"What took you so long?" He brushed past me, heading straight to the living room. I shut the door, hot on his heels. "Who said you could come in?""I do whatever I like." "Not in this house." "I'm the Alpha. I command respect wherever I go," he said smugly, irking me. "What do you want?" I folded my hand, narrowing my eyes at him. “Why are you here ?" "To get my mate." "Excuse me?" I asked, voice low. Dangerous.Cassian turned to face me, the very picture of smug confidence. His hazel eyes gleamed with challenge as he took a step closer, his towering frame making the room feel smaller by the second."You heard me," he said, voice calm, too calm. "You're coming with me."I let out a short, humourless laugh. "Like hell I am."His jaw tightened. "You don't have a choice."“Yes, I do, Cassian. And I’m not going anywhere with you.” I walked to the door and opened it wide. “If that’s all you came for, you can leave now.” He chuckled, the sound low, dangerous. It made my body tingle.
I woke up with a groan. My eyes felt heavy and my body ached. The ball last night had weighed me down more than expected."What a terrible nightmare," I chuckled to myself, remembering the events that transpired. “Imagine being mated to..." The words dried down on my tongue when I spotted the green ball dress I'd worn the night before. It, in fact, wasn't a nightmare; I was really mated to Cassian. I laid down on my back, staring up at the ceiling. Cassian. "Talia?" My sister's voice called out from outside the room. I ignored her, hoping she'd go away. "I know you're up." I shut my eyes and turned to my side, the moment she twisted the door knob. I heard footsteps and then, blinding lights. She opened the curtains, the morning sun spilling in like poison, hurting my eyes. I groaned. She took the covers off me. "Come onnnn," she grabbed my shoulders, dragging me up to a sitting position while I grumbled underneath my breath. “It’s the day after your official Luna coronation." "The
The room was dark, a dim light casting a soft glow. The scent of sandalwood mixed with something else, something I couldn't place my finger on, filled the air. It was sweet and masculine, addictive. “Natalia," Cassian spoke, his hard gaze fixed on me. "We can both agree this is an unfortunate situation." I scoffed, glaring daggers at him. "But like I said, I'll be honouring the moon goddess. So you have no choice but to comply." He continued. "Is that what you called me here for? To state the obvious?" I folded my arms as if preparing for battle. His jaw clenched. "I called you here to make something clear." I tilted my head. “Go on, Alpha," I emphasised on the alpha, venom laced in my voice. "I'm not asking for your love or forgiveness. All you have to do is stand by my side, united." I scoffed again and turned my back to him, heading for the door. "Yeah, whatever," I opened the door and in a flash, he shut it before I got the chance to step out. I gasped i
I broke the eye contact, searching the crowd for my sister again, but she wasn't in sight. I grabbed the skirts of my dress and turned around, trying to get to the door. I needed to leave. I needed to leave fast. Everyone stared, making way for me to move. Right before I got to the door, I felt sparks shoot up from my wrist, making my knees weak. No. He spun me around, bringing me flush against his chest. His arm snaked around my waist. I looked up at him, my cheeks flushed. "Let go of me," my voice was breathy. He smiled. Not that sweet smile a wolf gives its mate but the one a lion gives its prey. It was predatory. “Natalia," his voice was deep, smooth as slick. It went straight to my core. "Your chin has healed." It clicked. He was the one from yesterday, the wolf in the woods watching me like a creep. "You're the creep." His arm tightened around my waist. He glared at me, and I didn't back down, though my pulse stuttered under the weight of his hazel eyes. The atmosphe
The ball was at full swing, everyone dancing and drinking, overjoyed by the crowning of a new alpha. I stood to the corner, just watching. My mother was somewhere in the crowd, flaunting her favourite daughter to everyone. My eyes swept the crowd, searching for something to entertain me when I spotted her. Kira Martin. One of Cassian’s friends. She’d helped him make my life a living hell. I watched her, hatred and anger brewing in my chest as she laughed, throwing her head back. Happy little Kira. No one knew what a little bitch she was. I scoffed and looked away, my gaze landing on the Alpha, Alpha Black. As he took long, powerful strides towards the pulpit, his black suit tailored to perfection, hugging his frame elegantly, his black hair slicked back. He looked every bit of a powerful alpha. “Can I have everyone’s attention?” He called out, clinking his glass with his ring. The chatter died down, everyone turning to face him. It was time. I straightened, glancing around
I stared at my reflection in the mirror. My wavy red hair was pinned up, with a few loose strands framing my heart-shaped face. Pale skin, dusted with tiny freckles, glowed softly under the warm bathroom light. The off-shoulder gown I wore was a deep, rich green that mirrored the colour of my eyes. Intricate vine embroidery adorned the bodice, which hugged my figure before flaring into a full, flowing skirt that brushed the floor like a forest breeze. "You look breathtaking," Tasha complimented the moment I stepped into view at the top of the staircase. She looked up at me, smiling. My mum stood beside her, that same disapproval glowing bright in her blue eyes. "You need to cut down on the calories," my mum commented, her eyes raking over me in judgement. I completely ignored her, grabbed my sister's hand, and led her out. My mother, being the queen of drama and luxury, had rented a limo. It was long and black, sleek and shiny under the bright porch light. My heart thudded. I di