Chapter 88
# Cassian's POV
We arrived at the ballroom together, Elowen between Casper and me, her fingers nervously clutching both our hands. Her simple entrance dress would soon be exchanged for something more formal, but even now, with her hair half-done and minimal makeup, she was breathtaking.
"It'll be fine," I murmured, squeezing her hand reassuringly before Sophie appeared.
"There you are!" Sophie exclaimed, rushing toward us in her stylish black dress. "Elowen, we need to get you ready for your official introduction. The timing is perfect—guests are still arriving."
Elowen shot us an anxious glance as Sophie began leading her away.
"You'll be stunning," Casper called after her. "We'll be waiting."
I felt a pang of longing as she disappeared down the corridor with Sophie. Through our bond, her anxiety pulsed like a heartbeat.
"I'll check the security arrangements," I told Casper. "Meet you inside in ten."
Casper nodded and headed toward the bar to ensure everything was running smoothly. I made my way to the service area where the head server was frantically directing staff.
"Everything secure?" I asked, scanning the lineup of waiters.
The head server looked up from his clipboard with an exasperated expression. "As secure as it can be with last-minute changes. That Reid boy was persistent about working tonight despite being turned down initially."
My attention snapped fully to him. "Drake? He's here?"
"Says he wants to make amends with the pack." The server snorted. "I told him we were fully staffed but he wouldn't take no for an answer. Your father eventually approved it—something about second chances."
"Where is he assigned?" I demanded, tension building in my shoulders.
"East wing service, away from the main proceedings," the server assured me. "I'm not a fool, Mr. Thornwood."
I nodded tersely. "Double-check all beverages before service. Make sure the champagne for the family toast has cherry garnishes—no exceptions."
"Already arranged, sir."
I continued through the service corridors, confirming that all other servers had been properly vetted. The main hall glowed with warm light from crystal chandeliers as I emerged, illuminating faces both familiar and suspicious.
My family gathered near the center—Mother in an elegant lavender gown that accentuated her silver-streaked hair, her scent of lavender and rain drifting through the air. Cindy looked radiant in a sparkly blue dress, animated as she talked to Ethan while trying to convince Father to let her join the patrol squad.
Still no sign of Drake, I thought, adjusting the cuffs of my black suit.
Maybe he finally got the message to stay away, Zero, my wolf, growled in my mind.
Or he's planning something worse, I countered, maintaining my stoic expression while anxiety churned in my gut. We both knew which option was more likely.
The band played softly in the background as servers circulated with trays of champagne. I noticed one particular waiter—new face, nervous movements, constantly checking the entrance. I frowned as I examined the glasses on his tray. The first few batches I'd inspected earlier had all been properly marked with cherry garnishes as I'd arranged with the head server, but these glasses were bare.
When did they switch them? I wondered, tension building in my shoulders.
"Champagne, sir?" he offered, approaching me.
"Not now," I replied, watching his eyes dart away too quickly.
Just then, I caught sight of Ethan handing Cindy a glass without the cherry marker, and my heart sank. They had somehow managed to replace the entire batch I'd verified earlier.
Shit! I immediately pushed through the crowd, trying to reach my family who were already holding unmarked glasses, ready for the upcoming toast. My father was moving toward the center of the room, clearly preparing to speak.
How's our girl doing? I sent through the mind link to Casper as I navigated the dense crowd, eyes fixed on those dangerous glasses.
Still getting ready, Casper replied. Sophie's helping with final touches. She's nervous.
Tell her she'll outshine everyone, I responded quickly, barely paying attention as I dodged around a cluster of elders blocking my path.
Obviously, Casper agreed, his mental voice softening.
I was still several people away from my family when Father's deep voice boomed across the room, silencing conversations instantly. Alpha Austin commanded attention without effort, his tall frame and broad shoulders draped in a formal deep green suit that represented our pack colors. The crowd shifted, creating an impenetrable wall between me and my target.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he announced, halting my progress as everyone stopped to listen. "Thank you for your patience. Tonight's annual ball celebrates another prosperous year for Thornwood Pack. I hope you all enjoy the evening."
Cindy stepped forward, her blue eyes bright with mischief. "You look handsome, Dad," she said loudly enough for nearby guests to hear. Father actually blushed, a rare sight that made several pack members hide their smiles.
I finally managed to push through the last few people separating me from my family, heart racing. Just then, I spotted a familiar face slipping in through the side entrance, dressed in server attire. Drake. Despite the head server's assurances, he'd managed to position himself exactly where he shouldn't be.
My blood ran cold as I watched him carrying a tray of champagne, working his way through the crowd with determined purpose.
I reached Father's side as he finished greeting an elderly pack member. "Father," I said urgently, my voice low. "The drinks—"
"Cassian!" he interrupted with a smile. "Perfect timing. Stand with us for the toast."
"But the champagne—" I tried again, eyeing the glasses everyone held.
"A toast to Cindy and Ethan," Father announced before I could finish my warning. "May your union bring strength to both packs."
As everyone raised their glasses, Drake appeared at my side.
"The Alpha's son without a drink for toasting?" he said with a fake smile, offering me champagne. "That won't do."
I stared at the glass, noting the absence of a cherry. The champagne looked normal, but something in Drake's eager expression set off alarms in my head.
"To Thornwood Pack's peace and prosperity!" Father announced, and everyone moved to drink.
"Wait!" I said sharply, but my warning came too late for most. My mother, father, and Cindy had already swallowed the champagne in their glasses. Drake's face flickered with satisfaction as he watched Father drink.
"Drink up, Cassian," Drake urged, his voice low and taunting. "Don't you want to honor your sister?"
I raised the glass to my lips but stopped just before it touched them. "What's in this?" I asked, sniffing the liquid. "It smells off."
Drake's smile faltered. "It's just champagne."
"No," I said firmly, holding the glass up to the light. "This isn't the vintage I prefer. I find this particular selection rather... questionable in taste. I believe you'd enjoy it more than I would."
I extended the glass back toward him. "Let's switch. You take this one."
"That's not necessary," Drake said, taking a step back.
"I insist," I replied coldly, my voice dropping to a threatening whisper. "You wouldn't want my father to think you dislike his toast, would you? Participation in traditions is important to Alphas."
Drake's eyes darted to Alpha Austin, who was watching our exchange with narrowed eyes. Trapped by pack protocol, Drake reluctantly took the glass from my hand.
"To your health," I said with a cold smile.
Drake hesitated, sweat beading on his upper lip.
"Drink," I commanded, channeling a fraction of my Alpha bloodline power.
With visible reluctance, Drake raised the glass to his lips and swallowed. His expression shifted from smug to confused in seconds.
Your turn, dickhead, I sent through our mental connection, enjoying the panic that flooded his eyes. Taste your own poison.