Chapter 18: The Gilded Cage

Thud. The bouquet of night-blooming flowers fell from Wesley's numb fingers, scattering petals like broken promises on the ground. His face was ashen, his entire body trembling as if the very foundation of his world had crumbled. He stared, uncomprehending, at the two figures whose hands were now linked. Starling had said she preferred 'someone younger' now... It wasn't a taunt. She meant it. She's moved on. She has a new life, a new... potential bond. "Starling..." The name was a ragged whisper, torn from a place of profound agony. "You're just trying to punish me, aren't you? I love you. I love you so much, you can't do this to me. I'm better than him, Starling. In every way a wolf and an Alpha should be! I'm stronger!" "I was wrong before, I see that now! I trusted Tanya, but I've dealt with her. She'll never set foot outside a medical facility again! She can't hurt you, can't come between us anymore!" "Starling, please, just one m