Chapter 19 - Cassius

Cassius's fingers drummed against the steering wheel, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts as he navigated the winding road back to the Whiteborn estate. The Pack meeting had dragged on longer than expected, but he couldn't keep the smile from his face.

Two days had passed since the witch's oath, and the memory of that moment still sent a jolt through his system.

His wolf rumbled contentedly within him, pleased with the outcome. The rogue Alphas had accepted his confession, and the tension that had threatened to tear apart their fragile peace had dissipated. Now, he could focus on what truly mattered.

Alysa.

He grinned, thinking of her warm brown eyes, the way she always managed to fluster herself whenever he got too close. The urge to court Alysa properly buzzed under his skin, a hum of anticipation that wouldn’t be ignored.

If I’m going to do this, I’ll do it right.

Cassius smirked to himself, already planning. The details were coming together in his head. A weekend away, just the two of them, away from Pack responsibilities and the constant chaos of their lives.

As he pulled into the driveway, his keen eyes caught sight of her silhouette in the window. His heart quickened.

She's waiting for me.

The thought both thrilled and terrified him. This was new territory for both of them, and he was determined to do it right.

Cassius took a deep breath, steeling himself before stepping out of the car. The crisp evening air filled his lungs as he strode toward the front door, his resolve strengthening with each step.

The door swung open before he could reach for the handle. The sight of her nearly took his breath away. Her long chestnut hair cascaded over her shoulders, the caramel highlights catching the last rays of the setting sun. Her curvy figure was accentuated by a simple sundress that hugged her in all the right places.

"Hey," she said softly, a hint of shyness in her voice. "How was the meeting?"

Cassius stepped inside, closing the distance between them. His hand found the small of her back, and he reveled in the way she leaned into his touch. "Long," he admitted with a chuckle. "But productive. How's Aurora?"

"Fed and sleeping soundly," Alysa replied, a tender smile lighting up her face. "She missed you today."

Not as much as I missed you.

But he held his tongue. Instead, he let his fingers trail up her spine, feeling the shiver that ran through her body. "Pack your bags," he said, his voice low and husky. "We're going on a little trip."

Alysa's eyebrows shot up, surprise and excitement dancing in her eyes. "A trip? Where? What about Aurora?"

Cassius couldn't help but grin at her rapid-fire questions. "It's a surprise. And don't worry about Aurora. I've arranged for Lena to take care of her for the weekend. Abigail will help. She’ll be in good hands."

"The whole weekend?" Alysa's voice was a mix of excitement and uncertainty.

Cassius nodded, his blue eyes twinkling with mischief. "Just you and me, Alysa. No Pack duties, no interruptions. I want to do this right."

A blush crept up Alysa's cheeks, and Cassius found himself captivated by the sight.

Moon, she's beautiful when she's flustered.

"Okay," she said finally, a shy smile playing on her lips. "Give me fifteen minutes to Pack?"

"Take your time," Cassius replied, his thumb caressing her cheek. "We've got all weekend."

As Alysa hurried upstairs to Pack, Cassius leaned against the wall, letting out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding.

This is really happening.

Twenty minutes later, they were on the road, the city lights fading behind them as Cassius drove toward their destination.

The Audi was filled with a comfortable silence, broken only by the soft music playing on the radio and the occasional question from Alysa about where they were going.

"You'll see," Cassius would reply each time, enjoying the way her curiosity grew with each mile marker they passed.

As they neared their destination, Cassius couldn't help but sneak glances at Alysa. The moonlight filtering through the car window cast a soft glow on her skin, highlighting the gentle curves of her face.

Her scent, an intoxicating mix of vanilla and cinnamon, filled the car, making his wolf rumble with contentment.

Calm down.

Finally, they pulled up to the grand entrance of the Evergreen Resort, a luxurious hotel nestled in the heart of a lush forest. Alysa's gasp of surprise was music to Cassius's ears.

"Cassius, this is… wow," she breathed, her eyes wide as she took in the elegant facade of the building.

He grinned, pleased by her reaction. "Only the best for you," he said softly, reaching over to squeeze her hand.

As they stepped out of the car, the cool night air enveloped them. Cassius quickly moved to Alysa's side, his hand finding its place on the small of her back as he guided her toward the entrance. The doorman greeted them with a respectful nod, recognizing Cassius immediately.

"Welcome to Evergreen Resort, Alpha White. Your suite is ready for you."

Cassius nodded his thanks, feeling Alysa tense slightly beside him—he knew she was still getting used to the attention. His thumb traced soothing circles on her back as they made their way in.

As they walked inside, the hotel lobby was lavish—marble floors gleaming, chandeliers casting a soft glow over the room. But none of it held his attention.

Her hand feels right in mine.

Once inside their suite, Alysa's eyes widened even further. The room was spacious and elegantly furnished, with a panoramic view of the surrounding forest. A king-sized bed dominated one side of the room, while a cozy sitting area with a fireplace occupied the other.

"This is beautiful," Alysa murmured, moving to the window to take in the view.

Cassius watched her, drinking in the sight of her silhouette against the moonlit forest.

"I'm glad you like it," he said, moving to stand behind her. His hands found her hips, and he felt her lean back into him. "I wanted somewhere special for us."

Alysa turned in his arms, her honey-brown eyes meeting his blue ones. "Well, this is definitely special," she said softly, a hint of vulnerability in her voice.

Cassius took a deep breath. "You deserve every bit of it. And more."

A mix of emotions played across Alysa's face—hope, fear, excitement. Cassius wanted nothing more than to kiss away her doubts, but he held back.

Not yet.

"Why don't we order some room service?" he suggested, breaking the tension. "I don't know about you, but I'm starving."

Alysa nodded, grateful for the momentary reprieve. As Cassius called down to order their meal, she wandered around the suite, taking in the luxurious details.

Room service arrived not long after, and they settled on the plush sofa, plates balanced on their laps. The scent of fresh pasta filled the room, but Cassius’s attention was fixed on Alysa.

The initial awkwardness began to fade as they ate, replaced by a comfortable familiarity. She twirled her fork through her food, her movements slower than usual, her mind clearly elsewhere.

“I was thinking,” he began, breaking the silence, “we haven’t really talked about you. About what you did after leaving school.”

She looked up, surprised by the sudden shift in conversation. “Oh, it wasn’t that interesting,” she said with a small shrug, but there was a flicker of something behind her eyes—something Cassius was determined to uncover.

“Try me,” he challenged, leaning back in his chair, his gaze steady on hers. “You’ve traveled a lot, haven’t you?”

Alysa laughed softly, the sound light but genuine. “Yeah, I guess I have. I spent a couple of years on the Light Side, mostly working odd jobs. Nothing glamorous.”

Cassius tilted his head, his interest piqued. “Odd jobs? Like what?”

She paused, a faint blush creeping up her cheeks. “Everything from waitressing to teaching English to kids in small villages. I even worked as a tour guide for a while.”

He couldn’t help but grin. “A tour guide, huh? I can’t picture you doing that.”

She laughed again, this time more freely. “I was terrible at it. I got lost more often than the tourists did.”

Cassius chuckled, the sound rumbling deep in his chest. “I bet you were great at it.”

Their conversation flowed easily after that, laughter weaving through the room. Cassius found himself captivated by her experiences, by the depth of her character that she rarely let anyone see.

With each story, he felt like he was discovering a new side of Alysa—adventurous, resourceful, and far more worldly than he'd realized.

"I had no idea you'd done all that," he said when she finally paused for breath. "Why didn't you ever mention it before?"

Alysa shrugged, a hint of shyness creeping back into her demeanor. "I didn't think you'd be interested. You were always so focused on Pack business, and I was just… well, just Alysa."

Cassius frowned, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. "You've never been 'just' anything, Alysa. I'm sorry if I ever made you feel that way."

Their eyes locked, and for a moment, the air between them crackled with tension. Cassius leaned in slightly, drawn by an invisible force. Alysa's lips parted, her breath catching in her throat.

The shrill ring of the room's phone shattered the moment. Cassius cursed under his breath as he answered it, dealing with a minor Pack issue that couldn't wait until morning.

When he hung up, Alysa was standing by the window again, her arms wrapped around herself. Cassius approached her slowly, his hand coming to rest on her shoulder.

"I'm sorry about that," he said softly.

Alysa turned to face him, a small smile on her lips. "It's okay. You're an Alpha. It comes with the territory."

Cassius nodded, grateful for her understanding. An idea struck him, and he grinned. "How about we get out of here for a bit? There's something I want to show you."

Curiosity sparked in Alysa's eyes. "What is it?"

"You'll see," Cassius replied, taking her hand and leading her toward the door.

They made their way through the hotel, Cassius nodding to the staff they passed. Finally, they reached a set of ornate glass doors. Cassius paused, turning to Alysa with a mischievous glint in his eye.

"Close your eyes," he instructed softly.

Alysa raised an eyebrow but complied, her lashes fluttering shut. Cassius opened the doors and guided her forward, his hand steady on the small of her back.

The scent hit them first—a symphony of floral fragrances, earthy and sweet. Cassius watched Alysa's face, savoring the moment of anticipation.

"Okay," he murmured, his lips close to her ear. "Open them."

Alysa's eyes fluttered open, and a soft gasp escaped her lips. They stood at the entrance of the hotel's botanical gardens, a sprawling oasis of greenery and blooming flowers. The moonlight filtered through the glass ceiling, casting everything in an ethereal glow.

"Cassius," Alysa breathed, her eyes wide with wonder. "It's beautiful."

Pride swelled in Cassius's chest.

“Why is no one else here? Please don’t tell me you rented the garden for just us.” Alysa asked.

His palm slid from her hip to the small of her back as he led Alysa through the quiet, moonlit paths of the botanical gardens, their footsteps soft against the stone.

"Just for tonight."

The air was cool, a faint breeze carrying the scent of flowers—roses, jasmine, and lavender—filling the space with their sweet fragrance.

Alysa turned to him, her eyes shining with emotion. "You did this for me?"

Cassius nodded, his hand cupping her cheek. "I'd do anything for you, Alysa. I hope you know that by now."

The air between them thickened, charged with unspoken desire. Alysa's tongue darted out to wet her lips, and Cassius found his gaze drawn to the movement.

Slowly, giving her every chance to pull away, he leaned in. Their lips met in a soft, tentative kiss that quickly deepened. Alysa's arms wound around his neck as Cassius pulled her closer, one hand tangling in her hair while the other pressed against the small of her back.

When they finally broke apart, both were breathing heavily. Cassius rested his forehead against Alysa's; his eyes closed as he savored the moment.

They wandered through the gardens hand in hand, stopping occasionally to admire a particularly beautiful bloom or to steal another kiss. The tension between them built with each passing moment, a slow burn that threatened to consume them both.

As they reached a secluded corner of the garden, hidden from view by a wall of lush foliage, Cassius could no longer hold back. He pulled Alysa to him, claiming her lips in a passionate kiss. She responded eagerly, her body molding to his.

Cassius's hands roamed over Alysa's curves, appreciating the softness of her body. Her ample breasts pressed against his chest, and he groaned into the kiss.

Perfect. She's absolutely perfect.

"Alysa," he breathed, breaking the kiss to trail his lips down her neck. "God, you're beautiful."

Alysa whimpered, her fingers tangling in his hair. "Cassius, please…"

Her plea ignited something primal within him. With a low growl, Cassius lifted her, her legs wrapping around his waist as he pressed her against the trunk of a nearby tree. The rough bark contrasted with the softness of her skin, heightening every sensation.

Cassius's hands slid under Alysa's dress, caressing the smooth expanse of her thighs. He reveled in the way she arched into his touch, her body responding to him instinctively.

"Is this okay?" he asked, his voice rough with desire.

Alysa nodded frantically. "Yes, God, yes. Don't stop."

Permission granted, Cassius let himself get lost in her. His fingers found her pussy, already slick with want, and he groaned at the feel of her. Alysa's head fell back against the tree trunk, a soft moan escaping her lips as he began to stroke her with his fingers.

"That's it, Baby," Cassius murmured, his lips ghosting over her collarbone.

Alysa's moans grew louder as Cassius worked her toward her peak. He watched her face, memorizing every expression of pleasure that crossed her features. When she came, it was with his name on her lips, her body shuddering against his.

As Alysa came down from her high, Cassius peppered her face with soft kisses. "You're incredible," he whispered, his voice filled with awe.

Alysa's eyes fluttered open, a lazy smile spreading across her face. "That was… wow."

Cassius chuckled, gently lowering her back to her feet. "We're just getting started, Love."

They made their way back to the hotel room, stealing kisses and touches along the way. By the time they reached the suite, both were trembling with need.

Clothes were shed hastily as they stumbled toward the bed. His fingers hooked into the waistband of her underwear, sliding them down her legs as she trembled beneath his touch.

Cassius took a moment to drink in the sight of Alysa's naked form, all soft curves and smooth skin.

Absolutely perfect.

They came together in a tangle of limbs and heated kisses. Cassius worshipped every inch of Alysa's body, determined to show her just how much he desired her.

He pressed a kiss to the inside of her thigh, his stubble rasping against her skin, sending shivers through her. Alysa whimpered, her hands tangling in his hair as she bit down on her lip, trying to stifle the sounds of her pleasure. But he didn’t want her to hold back.

He wanted to hear every gasp, every moan, every cry of need.

“You can scream here; no Aurora to worry about,” Cassius growled as he kissed higher up her thigh, his lips hovering over her center. He could already feel her heat, smell the intoxicating scent of her arousal.

She’s mine.

Without hesitation, he parted her thighs, his mouth descending on her. Alysa gasped, her back arching away from the sheets as he licked a slow, deliberate line across her.

Her body shook with the force of her pleasure, her fingers tightening in his hair as he pressed his tongue against her clit, swirling in slow, maddening circles.

“Cassius…” Her voice was a broken whisper, her body writhing under his touch.

He groaned against her, the vibrations sending shockwaves of pleasure through her. His hands gripped her hips, holding her steady as he worked her with his mouth, his tongue flicking and teasing, driving her closer and closer to the edge.

Every moan, every gasp, every tremble of her body only fueled his need to make her come undone.

Alysa’s breathing quickened, her thighs trembling around his head as she neared her release. Then he paused, smiling at the look of surprise on her, which only widened as he released his cock and entered into her in one swift movement.

His hand cupped her cheek as he pushed inside her, inch by agonizing inch. Alysa gasped, her body arching beneath his as he filled her, the heat of her surrounding him, drawing him deeper.

It felt like coming home.

His hand tangled in her long chestnut hair, the silky strands slipping through his fingers. The scent of lilacs and wildflowers was still on her from the garden, and it filled the air around them.

Alysa’s hands slipped around his back, her nails grazing his skin as she whispered, “Move, Cassius.”

He didn’t need to be told twice. With a low groan, he began to move, his thrusts slow and deliberate, savoring every moment of being inside her. Alysa moaned, her hips lifting to meet his as they found a rhythm, their bodies moving together in perfect sync.

Their responsibilities faded away as their bodies pressed together, his lips trailing from her mouth to her jaw, then lower, brushing her neck. Her soft, ample curves filled his hands, her body trembling as he cupped her breasts, his thumbs teasing her hardened nipples.

Alysa gasped, her head falling back against the bed as she arched into his touch, taking his cock deeper.

Fuck.

Cassius grinned, pressing his lips to the swell of her breast before dragging his teeth across her nipples, earning another soft cry from her.

“You’re perfect,” he murmured against her skin.

He glanced up at her, the sight of her flushed cheeks and the way her chest rose and fell with ragged breaths only spurring him on.

Cassius’s hands gripped her hips, his thrusts growing harder, faster, as the pressure built between them. Alysa’s moans grew louder, her body trembling beneath him as she neared another release.

Cassius growled, lowering his mouth to her neck, kissing and biting the delicate skin as he drove into her, his body on the edge of losing control.

“Cassius, I—” She didn’t finish her sentence before her orgasm crashed over her, her entire body shaking as waves of pleasure rippled through her. She was gasping, crying out his name, her walls tightening around him as her orgasm crashed over her once more.

Cassius followed her over the edge, his own release hitting him like a tidal wave as he groaned her name, his body trembling as he emptied himself inside her.

"Alysa!"

Afterward, they lay tangled in the sheets, Alysa's head resting on Cassius's chest. He traced lazy patterns on her back, content in a way he'd never been before.

As they drifted off to sleep, Cassius held Alysa close, his wolf rumbling contentedly within him.

She’s mine, and I’ll never let her go.