Chapter 6 - Cyrus

“... There has been a delay with obtaining the hacker's help,” I explain to the gathering of Alphas in the boardroom, glancing with a warning at my Beta, Jarrod. “She…” I clear my throat, quickly rummaging through my mind for a suitable explanation.

It's not like I can tell the Alpha Council that the hacker's assistant had fled shortly after arriving at the restaurant last night.

According to the waitress, the woman posing as my wife arrived and saw me flirting with the lady at the sushi bar and left without a word.

So much for a ruse… I, of course, didn't think Asuka's rep would be put off enough to leave and prompt the hacker to refuse a quarter of a million dollars.

Maybe she's a feminist. But not as professional as I was expecting.

It's only with Jarrod's insistence that I've accepted their apology and considered a rescheduling of our meeting.

“She's out of the country, but as soon as she's back, we'll have a meeting with her.”

The Alphas seem to accept the lie, and Alpha Flynn goes on to explain that his mate, Luna Lila—who attends today's meeting—has uncovered a key piece of information in Dorian's disappearance thanks to her supernatural gift of vision.

Each of the Alphas is given a sketch of a building that the Luna saw a vision of through her gift. I stare at the sketch, unable to discern its location from a drawing.

While the meeting concludes around us, the Alphas eventually leave. Jarrod and I are the only ones who hang back, and I pass the sketch to him.

“If Asuka were on board, we'd be able to pinpoint the exact location of this building…” I grouch, skimming a finger over my lips as I stare out the window at the setting sun.

“Her assistant said—”

“I don't care what the fucking assistant said,” I cut Jarrod off with a grunt. “Fucking rep…” I murmur under my breath. “What did she think? That it was a marriage proposal?”

“Cyrus…” Jarrod's voice is full of reasoning, but I lift a dismissive hand.

“Save me the lecture, Jay,” I huff. “I know; we just have to wait. I don't like lying to the Council. It's not a good look for us.”

“Of course,” Jarrod hangs his head. “If it helps, Asuka's assistant said he'll get back to me in a week.”

“That's too long…” I lament, tucking my bottom lip between my teeth and picking off the chapped pieces of dry skin. “There isn't someone else who can pull this off, is there?”

Jarrod shakes his head disappointedly.

I tap my fingers on the table, mulling over the lingering threat and my role in finding Alpha Dorian. If I can uncover his whereabouts, it'll give me an advantage.

The Alpha Council will see me as a valuable ally, even without a mate.

Already, the presence of Alpha Flynn and his Luna seemed to have upset the other members of the council—especially Alpha Simon of the Misty Creek Pack. As one of the strongest werewolf packs to exist amongst us, having a Luna by his side sets him apart from the rest of us.

It's not enough reason for me to change my mind and take a mate. I don't need one. The pack doesn't need a Luna, either.

I just have to pull this off successfully, but I hate that our only option is enlisting the help of some hacker who's too afraid of showing her face.

“Fine…” I relent after a terse moment of silence. “... We'll wait.” I turn to Jarrod with determination, pulling my face taut. “Offer her more money if that's an issue.” I get to my feet with a nod. “Do whatever you can to secure the help of that hacker.”

“On it,” Jarrod concedes with a curt nod. “And…” he glances at his watch. “... We should head back home. Tonight's the full-moon gathering at—”

“The gathering's tonight?” I interject with raised brows. I'd been so occupied with this Goddess-forsaken threat of the rogues and the Alpha Council meeting that tonight's gathering had slipped my mind.

“Yeah…”

“Fuck…” I murmur, wanting to get back to Mysthaven as quickly as I can.

All because of Cassandra.

She'd made it clear that she'd be attending the gathering. All because—

“Why the fuck did you invite Cassandra to the gathering?” I throw abruptly at Jarrod, who becomes stunned as he frowns at me.

“She's a member of the pack, isn't she?”

My nostrils flare as I exhale a heated breath of contempt. Jarrod stares at me with confusion, furrowing his brows, and I open my mouth to say something, but then quickly snap it shut.

I can't let him know how I truly feel about him inviting Cassandra. Yes, she is a member of the Moon Shine Pack. That's not the real problem here, and it pains me to admit it to myself.

The Beta can't know my weakness. A weakness that I haven't been able to accept myself. A weakness that sends blood rushing to my core when all I'm supposed to do is bear in mind that Cassandra abandoned the pack.

It's easier said than done. It's a fact that I blatantly forgot about last night when I found her outside her little cottage, about to go Goddess-knows-where, looking like a temptress.

And boy! Was I tempted…

I can't get the image of her in that black dress out of my mind. It's been carved in the stone of my memory, as intricately detailed as every dip and curve of her body is carved by the Moon Goddess Herself.

If I, as the Alpha and head of the pack, could so easily be swayed by a she-wolf with no loyalty to the pack, the other males are easy targets.

I have to keep an eye on her. Something's off. Why did she suddenly decide to stay when she'd been gone for almost a decade? What is she up to?

She's up to something.

Fists coiling at my sides, my breathing becomes shallower.

“You know what? Never mind. Let's go,” I command, my voice hoarse with brooding suspicions. “I don't wanna be late.”

***

Pacing the meadow barefooted does little to ease my agitation; the drying grass beneath my soles only amplifies the disorientation of my soul.

With the bonfire crackling in the center and wooden benches set up for tonight's full-moon ritual, the Moon Shine Pack members slowly begin making their way to the gathering, greeting me with curt bows as they take their seats.

I barely pay attention to them, unnerved as I wait around for a particular she-wolf to arrive. There's so much on my plate, yet here I am, awaiting the arrival of a she-wolf who wasn't even in this pack a few days ago.

What has gotten into me?

“Alpha,” Jarrod comes over, the disruption to my thoughts throwing me for a loop as I'm forced to drag my eyes from the ingress of the woods that serves as an entryway to the meadow where the pack den stands.

“What?”

“Want me to lead prayers tonight? With everything that's been—”

I turn fiery eyes on the Beta. “Are you crazy? What makes you think I can't handle this?”

The threat to my presentation of power in the pack ruffled feathers I didn't even know I had. Glowering at my best friend, he lifts his hands in a show of surrender.

“Sorry, bro,” he apologizes ruefully. “I didn't mean to step on your toes. I just wanted to help take the weight off, that's all.”

“Nah,” I click my tongue with derision. “You wanted to show off tonight. That's what this is.”

“Show off?” He frowns. “Why would I wanna show off?” he dismisses when suddenly his attention dragged over my shoulder, eyes lighting up with starlights.

I follow the direction of his gaze, scoffing and folding my arms when I notice why he's suddenly tight-lipped.

From out of the shadows, Cassandra and her friend, Dakota, emerge with their arms linked together, giggling and appearing rather carefree.

I've just lost the witty remark I wanted to make at my best friend for his obvious interest in the she-wolf who only recently rejoined our pack.

Not because I'm a good friend. But because my breath is taken away by the sight of Cassandra crossing the meadow in the layers of flowing white cotton that billows out behind her. Her raven black hair is a stark contrast to her dress, but it's the perfect combination of femininity that lights my soul on fire.

What happened to the Cassie I knew? The one who hid behind oversized hoodies and sweater-paws that drew out my pitiful sentiments for her? The girl who barely smiled because she knew we would tease her for those shiny silver bands on her teeth?

She's done a complete three-sixty, and the other males are lapping it up. Like hungry pups with their tongues dangling and drool slipping from the corners of their mouths, their starry eyes are fixed on her.

“Hey!” I slap the back of my hand on Jarrod's chest to snap him out of his daze, simultaneously reeling back my own thoughts just as Cassandra and Dakota pass us. I point to the corner of my mouth. “You got some drool there.”

Jarrod's cheeks ignite with color, and he hangs his head. “Sorry. I was trying to show off,” he admits sheepishly. “I'm gonna—” he awkwardly points to the bonfire and jogs off.

“I thought as much…” mumbling under my breath, I calmly stroll toward the gathering, trying my best not to look Cassandra's way.

My insides boil with the confirmation that my best friend, the Beta, has his eyes on her. I'm too ashamed to share Jarrod's tastes. I'm the Alpha, after all. We're not the same, and I can't be pining for a she-wolf who left this pack in the first place.

Fuck! I shouldn't be pining for any she-wolf. Even if her return means I'm forced to face the one thing I've always denied.

Whether she was layered or not, those delicious curves have always been mesmerizing and tempting. The only difference is that now she wears her skin with pride.

Her confidence now only adds to the allure, and I hate it. Disgusted at myself, I square my shoulders and strengthen my resolve, turning my gaze toward the skies to address the moon.

That's why we're here, gathered in the meadow, to praise the Moon Goddess and ask for protection.

As the Alpha, I've only warned the pack not to leave Moon Shine territory outside slated times, warning them of the dangers that lurk outside our bounds. They have no idea what we're facing since the threat of the rogues has yet to touch our borders.

Still, we are to remain cautious, which is why we've added more wolves to the patrol rotation and doubled down on security measures around the perimeter.

The pack members get to their feet and join hands around the bonfire. When I'm done uttering words of praise to the Moon Goddess, I look down and see a set of dark brown eyes between a gaping hole in the flames staring at me. Eyes as fierce and fiery as the flames licking at straw condemn me for simply being.

Faced with Cassandra's judgment, I'm suddenly forced to reflect on all the times I refused to make peace with how attracted I was to her. Not just now but long before she left.

I'm grateful for the respite that comes when I have to close my eyes to circle the fire, hand in hand with the members of my pack. Trying to be mindful of my thoughts, I'm unable to focus much and open my eyes, relieved when I can't see Cassandra across the bonfire.

I steal a glance at my Beta and decide it's best to put aside the unwarranted attraction I feel for her and give him a shot. It's not like my attraction is strong enough to let a she-wolf get in the way of a brotherly friendship.

She-wolves are too complicated, anyway. With their raging hormones and unplanned bouts of emotional warfare, it's not worth risking the life I know.

I close my eyes again, joining the pack as they hum around the bonfire. When I've decided it's enough, I call out, “All hail Moon Goddess Selene!” and the pack does the same. We unlink the chain around the fire, the gathering dispersing for the rest of the evening meant for mingling and homemade wine.

I notice Cassandra and her friend strolling toward the wine barrel, interlaced hands swaying as she remains carefree.

Why am I the only one distressed? Grunting, I cross my arms and decide that not even wine will cure my spirits tonight.

It's even worse when I notice Jarrod heading over and offering to pour them drinks.

Why do I care so much?

“Cyrus…”

I'm pulled from the bitter scene in front of me when a female voice calls my name. A pitcher is held up in front of my face, but I'm too irritated to take the offering.

“No thanks,” I decline with a grunt.

“Will the Alpha not be drinking tonight?” Emily's face pops out from the side of the pitcher. She smiles coyly, and I know exactly what she's trying to do.

Emily is another reason I will not take a mate. She's too high-maintenance, believing that the whole world revolves around her just because she's a fashion designer in the human world.

I already know that her attempts to seduce me are calculated with greed and a desire to save her dying business.

“No,” I grouch, spine turning steely in defense. “I'm not in the mood.”

“Hm… Does Cassandra's return have anything to do with your sour mood tonight, Alpha?”

“I don't know what you're talking about,” I feign nonchalance with a scoff. “Cassandra means—”

I stop myself from dragging Cassandra's name through the mud, something innate causing the snap of my mouth. All Emily does is giggle before sauntering off, as if she was strategically at the right place at the right time to knock some sense into me.

Whatever is happening, it feels orchestrated by the higher power who we've just prayed to tonight. I don't feel like myself, and my feet don't feel like my own when I step out from behind the bonfire and make my way to the barrel.

Jarrod is in the midst of passing Cassandra a drink when I reach out and snatch the cup out of his hand.

“You shouldn't drink,” I say matter-of-factly. “It's not—”

“It's not what?” she scoffs. “Healthy? Or am I not allowed to join in on pack festivities ‘cause I've been gone for nine years?”

“I didn't say that…” I shake my head slowly. Clutching the cup with slightly trembling fingers, I have no idea what just happened or why I'm trying to stop her from drinking homemade wine.

Then, it hits me—like a flash of images that project into my mind—a scene that has never taken place before.

Cassandra, in that black dress again, sipping champagne on my balcony back home…

Whoa…

“You didn't have to say it,” she snaps back, rolling her eyes. “But you were thinking it.”

“And how would you know what I'm thinking?” I accuse, highly conscious of the unruly thought that popped into my head. Does she know what I'm thinking? Were my thoughts not private?

I quickly scan my surroundings to check if anyone else has been able to eavesdrop on my thoughts.

“You've always had a way of making your thoughts crystal clear, Alpha Cyrus,” Cassandra sneers, grabbing her friend's hand. “Come on, D. I wanna stand by the fire.” She tilts her chin away and marches off with her friend, who glances over her shoulder and mouths “Sorry” at Jarrod.

I look down at the cup in my hand—the wine meant for Cassandra—and chug the drink in one gulp.

“Did you hear my thoughts, Jay?” I ask the Beta, slamming the cup against his chest.

“N-no, Cyrus.”

I grunt under my breath, turning to the bonfire. Jarrod does the same, and from the side of my eye, I catch him staring at Cassandra.

Needing to push aside that heinous scene constructed in my mind just now, I know what I have to do. I have to remember who the hell I am.

I'm Cyrus Rudolph, the Alpha of this pack who doesn't need to be tangled up with a complicated she-wolf.

I'm also Jarrod's best friend, which means I have to be his wingman at times.

Like right now, when doing the latter will only help prevent the attraction from soaring to dangerous heights. It's crazy to be magnetized to Cassandra Chikara when she's only proven she isn't one of us. If that's the foolish mistake Jarrod wants to make, I'll be a supportive friend.

I, on the other hand, will quench my thirst and appease my hunger for bodily pleasures outside these borders.

“Come on,” I nod toward the bonfire. “The night is still young.”

“You seem to be in high spirits all of a sudden,” Jarrod remarks with a chuckle.

I turn to him and offer a wink, thinking how crazy I must have been just now to feel jealous.

Me? Cyrus Rudolph, jealous of my best friend?

It must be a classic case of being too stressed out.

“I just realized that we've been working our asses off these past few months.” I slap a palm on his shoulder, feeling the tension slip off my own shoulders. “It's time to let loose.”

Even if Cassandra Chikara is back on our turf, threatening to disturb my peace, I won't let her have any power over me.

I won't let the threat of the rogues disrupt my peace. Who does she think she is?

I won't let the temptress tempt me anymore.