Chapter 7 A Gift Wrapped in Blood
The morning mist hung over the Obsidian Pack’s fortress like a heavy sheet. I stood by the frosted window in the guest wing, my fingers shaking as I touched the edge of a small wooden box sitting on the bed.
It had been left at the back entrance an hour ago. There was no note and no return address. Just a symbol burned into the wood: a coiled snake.
The Syndicate.
My breath caught in my throat. My training told me to look for traps poison needles or hidden triggers. But my heart, the traitorous thing beating wildly in my chest, only thought of Leo.
I forced the lid open.
I didn't scream. I couldn't. The sound died in my throat as I saw what was inside. Resting on white silk was a lock of sandy blonde hair. It was tied with a frayed blue ribbon the same one I’d used to bandage Leo’s knee three years ago. Next to it was a small tablet. When I touched the screen, it flickered to life.
It was a livestream. There was no sound, just a grainy video of a cold cell. Leo sat on a small cot, his face bruised and pale. He was staring blankly at a wall. A shadow moved across the screen a man holding a clock that was counting down.
Six days.
The door to my room swung open. I slammed the lid shut, my heart hammering against my ribs like a trapped bird.
"Aria?"
Cassian stood in the doorway. He wasn't wearing his heavy Alpha cloak today, just a thin black shirt that showed the strength of his shoulders. He looked less like a scary ruler and more like a man. His dark hair was messy, as if he’d just come from training.
He stopped, his nose twitching. "You smell like fear. And old blood."
I stepped in front of the box, trying to keep my voice steady. "It’s nothing. Just a gift from my old village. A keepsakes."
Cassian crossed the room in three long steps. He didn't stop until he was inches away, filling my vision with the scent of pine trees and rain. Usually, that smell made me want to relax, but today, it felt like a warning.
"You’re a terrible liar," he whispered, his voice a low growl. He reached out, his large hand moving toward my face before his fingers gently tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. His touch was hot, making me want to lean into him and tell him everything.
He’s the target, Aria. Not your savior, I told myself.
"Show me the box," he commanded. It wasn't a question.
"No," I snapped. My hand dropped to the hidden slit in my skirt where my silver dagger was strapped to my leg. "It’s private, Cassian. Even a refugee is allowed to have secrets."
His eyes darkened, the gold flecks in them swirling as his wolf spirit rose to the surface. He stepped closer, pinning me between the bed and his body. I could feel the heat coming off him the pure power of an Alpha who always got his way.
"You are in my home," he murmured, leaning his face close to mine. "Under my protection. Anything that comes inside these walls is my business."
He reached for the box, but I grabbed his wrist. His skin felt like it was burning. For a moment, we stayed like that, locked in a battle of wills. I saw a flash of surprise in his eyes at my strength. A "weak refugee" shouldn't have been able to stop an Alpha’s arm.
Slowly, his grip softened, but he didn't pull away. Instead, he moved his hand and laced his fingers through mine. A wave of longing crashed through me, fueled by the bond between us.
"Aria," he said, his voice dropping to a soft velvet. "I know you’re hiding something. I can feel the weight of it on you."
He leaned in, his lips brushing against my neck, right where my pulse was racing. I let out a shaky breath and closed my eyes. I hated how much I wanted this. I hated that while I was holding a piece of my brother’s hair, I was melting into the arms of the man I was supposed to kill.
His teeth grazed my skin, a gentle promise. "Tell me," he breathed. "Let me help you."
For a second, I almost did. I almost told him about the Syndicate, about Leo, and about the blade against my leg. But then, the tablet inside the box made a soft beep.
The reminder. The clock was ticking.
I pushed him back, my face turning into a mask of stone. "There is nothing to tell, Alpha. If you want to play protector, go find someone who actually needs it."
The warmth in his eyes vanished, replaced by a cold, sharp look. He looked at me as if he were peeling back my skin to see the truth underneath.
"Fine," he said, his voice echoing in the quiet room. "Keep your secrets for now. But remember this: the Moon doesn't make mistakes. You were brought to me for a reason. I will find out what it is, even if I have to tear your world apart to do it."
He turned and walked out, the heavy door clicking shut behind him.
I collapsed onto the bed and pulled the lock of Leo’s hair out of the box. I pressed it to my lips, my eyes burning with tears. The Syndicate hadn't just sent a reminder; they had sent a death warrant.
In six days, I had to drive a knife into Cassian’s heart.
If I didn't, I’d lose my brother. If I did, I’d lose myself.
I looked at the silver dagger in my hand, the light reflecting off its sharp edge. I had come to take his life, but as I felt the fading heat of Cassian’s touch on my skin, I realized with a sick feeling that I might have already lost my heart.