Chapter 79. What If…

Xerina’s POV

Chrissy rubbed my arms, her touch warm and reassuring, but it did little to calm the storm brewing inside me.

My thoughts raced, crashing into one another in a chaotic whirlwind of doubt, fear, and anger. What did she mean he talked about me? How could Rasmus, the man who was supposed to be my mate, do something so heinous to another woman? If he spoke of me, why hurt Lila? What kind of person was he really? The Rasmus I thought I knew—was he just a façade, hiding something darker, something monstrous?

Luca’s eyes were sharp, his protective instincts kicking into overdrive. He couldn’t stand unanswered questions, and I could see the gears turning in his head as he prepared to interrogate Lila further.

“So, he talked about his mate,” Luca started, his voice cold and calculating. “What exactly did he say, Lila? Did he mention her name? Did he say anything specific?”

Lila shook her head slowly, her gaze still distant, lost in the memori