Chapter Five Xeraphina

XERAPHINA

The past two weeks have flown by, leaving us in a constant state of chaos. The reason for all this madness is that Charity’s mate was from one of our neighboring rival packs. Despite having the scent of an omega, he has secured his position as a gamma within his own pack. In the werewolf hierarchy, a gamma holds the third rank and authority. My father believes he has not yet undergone the blood ritual to solidify his position as a gamma. It remains a mystery how he accomplished such a feat, especially considering the previous gamma of the Howlers Moon Pack was a cruel and oppressive leader. It’s unheard of for an omega to defeat a gamma, which makes this situation more extraordinary and perplexing.

Charity is determined to remain in the mansion constructed by Cassius, refusing to leave despite her mate’s pleas. Despite his efforts to do what is right, she remains stubborn. As a result, the Beta from the Howlers Moon Pack, accompanied by a few of their warriors, has been causing chaos on our land for the past two weeks.

The silver lining in this whole situation is that Cassius and I have had plenty of time to reconnect. We’ve rekindled our close friendship from before he got married to Charity. Having him back in my life has been wonderful. Every morning at the crack of dawn, he continues to give me roping lessons before we tackle our ranch chores. In just one week, we’ll be back in the rodeo arena, competing once again.

As my eighteenth birthday approaches, my excitement grows tenfold. Tomorrow, I will finally come of age, celebrate with a party, and hopefully, I will also discover my fated mate. I am holding onto hope that Cassius and I will unite as mates. I have forgiven him for everything that has transpired over the past two years. His past should not affect our relationship. If I were in his shoes, I would desire a second chance to redeem myself, so it would be unfair for me to be judgmental.

I had left my room and was heading towards my father’s office in our large mansion, which also serves as our pack house. A thought popped into my head, telling me to turn back and go back to my room. However, my curiosity won, and I couldn’t resist listening in on the conversation between Charity’s mother and father with my parents.

Someone throws something against a wall, shattering it into pieces, making me cringe. My father most likely threw his desk. So I’m glad I’m not in there right now. He’s obviously pissed off. But I’m curious to hear what’s said.

“Fetch your daughter and bring her here now! All this madness ends today!” he yells, his voice filled with anger as he growls at Charity’s parents. Yup, he’s definitely pissed. “Once we resolve this whole situation, pack your bags! None of you can stay in my pack’s territory any longer! I’m done with you all! Get her here immediately!”

His words are a surprise. I can’t believe he’s kicking Charity’s entire family out of the pack. But I’ve never liked them, anyway. I hear Charity’s parents as they scurry down the hallway and out the front door. Then I hear mom trying to console my dad. “Calm down honey and think rashionally. That was harsh, don’t you think?”

“Their daughter has been causing problems for years. Now we are on the verge of war. Her parents have aided her in being a spoiled brat and they aren’t helping matters. They all must go. And they all need to get the hell out of here before Xeraphina’s coming of age ball tomorrow. We have packs from all over coming to this shindig, and they’ll all be staying at the lodge. This all must end today.”

I’m startled when a hand clasps around my mouth out of nowhere and I let out a muffled screech as a tingling sensation surges on my skin from the contact. “You know it’s bad to eavesdrop on something that isn’t of your concern, right?”

Cassius withdraws his hand from my mouth, prompting me to turn around and deliver a punch to his stomach. He grimaces in pain, bending over and coughing. Irritated, I roll my eyes and huff with annoyance. “Cassius, I’m on the opposite end of the pack house. I can’t help that my senses have heightened even more over the last two weeks, the closer I get to turning eighteen.” Extending a helping hand, I assist him in standing upright. “Oh, please. I didn’t hit you that hard,” I remark, accompanied by another eye roll.

“You’re stronger than you think, Xeraphina. I didn’t expect you to hit me in the gut like that. I assumed you would recognize me,” he says, raising his hands in surrender as I prepare to punch him once more. “Damn it, Xeraphina! What’s gotten into you?”

“That wench you married is going to ruin my coming of age ball!” I yell, punching the wall, wishing it were Charity’s face. “It’s the one thing other than finding my mate that I’ve been looking forward to for a couple of years now. And she’s trying her damndest to screw it all up. This party is for me. My time to shine for once and she won’t leave! I have every right to be angry!”

Cassius embraces me, grazing his fingers through my hair to offer comfort, while angry tears stream down my face. “I was hoping my parents would show some attention and spend time with me for once, especially since we’re preparing for my...my...my party,” I complain, my voice muffled against his chest, clutching his shirt. “None of my brothers have ever had to deal with something like this.” I let out a few hiccups and snort as I try to sniff away the snot gathering in my nose.

Moments later, the front door slams open and loud clicks of stiletto heels resound in the mansion. They seem to be heading in our direction. Suddenly, Charity burst around the corner, furiously, “She’s your mate, isn’t she?!” she screams. “The reason you wouldn’t mark me as your chosen mate?! He’s mine, bitch! Come here, bitch, so I can rip you to shreds!” she screams, her wolf’s claws protruding from her fingers.

CASSIUS

Talon comes forward, taking over my body and positioning himself in front of Xeraphina, while emitting a deep growl. As my teeth begin to elongate and sharp claws emerge from my hands, he assumes a protective stance. Talon’s voice seethes with anger as he warns, “If you dare lay a finger on my mate, I’ll rip that vile tongue from your mouth and force you to choke on it.”

Charity chuckles and rolls her eyes. “Just so you know, Talon, I only said that to provoke you and get the truth out. I knew you would take the bait if I threatened your mate,” she says, chuckling and glancing over at Xeraphina, then back at me. “I’ll take you for everything you’ve got, Cassius. Remember, we’re married. I thought it was worth reminding you. Until we’re officially divorced, I have ownership of you. However, I’m sure we can quicken the process if you comply with my demands. Can we resolve this as quickly as possible? I can’t mark my mate until we do,” she says, smirking.

‘I’ve got this Talon.’

‘Don’t give that bitch shit,’ he says before retreating.

Once I have fully regained my humanity, I instinctively turn around to see how Xeraphina is reacting. Her expression is a complex blend of astonishment and fury. ‘Talon, you have screwed us both!’

If I could hit a woman, Charity would never see the light of day again. But I would never hit a woman. So I’ll just have to grin and bear her wrath, and comply with her demands. “What is it you want, Charity?”

“It shouldn’t be too hard for you to accomplish, Cassius. What I want isn’t unreasonable. I want the earnings from what you get out of selling our house. In addition, I want you to find me with five thousand dollars a month for ten years.”

Balling my fist, I growl as I stalk towards her. “You’re a conniving little…”

She raises her hand, signaling me to stop, and shakes her head while interrupting me. “These are my conditions. Unless you want to drag this divorce through the courts for years. My destined mate is a gamma, not an omega, as you presumed. He earns a good income. However, considering what you’ll be providing us, we’ll have more than enough to live comfortably. I’m ready to be marked, and I’m certain you will be too once your mate connects with her wolf. Let’s conclude this now, so we can all move on with our lives.”

“I’ll give you half of the funds from selling the house. And I’ll provide you with three thousand dollars per month for five years. I’m no longer your cash cow, Charity,” I assert, crossing my arms. “That’s all I ever was to you, right from the beginning when we started dating in high school,” I add, rolling my eyes. I glance back at Xeraphina to find her still present, and enraged. However, her anger doesn’t deter me from expressing my thoughts. “But I can’t say the same for myself. I’ve always loved you. That’s why I married you. If your mate wasn’t a gamma, would you have rejected him and pursued me instead?” I inquire.

Rolling her eyes, she runs her fingers through her thick, curly locks. “The mate bond is no joke. So, no, I wouldn’t have rejected him. There’s no way I could have. But I would have made sure you gave me much more than what I’m asking for now. That’s for damn sure. I’m ready for this to be over between us. So, I’ll take what you’re offering. Come with me so Alpha Joseph can draw up the divorce contract. He can banish me and divorce us at the same time,” she says, spinning on her heels and walking off, leaving me gawking in disbelief.

I spin to face Xeraphina and gulp the knot that has formed in my throat. “Xeraphina, please let me explain.”

Xeraphina narrows her eyes, her right eyelid twitching with anger as she clenches her fists. “Save it Cassius!” she screams. “How long have you known we are fated mates?!” Her voice pierces my sensitive ears, shrill and piercing. “Don’t you dare lie to me!” she demands, storming over to me.

“Please don’t be upset with what I’m about to tell you, Xeraphina,” I plead as I reach out to touch her shoulder and she flinches away from me. Sighing, I close my eyes and run a hand down my face. “I’ve known that you are my mate since I turned eighteen and connected with Talon.”

“I can’t believe this!” she shrieks, balling her fist once again. “You’ve known that I’m your mate for seven years! You…You…You!” Her shoulders roll up and she brings her balled fists up to her cheeks as she screeches and shakes her head in anger.

She inhales deeply, closing her eyes to find solace. “You got married and slept with countless other women right in front of me. The whole time, knowing that I’m your mate,” she whispers, tears streaming down her face. “Now I understand why my heart shattered when you got married, and why I’ve felt such intense emotions for you all these years. It all began seven years ago, after you turned eighteen,” she mumbles, piecing everything together. Then she fixes me with a glare. “Stay away from me,” she screams. “I never want to see or speak to you ever again,” she yells, swiftly turning around and storming back to her room, slamming the door with a deafening sound akin to a gunshot.