Chapter 3
Cassius
Guests flow into the hall in a constant stream, a low hum of chatter filling the space.
A few women have tried to approach me as I sit at the bar, nursing a whiskey, but I’ve paid them no attention.
Everyone has adhered to the dress code, thank the Moon Goddess.
I’d have lost my mind if someone had shown up in something inappropriate.
I didn’t want some poor girl to feel uncomfortable because of what other people chose to wear. It’s part of the protocol for these annual balls I’m forced to attend.
“Good evening, Alpha Cassius,” a she-wolf says as she glides past, her mate on her arm.
I see the large doors close, and with that sound, the last embers of hope die in my chest. She’s not here. I feel a familiar sting in my eyes. The Moon Goddess has truly abandoned me. No mate. Just this empty, hollow existence.
A sigh escapes my lips. I meet Gareth’s eyes from across the room, a pained expression on my face. He gives me a nod, a silent understanding passing between us. The search for a replacement Luna has begun.
“Alpha,” a young woman’s voice purrs to my right. I take a deep breath, forcing a smirk onto my face as I turn to look at the tall brunette.
“Care to dance?” I ask, taking her hand. I lead her to the floor as the orchestra begins a new tune. Her body presses against mine, but all I feel is a cold emptiness. My wolf shudders in disgust.
Mate will come. And when she does, she’s going to be pissed you’re dancing with another woman.
I roll my eyes at my idiotic wolf and push him away. She’s not coming. I don’t have a mate.
I continue the dance, looking down at the brunette, my smirk feeling like a mask. Then, the song ends, and the scent of vanilla washes over me. The world grinds to a halt.
The main doors have opened. A new guest has arrived. I turn, and my heart seizes in my chest.
Blonde curls cascade down a slender waist. Her lips are full and upturned, her button nose perfect.
I fall into her mismatched eyes, the unique colors drawing me in.
She blinks slowly, her long lashes brushing her cheeks, and her eyes trail around the room.
My own gaze follows the path down her body.
She’s not the typical stick-thin she-wolf. She has curves, not that the dress makes them obvious, but I can tell. A slit runs up her thigh, and I find myself cursing women’s fashion for depriving me of a better view. I force my gaze back to her face.
Stop the search. She’s here, I link to Gareth, not taking my eyes off her. I look at her hands, and my face falls. A small girl holds her hand tightly, clinging to her. For a brief moment, I feel my heart shatter. But it doesn’t change a thing.
Mate.
My wolf howls in pure, unadulterated joy, watching her descend the steps. Her small feet slip slightly in her cloud-like dress. My gaze is locked on her. A smile graces her face as her friend says something, but I’m too entranced by her beauty to hear the words.
Innocence radiates from her, from her petite frame to her curious eyes. I find my feet moving toward her, only to be stopped. A growl threatens to rip from my throat at whoever is holding me back.
“Careful, Cassius. She’s human,” Gareth hisses in my ear.
My breathing steadies. I look back at my mate, my heart pounding.
I don’t care about her species, but it complicates things.
Not only do I have to introduce her to my world, but she can’t feel the pull as strongly as I do.
The bond is one-sided, and the fear that she’ll never love me is a cold knot in my stomach.
“Lark, careful,” I hear her melodic voice. She’s scolding the young girl who is now dragging her toward the dessert table. Her friend rushes after them. The girl hands her a brownie, and the sound of her giggle is a symphony.
I will slow myself. Now get the fuck out of my way, I seethe at Gareth, who is still blocking my path. Fraser, Gareth’s mate, intervenes, pulling him away. Thank the Moon Goddess.
My strides are long and determined, the hall growing quiet as my pack watches the scene unfold. They know. They all know I’ve found their Luna.
“Cara!” Cecily scolds her friend, who’s still trailing behind her. “Lark is right here! Stop speaking that… dirty!” Her friend laughs, then her breath catches as she notices me.
“Cecily,” she hisses, pointing behind her. I reach the dessert table just as my mate turns.
“Now that is a snacc,” her friend whispers, and my mate’s face turns a vivid shade of crimson.
Cecily.
Her name is a prayer on my wolf’s lips. As I watch her turn, a small squeal erupts from her throat when she sees me. “I’m so sorry, you terrified me!” she says, holding her hand to her chest.
“I didn’t mean to scare you. Just came for a cake,” I say, holding it up, inwardly cringing at my lame words. A small smile graces her face, and she nods. The young girl peeks out from behind Cecily’s legs. “You’re tall! Isn’t he tall, CeCe?” the girl asks.
“Yes, Care Bear. Now go to Cara and stop harassing the poor man,” Cecily says, gently nudging the girl toward her friend.
“CeCe?” I question, trying to get her name.
“It’s Cecily,” she says, a soft smile on her face. “But when Lark started talking, she couldn’t say it, so she called me CeCe, and it stuck.”
“Is she yours?” I ask, my voice low.
“No, she’s my sister,” she says, her smile fading slightly. I know not to push.
“I’m Cassius,” I say, holding out my hand. She takes it, her small, fragile hand enveloped by mine. Her soft skin sends sparks flying through my body. My wolf purrs in pure contentment at the simple touch.
“Your name suits you,” she says absentmindedly. I raise an eyebrow. “I mean, you’re tall, kind of terrifying-looking, and strong. If you were a dog, you’d be a pitbull or something.” She pauses. “I always say I’m a chow chow, because I was cursed with short legs and I’m loyal.”
A light blush coats her cheeks. “I’m sorry, I probably just weirded you out. I think about weird things. I’m gonna shut up now.”
A smile touches my lips. “It’s cute,” I say. “Care to dance?”
She blushes again as she takes my hand, shooting a quick look back to her friend and sister, who are both clapping happily. I lead her to the dance floor. “I can’t dance,” she says with a small laugh. “Which is probably something I should’ve said before I got led onto the dance floor.”
I chuckle, pulling her body to mine. “Just follow my lead.”
She keeps her eyes on her feet as I lead her through the steps. A sharp pain flashes through my foot. I hiss.
“Oh my goodness! I’m so sorry,” she gasps, pulling away.
“It’s fine,” I say confidently, the pain already gone. She glances at her friend and sister, then back at me. “I should get back to them. It was lovely meeting you,” she says, and begins to hurry away.
I quickly grab her arm, pulling her back. “Can I at least have your number?”
She nods, and I hand her my phone. She bites her lip as she rapidly types in her number, then hands it back. “Bye, Cassius,” she says softly, and rushes away.
I sigh, looking down at my phone. Disappointment weighs heavy on my chest as I watch her disappear into the crowd.