Page 5 of The Alpha's Pretend Mate

The discussion raged on, each Alpha weighing in with their concerns and suggestions. Cassius felt the pressure building behind his eyes, a headache threatening to bloom.

Stay focused. They need to see strength, not weakness.

"The trade depots have been a resounding success," Nadia reported, her eyes bright with enthusiasm. "We're seeing an unprecedented level of economic cooperation between Light and Side Packs."

Darius grunted, his scarred face twisting into a scowl. "And an unprecedented level of security risks. How do we know these 'traders' aren't spies or worse?"

"We don't," Cassius admitted. "But the benefits outweigh the risks. These depots are changing lives on both sides of the mountain."

He thought of the reports he'd received, stories of Dark Side wolves finding hope and opportunity through trade. Of Light Side Packs gaining access to rare resources and skills.

"It's not just about economics," Selena added, her voice silky smooth. "These interactions are changing perceptions. Breaking down old prejudices."

Marcus snorted. "Prejudices that kept us safe for generations."

"Safe but stagnant," Aleksander countered. "We can't ignore the changing world around us. If we don't adapt, we'll be left behind."

Cassius nodded, grateful for his friend's support. "The trade depots stay. We'll increase security measures and implement stricter vetting processes for traders. But we won't close these doors we've opened."

The tension in the room was palpable. Cassius could feel the weight of ten pairs of eyes on him, judging, assessing.

He met each gaze steadily, his posture relaxed but alert. Inside, his stomach churned with anxiety, his mind racing with all the ways this could go wrong.

One misstep, one moment of weakness, and it all falls apart.

But he couldn't afford to dwell on those fears. Not now, not ever. He was the Alpha of the Annex Pack, the leader of this alliance. They needed his strength, his certainty.

So he buried his doubts, his exhaustion, and his fears for Aurora's future. He wore the mask of the strong, decisive Alpha they expected him to be.

"We're at a crossroads," he said, his voice steady and authoritative. "The choices we make today will shape the future of our Packs, our alliance, and the entire Dark Side. We can cling to the old ways and risk being left behind, or we can embrace change and grow stronger for it."

He let his words hang in the air, watching as they sank in. Slowly, heads began to nod. Even Marcus's scowl softened slightly.

They're with me. For now.

As the meeting wound down, Cassius caught Aleksander's eye. A silent understanding passed between them, and soon, they found themselves in a private corner of the hall.

"You look like shit," Aleksander said bluntly, his gray eyes scanning Cassius's face.

Cassius barked out a laugh. "Tell me how you really feel, Alek."

"I'm serious, Cass. You can't keep going like this. The others are starting to notice."

Fuck. Is it that obvious?

"I'm fine," Cassius insisted, but the words sounded hollow even to his own ears.

Aleksander raised an eyebrow. "Right. And I'm the tooth fairy. How's Aurora?"

At the mention of his daughter, Cassius felt his carefully constructed facade crumble. "She's… she's perfect. Andexhausting. And terrifying. I don't know what the hell I'm doing, Alek."

His friend's expression softened. "No one does, at first. But you can't do it all alone. You need help."

"What, you volunteering to change diapers?" Cassius joked weakly.

"Not me," Aleksander said, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "But… what about Alysa?"

Cassius blinked, caught off guard. "Your sister? What about her?"

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