Chapter Six: Cassiel Aldric

I’m not sure why I came to this stupid event. I wasn’t obligated to do so. I was simply bored. Dealing with my pack, the council, a lot of travel, and so much more. Nothing that doesn’t feel like a routine. Coming to this should be a good distraction. That’s what I thought initially.

But being the only council member at this event means everyone is coming up to me to pass on greetings. Hoping I’d notice them. I’m like a wealthy man in a pool of poor people.

As rude as that analogy is, it’s the best description I have.

I checked the time on my watch, only five minutes. I can’t leave anytime soon. I’ve got a duty.

When a couple approaches me, I bite back my sigh as I feel

the dread.

“Alpha Cassiel Aldric, I’m glad you could make it.” I turned slowly to face them. My eyes and wolf don’t even register the male. My gaze is immediately drawn to the girl. Beautiful, full golden brown hair, pink l1ps, fair skin, and a gorgeous set of amber eyes.

Eyes that scan over my face with interest but without recognition. But I recognize her. How could I not?

My wolf is alive all of a sudden and needed to have a moment alone with her. However, I control myself as I notice the silver... tacky metal ring around her stunning finger.

Then I finally move to the man. He’s tall, average build, average looks. He doesn’t... he shouldn’t.... why is he married to such a goddess? I realize he’s waiting for me to say something with his hand out.

“Hello, I’m glad to be here. Who are you?”

The man looks like I’ve struck him in the face, but he recovers quickly. “I’m Alpha Matthais Crowe. This is my pack, I’m the one throwing this event. It’s an honor to have the presence of a council member.”

This man is a pack leader? I fight myself not to look back at that woman. It’s rude that he hasn’t introduced her. Perhaps they’re not married.

“Oh, my apologies. Many people have come up to me today, I thought you were one of them.”

“I’m so sorry if they’re bothering you. We could go somewhere more private.”

I pick up on his tone that he would like to discuss something with me. I think the fvck not. There are about a hundred alphas who try each time to get me to give them a way into the council. It seems this basic man is just like the others. Giving up on the urges filling me up, I go back to looking at his wife.

“That won’t be necessary. Part of being an alpha is entertaining people, right?”

Matthias fakes a laugh. “Yes. It’s part of the job.”

“Who are you, Miss? A friend?” I say, swallowing the almost hope that tries to seep into my words. My beast is roaring the chant.... MATE. MATE. MATE. MATE. Over and over again in my head.

Matthias seems to realize he hadn’t introduced her. “Oh no, this is my wife. Aurielle Crowe.”

She flickers her thick lashes as though surprised by something. It happens for just a second, but I don’t miss it.

Her hand comes out, and she bows a little. “It’s an honor.”

I wrapped my fingers around hers, ignoring the thrill that went through me as her slender fingers were engulfed by my much larger ones.

Aurielle, a name fit for a goddess. I’m reluctant to release her after the handshake, but to not be suspicious, i do so.

I need a way to get this man out of my sight so I can talk to her.

“On second thought, that private conversation would be nice. Would be kind to check if there’s a spot here available for us to chat?”

He takes the bait without a hint of hesitation. “Perfect.” his eyes shine, and he looks at his wife. The shine dissipates, and he shakes his head. “Would you be okay if I left her here with you? Just until I get back. Then we can head out separately.”

The gods are in my favor once again. I pretended to think about it. But the answer was already on my tongue before i said anything.

“Yes, that would be great. Don’t take too long.”

“I won’t.” he leans closer to her, wrapping his hands around her waist and elbow to whisper something into her ear. I don’t smell a mating bond between them so either they’re not mates or he hasn’t marked her. Which is very foolish.

Who keeps a woman like this unmarked?

I would have claimed her the second i put that ring on her finger. I’m being civil.

Whatever Matthais says to her, I notice the change in her demeanor. Which gave my wolf the wrong feeling. But i made him calm down. We can’t go crazy over another man’s wife. I’m not like that.

He stepped back, giving me a smile and walking off. I watched him disappear into the sea of people. The moment he’s out of sight, my eyes fall back to the woman. She’s looking around at the waiters.

“Would you like some champayne?” i offered, and a frown forms on her face.

“I... don’t drink alco-hol.” she says. Linking her fingers together. Somehow i don’t believe that, but I’m not going to question her. Whatever she says is right.

I smile, and her cheeks flames up. Turning a lovely shade of pink. I beckoned one of the waiters over.

“Do you craft any zero-proof cocktails?”

He nods. “Yes sir, we have a fruity mocktail.”

I looked back at Aurielle. “Would that be okay?”

she nods, smiling. I motioned for the waiter to get some. I glanced around, her husband should be back soon so i need to take advantage of this.

“Let’s talk on the balcony. It’s a bit hot in here.”

She complies, and i hide my smile behind a perfectly hidden mask. I’ve got a reputation to keep up. The waiter returns quickly, it seems he caught another waiter who had a tray of mocktails. I collected one for myself, and led Aurielle towards the balcony.

My god, her name just sounds right. She walks ahead of me, looking divine in her fitted dressed.

How on earth is she married? I could have sworn..... well, there’s no use thinking about it.