Chapter 68
Cassian's POV
My chest felt too tight, rage pulsing through my veins like liquid fire. The sight of El's face when her mother burst in - that flash of fear before she tried to hide it - made me want to rip something apart. Jessica's vicious words to Elowen still echoed in the room even after she'd stormed out moments ago.
"Take care of her," I told Casper, not trusting myself to stay. "I need a smoke."
I needed air before I lost control. Zero, my wolf spirit, was clawing beneath my skin, demanding retribution for how that woman had treated El. I pulled my silver cigarette case from my pocket and headed outside, the familiar weight doing little to calm the storm brewing inside me.
As I stepped onto the gravel driveway, I stopped short. Jessica was still here, fumbling with her car keys beside her sleek silver sedan. Her movements were angry, jerky with frustration after her confrontation inside.
"Still haven't managed to leave?" I called out, my voice carrying a sharp edge. "I thought you were in such a hurry to go."
Jessica looked up at the sound of my voice, her eyes narrowing when she saw me. Instead of continuing to her car, she straightened, a calculated smile spreading across her face.
"Cassian," she said, her voice artificially pleasant. "Actually, I'm glad I caught you alone."
Careful, Zero's voice rumbled in my mind. This woman smells more dangerous than a hunter's trap.
I flicked open my lighter and lit my cigarette, taking a long drag before exhaling a perfect ring of smoke that dissipated in the night air. "Is there something you wanted to say that you couldn't say in front of your daughter?"
"I know I must look like the villain here," she began, stepping closer but maintaining a careful distance. "But I truly only want what's best for my daughter."
I said nothing, just watched her through the haze of smoke. People reveal more when faced with silence.
"You know how fragile she is," Jessica continued, lowering her voice. "How insecure. Those aren't qualities an Alpha heir needs in a partner. She won't handle the responsibilities of being a luna well. You've known her long enough to understand this."
Let me tear her throat out, Zero snarled inside my head.
"She's had anxiety attacks since childhood," Jessica said, watching my face for a reaction. "Emotional outbursts. Drake might not be perfect, but he provides stability."
I took another drag, letting the smoke fill my lungs.
"How much has she told you?" Jessica asked, her eyes narrowing. "About our family? About her arrangement with Drake?"
"Enough," I replied, the single word carrying more weight than a lengthy response. Zero howled his rage inside my skull.
Jessica mistook my calm for wavering. "You should be thinking about the future of Thornwood Pack, not just your... impulses." Her gaze dropped meaningfully to my hands.
I looked down, noticing my fingertips beginning to transform, nails elongating into claws. I carefully concealed them in the smoke, controlling my breathing.
"The Reid family has connections that could benefit your pack," Jessica pressed. "Drake may be a bit... promiscuous, but he doesn't have the responsibilities of an Alpha heir. He can support Elowen through her insecurities while you and your brother focus on more important matters."
I watched her, keeping my expression neutral while Zero snarled threats in my mind.
"My husband's debts need to be settled," she continued, her tone shifting to something more businesslike. "This is the most dignified solution."
She's selling her own daughter to pay off debts, Zero growled. Disgusting.
"And if this arrangement is... disrupted?" I asked, my voice deliberately casual. "What then?"
Jessica's eyes hardened. "The Reid family could challenge Thornwood Pack. Does your father understand what that means?"
"You're wrong, Jessica," I said, fighting to keep my voice steady as my fingers ached with the effort of not shifting. "Drake is the source of El's insecurities. He's not good for her."
Jessica noticed the strain in my voice and smiled, thinking she'd found a crack in my armor. "Are you and your brother any better for her? You're infatuated now because you enjoy how she worships you both. But you'll grow tired of her eventually. I can see you're the rational one, Cassian. More calculated than your brother. You understand what's at stake."
She's manipulating you, Zero warned. Don't let her.
I was about to respond when the front door opened. My father, Alpha Austin, emerged from the house, his imposing figure silhouetted against the light from inside.
"What's happening here?" he asked, his nostrils flaring as he approached us. "I smell tension."
Jessica instantly straightened, her voice rising half an octave. "Oh, Alpha Austin! Cassian and I were just discussing Elowen's relationship with your family."
My father's eyes narrowed as they moved between us. "Is that so?" He turned to me. "Is Elowen alright? She seemed upset earlier."
Before I could answer, Jessica jumped in. "I've discovered Elowen is having doubts about everything. She doesn't even know what she wants!" Her voice dripped with concern. "I'm worried she'll hurt your sons."
Lying bitch, Zero snarled, and I had to agree.
I dropped my cigarette, crushing it under my boot. "That's not what happened."
"I have pack business to attend to at the borders," Jessica said hurriedly, opening her car door. "I should go."
She slid into the driver's seat, but not before giving me one last meaningful look that sent ice down my spine. As she drove away, Zero's rage exploded in my mind.
Fucking manipulative snake! She's using her own daughter as a bargaining chip!
My father turned to me, his expression serious. "Cassian, what's really going on?"
I took a deep breath, making my decision. "Father, there's something you need to know about Jessica and the Reid family. It involves Elowen."
My father's eyes flashed gold – the wolf rising to the surface. "Tell me everything."
As I began to explain, I felt a twisted sense of satisfaction. Zero was right – sometimes the cold, calculated approach was better than brute force. Jessica had made a critical error in thinking I'd be easier to manipulate than Casper.
She had no idea what she'd just unleashed.