Page 28 of The Alpha's Pretend Mate

Cassius's brow furrowed. "Alysa, you can't jump every time I touch you. It needs to look natural."

"I know, I know," she sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Let's try again."

This time, when Cassius approached, Alysa forced herself to stay still. His arm slid around her waist, pulling her close. She could feel the heat of his body, smell his intoxicating scent.

"Better," Cassius murmured, his breath tickling her ear. "Now, lean into me. Like you can't get enough of my touch."

Alysa's breath hitched, but she did as he said, molding her body against his. She tried to remind herself that this was just pretend, even as her wolf purred with contentment.

"Good," Cassius said, his voice a bit strained. "Now, let's try walking together."

They moved around the living room, Cassius's arm still around her waist. At first, Alysa felt stiff, hyper-aware of every point of contact between them. But as they continued, she found herself relaxing, her steps falling in sync with his.

"See? Not so bad," Cassius said, offering her a smile that made her knees weak.

"Speak for yourself," Alysa muttered, but there was no anger behind her words.

Each touch, each shared glance, sent Alysa's heart racing. But as the hour wore on, she found herself settling into the role, the awkwardness fading into something that felt dangerously close to comfort.

By the time they called it quits, Alysa felt drained, emotionally and physically. She collapsed back onto the couch, closing her eyes. "Well, that was… interesting."

Cassius chuckled, the sound warming her from the inside out. "That's one word for it. You did well, though. I think we might just pull this off."

Alysa opened her eyes, meeting his gaze. "You really think so?"

He nodded, a soft smile playing on his lips. "I do. We make a good team, Alysa. Always have."

The sincerity in his voice made her heart ache.

If only he knew…

As Cassius stood to leave, Alysa found herself wishing he would stay. The thought startled her, and she pushed it away.

Don't get too comfortable, Alysa.

"I should go," Cassius said, hesitating at the door. "Pack business to attend to. Will you be okay?"

Alysa nodded, forcing a smile. "I'll be fine. Go, do your Alpha thing."

He lingered for a moment longer, looking like he wanted to say something more. But in the end, he just nodded and left, closing the door softly behind him.

Alysa let out a long breath, her mind reeling from everything that had happened. Two weeks. She had two weeks to pretend to be Cassius's mate, to live out a fantasy she'd never dared hope could be real.

And then… what?

She pushed the thought away, focusing instead on the immediate future. Two weeks of stolen glances, casual touches, and pretend intimacy. Two weeks of living in close quarters with the man she'd been secretly in love with for years.

I am so screwed.

The game was on. And Alysa had no idea if she was ready to play.

Chapter 7 - Cassius

The grand hall of the Ironfang Pack's fortress buzzed with anticipation. Alphas from across the territories, both Light and Dark, filled the room with their imposing presence. The air crackled with tension as Pack leaders and their families mingled, their voices a low murmur against the backdrop of clinking glasses and soft music.

Cassius's eyes swept the room, taking in the sea of familiar faces. This wasn't just any gathering—it was the 'exchange of hands' ceremony, a pivotal moment that would officially transfer territory to Aleksander and the Ironfang Pack.

The gravity of the occasion wasn't lost on anyone present. Eyes glinted beneath furrowed brows as each dominant presence seemed to size up the others. The air crackled with anticipation.

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