The Hart Game

Chapter Forty-Three

CASSIE

Two months.

Two months since my world shattered into a million pieces before my eyes.

Two months since the only good thing in my life walked away from me.

Two months since I accepted my Father's request and became Little Wolf once again.

"Cassie?"

I feel nothing. Everything is numb. No emotions. No reactions. Nothing.

"Cassie!"

I can still see him walking away from me. The look in his beautiful amber eyes. Regret. Hurt. Broken. I put those there. I broke another innocent. I grabbed his heart by the hand and slowly squeezed until it couldn't beat any longer. I did that.

I did that...

"Cassiopeia!"

I snap my head in the direction of the door to my right. Dylan stands there, his expression blank. But I could see in his eyes, his worry clear as day. He's worried that what had happened with Luke will cloud my mind and judgement. That I will shut down and not be able to control the wolf inside me.

That I will become what my father - and Julian - has wanted me to become all along.

It's hard not to.

I knew what I was doing and I did it anyways. I knew that I was going to catch feelings. I just didn't know I was going to care this much. With everything that I am. I didn't know I was even capable. But I did it. And we are both suffering.

"It's time to go Cass." Dylan says, still waiting by the door. I'm exhausted. That's when I notice the tux. And that's when I notice the extravagant gown I'm wearing. I look in the mirror and a million little stars stare back at me, or that's what it looks like to me. I never fail to be surprised by the designers my father hires. It's a square neckline with a floor length skirt that flows out, making it look like a Cinderella gown. But this dress is champagne colored, perfect for the birthday girl. It's covered in a million shining beads to give it that starry look, they were probably hand sewn.

Nothing but the best for the Pellegrino Princess.

I've been so out of it, I've been missing everything. I shouldn't be so unaware. It's dangerous in my world not be aware of your surroundings. Especially, if Julian Pellegrino is a part of that world.

I don't say anything. I get up and walk pass him. I don't look back to see if he follows, I know he does. He's been keeping a close eye on me since we started this again. And I know, he's telling Dean everything. Keeping him updated and ceasing Dean's worry over me. Dean was barely apart of this, but I know he sees and hears more than he's let on, and I know he doesn't want any part of the Pellegrino Family in the future. The joy of having an older brother who wants to be a part of it.

I don't blame him.

I want out. But I know, I will never be out. The Pellegrino women, can never be out. We are the Queen Bees. The whole mafia hierarchy is basically a beehive. With a Queen at the top. By marriage, that power is nothing. By birth, that power is overwhelming.

I stop walking at the double doors that are waiting for me. Waiting for my big entrance.

I stop breathing.

I miss him. He would know how to calm me. I've been trying to keep my emotions in check. I can't afford to have someone see me broken. They might interpret that as weakness. In my world, it is.

The New Years Eve ball has come and gone. I don't remember it. A blur of faces and all I could see was his.

The face that told me he hated me.