Chapter 15
In this chapter, Cassian experiences a sudden, unfamiliar emotional tension as Roana prepares to change, signaling a shift in his inner world. Though he initially intends to avoid any emotional attachment, the bond of being mates stirs conflicting feelings within him. Lorenzo, Cassian’s loyal Beta, challenges the idea of a contractual marriage with Roana, expressing concern that she might weaken their position due to her appearance and background. Cassian, however, firmly insists on her suitability and warns Lorenzo to ensure her safety and respect within their household.
Roana enters the scene with quiet confidence, introducing herself to Lorenzo and revealing her identity as the daughter of Alpha Milestones. Lorenzo questions her lineage, noting the unusual silver color of her wolf, which contradicts the Milestones’ grey wolf bloodline. This revelation casts doubt and tension in the room, but Cassian defends her fiercely, emphasizing her status despite the uncertainty. The conversation turns tense as Lorenzo brings up Roana’s previous marriage to Alexander Silverstone, which she clarifies has ended legally, further complicating her position.
The chapter highlights the growing friction between Cassian, Roana, and Lorenzo, with Cassian asserting control and protection over Roana while navigating the political and personal complexities of their union. Roana’s sharp wit and resilience emerge as she confronts Cassian about the abruptness of their arrangement and her disrupted life, including her separation from her child, Candy. Despite the challenges, she demands clarity about her role and the terms of their relationship.
When Cassian presents the marriage contract, Roana surprises him by signing it immediately, setting clear boundaries: she will be his Luna publicly but demands no emotional involvement or romantic connection. She insists on staying in his room, provoking a tense exchange about their living arrangements. Most strikingly, Roana rejects wealth as compensation, instead requesting a child and a family of her own, specifying that she wants no romantic ties, only the chance to bear a child with a man of good genetics. This demand unsettles Cassian deeply, stirring jealousy and inner conflict, yet he finds himself considering her terms despite his turmoil.
Chapter 15
Cassian watched her as she disappeared into the guest room alongside the servants, preparing to change. A sudden tightness gripped his chest—a feeling he hadn’t experienced in years. It was as if something fundamental was shifting beneath the surface, threatening to alter the delicate balance of his world, though whether for better or worse, he couldn’t yet determine.
He had no intention of pursuing any emotional bond with her, and she seemed to share the same detached expectations. Still, an uneasy sensation gnawed at him. Was it because she was his mate, and his Wolf instinctively longed to claim her as theirs? Or was he simply guilty of using her for a selfish purpose, cloaked in the guise of necessity?
“Your Majesty.” Lorenzo’s voice cut through his swirling thoughts as he approached, holding a folder firmly in his hand. The lines around Lorenzo’s jaw were tight, and his eyes searched Cassian’s with a hint of disapproval. “The lawyer sent over this document. A contractual marriage with her? What are you thinking p>
The sharpness in Lorenzo’s tone grated against Cassian’s nerves. Lorenzo had been his most loyal shadow for years—the steadfast man who had stood by his side through countless storms and battles. Yet now, even he dared to question him.
“She is my mate,” Cassian replied flatly, snatching the folder from Lorenzo’s grasp. “And she will be perfect for the role p>
Without waiting for further approval, Cassian strode into his private chamber, clutching the document tightly. His mind burned with anticipation, wondering how Roana would respond to the contract.
“Your Majesty,” Lorenzo pressed, following closely behind. “I understand she is your mate, but judging by her appearance, she won’t add strength to us. She might become our weakness p>
A low growl rumbled from deep within Cassian’s throat. Lorenzo wasn’t wrong—making her his Luna would mark her as a target. She would be hunted, not for any crime, but simply because she belonged to him. Yet the very thought of discarding her, denying her place, was unbearable.
“Don’t dig too deep, Lorenzo,” Cassian cut him off coldly, his voice hard as steel. “She will be fine. You saw her wolf earlier—it’s an Alpha wolf.” He spun on him, eyes sharp enough to cut glass. “And make sure every servant knows their place. If anyone dares mistreat her, I will make an example of them—one they won’t survive p>
Lorenzo froze, mouth slightly agape, clearly unprepared for such fierce protectiveness. He swallowed hard and lowered his gaze. “I will… handle some business p>
As Lorenzo opened the door to leave, a sudden wave of her scent hit Cassian like a knife to the gut—jasmine, dangerously sweet and intoxicating. His body went rigid, the Lycan inside him rising with a hungry snarl.
“She’s here,” the beast purred restlessly.
“Your Majesty,” came Roana’s voice, light yet resolute. She entered wearing a simple white dress, her hair cascading freely down her back, eyes locked steadily on him. There was no lust or greed in her gaze—only quiet confidence.
She appeared delicate, almost fragile, but Cassian knew better. His Lycan wanted nothing more than to tear down the space between them, to claim her, mark her as his own, and end the war between restraint and instinct.
“Miss Roana. Come in.” His voice was clipped, sharp.
Her eyes flicked to Lorenzo, who still lingered nearby.
“This is my Beta, Lorenzo Diaz p>
Her eyes widened briefly before softening into a polite smile. She extended her hand with careful grace. “Hello, Sir Lorenzo. I am Roana Milestones p>
At the mention of her name, Lorenzo stiffened. Recognition flashed in his eyes. “Wait a second. Are you the only daughter of Alpha Milestones p>
“Yes,” she replied, a soft chuckle escaping her lips.
Cassian wondered what was so amusing. Did she laugh at every man who questioned her identity? Tsk.
“But you don’t look like them. Certainly not your wolf p>
The insult hung heavily in the air. Inside Cassian, his Lycan snarled, claws scraping against his skin.
Roana bristled, voice steady but sharp. “Just because I’m not attractive like my parents doesn’t mean I’m not p>
“Pardon me,” Lorenzo interrupted hastily. “That’s not what I meant. Your wolf… it’s silver. Both your parents are grey wolves p>
Cassian narrowed his eyes. “What are you implying, Lorenzo p>
“Your Majesty,” Lorenzo said, bowing his head, “the Milestones bloodline has never carried silver. It’s impossible for two grey wolves to produce a silver wolf p>
The silence that followed weighed heavily, like a stone pressing down on the room. Even Cassian couldn’t deny the truth in those words. He had seen her wolf—a powerful silver, with an aura as thick and commanding as an Alpha’s. Yet her lineage…
Roana’s voice cracked through the silence, unsettled. “You’re joking, right? That can’t be true. People marry across bloodlines all the time. Maybe—” She stopped herself, lips tightening, hands trembling slightly as they gripped her dress. It was clear she had harbored her own suspicions for a long time.
“That’s enough,” Cassian snapped, his voice booming with fury that crackled through the air, silencing the room. “Whatever the truth, she is Milestones p>
Lorenzo lowered his head but pressed on. “My apologies, Ms. Milestones. But I’ve heard you were married to Alexander Silverstone. How p>
“Lorenzo!” Cassian roared, his power flooding the chamber. “You may leave p>
“But p>
“I am legally separated from him,” Roana cut in coldly, her spine straight, chin held high. Even as his words stung, she did not waver.
Cassian’s chest tightened at the sight. Lorenzo was crossing a line—right before his eyes.
“Enough. Lorenzo, training range later. Go.” His command was final.
Swallowing whatever protest he had, Lorenzo slipped out quietly.
The door clicked shut, and silence settled over the room. Cassian struggled to find the right words to apologize to her.
“Ms. Roana, please p>
“Excuse me,” she interrupted, dropping into a chair with a sigh, voice dripping with sarcasm. “Your Beta really hates me. How disappointing p>
The corner of Cassian’s lips twitched. She was unpredictable—fragile one moment, playful the next, then sharp enough to draw blood.
“So, what’s your plan, Your Majesty?” Her eyes locked onto his. “You dragged me here without giving me a chance to think. Because of you, I couldn’t say goodbye to my friends. Missed my movie tonight. And where’s my Candy? My poor baby p>
He almost laughed. This woman—bold enough to scold him like a husband caught misbehaving.
“Don’t grin at me, Your Majesty! You can punish me however you want, but you can’t separate a child from her mother! My Candy will cry p>
“I’ve already sent people to fetch her,” he said, a low chuckle escaping. “Don’t worry p>
Her frown softened briefly before sharpening again, eyes narrowing. “Good. Then let’s not waste time. What’s the deal, Your Majesty? I want to know my place p>
There it was—straight to the point. No hesitation, no stammering. She didn’t act like those women who wasted breath on pity.
Cassian slid the contract toward her, pressing it down with his hand until she met his gaze.
“My legal team prepared this for you p>
She arched an eyebrow. “Well-prepared, aren’t you p>
“Desperation leaves little room for hesitation,” he replied, tone sharp.
“Desperation?” She laughed low, mocking. “What happens when your beloved woman finds out that her great lover has taken another as his Luna? Won’t she be heartbroken p>
Cassian leaned closer, voice cold as ice. “I may be a lover, but I am no fool. She can’t be Luna now—my enemies would devour her alive. I need another ruler by my side p>
“And if she’s still out there, hoping you’ll save her?” Her eyes stayed fixed on the contract’s pages.
“I’m doing everything I can,” he admitted.
“By making me your scapegoat?” Her smirk cut deep. “So your enemies’ attention shifts from her to me p>
Something inside Cassian shifted. She wasn’t wrong. Yet he hated her for voicing it aloud.
Before he could respond, she grabbed the pen and signed—without a moment’s hesitation.
“I know my worth,” she said, voice steely. “Neglected for my looks, wanted for my brain. That’s my reality. Three years as your Luna. If you bring her back, I’ll leave. No love, no sharing a bed, no personal involvement. In public, we’ll be perfect—but only on the surface p>
Her words matched the contract—except for one.
“You’ll stay in my room.” His voice left no room for argument.
“The contract says otherwise p>
Cassian glanced down, fury surging through him. “Those bastards…” He grabbed the pen, slamming it onto the paper. “No. You will share my bed. We won’t cross any lines, but you stay with me p>
Her eyebrows rose, teasing. “Attracted to my body, Your Majesty? That’s uncalled for p>
He rolled his eyes. “Believe what you want. But the world will never see my Luna living apart from me p>
Her expression softened, but there was a sharper edge beneath it. “Then tell me—what do I get out of this marriage? You’ve listed all your terms. What about mine p>
“I’ve already told you everything you’ll receive. Wealth p>
“I don’t want wealth.” Her voice cut through him like a blade.
He froze. No woman had ever refused his wealth before. “Then what do you want p>
Her gaze met his without flinching. “Find me a man with great genes p>
His blood turned cold. A man? “You want a concubine?” His voice dropped dangerously low.
She startled at his tone but shook her head firmly. “No. I want a child. My own family. That’s my payment. No strings, no romance. Just a baby p>
His jaw clenched, chest burning with a fierce fire. His Lycan roared in protest—furious at the thought of her bearing another man’s child.
Why did it enrage him so? Why did it already feel like betrayal?
He had no right to deny her. Yet the idea of her walking away with someone else’s blood blurred his vision with rage.
“Is there any alternative?” he found himself asking, despite everything.
She looked at him as if he were joking, then shrugged while plucking a tangerine from the fruit basket. “I don’t care about alternatives. All I want is a baby. A family of my own p>
The chapter closes on a tense yet intimate moment between Cassian and Roana, where the complexities of duty, desire, and identity intertwine. Cassian’s protective instincts clash with his inner turmoil as he grapples with the implications of their forced union, while Roana’s sharp wit and unwavering resolve reveal her strength beneath a fragile exterior. Their negotiation of terms—so practical yet charged with unspoken emotions—underscores the fragile balance they must maintain between power and vulnerability.
Despite the uncertainties and the shadows of past relationships, both characters confront their realities with a mix of defiance and reluctant acceptance. The chapter captures the raw edges of their connection, hinting at the slow unraveling of walls built by fear and necessity. In this quiet storm of conflicting desires and harsh truths, the fragile hope for understanding and perhaps something deeper quietly flickers, much like fireflies glowing against the cold winter rain.
The next chapter promises to deepen the complexities between Cassian and Roana as they navigate the uneasy alliance forged by their contractual marriage. Emotional walls are likely to be tested, especially as Roana’s bold demands and unyielding spirit challenge Cassian’s expectations and control. The tension between duty and desire simmers beneath every interaction, hinting at moments where vulnerability might unexpectedly surface, even in the coldest exchanges.
Meanwhile, the shadow of Roana’s mysterious lineage and the implications of her silver wolf blood will continue to cast doubt and suspicion, potentially stirring conflict within the pack and threatening their fragile unity. As Cassian grapples with his protective instincts and the looming threats from enemies, the question remains: will their partnership become a source of strength or fracture under the weight of secrets and unspoken truths? The emotional stakes are high, and every decision could ripple far beyond their personal boundaries.
Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.