Chapter 11
Cassian's POV
I stood at the edge of the crowd, my eyes glued to Elowen as she clutched that damn bouquet, her cheeks flushed a soft pink that made my blood boil in the best way. That silver dress hugged every curve of her body, shimmering under the lantern light like it was made just to torment me. Her chestnut hair with those golden streaks caught the glow, and her amber eyes darted around, nervous, almost hunted. Fuck, she looked like prey, my prey. My wolf snarled inside me, pacing restlessly, my ice-blue eyes darkening to a deeper shade as I growled to myself, "She will be mine. Only mine. Not my brother's, not anyone else's."
I remembered how Casper and I shared everything growing up—toys, fights, even girls at one point. But not her. Never her. I wasn't about to let him have this piece of me. My chest tightened with a raw, hungry need as I decided right then and there to stop waiting around like some pathetic pup. I was taking what I wanted.
The crowd started shifting toward the reception area, a fancy setup with crystal chandeliers casting golden light over tables draped in deep green satin—Thornwood Pack's color. Flowers everywhere, the scent of roses and pine thick in the air. I followed, my gaze never leaving Elowen. Casper was already at her side, handing her a glass of champagne, his hand resting on her waist like he owned her. Her light laugh hit my ears, and I caught the sweet, warm scent of her happiness mixed with his smoky pine stink. It pissed me off. My jaw clenched hard. "We used to share everything, but not her. Never her. I was always in charge, me!" I thought, my hands curling into fists. I noticed Father's sharp eyes flicking between us from across the room, like he was sizing up which of us would crack first. Let him watch. I wasn't backing down.
I grabbed a glass of rare wolf-brewed liquor from a passing tray, the kind only high-ranking wolves got to touch, and strode over with a calm I didn't feel. My boots clicked on the polished wood floor, each step deliberate. "Elowen," I said, my voice smooth but hard, cutting through their little chat. "I need a word. Pack safety business." Casper's amber eyes narrowed, but he didn't argue. Not yet. Elowen's face shifted, a flash of worry in those amber depths, her gaze darting around like she was looking for an escape. I smelled it then—fear, sharp and sour, tainting her sweet scent. My wolf growled, senses sharpening. I caught another smell, sulfur and grease, slimy as hell. Drake. That bastard was nearby, chatting with some Elders, but his green eyes kept sliding to her like a predator waiting to strike. Her heartbeat thudded louder in my ears, fast and uneven. I stepped closer, positioning myself between her and that piece of shit, my body a shield. Casper caught my look, a quick nod passing between us. For once, we agreed on something—keep her safe.
"Cassian, what's this about?" Elowen asked, her voice small, fingers tightening around the champagne glass. Her breath hitched, and I could see the pulse jumping at her throat.
"Just follow me," I said, keeping my tone even, but my eyes stayed cold, locked on hers. I led her away from Casper, toward the quieter edge of the room. She hesitated, then trailed after me, her heels clicking softly. I could feel Drake's stare burning into my back, but I didn't give a damn. Let him watch.
She stopped near the balcony doors, her hands fidgeting with the stem of her glass. "I… I need some air," she muttered, pushing through the glass doors before I could stop her. The cool night hit me as I followed, the scent of damp stone and forest washing over us. Moonlight spilled across the balcony, turning her silver dress into liquid light, her skin glowing pale against it. My cock twitched at the sight, and I cursed under my breath. "Fuck, I want to pin her against that railing, rip that dress off, and bury myself in her right here," I thought, my blood roaring. But then I saw him—Drake, slinking out after her like the snake he was. My instincts screamed to charge, but I held back, slipping into the shadows to listen. I needed to know what that bastard was up to.
He grabbed her arm, yanking her into a corner with a grip that made her wince. I saw red, but I stayed put, ears straining. His smirk was vicious, teeth glinting in the moonlight. "Your mom already decided, Elowen. You're mine. We've got a fucking contract. Did you really not know?" he hissed, his voice dripping with cruel satisfaction.
Her face went white, eyes wide with shock. "No… that's not true," she stammered, shaking her head, her hair trembling around her shoulders. Her voice broke, barely a whisper.
Drake pulled out a folded paper from his jacket, waving it in her face. I could see the pack seal and her mother's signature from here. "Jessica's been on my side all along, even after you ran off. This was set in stone. No one can change it—not even those two pricks sniffing around you," he sneered, stepping closer, his hand reaching for her chin.
Her knees buckled, and she stumbled back against the stone railing, tears spilling down her cheeks, catching the moonlight. Her scent turned bitter with despair, and it gutted me. I couldn't stand it anymore. I stepped out of the shadows, my boots heavy on the stone, shoving Drake back with a force that made him stagger. "Get the fuck away from her!" I roared, my voice low and deadly, my eyes flashing full wolf, icy blue turning sharp and dangerous.
Drake's smirk didn't waver, the bastard. He straightened his jacket, cool as hell. "It's a formal contract, Cassian. Even your daddy can't touch this," he said, his tone mocking, eyes glinting with challenge.
I stepped forward, towering over him, my voice a lethal whisper. "Try me, asshole." My wolf was clawing to get out, to rip his throat open and paint this balcony with his blood.
"Trouble just keeps coming, doesn't it, Drake?" Casper's voice cut through the tension, warm and smoky. He emerged from the balcony doors, his red-brown hair catching the moonlight like a damn flame. His amber eyes burned with the same fury I felt. For once, I was glad to see my brother. Together, we flanked Elowen like guards, our scents forming a wall between her and that piece of shit.
Drake's confidence faltered, his eyes darting between us. He backed off, hands up, but his parting shot hit hard. "You can't protect her forever. She'll be mine in the end."
The moment he disappeared, Elowen collapsed onto the stone bench, her shoulders shaking with sobs. "I can't believe this... how could she do this to me?" she choked out between gasps, her voice broken and raw. "I told her everything he did! He cheated! He hurt me!"