It was done in a heartbeat. The pain it caused didn’t even linger for long.
I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw it in front of the mirror—the mark of the Alpha. On my neck.
It was surreal. I touched my neck and there it was, a shimmering testament to the bond that had formed between Alpha Zarion and me.
My heart swelled with joy, this pure emotion washing over me. I remember every bit of the memories we shared this night.
“You are the only person whom I will spend the rest of my life with, Cassidy. I couldn't wait for that to happen. We have so much time in the world. I will give you everything that you want and need. Just please fucking stay by my side because I can't live without you. Damn. I don't even know what I'll do if you leave me…” His words still ring in my ear even when he’s already snoring beside me.
He had made it clear that I was the only one, and that meant everything to me.
“I will never leave you, Zarion.” I kissed his temple as I buried myself under the blanket, letting sleep finally take over me.
***
The sun finally chased away the dark next day, and the happiness bubbling inside me was almost uncontrollable. It still hasn't left me. Still clinging in my soul with all its gloriousness.
I went on my usual duties as a Luna with a newfound sense of purpose, feeling connected to the pack in a way I had never experienced before.
Alpha Zarion's words echoed in my mind, strengthening my entire being. Beckoning me to be the best version of myself, not only for my sake but for the entire Volatile Hounds Pack.
As the sun began its descent towards the horizon, I saw Alpha Zarion in my room, together with his Beta Achilles. “Hey…” I whispered, my cheeks blushing because I still couldn't get over what happened. And the fact that I wasn’t alone with Achilles’ squinting eyes and teasing smile. He knew what me and Zarion did. Obviously.
“Hey, love. I'm just here to tell you to please rest the whole day. I will call for an emergency meeting with the pack.”
The moment he mentioned the word ‘emergency’ meeting alerted me.
“What is it for?” I asked, concern laced my voice. “And why should I take a rest instead of being present in the meeting?”
“I'm going to have a meeting with the Gammas guarding the iron gate. I will urge them to fortify the security of the pack and warn them about the potential danger posed by Alpha Brandon.”
“What about him?”
Zarion said nothing. And with his silence, I found the answer to my own question—it has something to do with Hestia.
And it sent shivers down my spine. Alpha Brandon is known for his ruthless nature. The mere thought of him causing trouble in the Volatile Hounds Pack made my heart race.
He's my first mate, and Alpha Zarion's step-brother. Basically he’s a family…by blood.
“But why would he bother coming here?”
“Trust me, Cassidy. I know how my brother's mind works. He will get you whatever it costs because he knows you're the one that I cherished the most.”
“Please…” I begged, disregarding the weakness that shows in my trembling voice. “We're not going to war, right? I want to live in peace, Zarion. I want to wake up everyday without worrying about bloodbaths and wounds that will never heal.”
“Of course, my love. I will give you the peace that you want. But just to make sure, we will be advancing the security of our pack into the highest level... just in case.”
It’s his nicer way of saying that there will be a ninety-nine percent chance of us going to battle.
He pressed his lips against mine. I closed my eyes for goddamn who knows how long. After the long kiss we shared, he stepped back and nodded to Beta Caleb, who was just standing a few breaths away from his side and commanded him to go.
“I got to go, Cass.” It was the last word he uttered before closing the door of our bedroom.
I admired his leadership and how he always put the pack's well-being above everything else at the same time watching over me. He laid out plans to enhance our defenses and increase patrols, ensuring everyone's safety, not just mine.
With my body aching for nice cool waters, I slipped into the bath.
***
“How was the meeting? Any progress?” I asked one of the handmaids, an Omega whom Zarion treats nicely. when she left the room after placing my lunch. She froze to where she stared at me, her lips trembling and knees buckling.
“Luna Cassidy,” she swallowed. “His stepbrother arrived at the front gate five minutes ago.”
“What the—How?!” I screamed at the top of my lungs and fixed the white long dress I wore, its upper part shimmers while down to my waist up to my legs remains a bit ruffled. I ran towards the nearest window, looking down at the line of soldier warriors waiting in our castle ground.
Damn it!
Alpha Brandon, of all the fucking wolves, arrived at our territory, unannounced. He’s seeking an audience with Alpha Zarion. I couldn't fathom what he wanted, why in the light of day where the moon is still away. Nevertheless, day or night, his presence still sent tension rippling through the air. Tearing away the courage from my lungs.
Shit.
I may have been observing from afar watching the confrontation unfold with a mixture of curiosity and caution, but I can still feel the fear. The uneven rhythm of my heart. The cold sweat flowing and the tears that threaten to break from my hold.
“What is he doing?” I still manage to ask despite the answer being so obvious.
Me. He wants me. Dead or alive, I freaking have no idea. My heart skipped a beat. I couldn't move to where I was standing. All I did was to watch both of the Alphas and just read their conversation from the movement of their lips.
Alpha Zarion, standing tall and unwavering, faced Alpha Brandon, his brother, with a composed expression while giving nothing away. It was clear that Zarion was prepared for any possible outcome. His face ready to blow the horn signaling for war.
Alpha Brandon's voice was loud and solemn as he spoke. “Zarion, I come seeking forgiveness from Cassidy.”
His words hung in the air, and I found myself holding my breath. Waiting.
Forgiveness? What did he mean by that?
My mind raced to many possibilities, trying to process this unexpected plea. Is this another mind game of his?
I turned my attention to Zarion, who remained stoic. His blank expression was hard to read and his gaze was unwavering. “You have caused enough turmoil, Brandon. Why should I consider granting you forgiveness now when we both know you have a tendency to brew another mischief in the future again?”
“The forgiveness is not coming from you, brother. But oh well, since you've mentioned it, I will seek your forgiveness too!”
His soldiers laughed behind, snickering..
Does he really think he could embarrass Zarion with his dark humor?
My eyebrow cocked at the side as soon as our eyes met.I was about to retreat from the window when he waved his hand casually at me.
“Oh, there's Cassidy!” He pointed at me. Zarion turned and his eyes squinted as if disappointed from finding out that I’ve been ‘eavesdropping’ all along. “Hello Cassidy!” I stood up properly after leaning from the windowsill and gave Brandon a nice old glare.
I did not answer him.
I just stared at him. Then, with a swift movement of my fist, I threw a sharp rock—aiming at his throat.