CHAPTER 7

CASSIAN

"AS YOU CAN see, we are not a small pack by any means," Beta Sylvester said, chuckling with pride. "And we have some of the best warriors."

Cassian chuffed, unimpressed.

"Try to smile," Ryan urged through the mindlink, but Cassian ignored. His brain reminded him of the scent that wafted into his nose a few minutes ago, and he sighed in contentment.

"Welcome to the pack hall," Sylvester said. "And you are our honored guest."

Cassian looked around the hall. It was decorated with round tables, each with 4 chairs. There were a lot of people present, eating and drinking.

"Come, I will introduce you to our alpha, the future alpha and Luna," Sylvester said.

Cassian reluctantly followed.

"The hall is impressive, though," Ryan muttered.

"More impressive than their defense," Cassian agreed. "I would cut through all of them without even breaking a sweat."

"Ah, look. Our guests are here," Alpha Robert said loudly. "Let us welcome Cassian Lancaster." He paused for dramatic effect, then added. "Yes, he is the dark-blooded rebel wolf of ShadowVeil."

There was a collective sharp intake of breath.

"Don't worry," Robert laughed. "He is here as a friend. Right?"

"Smile," Ryan mindlinked.

Cassian kept his face emotionless as he approached Robert.

"Here as a friend," Robert said again, making a move to hug Cassian, but stopped when he saw the coldness in Cassian's eyes. "Let's go back to drinking and merrying."

When the party resumed in full swing, and Cassian was seated, Roberts leaned closer and said, "You don't look very darkblooded to me." He laughed.

"Don't take the alpha's words to heart," Sylvester cut in. "He loves to joke a lot. Let me introduce you to our future alpha."

Cassian raised an eyebrow. At least Sylvester's was efficient. It seemed to Cassian that the Beta was the one running the pack, not the alpha.

"Robert Junior, the son of Alpha Robert," Sylvester said, gesturing to a young man on the opposite side of the table. "In the near future, he will be the one to handle any alliance that is formed on this table."

Cassian regarded the young alpha calmly.

"This is my daughter, the future Luna. Her name is Natalie," Sylvester said.

The table went silent, and all eyes were on Cassian, waiting for him to introduce himself.

It was Ryan who spoke after some seconds of silence. "I am the Beta, Ryan, and it is pleasing to make your acquaintance."

"How long will you be staying with us?" Roberts Junior asked.

"Not long," Ryan answered.

"Well, the party is over now. I am mated to my Luna, so you can leave now." Robert junior said.

A small smile tugged on Cassian's lips. The young alpha was feeling insecure and territorial, which was a normal behavior.

"We will be out of your hair by tomorrow," Cassian said calmly.

"We have some gifts to give you for peace," Alpha Robert said.

"Why are you even at war?" Robert junior asked. "I think it is quite stupid to fight against the republic. It is way better to join them."

Cassian was liking everything about this pack less and less by the second, but he managed to control his anger before he did something bad.

"We should offer you your gift now," Sylvester said, trying to change the topic. "So you may start to enjoy it from tonight."

"That is a good idea," Robert junior said.

Sylvester gave a small wave with his hand, and two guards left the room.

"This gift..." Cassian folded his arms. "Tell me about it."

"Oh, it's my cousin." Natalie piped before anyone could answer.

Cassian's brows deepened in a frown. "Your cousin?" He looked at Sylvester. "Your niece. You are handing your niece to me."

"Well, y-you see..."

"She is bad," Natalie cut in on her father's words. "First, she tried to kill me, then my father wanted to punish her, and she tried to burn the house down, then she tried to seduce Robert junior, even after knowing that he is betrothed to me."

"So you see it as a good punishment to hand her to me as a slave," Cassian said, looking at Sylvester.

"Yes," Natalie cut in again.

Sylvester gave her a stern look to keep her shut. Robert Junior took her hand and led her away before she said anything worse.

"Do you mind explaining?" Cassian looked at Alpha Robert.

"There is nothing to explain, Alpha Cassian," Sylvester said. "The girl is useless here, and she keeps bringing trouble. Her only use can be to serve you in whatever way you need."

Cassian was not pleased with any of this.

"Just smile and accept the gift. You need it," Ryan mindlinked. "And if you don't want her, I am always glad to take her."

Cassian scoffed.

"Ah, yes. They're bringing her now," Sylvester said, making Cassian turn around at the same moment as the floral scent washed over his nose.

Two guards were dragging her small frame along the floor. They dropped her at Cassian's feet.

The scent was coming from the girl. A slave. Her reddish-brown hair fell over her face as she hung her head down.

"Look up to your new master!" Sylvester snarled at the girl.

She took some seconds to show defiance before she looked up, and her brown eyes met with Cassian's black, and he felt a strong tugging in his chest.

"I reject her," he growled. The whole room went still and quiet as his voice rang out. He held her gaze again and said, "I reject you." She whimpered as he pushed past the guards and walked out of the hall.