CHAPTER 6

-CASSIAN LANCASTER-

"YOU LOOK LIKE you are being sent to a death sentence."

Cassian Lancaster, the famous warrior alpha, snorted. "Shut up, Ryan." He said, adjusting his sleeves.

"I am your Beta and best friend, Cassian," The blonde man called Ryan said with a lopsided smile. "I have seen you through many things, I have seen the look on your face before every war we have fought together... and I must say, your face today is worse than any of those days."

"Maybe because I am literally being forced to go attend some stupid ceremony," Cassian snarled.

"You are not being forced," Ryan replied. "But it would be wise to accept the peace that the pack of Blackspire is offering."

"We are not scared of them," Cassian said. "We are good with or without the peace treaty."

"Yes, we are," Ryan said, coming up behind Cassian with a jacket. "But we will be better with peace with them. Besides, you might find a wife there. That won't be a bad thing, we need a Luna here."

"My mother is there to fill up that role," Cassian said.

"And she is doing a good job there, but it's not the same," Ryan said.

"You complain too much," Cassian muttered as he shrugged the jacket on.

"I want the best for this pack and our legacy," Ryan said. "I am going to dress up. See you at the car in 10 minutes."

Cassian sighed.

He was the great alpha that brought war to the werewolf republic council. He had single-handedly freed the pack of his great-grandfather from oppression, and he was determined to make sure other packs did not suffer as his pack had.

The Republic of Werewolves was like a board of alphas that came together and decided to take control of packs all over the world. Almost all werewolf packs were under the Republic

Fighting against them was not an easy task. Cassian had been to countless wars, and he had the scars to show for it. He gently touched the scar that ran from the top of his left eyebrow to a few inches beneath his eyes.

He had been prepared to continue his revolution to the packs, but Ryan had come in with news that the Blackspire pack was inviting him to the new coronation of their new alpha, as well as his mating ceremony. Cassian had immediately rejected it after all, the Blackspire pack was a large pack, and a part of the Republic. So Cassian had been surprised when they extended a hand for peace.

Ryan had given him many reasons why he should agree, one of them being that they might find his mate this time. Cassian had been too immersed in his life goals that he had not given much time to finding his mate.

Cassian took a step back to look at his reflection in the full-body mirror. He snorted to himself. He was not bad looking, not in the slightest. Standing at 6feet4 and ripped with muscles. His long hair was packed in a low ponytail, and he was clean-shaven except for the constant 5 o'clock stubble that was on his chin and lower face, making him look more dangerous.

"Are you ready to go?" Ryan asked through the mindlink. Cassian grunted and walked out to meet the entourage of cars that would be escorting him to the Blackspire pack.

***

THEY GOT TO the place and a few hours later. Cassian was in a worse mood than earlier. His back hurt, and his wolf was restless.

"Are you alright?" Ryan leaned over and whispered. "I could do the talking for you, if you don't mind."

"I'm fine," Cassian said, wanting to rip out the button from his collar. "And shouldn't you be worried about finding your mate?"

Ryan laughed. "The moon goddess wouldn't do that to me. I love being a freeman, and I am not bugged down with as many responsibilities as you. I don't need to have a mate."

Cassian chuckled dryly. Ryan detested the idea of staying loyal to one woman because she was his "mate." He had numerous girlfriends across the different packs they were affiliated with. The thought that he would have to break up with them because of one woman scared him.

"The moon goddess could play games on you," Cassian said. "Maybe your mate has been here all along."

Ryan shook his head, but he was silent. "If she is, I would reject her."

"You're not that mean," Cassian laughed. Apart from Ryan's knack for flirting and womanizing, he was a very good Beta and friend to Cassian.

The cars slowed to a crawl as they approached a man standing a few feet away. Cassian and Ryan stepped out of the car.

"Welcome to the Blackspire pack," the man said with a smile. "I am Beta Sylvester, and it is my honour to meet you."

Cassian's wolf was immediately on guard with this man. There was something unusual about him, stirring a deep feeling of hate in Cassian.

"Alpha Robert and his son are in the pack hall awaiting your arrival." Beta Sylvester said.

"Stay calm, Cassian," Ryan mindlinked, already sensing that Cassian was boiling underneath his silence. "We brought gifts for the new Alpha and his Luna," Ryan said to Sylvester.

"Thank you," Sylvester said, grinning widely to reveal a gold tooth. "The Luna is my daughter, so I am pleased."

"I hope your alphas come with a good deal for alliance," Cassian growled. "Because if I am not satisfied, Blackspire will bear the consequences."

An ugly look washed over Sylvester's face, but he quickly replaced it with a mask of smiles. "Don't worry, Alpha Cassian. This deal comes with so many good things. One of which, I'm sure you will be very pleased with." His eyes had an evil glint as he smiled and walked away.

Cassian saw the glint in the Beta's eyes, but he did not think much of it because a floral vanilla scent suddenly filled his nose, enveloping him and his senses. His wolf, who had been on edge all the while suddenly calmed down. Cassian growled and looked around abruptly.

"Alpha Cassian, are you not coming with us?" Beta Sylvester asked.

Cassian took in a deep breath to memorize the scent before he nodded. "I'm coming." He muttered as he made a mental note to leave the meeting as soon as possible and find where that scent was coming from.