you?” I challenged, my voice low and steady. “You’ve always wanted
Tiana instead of me. So here’s your chance, Ashton. I’m giving you the freedom to do it. Cut my hair.”
He moved closer, his eyes narrowing, jaw clenched tight. Then, he aggressively wrapped his hand around my neck, holding me in place. “I see you’re changing your tactics to get my attention. Why?” His voice was cold. “Is it because using Bryan wasn’t working anymore? And what made
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you think threatening me with severing our bond could change anything?”
I held his gaze, defiant. “Oh, Ashton, this isn’t some tactics. I really want you to cut my hair. I really want to end this shitty bond we share!”
all
“And since when did you learn to raise your voice at me? To curse me? Fuck you.” His voice dropped. “I know Omegas like you too well. You’re just trying to manipulate me to get something. What is it this time? Money? Jewelry? God, you’re so desperate.”
I swallowed the ache in my throat and fought back my tears. I forced myself to stand tall, refusing to let him see me break. “Say whatever you want, but all I want is freedom.” I paused, letting the silence. stretch. “And, by the way, fuck you too.”
That pushed Ashton over the edge.
His hand came down hard, hitting my face with a force that made my vision blur. And just like his other slaps, this one made me
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taste my own blood again.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Tiana, still lounging comfortably on the couch, a silent spectator to the chaos unraveling between Ashton and me.
The satisfaction in her eyes was unmistakable. She was enjoying this, savoring every moment of my suffering, and I could feel her quiet hunger for even more of my pain.
I wiped the blood from my lip, fury simmering beneath my skin. Without a warning, I slapped Ashton back–harder. His head snapped to the side, shock flaring in his eyes. He hadn’t expected this; I’d never stood up to him like this before.
“How does that feel?” I spat.
“What the-”
I didn’t let him finish.
“Listen to me, Ashton. I’d rather live on the streets like a rat than stay in this mansion
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with someone as evil and heartless as you. You’re the Alpha’s son but you’re nothing like him! You’re a coward and a disgrace. And you’re a terrible father!” I shouted, my voice shaking.
Years ago, when Bryan was first diagnosed with the life–threatening Blue Blood Disease and urgently needed a blood transfusion specifically from his father, Ashton had promised to donate.
The healers and I had waited anxiously for his blood, but in his usual careless way, Ashton’s donation arrived three weeks late -even though he knew Bryan was in critical condition and urgently needed it.
To make things worse, his blood only deteriorated Bryan’s condition.
Aside from that, Ashton never visited Bryan in the infirmary or made any effort to spend even a moment with him.
“Mother… when will Father come to visit me?” Bryan asked, his voice small and
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cracking.
I wiped my tears away as I kissed Bryan’s forehead. “I’ll try to convince him to come tomorrow, alright?”
But each time I begged, Ashton only refused.
Remembering that painful memory now made the tears I’d been holding back slip down my cheeks. I quickly wiped them away, determined not to let the past control
- me.
“Aw, my poor sister’s crying! I’m so sorry, Kathryn. I had no idea that seeing me here with Ashton would upset you this much. I should’ve just taken care of my own wound,” Tiana said, her voice laced with fake sympathy.
I ignored her, so she turned her attention to Ashton. “Ashton, maybe it’s time you show a little concern for your son. Kathryn might be using Bryan’s fake illness to manipulate you into coming back to them,
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but you can’t change the fact that you’re
still his father.”
I blinked, her words sinking in.
Fake illness?
What the fuck is this woman talking about?
I spun around, grabbing Tiana’s arm tightly and forcing her to stand. “What did you just say?”
She shrugged with a dismissive smile. “Bryan is faking his illness, and you’re using it to manipulate Ashton. Come on, quit playing your innocent card.”
I clenched my fists, glaring at her, my eyes bloodshot. I could feel the heat rising through my entire body. I’m about to explode. And this time, I knew I wouldn’t be able to hold back.
One more accusation about my son, and I’d make her regret it.
“Take back what you said about Bryan.” I commanded, my voice low.
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But she only smirked, ignoring the gravity of my words. “Why would I take it back, Kathryn? We all know it’s the truth. Stop denying it.”
So all this time, Ashton believed Bryan wasn’t ill–that I was just fabricating his disease.
I took a deep, steadying breath.
“Take it back!” I yelled, my voice echoing as I stepped backwards.
“I won’t take back anything, Kathryn! Bryan is faking his illness! He isn’t sick! You’re just using him to get Ashton’s attention!” She shouted defiantly.
That was it.
I snapped.
A surge of heat pulsed through me as I raised my hand. A small fireball sparked in my palm, fueled by the fire power I was born with. Without a second thought, I hurled it toward Tiana, the flames grazing
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her left cheek, leaving a minor burn.
“Ah! Are you trying to kill me?” Tiana screamed in pain, stumbling to the ground. But I didn’t flinch.
“You can say anything you want about me, and I would let it slide. But speak ill of my son again, and I swear I won’t hold back!” I growled.
Ashton immediately stepped between us, shielding Tiana from me.
I took a step forward this time, my gaze unforgiving. “Am I trying to kill you? No.”
I moved closer.
“But am I capable of it? Yes, Tiana. Yes, I am.”
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