Chapter 18 - Alysa

Alysa didn't realize her feet were off the ground as Cassius lifted her up and kissed her. The world spun, a whirlwind of emotions and sensations overwhelming her senses. His lips moved against hers with a desperate hunger that matched the ache in her chest.

Her arms wrapped around his neck, the warmth of his body grounding her while everything around them unraveled. Relief surged through her, so powerful it almost knocked the breath from her lungs.

Alysa clung to him, her chest tightening as all the fear and tension from the past few days drained from her. The weight she hadn’t realized she was carrying lifted, and she let herself exhale.

Cassius pulled back slightly, his forehead resting against hers as he breathed heavily. She caught the flicker of emotion in his blue eyes—relief, exhaustion, and something deeper that twisted her heart.

“It’s over,” he whispered, his voice raw. His hands on her waist trembled slightly, and she leaned into him, pressing her lips softly against his again, this time slower, more tender. Her fingers trembled as they threaded through his hair.

When they finally broke apart, gasping for air, Alysa's eyes locked onto Cassius's. The depth of emotion she saw there stole her breath all over again. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes, a mix of relief and joy flooding through her.

"You're okay," she whispered, her voice hoarse. Her fingers traced the lines of his face, still hardly daring to believe this was real. That he was here, alive, and that he loved her.

Cassius nodded, pressing his forehead against hers. "I'm okay," he murmured. "We're okay."

The clearing around them buzzed with activity, but Alysa barely noticed. Her world had narrowed to Cassius, to the solid warmth of his arms around her and the steady beat of his heart against her chest.

As the initial shock began to wear off, reality slowly seeped back in. Alysa became aware of the murmurs around them, the weight of eyes watching their every move. She reluctantly pulled back, just enough to take in their surroundings.

The other Alphas were dispersing, some talking in hushed tones while others cast furtive glances their way. Elder Greymane stood off to the side, a hint of a smile on his weathered face. And there, making his way toward them with measured steps, was Marcus.

Alysa tensed, her grip on Cassius tightening instinctively. But as Marcus drew closer, she saw something unexpected in his expression. Regret.

"Cassius," Marcus began, his voice gruff. "I… I owe you an apology."

Cassius gently set Alysa down but kept an arm around her waist. She leaned into him, drawing strength from his presence as she watched the exchange unfold.

"There's nothing to apologize for," Cassius replied, his tone even. "I was the one who deceived you, who threatened the alliance with my actions."

Marcus shook his head. "No, I should have trusted your word. Instead, I let my anger and suspicion get the better of me. I demanded this test, put you through that ordeal…" He trailed off, glancing at Alysa. "I'm sorry. To both of you."

Alysa's breath caught in her throat. She hadn't expected this, hadn't dared to hope for such a resolution. Cassius squeezed her waist gently before extending his free hand to Marcus.

"What's done is done," Cassius said. "Let's move forward from here."

Marcus clasped Cassius's arm at the elbow, a warrior's embrace. The tension in the air dissipated, replaced by a cautious hope.

As Marcus stepped back, Aleksander approached, a grin spreading across his face. "Well, I'd say that was quite the show, Brother," he said, clapping Cassius on the shoulder. "Though I could have done without the dramatic flair."

Cassius chuckled, the sound sending a warm shiver down Alysa's spine. "You know me, Aleks. Never could resist a bit of drama."

Ragnar's booming laugh joined in. "Aye, that's our Cassius. Always has to do things the hard way." The large Alpha's eyes twinkled with mirth as he looked between Cassius and Alysa. "But I'd say it was worth it, eh?"

Alysa felt her cheeks heat up, but she couldn't stop the smile that spread across her face.

Worth it, indeed.

"I'm glad to see this settled," Aleksander said, his tone growing more serious. "The last thing we need is tension between the Packs."

Ragnar nodded in agreement. "Aye, with the threats we're facing, unity is more important than ever."

"And united, we'll remain," Cassius said firmly. "But for now, I think it's time we headed home. It's been… quite a day."

Alysa watched the exchange, her eyes flicking between the men. Cassius’s hand found hers, and she squeezed his fingers in silent agreement.

Aleksander's grin returned. "I'll say. Come on, I'll drive you two lovebirds back to the estate. You're in no shape to be behind the wheel, Cass."

As they made their way to Aleksander's car, Alysa couldn't help but marvel at the surreal turn the day had taken. Just hours ago, she'd been certain she was losing Cassius forever. And now…

The car ride back to the Whiteborn Estate was a blur of emotions for Alysa. She sat in the back seat, Cassius's head resting in her lap as Aleksander navigated the winding roads. Her fingers absently carded through Cassius's hair, marveling at its softness.

Is this real?

The thought kept circling in her mind, a mix of wonder and lingering disbelief. She glanced down at Cassius, taking in the lines of exhaustion etched on his face. He looked so vulnerable like this, so far from the imposing Alpha he usually presented to the world.

“Careful, Lovebirds,” Aleksander teased from the driver’s seat, breaking through her reverie, his voice full of amusement. “You’re gonna make me crash if you keep being so cute back there. Have you no shame?”

Alysa felt her cheeks heat up. "Oh, hush," she mumbled, but there was no real bite to her words.

“Get used to it, Volkov. We’re just getting started.” Cassius cracked open an eye, a lazy smile spreading across his face. "Or perhaps you’re jealous, Aleks?"

"Of you two? Please." Aleksander scoffed, but Alysa caught the fondness in his eyes as he glanced at them in the rearview mirror. "Though I have to say, it's about damn time. Do you know how long I've had to listen to my little sister pine over you, Cass?"

"I do not pine," Alysa grumbled, but her hand found Cassius’s, intertwining their fingers.

Alysa's heart skipped a beat at the casual intimacy of the gesture. "How… how long?" Cassius asked.

Aleksander's laugh filled the car. "Oh, years. Ever since she first saw you, since we were teenage—"

"Aleksander!" Alysa warned, but there was no real heat in her tone.

"What? I'm just telling the truth. You should have seen her, Cass. Like a lovesick puppy, always finding excuses to come to my room when you were visiting."

"You're one to talk," Alysa shot back. "Remember that time you nearly set the kitchen on fire trying to impress Sarah?"

It was Aleksander's turn to blush. "That was one time!"

The banter continued, filling the car with laughter and warmth. For the first time in what felt like forever, Alysa felt like she truly belonged.

As they pulled up to the Whiteborn Estate, a wave of exhaustion hit Alysa. The emotional rollercoaster of the day was catching up to her, leaving her drained but content.

Home.

The word settled over her like a warm blanket, and she exhaled slowly, letting the tension in her shoulders ease.

Abigail was waiting for them at the door, her face lighting up as she saw them approach. “You made it,” she said, her voice full of relief. “I knew you would.” Cassius nodded, offering the housekeeper a tired smile. "We're fine, Abigail. How's Aurora?"

Abigail smiled softly, her eyes flicking between them. “I’m glad. Aurora’s sleeping soundly in the nursery. There’s dinner in the microwave if you’re hungry. I'm sure you both want some time alone so I'll be heading out now, but I'll see you in the morning.”

As Abigail gathered her things to leave, Alysa felt a surge of gratitude for the older woman's steady presence.

What would we do without her?

Once they were alone, Cassius turned to Alysa, his eyes soft with an emotion that made her heart flutter. "Let's check on Aurora, then we can eat and… talk."

Alysa nodded, suddenly nervous. There was still so much to say, so much to figure out. But as Cassius took her hand, leading her up the stairs, she felt a sense of peace settle over her.

Aurora's nursery was bathed in the soft glow of a night light when they entered. Alysa's breath caught as she saw the baby sleeping peacefully in her crib, one tiny fist curled against her cheek.

Cassius moved to stand beside the crib, his expression so tender it made Alysa's heart ache. She joined him, leaning into his side as they watched Aurora's chest rise and fall with each tiny breath.

"She's perfect," Alysa whispered, unable to take her eyes off the sleeping child.

Our little girl.

She caught herself, it was too soon for such thoughts, wasn't it?

But Cassius seemed to read her mind. He wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close. "She is our little girl," he murmured. "And she adores you, you know. Almost as much as I do."

Alysa's breath hitched. She turned to look at Cassius, finding his intense blue gaze fixed on her. The air between them crackled with tension, with all the words left unsaid.

"Cassius, I—"

He silenced her with a gentle finger to her lips. "Let's eat first," he said softly. "Then we'll talk. I promise."

Alysa nodded, letting him lead her out of the nursery and down to the kitchen. As they reheated the meal Abigail had left—a hearty beef stew with crusty bread—Alysa's mind raced with everything she wanted to say.

They ate in comfortable silence, stealing glances at each other between bites. Alysa couldn't help but marvel at how natural this felt, sitting across from Cassius, sharing a meal after the chaos of the day. It felt… right.

As they finished eating, Cassius pushed his bowl aside and reached for her hand across the table. "Alysa," he began, his voice low and intense. "I owe you an apology."

Alysa's brow furrowed. "For what?"

"For everything. For pushing you away, for not being honest about my feelings sooner. For making you doubt yourself, doubt us." His thumb traced circles on the back of her hand, sending shivers up her arm. "I was a fool, and I almost lost you because of it."

Alysa swallowed hard, fighting back tears. "Why didn't you tell me?" she whispered. "All this time…"

Cassius sighed, running his free hand through his hair. "I was scared," he admitted. "Scared of my feelings for you, scared of complicating things with the Pack…” He trailed off, his eyes distant. "I thought I had to choose. Being an Alpha, being a father, or being with you. I convinced myself I couldn't have it all."

"And now?" Alysa asked, her heart pounding.

Cassius's gaze refocused on her, so intense she felt it in her very soul. "Now I know better. I want it all, Alysa. I want you, Aurora—everything. If… if you'll have me."

Alysa's breath caught in her throat. She stood, tugging Cassius up with her. "If I'll have you?" she repeated, a watery laugh escaping her. "Cassius, I've wanted you for so long I can barely remember a time when I didn't love you."

Alysa surged forward, capturing his lips in a searing kiss. Cassius responded immediately, his arms wrapping around her waist and pulling her flush against him.

The kiss deepened, months—years—of pent-up longing pouring out between them. Alysa's hands roamed Cassius's broad shoulders, marveling at the solid strength of him. His lips trailed from her mouth to her jaw, then down the column of her throat, eliciting a soft moan from her.

"Cassius," she gasped, her head falling back to give him better access. "I love you. I love you so much."

He growled against her skin, the sound sending a jolt of heat straight to her core. "Say it again," he demanded, his voice rough with desire.

"I love you," Alysa repeated, her fingers tangling in his hair. "I love you, I love you, I—oh!"

Her words cut off in a gasp as Cassius lifted her, setting her on the kitchen counter. He stepped between her legs, his hands running up her thighs as he captured her lips again.

Alysa lost herself in the sensations, in the taste of Cassius on her tongue and the feel of his hands on her body. This was so different from their previous encounter—there was no hesitation, no holding back. Just pure, unadulterated want.

Cassius’s hands slid under her shirt, his touch sending a jolt of electricity through her. “Let’s take this somewhere else,” he murmured against her lips, his voice thick with need.

Alysa smiled, her breath coming in short gasps as she pulled back slightly. “Why not here?” she teased, her hands trailing down his chest.

His left eyebrow raised in surprise as he smiled, his hands sliding to her waist as he pulled her closer. “You sure?” he asked, his voice rough with desire.

She nodded, her lips brushing his as she spoke. “Positive.”

Slowly, his lips found hers again, softer this time but no less intense. The kiss deepened, and Alysa’s breath hitched as his hand slid down her waist, pulling her closer until her body molded against his.

Cassius’s fingers trailed up her legs, the roughness of his touch sending shivers through her. When his hand slipped beneath her dress, his knuckles grazing the sensitive skin of her inner thigh, Alysa let out a soft gasp.

Oh God…

Her thoughts scattered as Cassius tugged her panties aside, his fingers tracing along her already slick folds. Alysa’s hips bucked involuntarily, a wave of heat washing over her. He leaned in, his breath hot against her ear as he whispered, “You’re so wet for me.”

Alysa bit her lip, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment and desire. “Cassius…”

But her words were cut off as he slid a finger inside her, then another, curling them just right, sending a surge of pleasure through her. She gripped his shoulders, her nails digging into his skin as he pumped his fingers slowly, teasingly, building her up.

Cassius watched her, his blue eyes dark with hunger, the muscles in his jaw flexing as he worked her with skilled precision. “Look at me,” he commanded softly, his voice thick with need. “I want to see you when you come.”

Alysa’s breath quickened, her body trembling as he pushed her closer and closer to the edge. Her legs wrapped around his waist, pulling him toward her, desperate for more, but he held back, prolonging her torment.

Then, in one fluid motion, Cassius pulled his fingers out, earning a frustrated whimper from her. He quickly freed himself from his pants, his hard cock jutting out, the sight of it sending another wave of desire crashing over her. Alysa’s eyes widened at the sheer size of him, her mind briefly flashing with doubt.

How did I take that the last time?

But before she could protest, Cassius grabbed her hips, positioning himself at her entrance. He slid into her slowly, inch by inch, the stretch intense, almost overwhelming. Alysa’s head fell back, a strangled moan escaping her lips as he filled her completely.

He paused, his hands gripping her thighs tightly as he fought for control. “Alysa,” he groaned, his voice low and gravelly. “You’re so tight…so perfect.”

She couldn’t speak, couldn’t think—her body was on fire, every nerve alight as he began to move.

Slowly at first, each thrust deliberate and deep, hitting spots inside her that made her toes curl. Alysa clung to him, her nails raking down his back as he increased his pace, the sound of skin slapping against skin filling the kitchen.

"Cassius, please," she whimpered, her hips canting forward.

He smirked against her neck, his fingers finally finding her center. Alysa's head fell back with a moan as he kept a steady tempo, building her pleasure with practiced ease.

"That's it, Love," Cassius murmured, his voice low and husky. "Let me hear you."

Alysa was beyond words, lost in a haze of sensation as Cassius worked her higher and higher.

Their lovemaking was passionate, almost frantic in its intensity. Alysa clung to Cassius's shoulders, her nails leaving crescent marks in his skin as she met him thrust for thrust.

Cassius leaned down, capturing her mouth in a searing kiss as he drove into her harder, faster, his cock sliding in and out of her with a rhythm that sent her spiraling. She could feel the pressure building inside her, the coil tightening with every thrust, every brush of his thumb against her clit.

“Cassius…I’m…”

“I know,” he growled, his breath hot against her neck as he sucked the sensitive skin there, marking her. “Come for me, Alysa. Now.”

The command was her undoing. Alysa cried out, her body convulsing as the orgasm tore through her, wave after wave of pleasure crashing over her.

Her walls clenched around him, and Cassius cursed under his breath, thrusting into her a few more times before he followed her over the edge, spilling inside her with a guttural moan.

They stayed like that for a moment, their breaths heavy, bodies tangled together in the aftermath of their release. Cassius pulled her close, resting his forehead against hers, their hearts still racing in sync.

“Mine,” he whispered softly, possessively, his fingers gently tracing patterns on her bare skin.

Alysa smiled, her eyes fluttering open to meet his. “Yours,” she echoed, her voice barely above a whisper, her heart full.

They stayed like that for a long moment, holding each other close as they caught their breath. Alysa felt boneless, utterly sated in a way she'd never experienced before.

Finally, Cassius pulled back just enough to look at her, a soft smile playing on his lips. "I love you," he said simply, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.

Alysa's heart soared. She knew they still had much to figure out and many challenges to face. But in that moment, wrapped in Cassius's arms with the promise of a future together stretched out before them, she couldn't bring herself to worry.

"I love you too," she whispered back, sealing the words with a kiss.

As they eventually made their way upstairs, Alysa couldn't help but marvel at the turn her life had taken. Just days ago, she'd been certain she was losing Cassius forever. And now…

She glanced at him as they settled into bed, taking in the contentment on his face. As Cassius pulled her close, pressing a soft kiss to her temple, Alysa felt a deep sense of peace settle over her.