Chapter Seven Cassius

CASSIUS

“Well, I know that now. But I didn’t know that then. So I kept everything to myself and stayed away from Xeraphina as much as I could. Especially after I got married.”

“I’ll have a conversation with her. She was born at one in the afternoon, so her transformation could happen anytime between now and then. Once she shifts into her wolf form and has some time to unwind, I’ll arrange for the two of you to meet. That way, you can discuss everything and resolve any issues. I just wanted to speak with you beforehand to understand your perspective on the situation. She’s been crying non-stop since she woke up.”

“I would be forever grateful if you could help me Luna.”

“Cassius, it’s important for you to understand that Xeraphina accepting the mate bond will not happen overnight. It will take months, and it’s something you will need to endure. It would have been easier for you if you hadn’t been involved with other women the past few years. You know that one of Xeraphina’s friends recently passed away because her mate cheated on her, right? It was a devastating experience for Xeraphina to witness. Sadly, her friend’s mate also succumbed to the loss, and the shattered mate bond just a day later. I want to clarify that if you ever do anything like that to my daughter, my husband and I will take immediate and severe action. It won’t be a quick execution either; we will ensure you suffer.”

“Yes, Luna. I would do nothing to hurt Xeraphina like that.”

“Yesterday has passed and today is a brand new day, Cassius. Keep your past grievances in the past and move on to the bright future ahead of you. I’m sure Xeraphina will come around with time and I will help you along the way.”

“Yes, Luna. Thank you, Ma’am.”

“Now, get back to work. There is still much to be done. I’ll head on over and talk to Xeraphina.”

Everything that happened yesterday has left me crying nonstop. I’m overwhelmed by a combination of hurt and anger. My heart shattered once again. I can still feel the sting of his betrayal, like a raw wound that refuses to heal. It’s as if he deliberately chose to ignore the undeniable connection we share as fated mates. Instead, he brazenly married another, flaunting his infidelity right in front of me, surrounded by a sea of women whose numbers I lost track of. The scene plays over and over inside my head like a cruel, heart-wrenching symphony, each woman a painful note, reminding me of his betrayal. How could he have knowingly caused me this pain when he knew we’re meant to be together?

XERAPHINA

I woke up feeling restless after a night of tossing and turning in bed. I catch a whiff of Cassius’s scent and flinch. Observing the shadows of his feet below, I hurry to the bathroom, where I bawl my eyes out under a lukewarm shower.

I appreciate returning to my room and discovering he is no longer there. He probably knocked a few times and gave up. I’m so relieved he’s gone, because I can’t even look Cassius in the eye after what went down yesterday.

I leave my room, scanning the area and sniffing around to see if Cassius is close. When I’m sure he’s not around, I sneak down the hallway to the alpha and beta’s kitchen and dining area. I don’t feel like eating, but I gotta keep my energy up for when I shift into my wolf. I hope it happens soon.

As I near the door, Cassius’s unique scent drifts my way. I am certain that my first transformation into a wolf will occur soon, as my sense of smell has become even more heightened than it was yesterday. Deciding it’s not a good idea to approach Cassius inside, I turn around and make my way to the library instead. 

The situation has remained the same all morning. As soon as I catch a whiff of Cassius, I sprint away, determined to evade him at all costs. After a while, I reached a point of exhaustion from avoiding him and went back to my room. Cassius has attempted to talk to me by knocking on my door, yet I have ignored him every time.

Everything was going well between Cassius and me until Charity arrived. But now, the atmosphere feels suffocating. Cassius is still legally married to another woman, which makes him bound to her in the eyes of society. I feel a heavy burden of disappointment on my shoulders, threatening to break my spirit. They still have to go through the human justice system to get a divorce on paper, dealing with the legalities that linger.

I feel anger surging within me, a fiery blaze fueled by a sense of injustice. This turmoil adds to the fragility of my heart, making me feel undeserving. Like there was something so wrong with me he couldn’t wait for me. Determination fills me as I clench my fists. I know what I have to do. By rejecting him, I will sever the ties that bind us. I will connect with my wolf first. The thought of it brings a mix of fear and resolve. It’s a bittersweet cocktail coursing through my veins.

I’ve made a solemn vow to myself that I would rather face the unknown and embrace the possibility of death than allow myself to be trapped in a mate bond tainted by deceit. Rejection often ends with both parties dying; or them going into a coma, only to wake up and realize their wolves are dead. Rejecting Cassius isn’t something I’m taking lightly, but in this case, it’s the best thing for me to do. I’m back to not trusting him and I hate that feeling. I hate him for deceiving me this way.

Lying in bed, deep in thought about rejecting Cassius, a sudden, searing pain engulfs my entire body from head to toe. With a jolt, I roll out of bed, desperately summoning every ounce of energy to combat the agonizing sensation that courses through me. As I crawl towards my bedroom door, the pain intensifies, as if flames were licking at my skin. To seek help, I open my mouth to scream, but a haunting, guttural howl that emanates from deep within me abruptly silences the words. As the sound escapes my vocal cords, an excruciating, unfamiliar pain shoots up my arms, causing my fingers to shatter and twist in grotesque contortions.