Chapter 16 More Humiliation
Shame knots in my stomach, but I refuse to look away. I will not give her the satisfaction of seeing me flinch. My background, my status, or the way they perceive me does not define me. Any judgment they cast reflects on them, not me.
“I am neither wealthy nor of noble birth,” I say evenly, holding their gaze. "But I manage internal affairs,” I reply calmly. “Or I did, before Lucia left. Food stores, schedules, disputes. Things that keep a Pack from falling apart when emotions run high.”
Her mouth opens. Closes.
That wasn’t the answer she wanted.
“This was supposed to be fun,” Elora mutters.
“It can be,” I say. “If we let it.”
“Enough,” Lexa’s escort growls, finally stepping in. His tone is low but authoritative. “Sounds like Nova here is close to the Alpha. If any of you want a chance at impressing him, you’d do well to start by showing some respect, and kindness toward her.”
I let out a quiet, controlled breath, offering him a thankful nod. One ally, at least, in this room of ambitious and curious faces.
“Agreed,” another voice cuts through the room. Alessandra. I immediately recognize her from the profiles, remembering she prefers to go by Alex.
Her piercing blue eyes narrow, shooting a glare in Lexa and Elora’s direction that is equal parts irritation and disdain. She clearly has no patience for their antics.
“Thank you,” I address all of them, keeping my voice calm and even. “You’ll be meeting Cassain shortly. But I want you to understand something, this isn’t a competition, and there are no rules. You are guests here, but it’s ultimately at Cassain's discretion, or yours, if you decide to leave. Do you understand?”
They all murmur their agreement, some nodding eagerly, others hesitantly.
I gesture toward the small tables set up around the sitting room, covered with an assortment of food. “Please, help yourselves. Eat, relax, and make yourselves comfortable until the Alpha arrives. Take your time.”
The girls begin to settle, chatter filling the room in low hums. Alex sidles up beside me, her voice quiet. “Are you okay?” she asks, a touch of genuine concern in her tone.
I resist the urge to sigh and unload all my pent-up frustrations. This is my first real conversation with her, and I need to maintain composure. I can’t let my irritation or stress show, not yet.
“I’m fine,” I say with a controlled smile. “And you must be Alessandra, right?”
She is striking, slightly shorter than me, with fluffy golden hair perfectly styled. Thin-rimmed glasses perch delicately on her nose, giving her an air of refinement and quiet intelligence that sets her apart from the others.
“Call me Alex,” she says with a quick, polite smile. “This is my brother, Rowan. He’s acting as my chaperone.”
She gestures toward the man lingering a few steps behind her. Rowan looks uncomfortable in his formal clothes, shoulders slightly hunched, hands clasped together as if he’s not sure what to do with them. He steps forward when prompted and offers his hand.
“Nice to meet you,” he says, voice quiet but sincere.
“You too,” I reply, shaking his hand. “I hope you both settle in well.”
Alex nods, but her attention drifts almost immediately toward the dining room. After a moment, she leans closer to me.
“Can I ask you something?” she says, fingers twisting around the delicate gold bracelet at her wrist. “Is Cassain… kind?”
“My father didn’t really give me a choice,” she continues, her voice dropping even more.
“He sent me here and told me to make it work. I want to believe in love—I really do, but I keep hearing things.” She swallows. “People say he’s a monster.”
I draw my lower lip into my mouth, biting down as I exhale slowly. I knew this moment would come. It always does. And I can’t blame her for asking. If I were in her position, walking into the home of a powerful Alpha with a reputation built on fear and dominance, I’d be terrified too.
“Well,” I say slowly, choosing my words with care, “those rumors didn’t come from nowhere.” I meet her gaze, refusing to sugarcoat it. “Cassain is dangerous. He can be intimidating, and he doesn’t go out of his way to make people comfortable.”
Her shoulders tense, but she doesn’t interrupt.
“But,” I continue, softening my tone, “he’s also loyal to a fault. He protects what’s his, and he takes responsibility seriously. He can be warm, gentle, even—once you get past the surface.” I give a small shrug. “You just have to be willing to peel back the layers.”
She straightens slowly, drawing in a steadying breath. When she smiles this time, it’s not forced. It’s curious. Brave.
“I think I can do that,” she says.
I pat her shoulder. “Good luck, Alex. Truly.”
She nods and heads toward the table, selecting a small sandwich and forcing herself to take a bite. I stay where I am, lingering near the edge of the room. My stomach twists too tightly for food, and the polite chatter around me feels distant, muffled.
Then the door opens.
The shift in the room is immediate. Conversations falter, breaths hitch, and every spine seems to straighten at once as Cassain steps inside.
His presence settles over the space like a storm cloud, heavy, undeniable. Power radiates from him, cold and sharp, and as his dark gaze sweeps across the room.
I can see the fear flicker openly on a few faces. The reality of who he is, what he represents, sinks in all at once.
“Welcome to my home,” he says, his voice measured and stiff. “I know these are… unusual circumstances. Still, I hope we can make the best of them.”