Chapter 0063
Lost Among the Shelves
"What kind of book are you looking for?" I ask, thinking that if he describes the cover, I might be able to help him find it.
Silence.
I turn around, expecting to see Klaus nearby—but he’s gone. My heart skips a beat.
"Klaus?"
No response.
I dart between the shelves, my pulse quickening. The eerie stillness in the shop only amplifies my unease. There’s no one else here.
"KLAUS?" My voice rises in desperation. My breathing turns shallow, and I call his name once more, barely a whisper.
As I reach the final aisle, I freeze.
Cassandra stands motionless, a smug grin stretching across her face. Her arms are folded just below her chest, her expression radiating amusement.
"So, the little rat finally found her voice," she sneers.
Just beyond her, something catches my eye—a foot, clad in a large boot. The same kind Klaus wears. A thick, metallic scent taints the air. My stomach churns.
"Did... did you kill him?" I stammer, my throat tightening.
Cassandra turns and lands a swift kick to his side. He doesn’t react.
"The Alpha let you out, I see." Her sharp gaze flickers to the mark on my neck.
"I'm not alone," I blurt out, my voice shaky.
She lets out a mocking laugh. "Oh, I know. But they’re not here right now, are they? It’s just you and me." She lazily runs her fingers through her long blonde hair, then tilts her head. "And where is dear Alpha Dane? If you’re his contract bride, I’m shocked he let you roam around with these fools."
"Where’s... Trey?" I manage to ask.
Her smirk vanishes in an instant. "That’s Alpha Trey to you," she spits. "And that’s none of your business."
"This is neutral ground," I say firmly, glancing at Klaus’s boot. It twitches slightly—he’s alive. Relief surges through me. "You’re breaking the rules by being here. They won’t like that."
Cassandra scoffs. "You think I care? Because of you, my brother is dead!"
A surge of anger flares within me, so suddenly it catches me off guard. "And you’re the reason my parents are dead!"
Her eyes narrow dangerously, but before she can respond, Klaus shifts slightly, rolling onto his back.
"Why are you here?" I demand, forcing confidence into my voice.
"Trey wants to see you," she replies, her smirk returning.
"Why?"
Her smile deepens. "He wants to remind you."
Before I can decipher her cryptic words, Klaus moves. In a blink, he’s behind her, his hands clamping around her throat.
"Remind her of what?" he growls.
Before she can speak, a sudden force barrels into the scene. Beta Eric appears from nowhere, grabbing my arm and pulling me behind him.
"Answer me!" Klaus demands, his grip unrelenting.
Cassandra thrashes, her manicured nails digging into Klaus’s wrists. Blood beads and drips down his skin, forming tiny crimson pools on the floor, yet he doesn’t loosen his hold.
"Let her go, Klaus," Beta Eric orders.
"She tried to kill me."
"Tried," Eric echoes with a smirk. "That’s all she ever does—try. I doubt she’s ever actually killed anyone herself. She prefers to manipulate others into doing her dirty work." He steps closer, his eyes gleaming with malice. "Dane is going to enjoy this. I wonder what he’ll take first—a finger? A toe? Or maybe that sharp tongue of hers?"
"As tempting as it is to finish her off," Eric continues, "Dane will want to handle this personally. After all, she’s been targeting his mate."
"Bride," Cassandra spits, venom lacing the word.
She saw my mark. Does she not believe it’s real?
"Mate," Eric corrects, his voice cold. "You’ve trespassed onto foreign territory, Cassandra. Not only have you played with fire—you’ve sentenced yourself to death."
Cassandra’s expression twists with fury. "Trey will come for you!" she screeches.
I instinctively cover my ears as her shriek echoes through the quiet bookstore.
Eric doesn’t flinch. "I don’t doubt it. In fact, I’m counting on it." He turns to Klaus. "My van’s parked out back. Take her there and lock her in."
"You bastards!" Cassandra spits. "You pathetic, mindless wolves!"
Klaus scowls.
"Go on, then," Eric taunts, amusement flickering in his eyes. "Shift. I dare you."