Cassian POV 

I strode into the pack house, my presence commanding attention as my aura pressed against those who crossed my path. The weight of my responsibilities as King warred with my instincts, the memory of Rox lingering in my thoughts after this morning. She had woken up something deep within me, but there was no room for hesitation in my role.

I called for an immediate meeting with the Alpha and elders, my voice calm but laced with unyielding authority. When they gathered in the council room, the air grew thick with anticipation. I took my place at the head of the table, my eyes scanning their faces with the precision of a predator assessing his prey.

“I trust you’re all aware of the incident that occurred in the gym,” I began, my voice cold and steady. “An attack within the pack, in my presence, no less, is an insult not only to this territory but to me as your King.”

The Alpha bowed his head, shame and frustration etched into his features. “Your Majesty, we deeply regret the events that transpired. It’s unacceptable and not reflective of this territories’ values.”

“Regret doesn’t absolve failure,” I cut in, my tone sharp as a blade. “This attack could have escalated further. Rox Kenway, a member of your pack, in my territory and someone under my care, was endangered. That is a crack in your foundation, and it will be sealed—permanently.”

One of the elders cleared his throat, his voice tentative. “Your Majesty, this was an isolated—”

I raised my hand, silencing him. “Do not mistake my patience for leniency. I will tolerate no justifications. This is a failure of leadership and discipline.”

My gaze locked onto the Alpha. “You will implement stricter security protocols immediately. Patrols will double, training will intensify, and public areas will be under constant surveillance. The safety of every member of this pack is now my directive.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” the Alpha said, his tone resolute.

I leaned forward, my voice dropping into a dangerous growl. “And the perpetrator? He will be dealt with by me personally. If he dared to act so brazenly in my presence, then he will understand the consequences of his actions directly from the King.”

The room was silent, the weight of my decree settling like a storm cloud. The Alpha nodded. “As you command, Your Majesty.”

“Good,” I replied. My gaze swept over the table, daring anyone to challenge me. “This is no longer your concern. It is mine. Rox’s safety and well-being are my priority.”

One of the elders hesitated before speaking. “Your Majesty, if I may—why are you personally intervening? Surely this matter can be handled by us. You have more pressing responsibilities.”

I stood, my towering frame casting a shadow over the table. My aura pulsed, pressing down on everyone present. “She is my erastaí,” I said, my voice low and final, each word striking like a thunderclap.

Shock rippled through the room, but no one dared speak. My declaration ended any debate. I turned and walked out, leaving them in stunned silence.

As I exited the meeting, my resolve hardened. Rox was mine, and no one—no rogue, pack member, or elder—would threaten her safety or disrespect her in my presence again. I had spoken as King, and my word was law.

My beta John and I strode into the holding area, the scent of damp stone and fear filling the air. My fury burned cold, sharp, and unrelenting. Every step felt heavier, my body thrumming with an energy that had grown more potent since Rox entered my life. My erastaí. The thought of her—of her touch, her safety—both calmed me and stoked the flames of my wrath. This motherfucker dared to harm what was mine.

John, walking beside me, smirked, breaking the silence.

"Your Majesty, I haven’t asked, but when are you going to tell me more about your future Queen?" he teased, his voice light.

I glanced at him, my tone dry. "Right."

He chuckled. "You don’t have to say anything. I can already see the change in you. Your power, your presence—it’s amplified. Hell, even your muscles look bigger."

I didn’t answer, but he wasn’t wrong. The bond was already affecting me, even without her accepting me fully. Once I marked Rox, it would solidify—making us unstoppable. But that also meant she was vulnerable to those who knew her worth before she did. She didn’t yet understand the ancient power in her bloodline or why they would come for her. I would not let them get close.

As we entered the cell, the stench of Rudy’s fear mixed in with his defiance. He sat slumped in the corner, his hands bound with silver-coated chains. His face twisted into a sneer when he saw me. Fool.

"You thought you could harm my erastaí and get away with it?" I asked, my voice cold and low, each word carrying the weight of a death sentence.

Rudy’s lips curled into a mocking grin, but I could see the flicker of fear behind his eyes. "I don’t answer to you, Lycan King," he spat, venom dripping from his tone.

I took a step forward, my smile slow and predatory, my canines glinting in the dim light. "Oh, but you will."

Before he could react, I moved. In an instant, I had him pinned against the wall, my claws digging into his flesh. He struggled, but my grip was unrelenting. My nostrils flared, catching the intoxicating scent of his terror. My voice was low, a growl rumbling deep in my chest.

"You will pay for what you’ve done," I hissed, my eyes blazing as Drexius, my Lycan, clawed to the surface. My vision shifted, my eyes glowing with his presence. Rudy’s defiance shattered as I let Drexius bleed into my voice.

"Who sent you?" I demanded, tightening my grip as my claws pierced his skin.

He gasped, struggling to speak as blood dripped from his mouth. "She’s the last of her kind... ancient blood... you’re too late... they already know about her..." He coughed, a wheezing laugh escaping his lips. "They will claim her, breed her, and take over the crown... You can’t stop it."

My vision darkened, and Drexius surged forward, taking control. The roar that escaped my lips was deafening, primal. My claws tore through Rudy’s chest, silencing him in a gruesome, final act of retribution. The scent of blood filled the air, thick and metallic, mingling with the echo of his dying screams.

When it was done, I stood over his lifeless body, my breathing heavy, my hands slick with blood. Drexius retreated, satisfied.

"Clean this up," I ordered the guards who had been watching in stunned silence. They scrambled into action as I turned and left the cell, my footsteps echoing through the stone halls.

The hot water of the shower later that day was scalding, but it couldn’t wash away the weight of his words. 

They will claim her... 

I knew exactly who he meant. My father’s old loyalists. Packless now, scattered rogues with dreams of power. They’d been waiting for a weakness, and Rox was their opportunity. They had found her.

My fists clenched as the water beat against my skin. Marking her was no longer just a desire—it was a necessity. She needed to be tied to me in every way, protected by our bond and my name. They couldn’t have her.

I put aside these thoughts, lathering up and rinsing. Emerging from the shower, I dressed carefully—white T-shirt, blue jeans, a blazer, and low-top sneakers. A simple watch completed the look, but it wasn’t for show. Tonight, Rox would see more of me, the man behind the crown.

I drove to her home, my thoughts swirling with plans and possibilities. I knocked on her door, and as soon as she opened it, everything else melted away. She stood there, radiant and utterly disarming, and I felt the beast within me settle, just for her.

"Fuck, baby, you look amazing," I said, my voice low and filled with raw appreciation.

For tonight, I would let her have this—peace, safety, me. But soon, she’d have to know the truth. And when she did, I’d ensure she’d never doubt who she belonged to.