Cassian

Chapter 1

My mother smoothed down the itchy tulle of my Christmas dress. She had been so proud of her Kohl's find, a celebratory eyesore in my view. Her hands felt rough against the plaid satin overskirt, making sure everything was just so. I tugged at the bow headband and frowned as it dug into my scalp.

I was frustrated that today had to be such a big deal. My dad had been promoted within pack hierarchy recently and many people were coming to toast him. It had been a big deal for our relatively weak bloodline to have a wolf prove themselves to an alpha. Especially a rising alpha at that.

I had bigger priorities, like playing mermaids with Tanya next door in her brand new pool. She had strongly hinted (more like shouted) that she had bought sparkly swimsuits for swimming and I could borrow one if I liked.

My mom had immediately vetoed the idea and scolded me for being selfish. But I was 9, I had different ideas of important events.

Miraculously the doorbell rang and she left my dress alone to rush down and greet the first of the guests. Looking at the mirror, I continued to mess with the headband in my hair against her explicit instructions. I could hear the echo of her voice chattering away about the weather as she took coats and guided the new visitors further into the house.

"Welcome Alpha, thank you for making the trip. We know you have a lot on your plate after your recent ascension and we appreciate you taking the time to have a meal with us!"

I sighed as I patted the strands that seemed to fly everywhere, my curls in disarray. I had ruined my mother's vision. I knew asking her to fix it would be better than causing further damage.

I spun on my heel and giggled as I flew down the stairs and slammed into the back of my father's legs. He left out an exaggerated groan at my antics. My mother turned to look at me and her eyes nearly fell out of her head at the sight of my hair. I carefully slid back behind my father to avoid her glare.

"Who is this here?" The man asked.

I perked up at the male's voice. It was a deep timbre, it felt...safe. I swung to the side to put a face to the name and locked my gaze with deep blue eyes. I smiled instinctively, we were going to be friends.

On the other hand, he looked taken aback. Before he could continue, my father quickly jumped in to make introductions.

"Alpha Cassian, this is my lovely daughter Aria. She's got a lot of energy today"

I snickered at his attempt to pass off my rambunctious nature as a temporary state. He knew well how my propensity for getting in trouble was only matched with my ability to talk my way out of it.

The strange man cleared his throat, "I wasn't aware you and Rachel had a daughter. That's wonderful."

He didn't sound too enthusiastic in my opinion but when he bent down to my height I quickly let it go. I was excited to have any adult give me attention and further thrilled that someone as important as the Alpha would try to engage with me.

I grinned toothily at him, I had just kissed my last tooth goodbye to the tooth fairy the following fortnight and was already proud of my new smile. I was determined to use it every chance I got.

I hopped out behind my dad to quickly shake his outreached offer of a handshake.

"Hi, I'm Aria. Are you really the alpha now? Are you in charge? Do you make the rules? Can you make my dad beta?" I flew through my questions quickly, I knew I wouldn't get another chance before my parents stopped me from using my runaway mouth.

The alpha barked out a surprised laugh like he wasn't expecting the onslaught of questions from an ankle biter. I braced for backlash quickly and found none in his twinkling eyes—I smiled cautiously.

"Well Aria," He began warmly, "My name is Cassian and I just started my new position as your alpha so yes I would say that makes me in charge of the rules. Unfortunately I already have an excellent beta for the job but your dad is an appreciated member of this pack." At this he shot a quick smile at my dad who looked stunned at the casual conversation we were having in front of him, adding "He's a very hard worker."

I jumped a little in place, hardly able to control my excitement. Cassian laughed and held onto my hand allowing me to swing it gently as we went into the dining room.

"Carla, Robert," He addressed them directly, "If we could have a word in the study before we eat? Beta Eaton, I'd like you to come as well. And Maisie, could you keep an eye on Miss Aria here for me." He glanced over and gave me a quick smile.

My heart did a little flip. He was kind of old like he went to college or something but he looked like my prince charming barbie doll and that was enough for me.

I beamed at him carelessly.

I occupied myself braiding Ms Maisie's hair, long honey combed locks clutched tight in my popsicle stained hands. Before long, all the adults came out of my dad's office with strangely happy expressions. I looked at them inquisitively but just received a quick pat on my head and summons to dinner as a response.

I assumed we would arrange ourselves around the table as we always had, my father at the head, mother and I next to him on his left and our guests to the right. Tonight seemed to be an exception.

Seamlessly, Cassian slipped into the seat at the head of the table and I opened my mouth to protest before my dad quickly cut in.

"It's okay Aria." my father consoled me gently, "He's a higher rank even in this house."

I frowned a little and was about to pull out my own chair at the end of the table when Cassian motioned for me to come to his side. I did a double take. Taking my father's place was one thing—but for me to cut in as well? That was too much.

He waved again and I reluctantly slunk my way to his side. Standing next to his seated position, I could still see him tower over me and I looked for further clues on what to make of the situation. Cassian gently tucked my hair back and pulled out the chair next to him.

"Come sit next to me," He gave me a warm smile, "I want to hear all about you."

I wasn't sure there was much to tell but if Cassian wanted to hear about the trials of elementary school I figured that was on him.

I launched myself into the seat and began to regale Cassian with tales of my exploits. Throughout dinner he remained engaged with me in conversation which I found puzzling but delighted in the attention.

The choice of dinner topics slowly shifted to pack life and I tuned out, making forts of mashed potatoes and moats of gravy. The heavy white tablecloth tested my dining skills as I struggled to keep the food from dripping over the edge of my plate. I paid it no mind, I wasn't used to fancy fare—I usually ate chicken tenders so this was an upgrade for sure.

"Aria?"

I looked up bewildered at the sound of my name.

Those deep blue eyes focused on me like a spotlight and I was stuck in Cassian's gaze.

"Will you forgive me? Beta Eaton, your father and I have to cut dinner short to discuss some pack matters." His low baritone washed over me as I yawned. Bedtime was soon.

I nodded, eyelids heavy yet unwilling to close in favor of a few cartoons snuck in before sleep. I wasn't quite sure why he had bothered telling me but I decided to pick my battles, my tv time was precious.

He gave me a quick kiss on the head as he rose up. Gesturing towards the door, the three men made their way out. I watched them leave with an odd feeling curling in my stomach. Something was going to happen, I wasn't sure when but I knew that this night would be brought up again.