Chapter 22
Cassian wakes to find Ms. Roana sleeping peacefully against him, her presence calming despite the tension between them. He questions whether she is truly his mate or if it is simply her soothing aura that keeps his usual aversion at bay. As he gently strokes her hair, he contemplates the Moon Priests’ words about the powerful desire that should awaken when near one’s mate, but he resists claiming her just yet, despite his growing possessiveness.
Their quiet moment is interrupted by Lorenzo’s urgent message about suspicious individuals near the borderline, prompting Cassian to prepare to investigate immediately. Roana clings to him, using the name “Alex,” which unsettles him as it hints at her seeing him as her unfaithful husband. When he tries to rouse her, she responds with bold defiance, showing no fear or hesitation despite his royal status and the usual respect he commands.
At the borderline hideout, Cassian learns from Lorenzo that recent attacks on villages involved people under some kind of mind control, linked to witchcraft and possibly orchestrated by a traitor within their own pack. The situation is dire, with captives behaving like mindless zombies and no clear way to extract information from them. Cassian orders increased security and discreet investigations, aware that the threat could be closer than anyone suspects.
The chapter ends with Cassian grappling with the possibility of a hidden enemy among his people, someone who may be protected by loyal faces or secret alliances. His resolve to protect his pack and uncover the truth grows stronger as he moves swiftly to confront the dangers threatening his domain.
Chapter 22
Cassian,
I slowly stirred awake, sensing something resting lightly on my chest. At first, I wasn’t sure what it was until my fingers brushed through soft, silky strands of hair. That’s when I fully snapped to attention.
There she was—Ms. Roana—curled up against me, her head nestled like a bird seeking shelter. I found myself unable to tear my eyes away from her peaceful face.
Was she truly my mate? Or was it simply the calming aura she carried, one that didn’t awaken my usual aversion toward women? Watching her sleep so soundly, especially after everything that had transpired, after she had invaded my personal space, something deep and sharp stirred within me.
I couldn’t suppress a low, dark chuckle. This woman never ceased to surprise me. She seemed utterly unfazed by it all. Completely at ease sharing a bed with her Lycan mate, without a hint of hesitation. She hadn’t flinched when I released my scent, nor had she objected when I asked her not to block it.
So why, then, did the Moon Priests say that when you draw closer to your mate, the Moon Goddess’s blessing awakens within you a powerful desire—to hold them, claim them, and love them forever?
“Doesn’t she feel the same?” I whispered, my fingers weaving gently through her hair. She had used my shampoo—I could still catch the faint trace of myself.
“Why not just claim her already? I want to sink my teeth into that soft neck of hers. Imagine the mark she’ll bear on her wrist once we do!” Cyrus licked his lips eagerly, his possessiveness bubbling to the surface.
“We don’t,” I said firmly. “Not yet.” A small smirk tugged at the corner of my mouth.
My fingers continued their slow, possessive journey through her hair. Since she’d come into my life, I’d been sleeping better than I had in years. How could I let her slip away so easily?
As I closed my eyes, surrendering my soul to the comforting sea of her presence, a sharp voice shattered the quiet.
“Your Majesty! Are you awake?” It was Lorenzo. My eyes snapped open and darted to the clock.
Five in the morning. No wonder I had slept a solid seven hours.
“Yes,” I responded curtly. “What is it p>
“We’ve found suspicious individuals near the borderline. Your presence is required to investigate.” His tone was urgent, tightening my jaw.
“Understood. I’ll be there shortly. You go ahead without me p>
“Yes, Your Majesty p>
The mind-link went silent. Carefully, I lifted her head to move. She clung to my waist, sliding up against me, her leg locking with mine.
“Stop moving, Alex!” she pouted, wrapping me in a warm embrace.
A sudden chill ran through me at the use of that name. Did she really believe she was sleeping beside her unfaithful husband?
Cyrus hissed in disappointment. Rather than soften, I shook her—gently, not harshly—just enough to rouse her.
“Ms. Roana! Wake up!” I said, raising my voice slightly, though it remained cold and unyielding.
“Stop it!” she whispered, burrowing her face deeper into my chest.
“Ms. Roana! You’re invading someone else’s space. Not your ex-husband’s!” I said, each word clipped, sharp as flint.
Her eyes opened slowly. Instead of confusion, I saw fierce, red-rimmed eyes locking onto me. She growled, “You ruined my goddamn sleep, Mister p>
Mister?
She rolled onto her side, as if that single word had offended her. For a moment, I thought she was still half-asleep. Then she turned back and whispered, “Sorry, Your Majesty! Your chest is way comfier than any pillow. Good night!” She grinned mischievously before closing her eyes again.
I stared, stunned by her boldness. She had the nerve to admit she’d deliberately chosen to sleep on my chest.
“She isn’t afraid of us,” Cyrus observed with a smirk, savoring the novelty. Since I ascended the throne, even pack leaders trembled under my gaze. No one dared meet my eyes or speak back.
Yet this woman, whom I’d only met a handful of times, showed no fear—only a brazen, insolent calm.
I grabbed the edge of the blanket and gently tossed it over her before heading to the bathroom. I had to reach the borderline immediately.
In the past six months, strange occurrences tied to witchcraft had been cropping up around the region. This was intolerable under my watch. Recently, things had escalated: dark rogues were infiltrating the Pack. We couldn’t figure out how the borderline had been breached. Either we had a mole within, or secret passages remained undiscovered.
The southern regions, advanced in technology and agriculture, thrived. The northern territories—mostly desert, inhabited by barbarians—struggled to find their footing.
Now they had set their sights on my domain. Pathetic.
I left the Packhouse after leaving a note on her phone screen. For now, I had no immediate issues with her being my Luna, but those around me wouldn’t be so lenient.
Roana understood what she had committed to, and I hoped she wouldn’t let me down.
I moved swiftly through the woods. Taking a car would disturb the pack members—rules were rules.
From midnight until seven in the morning, no vehicles were allowed unless there was an emergency.
Not even the King was exempt.
Cyrus didn’t take long to arrive at the borderline hideout. The guards opened the door as soon as they saw us.
“Good morning, Your Majesty!” they greeted with a slight bow.
“Where is Lorenzo?” I asked, heading toward the office.
“He’s with the captives, in the dungeon, Your Majesty p>
I went straight to the dungeon. Lorenzo stood outside, speaking quietly with a guard. When he noticed me, his expression tightened.
“Your Majesty! They nearly destroyed two villages last night. Thankfully, we evacuated those areas three days ago p>
“They attacked civilians?” My voice dropped, colder and sharper.
“Yes. But the worst part is that they’re all under some kind of influence. They behave just like those we captured yesterday p>
“The ones controlled by the Omega p>
“Exactly. But the problem is, that woman just gave birth. She can’t be controlling them from miles away p>
“So someone within our territory is controlling them? Right under my nose?” My eyes narrowed, fury simmering at the thought of witchcraft being practiced here.
“I’m afraid so. We can’t extract the truth from them. Once the influence fades, they’ll forget everything. For now, they act like mindless zombies p>
I rubbed my forehead, feeling the weight of the situation. If a traitor lurked within the pack, the royal family could be next.
“Lorenzo, tighten security around all royal packhouses. Move into one of our apartments with your family. If the spy is here, they’ll know how to bring more rogues p>
“Are you worried they’ll attack—?” Lorenzo began.
“It’s possible.” I felt the connection to every pack member like a taut wire. “But I don’t know who the traitor is. Announcing an alert would only warn them. Send a search party to those villages. We might find a lead p>
Whoever the traitor was, they weren’t truly one of us. Either they hid behind loyal faces, or someone was shielding them. But who?
The quiet moments shared between Cassian and Roana reveal a fragile yet undeniable bond growing amidst uncertainty and danger. Her fearless presence challenges his guarded nature, stirring emotions he thought long buried. Their connection, marked by tender gestures and unspoken understanding, contrasts sharply with the looming threats that press against their world, underscoring the delicate balance between personal desire and duty.
As Cassian confronts the harsh realities threatening his pack, the weight of leadership rests heavily on his shoulders. The presence of a traitor within their midst casts a shadow over their fragile peace, demanding vigilance and resolve. Yet, even in the face of betrayal and chaos, the quiet warmth of their shared moments offers a glimmer of hope—a promise that amidst the storm, trust and loyalty can still be forged.
The next chapter promises to deepen the tension as Cassian confronts the unsettling reality of a traitor within his pack. The fragile peace is shattered by attacks influenced by dark forces, forcing Cassian to navigate a web of suspicion and danger that threatens not only his realm but also the trust of those closest to him. As the lines between friend and foe blur, the emotional stakes rise, and Cassian must balance his role as a leader with the complexities of his growing bond with Roana.
Meanwhile, Roana’s boldness and mysterious connection to Cassian continue to intrigue and unsettle those around them. Their evolving relationship, marked by both tenderness and unspoken challenges, hints at deeper layers of loyalty and desire that will be tested in the face of looming threats. Readers can anticipate moments of vulnerability and fierce determination as alliances are questioned and the true nature of the pack’s enemies begins to surface.
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.