Cassidy’s POV
I paced back and forth in my room, my mind spinning with a whirlwind of endless possibilities.
I just woke up when I found out that Zarion and two of his Betas were out in the Misty Forest, facing danger and uncertainty in the wilderness just to pay Hestia for what she did to me.
I couldn't help but worry for them. The weight of their lives rested heavily on my shoulders, and every passing moment seemed to drag on forever.
Why is everything always about me?!
My fingers clenched and unclenched, my heart thudding in my chest like a relentless drumbeat. I knew that Zarion is a skilled warrior, together with Caleb and Achilles. They are strong and loyal, but the dangers they faced were not to be underestimated. Anything could happen out there in the unknown, and the fear of the unknown gnawed at me like a persistent ache.
What if Alpha Brandon will come for them?
It might be a trap. Also, I might be wrong. I’m overthinking so much that I sometimes forget to put trust in my Alpha.
I tried to expel the rising anxiety deep in my bones, reminding myself that worrying wouldn't change the outcome. It will never change to what has already been done.
But how could I not worry? They are special to me. Each of them. All of them.
The whistling sound of the wind echoed my unsettled emotions. The furious wind repeatedly slapped my window open and closed. The storm outside mirrored the turmoil within me, and I found myself drawing parallels to the tempest raging in my heart. I wished I could do something—anything—to help them and to make sure they returned safely.
I glanced at the clock on the wall. A quarter to midnight. I realized how late it is already. But sleep eluded me like a mirage in the desert. I don’t know why I am so tired that I sank onto the edge of my bed, my hands rubbing my temples as I tried to quell the rising storm of emotions from the bottom of my soul.
“Shit. What if something happens to them on their way home?” I mumbled to myself, paralyzed. Anxious.
I stood up and resumed my pacing, my steps restless and agitated.
I need to do something. I need to find a way to be of assistance. Maybe there was some information I could gather, some insight that could aid them in their mission. I couldn't sit idly by the window, staring at the snowstorm outside while they faced the unknown.
With a determined breath, I made up my mind. “Yeah, maybe I should follow their scent and—”
I was cut off guard when something happened in my room. The movement was so fast that it’s just a blur in the corner of my eye. I gasped and saw a familiar dark figure standing in front of me. “Zarion!” I yielded a worried face as I looked at him and gently touched his face. “Are you okay?”
He nodded, his eyes avoiding mine. “Of course I am,” he sighed as he made his way to sit on my wooden chair.
“You...you came back—safe and sound…” My face immediately lit up, as bright as the moon. “Thank the Moon Goddess!” My arms almost squished his muscular body as I gave him a hug full of love.
He chuckled at my simple act of gratitude. “Of course, Cass, but you don't need to thank the Moon Goddess. I came back safely because of my strength and skills, not because of some divine intervention.”
“And you still have the audacity to crack a joke in this situation?” I glared at him, though playfully, I couldn't help but feel relieved to see him safe. He just laughed and pulled me into his lap. My legs parted on top of him.
“Come here.” Zarion sighed, nuzzling his head against my neck. “I missed you…”
I gasped subtly. Seriously, we just saw each other hours earlier. I knew what he was up to even when I’m on a deep sleep. Even if he didn't tell me, Zarion is an open book. He’s so easy to read, his actions transparent in my eyes. I just let it go, what’s done is done. All I have to do is enjoy the moment of being in his arms.
Silence wrapped around us like dark clouds during a thunderstorm. The room was bathed in shadows, and the only light came from the glow of the full moon outside. The distant howling of the wind filled the air from outside the window. I knew it was the time when Rogues would come out, playing tricks and causing mayhem for their own twisted reasons, but it made me uneasy to lie in bed.
“Did you kill her?” I did not hesitate to ask. I don't know why my heart is pounding fast and hard. Hestia is an enemy. She deserves every suffering she is having now.
But Alpha Zarion remained quiet. He’s always been calm and mysterious like this, even when he’s sprayed by blood and witnesses someone’s head rolling down the hills.
I don’t know what’s going on in his mind! Forget what I said about Zarion being an open book. He’s a closed coffin now, not even grave diggers would mind excavating him.
“You killed her.” Half question, half statement. Hoping I’m going to get a straight answer.
“No,” he replied, his gaze focusing on the ceiling as if the moon is going to climb down from the sky and meet him on the rooftop.
“Where did you put her, then?”
“That's not important. To me.” He turned to face me. “Are you... okay?”
Concern etched his face but it’s my turn to avoid his teary eyes and looked at the glass ceiling, the moon and the stars so bright and visible despite us lying down in our king-sized bed. “I am, of course…”
“But you don't look okay.”
“Neither did you.” When Zarion didn’t respond, I threw him a lover’s glance in a heartbeat before speaking again. “I'm just shocked about what happened—what you did.” I tried to deflect the conversation away from my emotions.
“It doesn't matter to me. Let's just forget about it, about her and—”
“But she's your mate!” I blurted out, unable to hold my anger any longer.
The mention of his mate seemed to strike a chord within him. His expression changed, some sort of pain and pity, but he instantly looked away. “It's not that simple, Cassidy. There are things you still don't understand despite being a fully-pledged werewolf and Luna now.”
“Then help me understand,” I pleaded, my heart aching for both of us. I loved him, but the shadow of his past and his mate loomed over us, threatening to tear us apart.
He sighed heavily, his fingers gently tracing circles on my back. “It's complicated. But please trust me when I say that being with you, being here right now, is what matters most.”
As Zarion's words filled my ears, a mix of relief and confusion washed over me. His reassurance brought some comfort, but the uncertainty still gnawed at the edges of my mind. I tried to articulate my feelings, stumbling over my words as I sought to understand the situation.
“I trust you, Zarion,” I sat, gently setting his arms away from the back of my head. “But I don’t trust your mate.”