?Chapter 986:


    What clued Jett in to an intruder in my roomst night? I massaged my temples with a weary sigh, racking my brain for a way to soothe his rattled nerves. But before I could muster a word, Jett’s eyes narrowed, zeroing in on my neck withser-like precision.


    His pupils dted in astonishment, his face a canvas of disbelief as he blurted, “What’s that bite mark? It looks like… a bonding mark?”


    My stomach plummeted, a storm brewing on the horizon. The mark left by Dominic still lingered, stubbornly visible, and now Jett had spotted it in an instant.


    Heat flooded my cheeks as I averted my gaze, murmuring under my breath, “Yes. Dominic and I sealed our bond. He is my true mate now.”


    At my confession, Jett froze, as if struck by a thunderbolt. The light drained from his eyes, leaving them hollow and distant. He stared at me, his expression steeped in an unspoken anguish that cut deeper than words.


    Unable to bear his gaze, I dodged it with a pang of guilt and mustered a steady tone. “Let’s not linger here. Mrs. Pierce is expecting us in the dining room. We’ll sort this outter.”


    With that, I fumbled to tug my cor higher, desperate to conceal the ring mark on my neck, and hastened toward the dining room without a backward nce to see if Jett trailed behind.


    Stepping into the dining room, I found Maia and Dayton already waiting, their patience evident. The moment they spotted me, they rose in unison and dipped into respectful bows.


    Flustered, I darted forward to lift them upright, bewildered. “What is this about? Please, there’s no need!”


    Maia’s smile was soft and deferential as she dipped even lower. “You’re the next Saint—it’s only fitting we honor you. It’s our privilege.”


    Dayton bobbed his head eagerly beside her, his face alight with enthusiasm. “Exactly! If Maia hadn’t clued me in, I would have been utterly in the dark. Now there is a glimmer of hope—the werewolf n’s revival might finally be within grasp!”


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    Their words stirred a cocktail of relief and disquiet within me, leaving me at a loss for a reply. As I mulled it over, the sound of footsteps echoed at my back. Maia, catching the sound, offered another gracious nod past me. “Good morning, Mr. Armstrong.”


    I turned to see Jett stride in, his face an unreadable mask. His calm was almost eerie, as if the hurt I had glimpsed earlier had been a trick of my mind. My heart twisted, but I kept myposure, shing a casual smile and waving him over. “Don’t just stand theree join us for breakfast.”


    “Indeed, please, take a seat,” Dayton chimed in, motioning us toward the table. Only after Jett and I settled did he and Maia follow suit.


    Once seated, Maia’s eyes flickered between Jett and me, a hesitant pause hanging in the air before she ventured softly, “If I may—are you and Mr. Armstrong truly mated?”


    I waved my hands hastily to set the record straight. “No, no, it was just a ruse to throw others off. It’s not real.”


    As I spoke, I stole a quick nce at Jett. His deep, searching look met mine, brimming with unspokenyers of feeling, but he swiftly nodded in agreement, backing my story.


    Maia’s shoulders eased with visible relief at my words. Then, shifting gears, she asked, “By the way, when will Alden be freed?”


    At the mention of Alden, a shadow flitted across my gaze. I reached for the milk beside me, taking a slow, measured sip before replying with cool detachment, “Soon, I expect.”


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