Eden Grace
"Please, ma'am…let me take you to the room." One of the servants said and Eden followed the servants down the corridor with slow, nervous steps, her fingers tightly clutching the edge of her coat.
Cassian was still busy talking to his grandmother so she had to go alone. But her mouth fell off as she entered the room.
The room assigned to them was very huge, glowing softly under warm lights, every corner polished and luxurious beyond imagination. For a moment, she was simply stunned.
But then her cheeks flushed red as soon as her eyes landed on the bed. The bed was decorated with lots of rose petals, faintly glowing wolf runes filled the space with an unmistakably romantic atmosphere.
The whole room was lit with soft candles and with a sweet aroma that wrapped around her senses like a gentle spell, seeping into her skin and her breath, making her feel dizzy and aware all at once.
Are they serious right now!? Eden freaked out silently, her heart pounding as disbelief washed over her. What's with the atmosphere!
Why is everything set up in a romantic theme! Don't tell me…
Before she could calm herself, the air behind her suddenly turned heavy, dark, and suffocating, sending a chill down her spine.
A huge shadow fell over her making her flinch violently. Cassian stood just behind her, close enough for her to feel his presence, his gaze sharp and unreadable.
A slow smile touched his lips. "Now that is a sweet surprise."
Eden immediately retreated, maintaining a distance from him, clutching her dress. When did he come here!?
Her gaze betrayed her before her mind could stop it.
Cassian stood there casually, completely unbothered, water still clinging to his skin, a towel thrown over his shoulder, he was wearing nothing but a pair of low hanging boxers.
Her cheeks burned. "You…Why are you naked!"
He raised an eyebrow slowly, amusement flickering in his eyes. "What? Did you expect me to walk around in drenched clothes like some fool? I took a shower, I changed."
She gulped as he leaned closer, his tone dropping lower. "But why do you look red," he murmured, "are you flustered because you are looking at me too much?"
Eden stiffened.
"I am not," she protested immediately, gripping her dress tighter. "Also…" She pointed at the bed, at the petals, at the candles. "I cannot stay here."
"Why not?" Cassian took one slow step forward. "It is comfortable here. Much safer here than staying in pack borders, don't you think?"
She stared at him in disbelief. "Are you seriously thinking like that? Do you think I will share a room with you?"
Cassian's lips curved slowly, his gaze darkening. "Why not? You're my wife now, aren't you? Your rightful place is right in my bed."
"You…"
"What? Do you have an objection? Then go ahead and complain to Grandpa." He leaned closer, his shadow swallowing her. "But do not blame me if you never come back alive."
Eden choked, anger and embarrassment colliding in her chest. "You are… threatening me now?"
"No," he said softly. "I am reminding you of reality. So don't do anything that exposes our plan, dear wife. People here aren't as saintly as you think. Including me."
A chill ran through her. Her fingers tightened over her chest, feeling Ishira inside her. She wanted to argue, she wanted to fight back. But the words refused to come.
She's truly dead now.
"You…you didn't tell me this would turn out like this."
Cassian raised his eyebrow at her, "Do you think I planned this? I am just as surprised."
Eden glared at him. "Surprised? Shouldn't I be the one who should be surprised? You have a fiancé and still planned to marry me, you shameless, spineless bastard…?"
Cassian chuckled, "Honey, are you mad? I already clarified it was a forced alliance. And didn't I marry you despite all? Why make a fuss now…? You should be grateful at least I didn't turn out like that Jake."
His words cut straight into her heart.
"Don't bring him in this." Eden seethed out.
"Why?" Something dangerous flickered in Cassian's eyes. "Still can't forget him? Can't stand me badmouthing him?"
Cassian's expression darkened at once as he took a step towards her, making her take a step back but he kept erasing the distance until her back pressed against the wall.
"I told you so many times not to trust him. Again and again. I told you it was all fake. He was all fake, come to me. But you never listened. Look at you now….weak and vulnerable. Bound to me by contract, by fate, by blood, by wolves, begging me to save you. Don't you think I am far better than him?"
His words cut deeper than his presence, deeper than his towering shadow, deeper than the fate he kept throwing in her face.
"Do not…" she swallowed, forcing herself to continue, "…do not talk to me like I am some helpless thing you picked up out of pity. I didn't beg you to save me."
"Oh, so now you are offended. Maybe stop defending him in front of me like he was some misunderstood saint, then I will consider it." Cassian sneered, bitterness dripping from every word and walked away.
"I am not defending him, stop twisting everything." She snapped. "Also stop flattering yourself. You are not competing with him in my life."
Cassian stopped. Slowly, he turned.
"What did you just say?" he asked coldly.
However she didn't flinch, she looked at him straight in his eyes, "I said neither of you won. Not him. Not you."
"One of you wrapped me in sweet words and stabbed me in the back. The other wrapped me in authority and call it protection. Such wonderful choices. Truly. I should be grateful."
"You think this is funny?" he growled.
"Yes," she replied instantly. "Because if I do not laugh, I might scream."
Cassian's jaw clenched hard, the faint restraint he had been holding onto finally snapping.
In one swift movement, he closed the distance and gripped her throat, firm and unyielding. Instantly, his Alpha energy exploded into the room, thick and suffocating, pressing against her, suffocating her. His eyes darkened, the beast within him rising to the surface.
"You are very lucky I am in a good mood today. Otherwise, I would have taught you exactly what happens when you forget who you are talking to." Cassian growled, his voice carrying a dangerous, inhuman edge.
"I am leaving you this time, for a favour you did today. Do not think for a second this will happen again."
Caddian released her and turned sharply. Eden slid down against the wall, her body trembling.
Cassian did not look back. He strode to the window and jumped out, shifting midair before disappearing into the meadows.
Eden got up and ran towards the bathroom. She puked and looked at the mirror. She looked like a mess. That psycho, he'll kill her one day…!
She dropped her dress to the floor and sank half into the tub, letting the warm water embrace her.
None of them here are normal! She looked at the potion beside her. She had to drink it again. Cassian was nearby, and any slip could expose her.
Every move now had to be measured, every gesture precise. She had to be careful.
After she finished bathing, she dried herself, changed into soft nightwear, and slipped under the covers. Exhaustion crept over her slowly, dragging her into a restless sleep.
But then sudden warmth pressed against her back and a strong arm slid around her waist, a firm hand settling on her stomach.
In a second he pulled her close, locking her into a solid, unmistakable embrace, making her breath hitch instantly as she froze, her senses flooding with the familiar scent and presence she knew too well.
Cassian.
His body was warm behind her, his breath brushing her ear as his low, rough voice murmured, "Did you really think you could escape me tonight?"