Page 6 of The Alpha's Pretend Mate

"She's great with kids. Trained as a teacher before… well, you know. She's been looking for a purpose, something to throw herself into."

Alysa. Warm honey eyes and a laugh that could light up a room.

"I don't know, Alek. It's a lot to ask…"

"Just think about it," Aleksander pressed. "She could be a nanny for Aurora, help you get your feet under you. And having her there, someone you trust… it could make a world of difference."

Cassius rubbed his jaw, considering. The idea of having help, of not facing each day alone with Aurora… it was tempting. Dangerously so.

Abigail had helped when Aurora was first brought to him, but she had her own family, and her shift ran from morning to evening. Lena from his Pack also helped from time to time, but it didn’t seem to make a difference.

"I'll think about it," he said finally. "But no promises."

Aleksander clapped him on the shoulder. "That's all I ask. Now, go home and get some sleep before you fall over."

***

As Cassius made his way back to the Whiteborn estate, his mind whirled with the events of the day. The alliance of ten Alphas was a delicate balance, forged in the fires of necessity and maintained through a complex web of mutual interests and shared threats.

Four of the Alphas, and Cassius himself, were descendants of the original Light Side wolves who had crossed over generations ago. They formed the core of the alliance, their bloodlines carrying the weight of history and tradition.

The other five had risen to power through strength and cunning, carving out territories in the harsh landscape of the Dark Side. They were allies of convenience, their loyalty tested with each new challenge.

And Cassius was supposed to keep them all in line—while raising a pup and running his own Pack.

No pressure.

He thought of the other supernatural alliances that shared the Dark Side—the vampires with their blood feuds and ancient grudges, the witches with their arcane politics, and the werebears with their fierce independence.

And then there were the rogues, outcasts from every species who sometimes banded together in unholy alliances of their own.

It's a powder keg. One spark, and it all goes up in flames.

As he reached his home, Cassius paused, his hand on the door. The weight of his responsibilities pressed down on him, threatening to crush him beneath their load.

For a moment, he allowed himself to imagine a different life—one where he wasn't responsible for the lives of hundreds, where he could focus solely on being a father to Aurora, and where he could maybe, just maybe, find some happiness for himself.

With warm honey eyes and a laugh that lights up a room…

Cassius shook his head, banishing the thought. He had a duty to his Pack, to the alliance, and to Aurora. He couldn't afford distractions or selfish dreams.

But as he entered his quarters, hearing Aurora's soft coos from the nursery, a small part of him held onto that vision—of a future where he wasn't alone, where the burdens he carried were shared.

Maybe it's time to accept some help.

He thought as he went to greet his daughter. The future of the Dark Side hung in the balance. Cassius knew that the choices he made in the coming days would shape not just his life but the lives of all those who depended on him.

With a deep breath, he steeled himself for whatever challenges lay ahead. He was Cassius White, Alpha of the Annex Pack.

And he would not falter.

Chapter 2 - Alysa

Alysa’s eyes darted across the crowded bar, watching as patrons laughed, clinked glasses, and filled the room with energy she couldn’t connect to. Her heart raced, though not in excitement.

Instead, it was the familiar edge of anxiety creeping in. It was as though the walls of The Howling Moon were closing in on her, suffocating with the weight of expectations.

Why does everything feel heavier today?

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