Chapter 11 - Cassius

Cassius paced the length of his study, his footsteps echoing in the quiet room. The first rays of dawn filtered through the curtains, casting long shadows across the hardwood floor. He ran a hand through his tousled blonde hair, his eyes clouded with confusion and something deeper, something he wasn't ready to name.

What the hell is wrong with me?

The thought ricocheted through his mind, sharp and intrusive. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Alysa's face—her warm honey-brown eyes, the curve of her smile, the way her chestnut hair caught the light. He could still feel the phantom touch of her hand on his arm, hear the echo of her laughter.

This is ridiculous. She's Aleksander's sister, for crying out loud.

But no matter how many times he repeated that mantra, it did nothing to quell the warmth that spread through his chest whenever Alysa entered a room. He found himself seeking out her company, making excuses to be near her. And it terrified him.

He couldn't afford to have these feelings, not with the weight of his responsibilities, not with Aurora to think about. Yet here he was, acting like a lovesick pup. He growled low in his throat, frustration building.

This has to stop. Now.

A knock at the door jolted him from his thoughts. "Cassius? The others are waiting." Aleksander's voice carried through the wood, tinged with impatience.

Cassius took a deep breath, squaring his shoulders. "Coming," he called back, pushing thoughts of Alysa to the back of his mind. He had a hunt to focus on.

The crisp morning air hit him as he stepped outside, the scent of pine and damp earth filling his lungs. The other Alphas were gathered at the edge of the forest, a mix of familiar faces from both the Dark and Light sides.

Articus's shock of white hair stood out among the group; his albino features were stark in the early light. Next to him, Xander's brooding presence was unmistakable, his dark eyes scanning the treeline.

"About time," Aleksander grumbled good-naturedly, clapping Cassius on the shoulder. "Thought you might've gotten lost in your own house."

Cassius rolled his eyes, falling into step with the group as they moved into the forest. "Some of us have actual work to do, Aleks. We can't all laze about like you Iron Fang boys."

A chorus of chuckles rippled through the group. Ragnar of the Thunderclaw Pack grinned at Cassius. "Careful there, White. You're starting to sound like us."

"Moon forbid," Cassius shot back with a smirk. "I still prefer my meetings without bloodshed, thank you very much."

The banter continued as they delved deeper into the woods, the Light Side Alphas ribbing their Dark Side counterparts about their more… colorful traditions. It was a dance they'd perfected after Articus visited as their relationship got closer, the teasing masking a deeper respect that had grown between the two factions.

“I figured you Light Side wolves could use a reminder of what real hunting looks like,” Cassius teased, though his tone held a playful edge.

Articus let out a low chuckle. “You Dark Side Alphas do love to get your hands dirty. We, on the other hand, enjoy our leisure a bit more… refined.” He exaggerated the last word, shooting Cassius a wink.

Cassius barked a laugh, shaking his head. “Refined, huh? That’s one way of saying you like putting your feet up while we take care of the heavy lifting.”

“You know you love it,” Articus shot back, his grin widening as he clapped Cassius on the back.

As the group split off into pairs, Cassius found himself walking alongside Articus, their strides long and unhurried. The cold, crisp air stung his skin, but it didn’t bother him. His thoughts were elsewhere.

"So," Articus said, his voice low enough that only Cassius could hear, "want to tell me what's really on your mind? You look like you're carrying the weight of the mountain on your shoulders."

Cassius glanced at his cousin, weighing his words carefully. "It's nothing," he said finally. "Just… Pack business."

Articus raised an eyebrow, his pale blue eyes knowing. "Pack business. Right. And I suppose this 'Pack business' has nothing to do with a certain curvy brunette who's been living in your house?"

Cassius nearly tripped over a root, catching himself at the last second. "I don't know what you're talking about," he muttered, quickening his pace.

Articus matched his stride easily. "Come on, Cass. I've known you since we were pups. You can't hide from me."

“And we only saw each other once or twice when we were pups before I saw you again last year. Don’t presume to know me that well, cousin,” Cassius replied.

They walked in silence for a few moments, the sounds of the forest filling the space between them.

Finally, Cassius sighed. "How's Wren?" he asked, changing the subject. "The baby's due soon, right?"

A soft smile spread across Articus's face, his eyes lighting up at the mention of his mate. "She's doing great. The baby's due next month. I won't be leaving her side then, that's for sure."

"That's fantastic, Art," Cassius said, genuinely happy for his cousin. "Have you thought of names yet?"

Articus nodded, his smile widening. "We have, actually. If it's a boy, we're thinking of naming him Ash."

The name hit Cassius like a punch to the gut, memories of his own childhood flooding back. Summers spent with his grandfather, the old Alpha teaching them about their heritage, about the sacred ash trees that grew on the mountain. "Ash," he repeated softly. "It's perfect."

"We thought so too," Articus said, his voice gentle. He studied Cassius's face for a moment before adding, "It's made me think a lot about family lately. About the future."

Cassius's thoughts immediately went to Aurora, his chest tightening with a mixture of love and fear. "Yeah," he said roughly. "I know what you mean."

"It's not easy, is it?" Articus mused. "Being a father, an Alpha… trying to balance it all."

Cassius shook his head, a humorless laugh escaping him. "You have no idea. Some days, I feel like I'm drowning, Art. Like I can't keep my head above water."

Articus laid a hand on his shoulder, his touch grounding. "That's why we don't do this alone, Cass. We have our Packs, our families… our mates."

The word 'mate' sent a jolt through Cassius, Alysa's face flashing in his mind. He swallowed hard, trying to push the image away. "I may not have time for a mate. Alysa and I are ending things," he said gruffly. "Aurora needs me. The Pack needs me."

"And who's there for you?" Articus asked softly. When Cassius didn't answer, he pressed on. "I saw the way you look at Alysa, Cass. And the way she looks at you. Why are you fighting it so hard?"

Cassius stopped walking, turning to face his cousin. The others had moved ahead, leaving them alone in a small clearing. "Because it's not that simple," he growled. "She's Aleksander's sister. She's Aurora's nanny. She's… she's…"

"She's what?" Articus prompted gently.

"She's too good for me," Cassius whispered, the admission tearing from his throat. "She deserves better than an Alpha with more baggage than he can carry."

Articus's eyes softened with understanding. "Is that what you think? Cassius, you're one of the strongest wolves I know. You've been through hell and back, and you're still standing. You're an amazing father to Aurora, a respected Alpha… Any wolf would be lucky to have you as a mate."

Cassius shook his head, unable to accept the words. "You don't understand. I just don’t think I should be feeling this way. And then I feel guilty for feeling guilty because she’s so perfect…"

Articus smiled knowingly. "You can lie to yourself all you want, cousin. But your heart knows the truth. The question is, what are you going to do about it?"

“Art…” Cassius started, his voice low, “What if I can’t protect her the way I should? What if I lose her too?”

Articus’s hand clamped down on Cassius’s shoulder, his grip firm. “You won’t; Alysa’s strong. And you, cousin, you’ve been through worse. Don’t let fear stop you from living. You deserve to be happy, don’t you?”

Before Cassius could answer, a howl cut through the air—the hunt was on. With a last meaningful look at Cassius, Articus shifted, his white fur gleaming in the dappled sunlight. Cassius followed suit, his own golden coat rippling as he dropped to all fours.

As they raced through the forest, Cassius's mind whirled. Articus's words echoed in his head, mixing with his own confused thoughts. Images of Alysa flashed before him—her smile as she cradled Aurora, the determined set of her jaw when she stood up to him, the vulnerability in her eyes when she thought no one was looking.

Could I actually be falling for her?

The hunt passed in a blur, Cassius's body moving on instinct while his mind grappled with his newfound realization. By the time they returned to the house, the sun was setting, painting the sky in brilliant hues of orange and pink.

Cassius shifted back, his muscles aching pleasantly from the exertion. As the other Alphas said their goodbyes, clapping each other on the back and exchanging good-natured insults, Cassius found himself scanning the house, searching for a glimpse of chestnut hair.

He found her in the kitchen, her back to him as she prepared dinner. Aurora was in her rolling crib, happily dozing, her teddy bear between her chubby fingers. The sight made Cassius's heart clench with an emotion he couldn't quite name.

"Hey," he said softly, not wanting to startle her.

Alysa turned, a soft smile spreading across her face when she saw him. "Hey yourself," she replied. "How was the hunt?"

Cassius moved closer, drawn to her warmth like a moth to a flame. "It was good," he said, his eyes never leaving her face. "How was your day?"

"Oh, you know," Alysa shrugged, turning back to the stove. "The usual. Aurora and I had a thrilling adventure in the world of pureed carrots."

Cassius chuckled, the sound rumbling deep in his chest. Without thinking, he stepped closer, close enough to catch the scent of her shampoo—something floral and sweet. "Sounds exciting," he murmured.

Alysa stiffened slightly at his proximity, her breath catching. She turned to face him, her honey-brown eyes wide. "Cassius?" she whispered, uncertainty coloring her voice.

He should step back. He knew he should. But he couldn't make his feet move. "Alysa," he breathed, her name a prayer on his lips.

"I…" she started, then stopped, biting her lower lip. The action drew his gaze, and suddenly, all he could think about was how soft those lips would feel against his own.

"You what?" he prompted gently, his hand moving of its own accord to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

Alysa's eyes fluttered closed at his touch, a soft sigh escaping her. When she opened them again, they were filled with a mixture of fear and longing that made Cassius's heart race. "I need to tell you something," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Cassius nodded, not trusting himself to speak. His hand lingered on her cheek, his thumb tracing the soft curve of her jaw.

"I…" Alysa took a deep breath, squaring her shoulders. "I've had a crush on you for as long as I can remember," she rushed out, the words tumbling over each other in their haste to be free. "I know it's stupid, and I know you probably don't feel the same way, and I have now decided to focus on Aurora as her nanny, but I just… I needed to tell you just once. Before I explode."

Cassius froze, his mind struggling to process her words.

She has feelings for me?

The realization sent a shock of heat through his body, followed quickly by a wave of guilt.

I don't deserve her.

But even as those thoughts raced through his mind, his body was moving. Before he could talk himself out of it, he cupped Alysa's face in his hands and brought his lips crashing down on hers.

The kiss was everything he'd imagined and more. Alysa's lips were soft and pliant beneath his, opening on a gasp that he swallowed hungrily. His hands slid into her hair, angling her head to deepen the kiss as her arms wound around his neck, pulling him closer.

Cassius groaned, the sound vibrating through both of them. He backed Alysa up against the counter, his body pressing against hers as if trying to meld them into one being. She arched into him, a soft whimper escaping her that sent fire racing through his veins.

He couldn't stop. Not when she tasted so sweet, when she fit so perfectly in his arms.

It was Aurora's happy squeal that finally broke them apart. They pulled back, both breathing heavily, their eyes locked on each other. Alysa's lips were swollen from his kisses, her cheeks flushed a beautiful pink. Cassius had never seen anything more beautiful in his life.

"Cassius," Alysa breathed, her voice husky in a way that made his wolf howl with desire. "What… what was that?"

He opened his mouth to respond, but no words came out. What could he say? That he was falling for her? That he wanted her more than he'd ever wanted anyone in his life? That he was terrified of what that meant?

In the end, he didn't say anything. He just pulled her back into his arms, capturing her lips in another searing kiss. Alysa melted against him, her body soft and yielding in all the right places.

They stumbled out of the kitchen, barely breaking apart long enough to check that Aurora was secure in her rolling crib and that her baby monitor was turned on. Cassius's hands roamed Alysa's body, mapping every curve and dip as if trying to memorize her by touch alone.

The kiss at the exchange of land ceremony had been passionate but impulsive. This? This was hard. Primal. Addicting.

Cassius's worries from earlier that day melted into nothing, and he instinctively curved his body into hers, seeking more contact, more warmth, more.

A soft gasp escaped Alysa's throat when Cassius hooked her legs around his waist and carried her up the stairs without breaking their kiss.

They made it to his bedroom somehow, clothes falling away in a frantic rush of hands and lips.

His shirt. Her bra. Her pants.

They fell away with tugs and pulls, leaving only heat and bare skin behind.

When Cassius finally laid Alysa down on his bed, he paused, drinking in the sight of her. Her chestnut hair fanned out on his pillow, her honey-brown eyes dark with desire, her lush curves begging for his touch.

"You're beautiful," he murmured, his voice rough with emotion. "So fucking beautiful."

Alysa's eyes flickered with uncertainty. "You don't mind that I'm... a bit big?" she asked hesitantly, her voice barely above a whisper.

How could she even think that?

Cassius was shocked by her question. His eyes blazed with intensity as he growled, "Mind? Alysa, I love every inch of you. Your curves drive me wild. You're perfect, and I won't have you thinking otherwise."

To emphasize his point, he ran his hands along her sides, savoring the feel of her soft, full figure. "You're everything I've ever wanted," he added, his voice husky with desire.

Alysa's eyes shone with relief and renewed passion. She reached for him, pulling him down on top of her. "Please," she whispered against his lips. "I need you, Cassius."

Those words broke the last of his control. With a growl, he claimed her mouth again, his hands exploring every inch of her soft skin. He trailed kisses down her neck, nipping and sucking at her pulse point until she was writhing beneath him.

The way Alysa's body molded to his, her soft curves and heat. His mouth moved over hers, hot and demanding. Pleasure fogged his senses as the rich, sweet taste of her filled his mouth.

Cassius paused, taking in the sight before him. Alysa's chestnut hair cascaded over her shoulders, caramel highlights catching the dim light. Her warm honey-brown eyes gazed up at him, a mix of shyness and anticipation swirling in their depths.

He found himself captivated by her curvy figure, appreciating how it complemented her frame. The way her ample curves shifted as she moved made his heart race, and he couldn’t help but appreciate the soft swell of her hips and the delicate arch of her waist.

As his gaze traveled back to her face, he noticed a faint blush coloring her cheeks. It was endearing how she could still be shy around him after all this time. He watched as she fidgeted slightly.

Despite her nervousness, there was an undeniable charisma about her that drew him in. But it was the way her gaze lingered on him, filled with a mixture of apprehension and curiosity, that sent a jolt of longing through him.

He was captivated, caught in a moment where everything else faded away, leaving only the two of them and the tense crackle of electricity between them.

“You’re going to be the death of me,” Cassius said, his stubble scraping across Alysa's skin as his mouth trailed a line of fire down her neck.

Alysa didn’t have time to do more than gasp before he was inside her, filling her dripping pussy to the hilt with only one thrust.

When he finally slid inside her, they both gasped at the sensation. Cassius held still for a moment, overwhelmed by how perfect she felt around him.

This is where I belong.

He started to move—slowly at first, savoring every gasp and moan that fell from Alysa's lips. But soon, the need for more overwhelmed him. He picked up the pace, driving into her with a desperation he'd never felt before.

Cassius turned them around in one smooth movement sitting up and holding her so she sat astride him, her full ass gripped tightly in his hands while he sucked on her nipple till it hardened.

He gave her only a few seconds to adjust before he gripped her hips and slammed her down again on his cock, hard, while he drove up inside her.

Again and again, harder and faster, until her toes curled and the pressure building inside him neared a breaking point.

Alysa met him thrust for thrust, her nails raking down his back as she cried out his name. The sound of it on her lips was the sweetest thing he'd ever heard. He wanted to hear it again and again, wanted to make her scream it until her voice gave out.

“Just like that,” Cassius growled. He grazed his teeth across my nipple, his breath raising goosebumps all over my skin. “Ride my cock like a good girl.”

A loud moan climbed up her throat when he closed his mouth around the pebbled peak and sucked. Wetness gushed down her thighs, across his balls while they slapped on her ass, over his leg, and onto the sheets.

“You’re making a mess, Sweetheart.” Cassius turned his attention to her other nipple and tugged on it with his teeth.

His words triggered something deep inside Alysa, and her orgasm came a second later with sudden ferocity, causing her back to arch and her mouth to fall open in a silent scream.

Cassius only gave her a minute to catch her breath before he maneuvered her into a different position again.

One minute, she was on his lap. The next, she was on all fours, her hands and knees pressing into the soft silk sheets of his large bed.

“Spread your legs for me. That’s it.” Cassius voiced his approval as she obeyed. “Let me see how wet that pretty little pussy is.”

The tip of his cock nudged her entrance. When he didn’t make a further move, Alysa pushed back against him and whined with need.

Greedy girl.

“Good girl.”

Cassius's praise came just as he gripped her hair and thrust into her again. He held her hands together above her head as he pounded. Every time she seemed to be catching her breath, he launched another thrust to knock it out of her lungs again.

That’s for rushing me.

Sensation stretched his skin taut and made him lightheaded. The world dissolved into nothing more than their combined moans and the slap of flesh against flesh. All too soon, he felt the familiar tightening in his gut.

"Alysa," he groaned, his rhythm faltering. "I'm close."

"Me too," she gasped, her inner walls fluttering around him. "Oh god, Cassius, don't stop."

He reached between them, his fingers finding her most sensitive spot. A few well-placed strokes had her arching off the bed, her second orgasm washing over her in a wave that pulled him under, too. Cassius buried his face in her neck as he came, her name a prayer on his lips.

They lay tangled together afterward, their breathing slowly returning to normal. Cassius pressed soft kisses to Alysa's shoulder, his mind a whirl of conflicting emotions. Guilt, desire, fear, and something dangerously close to love all battled for dominance.

Cassius could feel the steady beat of Alysa’s heart against his chest, matching the rhythm of his own.

“I’ve wanted to do that for a long time,” Alysa whispered, her voice barely audible.

Cassius smiled, his hand gently brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “Me too.”

Six weeks of pent-up frustration, lust, and everything in between, all unleashed in one night. They would deal with the aftermath in the morning, he knew, but for now, he was content.