Chapter 3 - The first test

Among the chattering women, Cassy felt like she was the only one whose stomach was thick and heavy with the desire to turn around and run. The walk up to the packhouse wasn’t unfamiliar, she had been there many times for pack meetings and often accompanied her mother if a ranked wolf was sick or injured, but it had never felt so daunting. For the first time, she glimpsed the packhouse like an enemy about to face its rock face walls and sheer edges. She gulped and moved her attention to her feet. They suddenly felt rubbery, the steep rocks looking to trip her up before she had the chance to attempt her goal. It was only knowing Zac was inside, and one of the women around her would become his mate if she didn’t make the top ten of the trials, that kept her feet moving.

The crowd passed through the large front doors in a bustle of excitement. Cassy knew the wolves around her, all hoping they’d be the ones to make it to the end to get their strong mate, but most kept their distance from her. It was always like that, even after living in Ash Mount for 20 years, but she had long since accepted it. However, she still occasionally told her mum who was causing her trouble so she could slip them a laxative on their next doctor’s visit. 

A familiar chill passed over her as the group moved further into the packhouse. Every inch of the building was carved from the mountain's stone and sucked the heat from the air. It was frigid and unwelcoming, but she knew more about the place than most and knew a hot springs deeper within the mountain kept the main areas of the packhouse warm. They just keep it cold at the front to intimidate guests. And it worked.

A sudden shoulder barged into Cassy, making her stumble a few steps. She caught her footing before banging into anyone else but turned a sharp glare on the wolf that had pushed her. It was just Katie and her usual gaggle of followers moving to the front of the crowd like it would earn them special favours. However, they didn’t barge the other women. Only her. Katie looked back and sneered, before strutting through the parting crowd.

“Geez, what a bitch.”

“One of many in this place.” Cassy huffed, falling into familiar step with Alex as her friend joined her. “Or maybe I just have a knack for attracting trouble.”

“Well, that’s true. I'd bet my bet quarts hilted daggers it's your pheromones, the stench of trouble must be wafting off you.” Alex laughed and bumped into her, but Cassy didn’t respond in kind. Her body strung tight at the comment, but Alex wrapped an arm around her shoulder and pulled her in tight. “Don’t let those bitches get to you Cass. They ain’t worth it.”

“You don’t have to tell me that.”

“It seems I do. You’ve got the biggest scowl on your face I’ve ever seen. You stick out like a sore thumb, Hun.”

“Yeah well, not everyone wants to be here.” She huffed. “What are you doing here anyway? There’s no way you got permission.”

“Nah, but I have my ways of sneaking out.” Alex winked and finally let go of Cassy. She was taller than most of the women around them and used the height to search the crowd. She whistled loud and long, drawing a few eyes, most of which averted quickly after a proper head bow of respect. “This is quite the turn out. Jace will be pleased.” 

“He'll be less pleased when he spots you in the crowd.”

Alex grinned. “I’m betting on it.”

The crowd continued their forward shuffle into the grand hall where the newly appointed Alpha Unit and the previous Alpha and Luna stood, all waiting on a raised platform. To the side of a platform a smaller group of women waited, ones Cassy didn’t recognise. The hall was usually used for social gatherings - pack meetings, balls, celebrations – but once in every Ash Mount Alpha’s reign it was to be used for the Luna Trials. Cassy was just unfortunate that she fit Alpha Jason’s criteria for participation. Mandatory participation.

“Good afternoon, everyone.” The previous Alpha’s voice was deep and strong demanding the attention of the room. “Welcome to the beginning of the Luna Trials. It’s great to see so many wanting to participate for the chance to be the next Luna of the Ash Mount pack.”

Cassy snorted and was promptly elbowed by Alex.

“Other packs have sent their own candidates for the Trials. Please welcome them and enjoy some healthy competition with our guests.”

Another snort, another elbow. Worth it.

There was no way the Ash Mount wolves would welcome the guests. At the very most, because these guests were probably the daughters of high ranked wolves of other packs, a polite courtesy would be granted to them. No kindness would be extended beyond that, and the treatment would only get worse if they managed to place in the top ten and find their mate amongst the Ash Mount Alpha’s Unit. Well, maybe then Cassy could make a friend that wasn’t a part of the main family.

The previous Alpha spoke more on the Trials and the expectation he had for everyone in that room. Though the first few games would be quiet, when they reached the top ten, a lot of neighbouring packs and allies would come to spectate the finale. A pack as prestigious as Ash Mount would probably attract royalty. Cassy shuddered. The only thing she could count on was that no wolf from the Shadow Forest pack would come. If they did, it would only mean war.

In honour of the Trials, the wolves chosen by Alpha Jason to be his Unit were to be presented to the candidates first. Afterwards, the pack would finally find out which wolves would be their front line of defence and their leaders. The previous Alpha took great pleasure in naming the wolves one by one, speaking on their strengths and capabilities which led them to be chosen. 

Cassy didn’t care to hear about the eight new High Guard warriors and only listened when Zac stepped forward.

“Presenting your new Beta wolf, Zachary Briggs. Carrying the blood of my brother and the strength of our line, Zachary is a formidable warrior and trusted wolf of the Alpha. He will help Alpha Jason lead this pack to great things.”

Her breath caught as Zac scanned the crowd, a small smile curving his lips when his attention fell on her. After last night, he mustn’t have expected to see her. She was almost as surprised as him to be there but calmed under his familiar gaze.

Though, it moved away too quickly, letting every woman in the crowd feel his presence. She heard small whispers and giggles around her, but she knew he was hers. He had proclaimed as much last night when he kissed her under the moon. All she had to do was earn her place at his side. He continued his perusal of the candidates for a long minute, looking so natural on that stage with all the attention, but Cassy pushed away the bristling tension on the back of her neck. He had probably been told to do it. The rest of the Unit had done the same, and it had successfully caused a wave of determination in the room of young women. 

“You okay?” Alex whispered.

Cassy nodded, jaw too tight to speak.

“And finally, your Alpha. Alpha Jason Briggs. He has successfully held his title for five years and kept the pack prosperous. With his new High Guards and Beta, all he needs now is a strong Luna at his side to help lead the pack and continue the line.”

Alpha Jason stepped forward, taking his place at the front of the platform as his father stepped back. The change of mood was instant. His father had a strong voice, but it was warm, welcoming. Alpha Jason didn’t speak yet a chill raced Cassy’s spine. He too looked about the room, but where the other wolves had been eager to look at their potential mates, he was scanning the hall as if a potential threat lay among them. His eyes were dark and cold, pure steel as they brushed over her. His presence was commanding and every wolf within it fell silent. They stayed like that, waiting for their Alpha to speak, like he had cast them under a spell only his voice could break.

“Thank you all for coming.” There was no cheer in his voice, though Cassy felt a slight warmth to its deep timbre. “As per Ash Mount traditions, we will now check for fated mates among the Unit. As you know, that is the only exception to a mate by trial, and, once done, all members of the High Guard will swear to reject a fated mate right here or lose their rank.”

Cassy’s eyes widened. “What does he mean?”

“A High Guard warrior can only claim a fated mate up until the start of the trials, other than that they have to choose one of the top ten except the winner who will be mated to the Alpha.” Alex’s eyebrow cocked at the stupid question.

“I know that.” She hissed. “What does he mean by checking for fated mates now?”

Though she asked, the answer sat deep in her stomach.

“Oh, they’ll ask all the wolves in the room to release their pheromones. It’ll be a headrush of scents but Fated mates will find each other.”

Alex shrugged, completely unaware of the rising panic in the back of Cassy’s throat. Yes, she would withhold her pheromones, but if her Fated mate happened to be in that room, she wouldn’t be able to hold her scent back. Then, everyone there would know her secret. She had to somehow block her sense of smell or overwhelm it entirely.

She grabbed her friend’s arm as Alpha Jason readied the order. 

“Shit.”