Chapter 4 - Alpha Jason

“Catch me.” 

Cassy jumped before Alex had a chance to deny her request. Thankfully her friend’s warrior reflexes and familiarity with Cassy’s random whims, let her catch her with ease. Cassy held on tight, wrapping around her like a koala, burying her nose into Alex’s neck just as Alpha Jason spoke the order. 

At once, everyone, including Alex, released their pheromones. Everyone except Cassy. She locked her will in place, securing her scent behind strong walls she had been building ever since her mum ran away with her. She was just grateful that Alex didn’t startle enough to ignore her Alpha’s order, nor did she push Cassy away. Her pheromones were nice, sweeter and more delicate than she expected from the woman. It made it easier to stay put until she was sure the air had cleared.

Cassy pulled back. Alex’s face was a picture of shock and confusion, but she quickly snapped out of it.

“You smell nice.” Cassy smirked at the faint blush in her friend’s cheeks.

“Well, tell me now if your preferences have changed, Cass, and we’ll run for the hills together.” Her stomach clenching made Cassy’s laugh sound unnatural. Alex casually offered something so easy that Zac had denied, even if she was joking. “Are you going to tell me what that was? You didn’t even release your pheromones?”

“I didn’t?” She shrugged but was glad when a squeal in the crowd stole her friend’s attention.

Everyone turned towards the delight and watch a fated couple unite for the first time. Cassy spared a glance towards Zac first. If his fated mate was in the room, their chances of being together dropped to nothing. He was smiling at the crowd, but none of the women approached him. Instead, a woman ran towards the hall doors and jumped into the arms of a warrior stationed there. More movement in the crowd had Cassy tense, but she didn’t need to worry. One of the guest attendees also found her mate in a warrior planted around the room, and two women in the crowd found each other too.

Three couples, but none fated to the High Guard. There were still ten available spaces to become a mate of the Alpha’s Unit. Ten chances to be Zac’s mate.

It was a small relief that Zac remained mateless, but he still didn’t look her way. No, it was another pair of eyes on her as she climbed down from Alex. Dark, cold eyes. 

Standing at the edge of the stage, Alpha Jason stared at her. His focus was unwavering, and Cassy couldn’t help but shrink a little under the force of it. When he jumped off it into the crowd and started towards her, it took every ounce of strength in her to keep rooted to the spot. Had he noticed she didn’t release her pheromones? Was he going to demand it of her before they moved on? She’d refuse. She’d have to. But what would that mean? To deny her Alpha’s orders? To deny participation in the Trials? She’d probably be exiled from the pack, along with her mum.

Her thoughts raced as the Alpha drew near. He loomed above everyone else, tall and strong, creating a broad path towards her. His features were stone carved, handsome but sharp, and she was certain there was more life in a statue. He had turned to stone a long time ago. Became distant and cold towards everyone, like one day he decided he was above them all. 

The only thing about him that made him somewhat relatable to the pack was his black hair. It was commonplace in the pack and just like the colour her mother dyed theirs to match. Cassy didn’t like her black hair. No matter what special ingredients her mother used, it was matte and dull unlike her natural rich copper locks, but on Alpha Jason, the black was deep and commanding standing vivid against pale skin. Feeling the weight of scrutiny about to descend, she was glad her mother had touched up her roots with her special serum the night before.

Cassy’s breath hitched as Alpha Jason stepped into her personal space. Then, she noticed, he wasn’t looking at her but glaring over her head. He only spared her a glance that ordered her to move before returning his gaze to Alex. Cassy did as she was told and scrambled from between the Briggs siblings. 

“What are you doing here, Alexia, and why are you two messing about?” He asked in that deep rumble that Cassy felt in her bones.

“Just passing the time.” Alex shrugged, folding her arms in front of her though tension pulled at her expression. “Now I don’t have to worry about training to become a member of the High Guard, I have a lot of free time.” 

“Don’t do this here.”

“Of course, Alpha.” She sneered.

A heavy weight pressed upon the crowd, who had fallen silent to watch the exchange. Most likely didn't know what was going on. No one had expected Alex to be chosen for the High Guard, but why would they when only men can be awarded the position? Cassy knew better and felt her gut twist. Alpha Jason had promised her a spot when they were pups, and the pair had trained together all their lives. His broken promise was a heavy blow, one similar to what Cassy had felt last night. 

Alpha Jason turned his back on his sister after she refused to drop her gaze, and returned to the stage, breezing past Cassy without a second look. She didn’t need to see his face to feel the anger rolling off him, but she was sure there was something else beneath it. She hoped it was guilt. 

“Congratulations to the happy couples.” The Alpha grunted when he addressed the audience again. All the cheer was sucked from the air the moment he confronted his sister, leaving behind a stale silence. “For the rest of you, the Luna Trials begin now.”

“When’s the first trial?” One of the women staying among the guests called out. When the Alpha turned to her, she flicked blond, wavy hair over her shoulder and flashed him a winning smile. 

‘Eager to be noticed already,’ Cassy thought.

“I just told you. Now.” 

A murmur spread through the crowd, carrying a shock that she felt herself. The meeting was supposed to be an introduction to the High Guard and to the Trials, not the start of the events. Usually there’s a formal dinner, a couple of days to prepare. Why the rush?

“Anyone with an issue can leave.”

Alpha Jason cut off the crowd again. Cassy would’ve jumped at that chance if it wasn’t for Zac, but held her ground. As did everyone else.

“Good. The first Trial starts in fifteen minutes.”