Chapter 343
\nMarked By the Pureblood Alpha (Deanna and Luis) novel Chapter 343<\/p>\n
**Chapter 343: Your Childhood Self**<\/p>\n
In a moment steeped in tension, Jake sensed the weight of a gaze piercing through him. He glanced up, his eyes locking onto another pair, and for a fleeting instant, the world around them faded into obscurity.<\/p>\n
The two men stood in silent confrontation, each bearing the same inscrutable expression, dark and heavy with unspoken rivalry.<\/p>\n
Jake\u2019s voice was laced with irritation as he broke the silence. \u201cWhat are you staring at? I\u2019m not like you. At least I once had her.\u201d His words dripped with bitterness, a reminder of a past that felt both cherished and tainted.<\/p>\n
Malcolm\u2019s features, usually soft and approachable, hardened at Jake\u2019s retort. \u201cOh really? But at least I\u2019m still her friend. You? You\u2019re nothing.\u201d Each word cut through the air, sharp and unforgiving, piercing Jake\u2019s heart like a dagger.<\/p>\n
In the depths of his mind, Jake wrestled with the reality of his situation. Lately, he had been forcing himself to accept that Deanna was no longer his. The truth stung like a bitter cold wind; she had moved on, and he was left to grapple with the remnants of their love.<\/p>\n
He reminded himself that he wasn\u2019t the type to linger like some wretched fool, clinging to shadows of what once was. That wasn\u2019t who he was! Yet, every time a friend casually mentioned her name, Jake felt the fa\u00e7ade of his supposed restraint crumble, revealing the raw ache beneath.<\/p>\n
With a chilling calmness, Jake\u2019s voice dropped, \u201cAnd what does being a friend get you? Standing there watching her walk into another man\u2019s arms? Might as well close your eyes.\u201d The truth of his words hung heavily in the air.<\/p>\n
Malcolm nodded, a reluctant admission dawning on him. Watching Deanna with another man was a torment he could hardly bear. Yet, a flicker of hope still resided within him, a small, greedy whisper that longed to comfort her if she was unhappy.<\/p>\n
A bitter laugh escaped Malcolm\u2019s lips, weak and tinged with sorrow. \u201cYou and I are no different, Jake. We\u2019ve both lost to M Eaton.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jake scoffed, a harsh sound that echoed his frustration. \u201cLuis better treat her right. If he doesn\u2019t, I swear I\u2019ll storm the Mooncrown Pack myself and take her back.\u201d The fierce protectiveness in his voice was palpable, a testament to his lingering feelings.<\/p>\n
Malcolm glanced in the direction where Deanna and Luis had disappeared, but they were already gone, leaving behind only the memory of their presence. \u201cIf Mr. Eaton announced their marriage during a time like this, it means he\u2019s serious.\u201d<\/p>\n
He paused, weighing his next words carefully. \u201cAnd between you and me, you have even less of a chance than I do.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAre you blaming me for not giving you the proposal you deserve?\u201d Luis\u2019s tone was teasing, but there was a hint of sincerity that lingered beneath the surface.<\/p>\n
He had envisioned a perfect romance for Deanna, one filled with a carefully crafted proposal, a formal engagement, and a grand wedding. Yet, life had thrown unexpected challenges their way, and Deanna\u2019s pregnancy had come as a surprise. Now, with everything settling into place, it was time to prioritize that long-awaited proposal.<\/p>\n
After a moment of silence, the heat in Deanna\u2019s cheeks began to fade, replaced by curiosity. \u201cDuring the interview, why did you lie? Why did you say you had feelings for me since we were kids?\u201d<\/p>\n
Luis turned the steering wheel sharply, guiding the Ferrari smoothly through a turn, the luxury tires screeching slightly against the asphalt.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhere are we going?\u201d Deanna asked, her brow furrowing in confusion. This wasn\u2019t the route back to the Mooncrown Pack estate.<\/p>\n
Luis\u2019s lips curled into a lazy smile, his tone casual yet mysterious. \u201cI\u2019m taking you to meet your childhood self.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"template":"","class_list":["post-2425","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/icuow.top\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/chapter\/2425","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/icuow.top\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/chapter"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/icuow.top\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/icuow.top\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2425"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}