The Four Protectors

Twenty Five

3rd Person POV

Cassius brushed past Desmond and exited the packhouse. His dad was mostly healed, courtesy of the warlock he was leaning on heavily. Azriel looked drained but still supported his father and lead him over to a chair that Michel must have pulled out.

Once he got settled, the Alpha spoke.

"By the laws that govern the challenge made to determine the Alpha of a werewolf pack, my son has failed. Therefore, I'm still your leader," his dad stated clearly.

Cassius' heart sunk in his chest. He'd tried but in the one moment that had counted, he hadn't been able to bring himself to see it through. Even if he'd gotten the chance to fix what he'd done before, killed his father when he should have, he wouldn't have had the willpower to do it anyway.

"The laws that govern these challenges may seem primal and backwards, considering all my son said. However, these laws have governed werewolf packs for centuries. One heated speech cannot uproot the laws that held our ancestors together," his father said.

There were a few shouts of support for that.

"One of the most important demands of an Alpha is that he will always place the pack above all else. It's what's ensured the survival of our species in a supernatural world dominated by immortal beings. We do not participate in a fight that isn't ours because the pack's protection comes first. It is my duty as an Alpha to ensure that and I've always upheld it, even when my son was in mortal danger," his father continued.

Whatever fragments of hope Cassius had held on to foolishly faded to mist.

"While Cassius has shown many of the qualities of an Alpha, he has much to learn if he truly wishes to take my place," his father finished.

Cassius tried not to show how broken he felt as his father brushed past him to head to his office. Green eyes clashed and Cassius could barely digest the sickening triumph in his father's gaze. He didn't say a word as he walked past him, and Michel followed, giving Cassius a look full of disappointment.

He'd been on the receiving end of that look numerous times but for once, he didn't think he deserved it.

"You were incredible love. These things just take time," Azriel pressed.

Cassius felt Azriel's fingers against his cheekbones and heard his soothing voice. He was however too upset to register the words that Azriel was saying. He shook him off roughly, angry with himself for putting the people he cared about through so much worry for nothing.

"I need some time. Just find me when we have to leave for the academy," Cassius requested softly.

"But dad told us not to go," Raphael said hesitantly.

"I tried doing this the right way and I failed. If I have to forsake the pack to fight for what's right then so be it," Cassius said solemnly.

He couldn't hold back his tears as he turned away from his friends and ran into the building.

Cassius was curled up on the floor, back against his dresser with his head in hands when he heard the door open. The floorboards creaked as someone made their way over to sit before him. Cassius slowly looked up to find Desmond crouched before him.

Cassius didn't think he had enough energy for whatever conversation Desmond was bringing him.

"Look. I'm deserting this pack, the only family I've known, in a couple hours. I was almost killed by my own dad just hours ago and I've come to the depressing realization that I've put the people I care about through a lot of worry for absolutely no reason. So if you want to say something that's adding on to my misery, please save it for later," Cassius said firmly.