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

I replied hastily, my tone clipped. "I just remembered I have some pending files to review." The excuse felt weak, but I didn't wait

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

of our guests, Alpha Albert and

his voice came through our mindlink.

curtly, shutting the mindlink before he could press further. I wasn't ready

on the things I tried to hide the reason he was my closest friend since childhood. But even he couldn't help

I opened my laptop, diving into the reports on the Dark Alpha. Strangely, he had been inactive lately a fact that didn't comfort me but instead deepened my unease. Men like the Dark Alpha weren't known for enjoying peace and harmony. They thrived

the absence of any activity from

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

was off-terribly so. I could feel it in my bones. I only hoped, for once, that my instincts were

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

*Selena*

When I needed her the most, she was reluctant to help. Now, when I was willing

talk to me,' she pressed, her

could have blocked her

feel the sting of being ignored by her

it felt like.