Let Me Go, My Mafia Husband by Paga Slayer

Chapter 606 Offering Rituals

*Zander*

"Zander, try this-I made it for you," Anne said as she placed a plate of roasted beef in front of me. "Thank you, Anne, but you don't have to go through the trouble," I murmured, trying to keep my tone neutral.

"I know it's your favorite," she said, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. For a moment, I was struck by her beauty, but there was something about her-something familiar. It was as if she reminded me of someone. I lowered my head, trying to force the memory to surface, but it eluded me.

'Zander, I don't feel like she's our mate. Don't marry her,' Lyon's voice echoed in my mind, filled with

unease.

'I know, Lyon,' I replied silently, my gaze shifting to Austin, who was grinning as he played nearby. 'We don't feel the bond with her, but look at Austin,' I added, watching my son as he laughed. 'He's happy whenever he's with Anne.'

"That's true-he does look happy," Lyon acknowledged, though reluctance lingered in his voice. "But something about this still doesn't feel right."

I responded with a noncommittal hum, slicing a small piece of the roasted beef and placing it in my mouth. It was, undeniably, my favorite dish-or at least it used to be. Yet, as I chewed, I realized something unsettling. The flavor, while well-prepared, didn't stir the usual satisfaction. In fact, it felt almost alien, as though the joy I once associated with it had vanished.

Why was this? Why couldn't I remember why it was my favorite in the first place? And more disturbingly, why did I find it so unappetizing now, despite Anne's effort?

"I'm full," I said abruptly, standing up and pushing my plate back with more force than intended.

"What's wrong?" Her eyes

have some pending

out of there. My legs carried me toward the sanctuary of my study though I could feel the weight of their gazes-Maddox, Blaire, my mother, and Austin-all lingering on my retreating figure. What was wrong with me? I couldn't even articulate it to myself, let alone to

remained silent in front of our guests,

came through

I replied curtly, shutting the mindlink before he could press further. I wasn't ready to talk. Not now. Not when I didn't

way of picking up on the things I tried to hide the reason he was

he had been inactive

pack in the North, the absence of any activity

I shut the laptop with a sigh of frustration. Rising from my desk, I walked to the window, sliding the curtain aside. The moon hung in the sky, but its light was muted, far less radiant than it should have been. Its dull glow stirred a fresh wave of unease in

so. I could feel it in my bones. I only hoped, for once, that my instincts

a mindlink broke through my thoughts, sharp and urgent. 'Alpha, we need you at the eastern border immediately!' The voice of

*Selena*

you, Selena?' Arena's voice echoed in my mind, attempting once again to provoke a response. I refused to acknowledge her. When I needed her the most, she was reluctant to help. Now, when I was willing to follow the process, she

on, Selena, talk to me,' she pressed, her tone

could have blocked her

sting of being ignored by her other

what it