Page 38 of The Alpha's Pretend Mate

The faction leader straightened, his face losing the vague amusement from earlier. “We have no jurisdiction over those from the Light Side. This is not our doing, Alpha.”

Cassius’s temper flared, but he knew the leader was right. No matter how much he hated it, this wasn’t the fault of the local faction.

“You should still control your kind,” Cassius growled, though the accusation lacked its earlier venom. The leader nodded once, understanding the gravity of the situation.

“We will handle it, Alpha White,” he said, his voice darkening. He turned to the other vampires in the room. "Take him to the cells. I'll deal with him personally."

Cassius nodded, his mind racing. "Keep me informed."

"Of course." Nikolai's lips curved into a cold smile. "After all, vampires should handle vampire business."

The words were a clear dismissal. Cassius turned to leave, his thoughts a chaotic jumble. As he reached the door, Nikolai's voice stopped him.

"Alpha Cassius? I'm… sorry about your family. No one should have to face that kind of threat in their own territory."

Cassius didn't turn around, but he inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment. Then he was gone, striding back to his car with purposeful steps.

As he pulled away from the mansion, a blood-curdling scream pierced the night air. Cassius didn't flinch. He knew what happened to those who crossed the vampire factions.

Good. Let him suffer.

The drive back home was a blur of streetlights and racing thoughts. Cassius's mind kept replaying the attack, imagining all the ways it could have gone wrong. All the ways he could have lost everything.

Alysa. Aurora.

Their names were a mantra in his head, driving him forward. He needed to see them, to make sure they were safe. To reassure himself that his world hadn't shattered while he was away.

As he pulled into the driveway, Cassius took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart. He couldn't let them see how shaken he was. He needed to be strong for them.

The house was quiet as he entered, but he could smell Alysa's fear-tinged scent. It made his wolf whine, desperate to comfort her.

He found her in the living room, Aurora sleeping peacefully in her arms. Alysa's eyes were wide, her body trembling slightly. When she saw him, relief flooded her face.

"Cassius," she breathed, her voice barely above a whisper. "You're back."

He crossed the room in three long strides, kneeling beside her. His hand cupped her cheek, thumb brushing away a tear she hadn't realized she'd shed.

"I'm here," he murmured. "You're safe now. Both of you."

Alysa leaned into his touch, her eyes fluttering closed for a moment. When she opened them again, her gaze dropped to his blood-stained clothes.

"What happened?" she asked.

Cassius shook his head. "Later. Right now, I need to clean up." He stood, his muscles protesting after the night's events. "I'm going to take a shower. Will you be okay here with Aurora?"

Alysa nodded, but Cassius saw the flicker of fear in her eyes. Before he could think better of it, he added, "Or… you could join me. If you want."

The words hung in the air between them, charged with unspoken tension. Cassius held his breath, half-hoping she'd refuse, half-praying she wouldn't.

After what felt like an eternity, Alysa nodded. "Okay," she whispered.

Cassius's heart thundered in his chest as he led the way to the bathroom. After placing Aurora in the crib, Alysa followed close behind. He could hear her rapid breathing, smell the mixture of fear and something else… anticipation?

The bathroom was spacious, all gleaming tiles and chrome fixtures. Cassius turned on the shower, steam quickly filling the room. When he turned back to Alysa, his breath caught in his throat.

She stood there, her clothes puddled at her feet, looking both vulnerable and breathtakingly beautiful. Cassius's eyes traced the curves of her body, drinking in every inch of her.

God, she's perfect.

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