Julius POVIt was not a typical day for me, and it had been five years since I last saw him, sitting across the table on the first day of August. The weather was pleasant, with the warm morning sun casting its golden rays upon us. People chattered around, their voices blending into a symphony of background noise as they passed by the café's outdoor seating area.I clutched my cup and took a sip of coffee, wondering why he wanted to talk to me. Allious only sought me out when he needed something or when he found himself in trouble. "What a surprise!" I began, breaking the silence that had settled between us.Allious looked at me over his cup, a smile playing at the corners of his lips before he placed it back on the table. His cognac eyes sparkled with amusement, and I couldn't quite decipher the reason behind his reaction or the mischievous glint in his gaze."You never change, the same Julius Montalvo I know," Allious muttered, leaning forward with his arms resting on the table. "Wha
Julius POVBut Allious wasn't convinced. He leaned back in his seat and explained, "Keeping her in your own home will ruin her reputation once it slips from anyone's mouth. Just because you trust your werewolf being, does that mean betrayal is unlikely to happen."His words struck a chord within me. He was right, but there was a vow I had taken, a secret I couldn't share with Allious. I knew he would lecture me if he knew the truth.I knew Kyle wouldn't do anything unless she was kept under his control, as long as she stayed by my side."I know, and of course, he won't do anything unless I let my guard down," I replied, my voice filled with determination.But Allious wasn't satisfied. He continued to study me, his delicate eyebrows furrowing as he tried to uncover the truth. "You are hiding something, Liu," he said, his gaze piercing. "That's what I'm trying to figure out here. The consequences it might bear in the long run."I remained tight-lipped, refusing to reveal the vow I had t
Cassa's POVI stared at my reflection in the mirror, a smile playing on my lips as my eyes sparkled with anticipation. I was wearing a pale green blouse, paired with black jeans, and my hair was elegantly styled in a chignon.As I looked at myself, I couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity. This was the kind of clothing I preferred, the kind I didn't get to wear when I was at his house. I had requested these clothes two days ago, ensuring that it wouldn't raise any suspicions from my grandfather. I had always refrained from wearing dresses or skirts, never owning one unless it was required. Even as a child, the exception was when my mother would dress me up in beautiful outfits. But as I turned fifteen, my taste changed.My grandparents had always indulged me, giving me whatever I liked. I was spoiled in many ways, but that wasn't the reason I couldn't make myself independent. I admitted that I didn't feel close to them, despite their overwhelming love. There were things I disli
Cassa's POV"Seriously?" I raised my voice slightly, my hand clutching the handle of my bag tightly at my side."I'm not kidding," Julius replied, grinning, sitting in the library chair with a closed book in his hand. I stood in front of him, my frustration evident."You agreed to the deal. Why do you want to know why I look sad, troubled, or mischievous? Come on, what are you trying to get into?" I teased, trying to sound reasonable.Julius glanced at the historical book he had brought from the bookstore before we came to the library. I followed his gaze, my eyes landing on the cover—a woman's back facing the viewer, surrounded by soldiers. I scanned the bookshelves, realizing that most of the books were fiction, possibly historical ones.He raised his eyes to meet mine, the smile still lingering on his face. "I'm curious, that's all. You've helped me greatly on behalf of my cousin, and maybe I can help you with whatever it is."Help me with it? I stared at him for a few seconds, sig
Cassa's POVIt was a fine day, yet my heart felt heavy. I was glad it was Wednesday, a day when I could rest and sleep all day, but I ended up staring at the ceiling, lost in my thoughts.I shouldn't have let my mind wander, but it felt like a bomb had exploded inside my head. Promises I needed to break, reasons I had to find.A knock on my door interrupted my drowning thoughts."We need to talk," his baritone voice said.I didn't feel like talking that day, and the previous day had been exhausting with my behavior. I was fine. With a heavy, dramatic sigh, I mustered up the energy to get off my bed and looked at myself in the mirror, combing my hair and tying it up in a ponytail.Opening the door, I forced a smile onto my lips. "What do we need to talk about?" My eyes scanned his outfit for the day, a gray suit and tie, as if he had just come from and returned to work.Then I remembered the trial of his cousin."How did it go?" I asked, noticing the unreadiness in his expression. "Did
I perched on the settee, my hands gripping the cushions as my breath came in blistering gasps. My hand stroked my hair and brushed my face with both hands, my elbows resting on my thighs. My head bent, and an unpleasant sound escaped my mouth.Why did I kiss her? Why? I was screaming in my mind as though it could help me feel better, but no, it only seemed to weigh down the guilt of what I had done.It wasn't entirely my fault. If not for my wolf pushing me to do it, that wouldn't have happened.'You liked it, didn't you?' My wolf's teasing voice flushed heat through my body."It's not a funny thing you did out there. Why are you making this hard for me?” I sputtered, teeth grinding.'Well, well, well, it's funny to think that we had feelings for someone we didn't expect. What would you call it—'"Shut up! If you think it's a game you're playing, you're wrong!” I roared, earning a chuckle from my wolf.'Interest! That's it, and I'm interested...'I closed my eyes and tried to ignore h
Cassa's POVIt had been a week, and I tried my best to feel comfortable around him like I did before. But my mind was in chaos, struggling to erase that kiss from my thoughts. We had just returned to the office from a meeting held in advance with some County Executivess. The event for the senior citizens next month was taking a lot of preparation.It was tiring to keep standing, giving files to each member, handing out snacks. I wouldn't have done it, but the Mayor ordered me to. Just as I was about to sit down at the table, the door opened and the Mayor entered, a file organizer in his arm."You need to type these documents. I need them later," he said.My feet and legs were aching, but I stood up, taking the box from him. As my fingers brushed his hand, my heart suddenly raced. I tried not to flinch, feeling that strange current pass through me every time I touched any part of him."Okay," I answered, my smile straining my jaw and cheeks. I had been smiling for half the day.I placed
Cassa’s POVI was in a trance, sitting at the pool's edge, feeling the cool water on my feet. Evalyn had left me to find her brother, and that worried me. Where was he?The word my grandfather had said kept repeating in my mind. Was it good news or bad news for me? I didn't know what I was feeling, but fear was one of the emotions—fear for myself and for this town.Who had spread such rumors? Out of all the possible sources, it had to be them. My palm rested on my forehead, and I felt a headache coming on. I had been thinking about it for far too long.Realizing it was almost night, I knew I needed to talk to Julius. My mind drifted to him answering his phone with an angry reaction. Was he talking to my grandfather? But why hadn't he told me?He had left so suddenly after arriving at his house, without saying anything. In haste, like he was running away. He was adding to my worries.I felt heavy footsteps approaching from behind, so I turned my head. It was the Mayor, with messy hair
Cassa’s POVI paced in my room, frustrated. There was more to the bitterness between my grandfather and my father than I understood, and I felt ignorant. I needed answers, something to shed light on this whole mess.The last time I talked to Julius, I’d struggled to give him any answers. I knew nothing. My grandpa never told me the real reason for his feelings, but I had a feeling my father would.So, I had to see Julius. I was going to my dad's house to get some answers. I stopped in front of my door, opened it, and let the rosy fragrance waft in. It was refreshing, a little delight to start my morning. I closed the door behind me and walked down the hallway to the end room.I knocked on the door. Erisha had visited me this morning to chat and promised me a horseback riding lesson soon. If Julius didn’t approve of the idea, I’d be riding a horse right now just to escape my overthinking.“Is that you, Lina? What’
Julius POVI gritted my teeth and swallowed hard against a rising tide of anger. I had to know who that man was and why he was here. Why did he call Cassa Havina his wife? Was he out of his mind?My wolf stirred, sensing the man’s aura, and I caught a glimpse of his wolf through my eyes. Then it warned me not to engage, leaving me with a nagging question that went unanswered. Did Fergan know this guy? Why let him pass the border? Had he done something to one of my pack warriors? I needed to get to the bottom of this, but I couldn’t shake the worry for Cassa. What if that man came back for her? He spoke with such conviction that she was Havina.I glanced at Cassa walking ahead, lost in thought. I knew she was replaying that man’s words in her mind. We were close to the Manor now, and a few servants were outside, cleaning the front. “Are you leaving now?” she asked, looking back at me, concern etched on her face. “Can you stay?”“Yes, I will stay.” I clenched my fists, wanting nothing
Cassa’s POV"It's a dangerous horse. Do you want to get yourself killed?" Julius's voice deepened as he swiftly pulled me away from the imposing stallion.Erisha approached us, her brows furrowed in concern. "What happened?" she asked, her gaze shifting between me and her brother."She was about to touch Brody. He's a dangerous horse, especially to those who haven't tamed him," Julius explained sternly, casting a disapproving look my way.Erisha's mouth fell open as she glanced at Brody. "He's right, Issa. Brody is dangerous. No one should get close to him. He's killed people before, and we've barely managed to keep him under control. It's strictly forbidden to approach him."Julius realized he had gripped my wrist too tightly, and I winced slightly. "Sorry," he muttered, releasing his hold. My hand, clutching the camera tightly, relaxed with relief that it hadn't slipped from my grasp and broken.Feeling Julius's gaze burning into me, I took a deep breath before speaking, cheeks flus
Cassa’s POV "Oh, you big jackass, you made it!" Erisha chimed with a wide grin, slipping her arms away from mine to embrace the man."Evalyn mentioned Julius's fiancée would be arriving today, so I came to see who this woman is," he replied, smiling as he returned Erisha's hug.I stood there, watching them both, unsure of what to say as they separated."Forgive my manners," Erisha muttered, looping her arm back through mine. "Cassa, the man standing before you is my brother's best friend, Anson Avera. He's a vampire."My eyes widened, and my jaw slackened in disbelief. "Vampires exist?" I murmured incredulously.Anson chuckled softly, eyes crinkling at the corners. "Oh yes, we don't just exist in legends and books. We are very real, Miss Hansen."My heart skipped a beat as he leaned closer, his fangs glistening in the light, his hand brushing against my neck as he sniffed me. I froze in place, my chest tightening with a coldness that enveloped me."Stop that, Anson! You're scaring he
Cassa’s POV I closed my eyes tightly, biting the inside of my cheek, tasting the ironic tang of my blood. A week had passed, and I hadn't seen him since that day. I remembered how the light in his gray eyes dimmed, turning dark, his expression stern and pinched as he looked at me. Desire had evaporated, replaced by a coldness I could feel in that moment. I moved away from him, avoiding his gaze, trying to compose myself. Heavy footsteps reverberated as he stormed out and slammed the door hard. I winced. He was angry at my rejection of what we had almost done, but why did it sting me? It should have brought relief. Breathing in the cold morning air, hands gripping the window sill, I stared out at the vast garden of Montalvo Manor. I had been here once before when I was very young, memories vague, my gaze settling on the rose section of the garden where I had been yesterday with Erish. Erish, the third daughter of the Montalvo family, and we were the same age. At first, I thought she
Cassa’s POVI gripped the glass in my hand, blinked away my tears, and drained its contents. I wouldn't cry—they didn't deserve my tears, I told myself firmly.My grandparents had left after lunch, and though I tried to eat, a knot of sickness, coldness, and anger tightened in my stomach. I pretended I was fine, but the truth was the opposite.All my things had been moved from the Mayor's house. Not a single item truly belonged to me, and the promised talk with Julius never happened. He left me in this house with his parents.His mother had given me a tour of the house, steering me away from the sharp stare of her husband. We talked like normal people, but the heaviness in my heart grew with every step. Exhausted, I apologized to her and said I needed to rest. As soon as my body touched the bed, I fell into a deep sleep.When I awoke, the Mayor was in my room, closing the door behind him. A cold glass sat on the nightstand.I sat up, placing the empty glass back. Julius was sitting acr
Cassa’s POVThe manor had an ancient exterior, but inside, it was a classic interior design, making me feel like I had been transported to the late 1500s. Julius was at my side, guiding me to the room on the left. As we passed the front lobby, I admired the large French window on the second floor that allowed light to flood in. My eyes were captivated by the chandelier hanging above the living room, its detailed artwork wrapped in gold. Was it real gold?Was my grandpa is here?Paintings adorned the walls, depicting what I assumed were their ancestors. How long had they lived in this world? It was fascinating, and I realized I had never asked that question before."It's beautiful," I muttered, gazing around in awe. Julius's warm hand clutched my arm, stopping me just as I almost walked into a door."You are bewitched by its beauty and didn't realize the door," he said in a low, deep tone, his eyes narrowing."Surely," I beamed. "I've never been in a house like this. It's amazing that
Cassa’s POVI was in a trance, sitting at the pool's edge, feeling the cool water on my feet. Evalyn had left me to find her brother, and that worried me. Where was he?The word my grandfather had said kept repeating in my mind. Was it good news or bad news for me? I didn't know what I was feeling, but fear was one of the emotions—fear for myself and for this town.Who had spread such rumors? Out of all the possible sources, it had to be them. My palm rested on my forehead, and I felt a headache coming on. I had been thinking about it for far too long.Realizing it was almost night, I knew I needed to talk to Julius. My mind drifted to him answering his phone with an angry reaction. Was he talking to my grandfather? But why hadn't he told me?He had left so suddenly after arriving at his house, without saying anything. In haste, like he was running away. He was adding to my worries.I felt heavy footsteps approaching from behind, so I turned my head. It was the Mayor, with messy hair
Cassa's POVIt had been a week, and I tried my best to feel comfortable around him like I did before. But my mind was in chaos, struggling to erase that kiss from my thoughts. We had just returned to the office from a meeting held in advance with some County Executivess. The event for the senior citizens next month was taking a lot of preparation.It was tiring to keep standing, giving files to each member, handing out snacks. I wouldn't have done it, but the Mayor ordered me to. Just as I was about to sit down at the table, the door opened and the Mayor entered, a file organizer in his arm."You need to type these documents. I need them later," he said.My feet and legs were aching, but I stood up, taking the box from him. As my fingers brushed his hand, my heart suddenly raced. I tried not to flinch, feeling that strange current pass through me every time I touched any part of him."Okay," I answered, my smile straining my jaw and cheeks. I had been smiling for half the day.I placed