Profound Devotion

Chapter 35

August 3rd
Cassius

I was reluctant to leave Mona alone, even more so as Jackson's presence had yet to be known, though I could not simply ignore Atticus as he ushered me over to him with an immeasurable animation.

Another powerful man with a similar authority stood proudly at his side and, like Atticus, wore a friendly smile and welcomed me in as if we had been friends for many years.

"You must be my new warrior. I wondered when I'd meet you." He outstretched his hand in my direction while nursing a glass of champagne in the other. I hesitated to accept his warm greeting as I studied his own elation, peering between the two men as if they were planning some sort of attack.

There was no way they were this energetic and friendly all the time.

"Cassius, this is Alpha Sebastian." Mona's brother nodded his head toward the male, and his suffocating ambiance that emitted from his wolf became clear to me.

He was meant to be my Alpha, at least according to the visiting wolves that were unaware of my true identity.

I warily accepted his hand and firmly shook it, all the while keeping a close watch on the new wolf that could turn at any moment.

"It didn't take me long to realize who—or what—you are. Your size alone makes it almost impossible for you to blend in." My arm froze, and I retracted it just as quickly as it had been offered. He seemed to expect that and let out a carefree laugh, brushing it off as just a cautionary act. "You have nothing to worry about. Atticus already explained the situation, and if he finds you trustworthy then I do, too. Besides, I knew...one of yours growing up."

How would he have ever come into contact with a Lycan at all? "What do you mean?"

His smirk only widened, and he took a large swig of his champagne. "My pack borders your territory's east side, after all. It was only a matter of time before our paths crossed, and it just so happened that your village overlooked my childhood home." He spoke as if this was common knowledge, but I was confident that any village close to the wolves was evacuated years ago. "As a kid, I became friends with a young male named Aurelius. We often spent time together before your borders were closed off. Of course, I understand why."

What was there to say? My father closed the borders before I took over, so I was never really faced with the consequences of it. I knew Aurelius; he had been one of our best warriors that I appointed and one of my closest friends. He never once mentioned knowing any wolves, let alone a future Alpha at that.

"Anyway, it is a pleasure having you in my pack, even if it is only fake to keep your identity hidden. It's always nice to give other packs the assumption we have strong warriors in case they plan to invade." He shot Atticus a wink who only smirked and shook his head.

"I am grateful that you would allow such a thing, yet I am ready to lay the story to rest and get back to normal." Whatever that was. Did I even know anymore?

Our attentions were torn away as a female wolf raced into the clearing, her eyes wide and filled with panic as she shoved past the sea of pack members. I recognized her almost immediately as the woman that was dancing with my brother, who was now nowhere around.

She threw herself at Atticus, clinging to his arm and stuttering incoherent words that only confused him as he glanced over his shoulder to us as if we could decipher.

"Tina, relax. Tell me what happened." She soon drew the attention of the rest of the crowd, the music humming to a stop as their ears perked to get hold of the sudden emergency.

"Alpha, you have to come quick." She tightened her grip on his arm and tugged him back the way she came. "You—Naia needs help."

At the mention of Mona's name, my own interest piqued. No longer was her panic of disinterest to me, and instead my eyes found themselves searching the area for the familiar blonde that I had left alone for far too long.