Chapter 71
Elowen's POV
Time froze as Irene's icy blue eyes locked with mine, her perfectly manicured hand extended toward Cassian. Though everyone wore masks, there was no mistaking the challenge in her gaze. My wolf bristled, hackles raised at the territorial invasion.
Before I could react, Cassian's fingers tightened around mine. His other arm slid around my waist, pulling me possessively against his side.
"I appreciate the offer," he said, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down my spine, "but I'm afraid I must decline." His eyes never left mine as he continued, "My eyes only see one woman tonight."
Irene's perfectly glossed smile didn't falter, but I caught the flash of surprise in her eyes. "Oh? The mysterious masked man has a preference already?"
"I have for quite some time," Cassian replied, turning his full attention back to me. His ice-blue eyes softened behind his black mask as he leaned close. The warmth of his breath caressed my cheek as he whispered, "Baby girl, may I have this dance instead?"
My heart skipped several beats. The jealousy that had been clawing at my insides dissolved under the heat of his gaze. I stepped closer, tilting my chin up. "Absolutely."
As Cassian led me to the dance floor, I caught fragments of hushed conversations around us.
"Holy shit, did he just reject Irene White?"
"Who is that guy? His jawline could cut glass..."
"That girl with him is just as stunning."
"They're both gorgeous. Like, intimidatingly hot."
See? Juno preened. We're fucking spectacular. Irene who?
The song transitioned to something slower but no less sensual as Cassian pulled me against him. His hand splayed across my lower back, guiding me with confident movements. I could feel every hard plane of his body against mine, the heat between us almost unbearable.
"You're tense," he murmured, the gentle vibration of his words against my temple making me shiver. "Don't be. There's nothing between Irene and me anymore."
I tilted my head back to look at him. "I know. It's just... she's like an ice goddess."
His mouth quirked into that half-smile that always made my knees weak. "I prefer fire." His finger traced down my cheek. "And freckles."
My cheeks heated, and I settled more comfortably against him, allowing myself to melt into the dance. Over Cassian's shoulder, I spotted Irene's face. Her smile had vanished, replaced by a chilly glare that could have frozen hell itself.
Before she could make another move, a tall figure appeared beside her, his sandy blonde hair visible beneath a forest-green mask that matched his eyes perfectly. Drake. He extended his hand to Irene with an exaggerated bow.
"May I have this dance?" he asked, loud enough for several people to hear. "Since this mysterious gentleman has such poor taste."
Irene's smile returned, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Of course, darling."
As they moved onto the dance floor, a familiar voice cut through the music.
"Darling! There you are!"
Sarah weaved through the crowd, her red waves bouncing and her emerald dress leaving little to the imagination. She wasn't wearing a mask, clearly not having gotten the memo about the masquerade theme. Her eyes were fixed on Drake, who stiffened visibly.
"Why didn't you tell me about this masked party?" she pouted, running a possessive hand down Drake's arm. "I had to hear from Casper, of all people."
Drake disengaged from Irene with practiced smoothness. "Been busy, baby. Completely slipped my mind." He planted a quick kiss on Sarah's forehead. "Listen, I've got some business to take care of. Enjoy yourself, okay? Open bar."
"Wait!" Sarah protested as he began moving away. "I got all dressed up for you!"
But Drake was already disappearing into the crowd, leaving Sarah standing awkwardly beside Irene, who gave her a dismissive once-over.
She didn't even recognize us, Juno cackled. We're so drop-dead gorgeous she can't even tell it's us!
Perfect, but our plan just hit a snag, I thought, watching Sarah fidget uncomfortably beside an increasingly annoyed-looking Irene. We need her to talk, but Drake just brushed her off like she was nothing.
"You're not paying attention," Cassian whispered, his finger gently flicking my nose. "Am I that boring?"
I grinned up at him. "Not even close. Just people-watching." My eyes darted meaningfully toward Sarah, who was now stalking toward the bar, her face flushed with humiliation.
Cassian caught my meaning immediately, his gaze sharpening as he maneuvered our dance to keep both Sarah and Drake in view. "Change of plans," he murmured. "Casper will intercept her once she's had a few drinks. Angry, drunk, and publicly rejected? She'll be desperate to prove her importance."
As we turned, I noticed something odd. Drake had rejoined Irene on the other side of the dance floor, and his entire demeanor had shifted. The cocky swagger was gone, replaced by an almost deferential posture as he leaned in to hear what Irene was saying.
"That's strange," I whispered to Cassian. "Look at Drake with Irene. He's practically cowering."
Cassian's eyes narrowed, tracking the pair. "Interesting. He's not acting like the big-shot person he pretends to be. More like..."
"A dog following orders," I finished. "But whose? Irene's?"
"Keep watching them," Cassian instructed, expertly guiding our dance to bring us closer to the pair. "Drake claims to be from an old, powerful line, but I've never seen an Alpha act like that around anyone."
As we glided past them, I caught fragments of their conversation.
"—told you to keep her away tonight—" Irene was saying, her voice like ice.
"I didn't invite her," Drake hissed back. "Your precious plan isn't—"
Irene's fingers dug into his arm, silencing him instantly. "Don't test me. Remember what happened last time."
Drake's face paled visibly beneath his mask, and he nodded quickly.
"Well, that's definitely not normal behavior," I murmured as we danced away. "He's terrified of her."
"My turn," Casper announced, suddenly appearing beside us. His amber eyes gleamed behind his red mask, heated with intent as they roamed over me.
Cassian released me with obvious reluctance. "Don't forget who she's going home with," he warned his brother, though his tone was light. Then, with a subtle nod toward Sarah who was now downing shots at the bar, he added, "We still need information."
"On it," Casper confirmed with a wink. "But first, a dance with the most beautiful woman in the room."