Chapter 10
Elowen's POV
I stood there, caught between Casper’s tight grip on my waist and Cassian’s piercing stare, my heart pounding so hard it hurt. The whispers of the pack around us stung my ears, their judgmental murmurs slicing through the cool night air. My skin prickled under the weight of their eyes, and the scent of pine and smoke from Casper mixed with the cold ore and rose from Cassian, making my head spin. I wanted to disappear, to sink into the ground beneath the glowing moongrass.
Before either brother could throw another jab, a deep, commanding voice cut through the tension like a blade. “Are you two planning to ruin Cindy’s mating ceremony with your nonsense?” Alpha Austin’s tone was low, heavy with authority, his sharp gaze flicking between his sons. His presence loomed over us, broad shoulders squared, the deep green of his pack crest glinting on his chest. I felt Casper’s hold on me loosen just a fraction, and Cassian stepped back, both of them dipping their heads in respect.
“Sorry, Father,” Casper muttered, his voice tight, jaw clenched.
Cassian said nothing, but his ice-blue eyes slid to me for a split second, a flicker of something dangerous in them before he looked away. I let out a shaky breath, relief washing over me, but it didn’t last. Deep down, I knew this ceremony was just the start of something bigger, something messier. My stomach twisted at the thought.
The wedding march started, a soft melody echoing through the old, renovated church grounds. Everyone stood, turning toward the aisle. I shifted on my feet, the silver gown brushing against my legs, feeling too exposed under the weight of so many eyes. Alpha Austin moved to the center, his arm linked with Cindy’s. She looked breathtaking—her white dress flowed like liquid moonlight, embroidered with deep green threads that shimmered under the lanterns. Her black hair cascaded in waves, and her blue eyes shimmered with unshed tears, a radiant smile on her lips.
“She looks like a damn fairy,” I whispered to myself, a lump forming in my throat. I was so proud of her. Beside her, Ethan from Starfall Pack waited, his warm brown eyes locked on her, full of love. Their connection was palpable, a quiet strength that made my chest ache with longing. I couldn’t help but feel the heat of two other gazes burning into me. Casper’s warmth from my left, Cassian’s icy intensity from my right. My skin felt like it was on fire under their stares, and I shifted uncomfortably, tugging at the hem of my dress.
“Damn, girl, they’re looking at you like you’re a fucking steak,” Juno’s voice purred in my head, dripping with excitement. “Cassian’s all ice, but there’s heat underneath. Casper’s straight-up fire, not even hiding it. Bet they’d tear each other apart to get between your legs.”
“Shut the hell up, Juno!” I hissed under my breath, my cheeks flaming. “This is Cindy’s day, not some damn fantasy!” But I couldn’t stop myself from noticing Casper’s broad shoulders, the way his suit hugged every muscle, or Cassian’s sharp jawline, those cold eyes hiding something hungry. I bit my lip hard, trying to focus on Cindy, but my body betrayed me, heat pooling low in my belly.
Across the aisle, Luna Ella sat between her sons, her eyes misty as she watched Cindy. “My baby girl looks so beautiful today,” she murmured, her voice breaking. “I can’t believe she’s leaving us.” Casper reached over, squeezing her hand, his face softening for a moment. Cassian nodded, murmuring something comforting. But then, almost in sync, their eyes snapped back to me, burning with something raw, something that made my breath hitch. I looked away fast, my hands trembling.
The ceremony flowed on, vows exchanged under the ancient oak arch, but I barely heard the words. My pulse raced every time I felt their stares. When it finally ended, the crowd erupted in cheers, and Cindy turned to throw the bouquet. I moved to the back, hoping to blend into the sea of people, my silver dress already drawing too much attention. I didn’t want more eyes on me. Not now.
“Alright, ladies!” Cindy called out, her voice bright and teasing. She scanned the crowd, her gaze locking on me with a mischievous grin. “I’m giving all my luck in love to my best girl—Elowen!” Before I could dodge, she tossed the bouquet right at me. The bundle of white roses, green leaves, and tiny pearls sailed through the air, landing square in my hands as if it had a damn mind of its own. The crowd burst into applause, shouts and whistles filling the air. My face burned hotter than ever, my fingers gripping the flowers too tight.
I glanced up, and Casper’s lips curled into a satisfied smirk, his amber eyes glowing with approval. “Looks like fate’s got plans, little freckles,” he said, his voice low, stepping closer. His scent hit me again, pine and smoke, making my knees weak.
Cassian didn’t move, but his stare turned sharper, a dangerous glint in those ice-blue depths. “Careful what you catch, little prey,” he said, his tone smooth but edged with something dark. “Might just trap you.” His words sent a shiver down my spine, and I hated how my body reacted, heat flaring in my core.
I forced a smile, trying to act like their words didn’t rattle me, but my heart was a damn drum in my chest. Everyone was still watching, their cheers fading into curious murmurs. Then I felt a sharp pinch on my shoulder. My mother, Jessica, leaned in close, her voice a harsh whisper. “What the hell is Cindy playing at? Drake’s still around, you know.”
I froze, my grip on the bouquet tightening until my knuckles turned white. “I don’t give a shit about Drake,” I muttered, keeping my voice low. Her eyes narrowed, but before she could say more, a foul stench hit my nose—sulfur and grease, sharp and nauseating. My stomach dropped. I turned my head slowly, dread clawing at my insides.
Drake stood at the edge of the crowd, dressed sharp as ever, but his green eyes were cold, venomous. A smirk played on his lips, and I felt sick, the bouquet suddenly heavy in my hands. “Looks like this piss-stain cleaned himself up,” Juno sneered in my mind. “Back to playing the fucking gentleman, huh?”
Then his voice slithered into my head through the mind link, oily and invasive. “Enjoying being fought over by those two pricks, huh? Think I won’t tell everyone your dirty little secrets? You and Casper are done if I open my mouth. He fucking kicked my balls, and I’m not forgetting that.”