Chapter 15
Cassian watched her as she disappeared into the guest room alongside the servants, preparing to change. A sudden tightness gripped his chest—a feeling he hadn’t experienced in years. It was as if something fundamental was shifting beneath the surface, threatening to alter the delicate balance of his world, though whether for better or worse, he couldn’t yet determine.
He had no intention of pursuing any emotional bond with her, and she seemed to share the same detached expectations. Still, an uneasy sensation gnawed at him. Was it because she was his mate, and his Wolf instinctively longed to claim her as theirs? Or was he simply guilty of using her for a selfish purpose, cloaked in the guise of necessity?
“Your Majesty.” Lorenzo’s voice cut through his swirling thoughts as he approached, holding a folder firmly in his hand. The lines around Lorenzo’s jaw were tight, and his eyes searched Cassian’s with a hint of disapproval. “The lawyer sent over this document. A contractual marriage with her? What are you thinking?”
The sharpness in Lorenzo’s tone grated against Cassian’s nerves. Lorenzo had been his most loyal shadow for years—the steadfast man who had stood by his side through countless storms and battles. Yet now, even he dared to question him.
“She is my mate,” Cassian replied flatly, snatching the folder from Lorenzo’s grasp. “And she will be perfect for the role.”
Without waiting for further approval, Cassian strode into his private chamber, clutching the document tightly. His mind burned with anticipation, wondering how Roana would respond to the contract.
“Your Majesty,” Lorenzo pressed, following closely behind. “I understand she is your mate, but judging by her appearance, she won’t add strength to us. She might become our weakness.”
A low growl rumbled from deep within Cassian’s throat. Lorenzo wasn’t wrong—making her his Luna would mark her as a target. She would be hunted, not for any crime, but simply because she belonged to him. Yet the very thought of discarding her, denying her place, was unbearable.
“Don’t dig too deep, Lorenzo,” Cassian cut him off coldly, his voice hard as steel. “She will be fine. You saw her wolf earlier—it’s an Alpha wolf.” He spun on him, eyes sharp enough to cut glass. “And make sure every servant knows their place. If anyone dares mistreat her, I will make an example of them—one they won’t survive.”
Lorenzo froze, mouth slightly agape, clearly unprepared for such fierce protectiveness. He swallowed hard and lowered his gaze. “I will… handle some business.”
As Lorenzo opened the door to leave, a sudden wave of her scent hit Cassian like a knife to the gut—jasmine, dangerously sweet and intoxicating. His body went rigid, the Lycan inside him rising with a hungry snarl.
“She’s here,” the beast purred restlessly.
“Your Majesty,” came Roana’s voice, light yet resolute. She entered wearing a simple white dress, her hair cascading freely down her back, eyes locked steadily on him. There was no lust or greed in her gaze—only quiet confidence.
She appeared delicate, almost fragile, but Cassian knew better. His Lycan wanted nothing more than to tear down the space between them, to claim her, mark her as his own, and end the war between restraint and instinct.
“Miss Roana. Come in.” His voice was clipped, sharp.
Her eyes flicked to Lorenzo, who still lingered nearby.
“This is my Beta, Lorenzo Diaz.”
Her eyes widened briefly before softening into a polite smile. She extended her hand with careful grace. “Hello, Sir Lorenzo. I am Roana Milestones.”
At the mention of her name, Lorenzo stiffened. Recognition flashed in his eyes. “Wait a second. Are you the only daughter of Alpha Milestones?”
“Yes,” she replied, a soft chuckle escaping her lips.
Cassian wondered what was so amusing. Did she laugh at every man who questioned her identity? Tsk.
“But you don’t look like them. Certainly not your wolf.”
The insult hung heavily in the air. Inside Cassian, his Lycan snarled, claws scraping against his skin.
Roana bristled, voice steady but sharp. “Just because I’m not attractive like my parents doesn’t mean I’m not—”
“Pardon me,” Lorenzo interrupted hastily. “That’s not what I meant. Your wolf… it’s silver. Both your parents are grey wolves.”
Cassian narrowed his eyes. “What are you implying, Lorenzo?”
“Your Majesty,” Lorenzo said, bowing his head, “the Milestones bloodline has never carried silver. It’s impossible for two grey wolves to produce a silver wolf.”
The silence that followed weighed heavily, like a stone pressing down on the room. Even Cassian couldn’t deny the truth in those words. He had seen her wolf—a powerful silver, with an aura as thick and commanding as an Alpha’s. Yet her lineage…
Roana’s voice cracked through the silence, unsettled. “You’re joking, right? That can’t be true. People marry across bloodlines all the time. Maybe—” She stopped herself, lips tightening, hands trembling slightly as they gripped her dress. It was clear she had harbored her own suspicions for a long time.
“That’s enough,” Cassian snapped, his voice booming with fury that crackled through the air, silencing the room. “Whatever the truth, she is Milestones.”
Lorenzo lowered his head but pressed on. “My apologies, Ms. Milestones. But I’ve heard you were married to Alexander Silverstone. How—”
“Lorenzo!” Cassian roared, his power flooding the chamber. “You may leave.”
“But—”
“I am legally separated from him,” Roana cut in coldly, her spine straight, chin held high. Even as his words stung, she did not waver.
Cassian’s chest tightened at the sight. Lorenzo was crossing a line—right before his eyes.
“Enough. Lorenzo, training range later. Go.” His command was final.
Swallowing whatever protest he had, Lorenzo slipped out quietly.
The door clicked shut, and silence settled over the room. Cassian struggled to find the right words to apologize to her.

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