Chapter 89
Cassian's POV
I watched Drake's face twist from smug to horrified as he swallowed the champagne he'd intended for me. His eyes widened, panic washing over him as he realized his own trap had closed around him instead.
"How's it taste?" I asked, my voice low enough that only he could hear. "Your own poison not sitting well?"
"It wasn't... I didn't..." he stammered.
"Save it," I cut him off. "Get out of my sight before I decide to tell my father exactly what you tried to do."
He backed away, bumping into a server who steadied his tray with a glare.
Focus, Cassian. Tonight isn't about him. Zero, my wolf, reminded me of our purpose.
I straightened my deep blue custom suit, running a hand over the silver embroidery at the cuffs. The ballroom buzzed with conversation as more pack members arrived. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the space, highlighting the elegant decorations in our pack's deep green colors.
Tonight was about Elowen. Our Elowen.
I moved toward the central platform, scanning the crowd. Father and mother stood talking with elders near the far wall. Cindy laughed at something Ethan said, her blue dress sparkling under the lights. The DJ had shifted to softer background music as servers collected empty glasses.
Perfect timing. I stepped onto the raised platform and lifted my hand. The DJ caught my signal and gradually lowered the volume until conversation naturally died down. All eyes turned to me.
"I need your attention," I said, my voice carrying across the now-quiet room. The remaining murmurs faded as I stood tall, shoulders back, chin up—the posture of authority my father had drilled into me since childhood.
"Tonight," I continued, "my brother and I not only celebrate another successful year for Thornwood Pack." I paused, letting anticipation build. "We have something much more important to announce."
The crowd shifted, bodies turning fully toward me. I caught Drake lingering near the back wall, his face pale, eyes narrowed. My jaw tightened. Even after I'd caught him, he still hadn't left. I'd deal with him later.
"As heirs to Thornwood," I said, eyes sweeping across the gathered faces, "we've found the one who will stand beside us and help lead our pack into the future."
Whispers erupted, heads bent together in speculation. I saw Jessica, Elowen's mother, press her lips into a thin line of disapproval. She knew what was coming.
I glanced toward the western double doors where Casper would enter with Elowen. My heart pounded harder, a rare break in my usually controlled pulse. Through our bond, I felt her nervousness, a fluttering sensation like bird wings against my consciousness.
Don't worry, babe, I sent through our link. They'll love you.
Her anxiety spiked in response, and I fought a smile. She was adorable when nervous.
I gestured toward the doors. "My brother and I have found our mate."
The doors swung open, revealing Casper in his midnight blue suit with silver accents that matched mine. His red-brown hair was styled perfectly, his smile confident as he extended his hand behind him.
"She belongs to us completely," Casper announced, his voice warm with pride. "Heart and soul."
And then Elowen stepped forward, and my breath caught. Fucking hell. Sophie had outdone herself.
Elowen wore a champagne gold gown that hugged every curve before flaring at her knees. The deep V neckline showcased her slender neck—and our matching marks. Her hair had been braided intricately, silver-green flowers woven through the strands that perfectly matched the silver mask covering the upper half of her face. Her exposed shoulders gleamed under the lights, skin like cream against the gold fabric.
Gasps and murmurs filled the room. I couldn't tear my eyes from her as Casper guided her forward.
"Holy shit," someone whispered loud enough for everyone to hear. "She has both marks!"
"Is that Jessica's daughter?" another voice asked.
"They're sharing her?"
I clenched my jaw at the last comment. She wasn't being "shared" like some object. She was ours, both of ours, by her choice.
You're breathtaking, my queen, I sent through our link as she approached with Casper.
I'm terrified, Cassian... everyone's staring, she replied, her mental voice shaky despite her outward composure.
Of course they're staring. You're magnificent.
Casper squeezed her hand, adding his own encouragement. Walk like you own them all, Little freckle. Because tonight, you do.
I watched Drake push off from the wall, his eyes fixed on Elowen with an intensity that made my blood boil. Through our link, I felt her spike of fear when she noticed him.
Ignore him, I commanded. Focus on me.
He's trying to ruin this, she replied, anxiety surging.
He can't. Nothing he does matters anymore.
As they reached the platform, Casper smoothly guided Elowen up the steps to stand between us. Her scent—vanilla and honey—wrapped around me, calming my anger at Drake's presence. I took her free hand, completing our triangle.
"Pack members, brothers, sisters," I announced, my voice stronger now with her beside me. "Tonight we introduce our mate."
Casper reached up and gently removed her mask, revealing her full face to the crowd.
"Elowen Hartley," we said in unison, a practiced moment that sent another ripple of surprise through the audience.
Whispers erupted again. Some recognized her as Jessica's daughter, others as Drake's former girlfriend. I heard the words "Beta's daughter" several times, always with that note of surprise.
"As Thornwood heirs," I continued, "we ask if you accept her as our future Luna?"
Casper stepped forward. "No, not just Luna." His eyes gleamed with pride. "She's our queen, who will stand equal with us as we lead Thornwood to a stronger future."
The ballroom erupted in applause and cheers. Not everyone joined in—Jessica stood stone-faced in the corner, and Drake's supporters remained silent—but the majority showed their approval loudly. Elowen's hand trembled in mine, and I felt her emotions crashing through our bond—relief, joy, disbelief.
Alpha Austin stepped forward, his powerful presence parting the crowd as he approached. My father's face remained serious, but I caught the hint of approval in his eyes as he looked at Elowen.
"As Alpha of Thornwood," he said, his deep voice silencing the room instantly, "I have watched my sons grow from boys to men. Never have I seen them more certain of anything than they are of you, Elowen."
Drake pushed through the crowd, muttering something to those around him. I caught fragments—"disgusting" and "shared by two"—and felt my wolf rise, hackles up. Zero wanted to tear his throat out.
Father continued, unaware or ignoring Drake's disruption. "I've known Elowen since she was a child, running through these halls with my daughter." He smiled at her. "The pack has watched you grow into the strong woman you are today."
Elowen's eyes glistened with tears. She stepped toward my father and dipped her head respectfully. "Thank you, Alpha. This means everything to me."
He touched her shoulder gently. "Welcome to the family, daughter."
She surprised everyone by embracing him. "I love your sons," she said, her voice clear and steady for the first time tonight. "I swear to protect them and Thornwood with my life."
My chest swelled with pride at her strength. This was why she was perfect for us.
Father returned her embrace. "I love you too, dear girl. Thornwood welcomes you."
He turned to the crowd, raising his glass. "As tradition demands, I ask: does anyone object to this union? Speak now, or forever hold your peace."
The room fell silent. Casper and I scanned the room, watching Drake and Jessica closely. Drake's hand curled into a fist, his mouth opening slightly before he seemed to think better of it. Jessica simply turned and walked toward the exit, unwilling to challenge Alpha's authority publicly.
After a moment of silence, Father nodded. "Then by the authority of Thornwood, I declare this union recognized by the pack!"
The room erupted in cheers again. Music swelled, and the celebration officially began. Casper pulled Elowen into a fierce hug, and I watched his lips brush against her mark. When he released her, I drew her to me, pressing a kiss to my own mark on the opposite side of her neck.
"Dance with us," I murmured against her skin.
She nodded, eyes shining with happiness. "My wolves," she whispered, reaching for Casper's hand so the three of us stood connected.
For the first time in my life, I felt complete. With Elowen between us, nothing could touch us now. Not Drake, not Jessica, not anyone. She was ours, and we were hers, bound together under the pack's witness.
The three of us moved to the dance floor as one, ready to begin our first night as official mates before all of Thornwood.