Richard laughed with complete bitterness and disdain.
-Wizards! I believe our brother has unfortunately learned that sorcerers are never to be trusted. Christina showed in the end that she was one of them.
The comment made Faith punch herself in the arm in frustration and hurt before leaving the room, sending sparks. Jackie closed his eyes, trying not to be moved by the younger sister's agonized expressions. He needed a drink before he lost his temper and made a fool of himself. He would love to challenge Morgan with the sword.
-What about Thalagar? He asked with little interest. - What did Thalagar say about all this? As if it weren't enough Faith decided to take over Revenge after facing Corner, now that's it.
Cassie averted her face in embarrassment. The quick gesture did not go unnoticed by Mayra, who took advantage of the moment to approach with a silky voice. She put her hand on his arm, bragging about the girl who was trying to hide her anger.
-If it were you, I wouldn't worry so much. Maybe you would like to have a glass of wine with me while your family settles down?
Morgan took her hand away abruptly.
-Drink alone, Mayra. I need to know how Michael is with his injuries. After that, we both have a lot to talk about. Morgan felt a claw of ice compress his chest, but he avoided comments.
Mayra yawned victoriously. She said slowly:
-I can arrange a room for us next to one of the gypsies and ...
Morgan's voice cut through the air with the force of a whipping.
-I think I better understand that Cassie is my wife. - he said categorically. The convinced statement brought her a surprised look.
Mayra watched him put on the shirt, admiring his muscular chest. couldn't believe he was involved with a girl as pathetic as that. She heard his words in absolute shock, livid in her wounded pride. She was one of the most sought after courtesans in the region. He asked harshly:
-Why are you doing this? Why are you acting this way?
-I ask you the same. I never made any promise to you. - Morgan cut acidly.
Morgan studied her mistress's face for a few moments before facing his wife and sighed.
-I had the impression that ...
-You were wrong, Mayra. - He guaranteed indifferent to the gaping and astonishing look.
-After everything that happened between us?
Cassie wondered how much more she would have to endure. The unfortunate woman cast a charm on her husband with petulance capable of making her burn with jealousy.
-There was nothing much. We are adults and you are very distant from the image of a demure or naive woman. - Morgan tried to explain.
Mayra raised her hands in the air, stunned. It was the image of an abandoned woman.
-How could you?
-I never intended to be anything more than a love affair. - Morgan was forced to explain. He preferred to discuss it privately with the old mistress. At least maybe Cassie would listen to him then.
-But you always showed me to like my company.
Morgan sighed again, avoiding Richard's censorship.
-You are a charming woman. We both always have fun. - Morgan continued to explain very aware of Jackie's forced throat clearing. - The situation has changed. I am a committed man.
Very slowly, hatred grew in Mayra's attractive face.
- Committed to this ... this little bitch? She's vulgar! She doesn't even know how to wear a dress with elegance. Or it has manners. She grew up on board a ship! What do you think she learned there besides using weapons and swords?
Morgan interrupted her quickly and forcefully.
-Stop, Mayra. You're talking about my wife. You better remember you're talking about the woman I chose ...
-A common, ragged brat? - Mayra revolted.
The girl's cold, indifferent attitude only accentuated her dignity in the face of her insults.
Morgan smiled slightly when he faced Jackie with forced patience.
- You know I'm a generous man, Mayra. If the concern is with financial assistance to maintain your tastes and whims ...
Mayra exhibited the appearance and revolt of every rejected woman.
-Of course. But not your name. Not even your company. - Mayra started to change. - You'll regret putting me aside in oblivion. Take care, Philip Morgan! I will not tolerate this without giving an answer. Just like Thalagar. You better watch out for your vulgar bitch ...
Cassie became irritated, moving forward full of anger.
-Enough, Mayra! Morgan stepped between the two, shaking Mayra violently. - If you do anything against Cassie ...
-Do you think I need your protection after all this? - She gasped in a hoarse voice with offenses.
-There's no shortage of a gypsy. I am a descendant of an ancient lineage of my people that your pack would have proudly accepted. I am not a bastard who was accepted by a charity. I have pure blood!
Richard and Jackie stood in front of Mayra, trying to get her out of there with difficulty. Mayra's screams of hatred echoed in the sudden silence of the night until the door was closed leaving Morgan and Cassie alone there.
He wondered how the formidable night could get worse. How was it possible to explain the ravings of a lover abandoned by his own wife?
Cassie just looked at him coldly. She cared little for the pack or whether Morgan was the alpha of the wolves. There were limits to what a woman could endure and she had managed to overcome them all at once. She turned her back on him in silence, taking extra blankets to provide any place to sleep that was not with him.
Morgan said nothing when he sighed in resignation. Picking up the sword on the chair, he left the room with the certainty that an impassable wall rose between them.