After the battle, Cassian didn't say much. Just a single comment about how I needed to work on my defense and get stronger.
I knew that already—but it wasn't what I wanted to hear.
I huffed and looked away as he spoke. I felt like a puppy waiting for a pat on the head. Honestly, even that wouldn't have been so bad.
My wolf whimpered in disappointment. I'm still new to the whole "feelings" thing, but lately, I've been anxious—and I don't even know why.
Could it be a mate thing? Sure, Cassian had declared me as his mate, but it felt like there were… simple motives behind that.
"Are you alright?" he asked as we ate.
I cleared my throat and stabbed at my meat. "Yes, I am. Why'd you ask?"
He raised a brow, glancing between me and the innocent meat I was aggressively poking.
"That meat did nothing to you," he smirked.
My face flushed. "Mind your business," I hissed and quickly took a bite.
"We'll be heading out in a few hours," he said, his tone shifting to something more serious.
I looked up from my food. "Where are we going?"
"The west border," he answered, sipping his wine.
I blinked.
We're leaving the estate?
---
Since arriving at the estate, I'd never stepped outside the main gate. I never felt the need to—until now.
Trees whipped by the window as we drove.
What's beyond this forest? I wondered. It seemed to stretch endlessly.
I've known nothing but trees and forests my entire life. I've never even been to a city. I'd only heard of them from wolves in my old pack.
Being a white wolf and a messenger came with restrictions. I was always told I was a target, so I wasn't allowed to roam freely.
"Where… are we going?" I asked, turning to Cassian. He was also looking out the window, his side profile calm, distant—a lone wolf through and through.
He finally turned to me. "To a rival pack."
My eyes widened. Wait—what?
"Why… me?"
He shrugged slightly. "The pack's alpha and I agreed to meet. His mate—the Luna—will be present, and I figured it would be wise to introduce you. Being a white wolf and all, it could help… with diplomacy," he added with a chuckle.
I scowled. "So I'm your secret weapon?"
My heart had fluttered thinking he wanted to show me off. How foolish of me.
"You're annoying," I muttered, looking away.
He laughed. "You seem to enjoy accusing me of things."
"You think so? When?" I snapped, glaring at him.
Why was I even bothered that he was using me to impress another alpha?
Was I really considering being his mate?
No. That can't be. He's still hiding things from me.
My wolf rumbled with excitement. I scoffed at her.
Calm down. Don't be stupid.
"Forget it," I hissed. I felt his eyes linger on me for a moment before he looked away.
Eventually, we arrived at a gate.
"Unauthorized vehicles are not allowed inside," a voice called out. A man stood on the other side.
Cassian and Luke got out first. I followed, standing slightly behind Cassian as he pulled out a letter with a red seal.
Fancy.
The gatekeeper inspected it, glanced at Cassian, and then turned his gaze to me. I met his eyes without flinching—until Cassian stepped in front of me, blocking his view.
Is he trying to show off his height now? I growled internally.
"The alpha has been expecting you, sir," the man said, bowing as the gate opened.
"Stay close to me," Cassian whispered, taking my hand as we walked in.
"I'm not a kid," I whispered back sharply—though my heart was thudding against my ribs.
As we were led by two betas, I felt eyes on me. My white hair probably made me stand out. I stuck close to Cassian, squeezing his hand without realizing it.
Inside, we were seated at a long table.
"The Alpha and Luna will join you shortly," one beta said before both left.
I noticed that while the pack was large, it wasn't as vast as Cassian's. It had an earthy, grounded feel.
"Are you nervous?" Cassian asked.
"Why would I be?" I snapped, a little too quickly.
The truth? I was nervous. I've never been to a diplomatic meeting like this.
Cassian smiled, seeing through me.
A few moments later, the doors opened and a pair entered.
"I see you honored my invitation, Alpha Cassian," a deep voice said as the man approached. Beside him was a woman with short black hair clinging to his arm.
"Of course I did, Alpha Noah," Cassian replied smoothly.
I glanced at the woman's arm around him and wondered…
Would Cassian let me hold him like that? I blushed at the thought.
They sat at the head of the table, though the woman didn't let go of Noah's arm.
Noah was blonde, with green eyes and a strong build. He looked close to Cassian's age but carried a much softer aura. The woman had warm brown eyes and delicate features. They matched each other perfectly.
"And who might our guest be?" Noah asked, eyes landing on me.
"This is Elara—my mate," Cassian said.
My heart skipped. My wolf growled in approval—she was getting way too excited.
"It's a pleasure to meet you," I said with a small smile.
Noah's face lit up. "That's wonderful. I was wondering who finally thawed the cold Alpha's heart."
He glanced at his mate with affection.
Something about the way he touched her hand made my heart ache… in a good way.
"This is Leah, my wife and mate," he introduced. Leah gave a shy nod.
"Hello, Leah. I'm Elara," I said gently.
"Hi," she murmured, clearly nervous—but sweet.
"Why don't you show our guest Luna around the estate?" Noah asked her. She nodded with a blush.
Cassian looked at me. "Will you be alright?"
"I'll be fine. I can protect myself," I assured him before following Leah out.
---
She led me into the estate gardens, showing me popular spots as we talked. She seemed most excited talking about how she met Noah and their wedding.
"I like your hair," she said suddenly, her voice quiet.
I smiled. "Thank you. I never thought short hair could look so beautiful."
She blushed. "Noah says he likes it short."
I blinked. Cassian had never said anything about how I looked. A frown tugged at my lips.
We walked further, eventually wandering into the woods behind the house.
"I think we've walked far," Leah giggled.
"Let's head back," I agreed.
Then we heard it—footsteps. Leah's face paled.
"Who's that?" she whispered, panicked.
"Trespassers," I muttered, scanning the area.
"That's not possible—no one's allowed—"
Snarls cut her off. Wolves surrounded us. Five of them.
I shifted instantly. Leah shifted too—a smaller grey wolf. She wasn't a fighter. Protecting her and holding them off would be a challenge.
One lunged at her. I kicked him back just in time.
We moved cautiously as the others crept closer. Then, one pounced—
—but a thunderous bark stopped them cold.
Behind the attackers stood two large wolves—the one who lunged now unconscious on the ground. One was a massive black wolf with glowing golden eyes. The other, a big grey one with green eyes.
My heart soared.
Cassian…
The rest of the attackers charged—but it was over in seconds. They were no match.
"Are you hurt? Are you okay?" Cassian rushed to me, shifting back.
I shifted too, breathless, as he pulled me into a tight hug. I froze at first—then melted into it.
"Cassian, I'm fine," I whispered, wrapping my arms around him.
"Don't do that again. Don't wander off like that, Elara," he said softly, his voice trembling.
I buried my face in his shoulder. "Yeah."
In that moment, something changed.
I… I want to be with him. No matter what my visions or dreams show.
He's my mate.
And nothing is going to change that.
If anything, I need to find out what fate really means.