For the remainder of the night, Cassie remained in her room. She had become emotionally and physically worn out by her interaction with Marvin.
Greg didn't have to work hard to persuade her that she wasn't feeling well. When he observed her condition, even her father forgave her absence.
Cassie shifted in her bed as she recalled the chat she and her father had when they first arrived at the Blood Moon.
All Cassie had desired at the time was to leave and spend some time with Harry.She recalled the memory, and she realized how ridiculously excited she had been."I do recognize the significance of the Blood Moon Gathering.
I do; I genuinely do. Let's be honest, though. It has evolved into more of a speed dating event over time, losing its significance as a major cultural event.
While choking on the alcohol that had just left his mouth, the man seated across from him coughed. He finally lowered his head and cleared his throat.
The table appeared to be designed for a toddler due to his size. His brow, which was made up of a series of gray shrubs, furrowed in response to her remark.
He muttered, "Cassie ," and his amber eyes grew gloomy."Father, pay attention; I mentioned that I recognize its significance.
However, the others do not," she insisted.He leaned back in his chair after clearing his throat. They were seated in a dim part of the room.
His tightly braided white and gray hair was still emphasized by the little light that came in through the window. highlighting his position as the head of his people by perching on top of his head like a plaited crown.
He raised his chin in her direction while crossing his broad arms across his chest."Cassie —"Cassie started out by anxiously licking her lips and saying, "All I'm saying."
She chatted while pacing back and forth while standing at the table. "Is it that while the event's inspiration came from a significant period in our history, the celebration itself has evolved into more of a mate-seeking endeavor?
" And because I already—"He yelled violently, "Cassie !" and slammed his palms against the table, splintering the wood.
Cassie halted her actions and gave him a thoughtful look in return."Sit Down."She returned to her seat and mumbled, "Yes, Father." To make sure no one had witnessed the outburst, she cast a quick check at the other tables in the space.
She observed the eyes that averted their focus from her and thought, "Definitely noticed." As they all made an effort to deny doing so.
Good plan, she thought to herself.He said firmly, "You are the daughter of Alpha Tom of the Winter Pack.She said, "Yes, Father," once more."
In everything, you must represent our pack. both as my daughter and a member of the Cold Warriors."I know."He growled, "If you knew, then you wouldn't have made such a ridiculous request!"Cassie shuddered.
Her father was a leader—no, he was the leader.
Even without him there, she had to bow her head.Although she was still young (she wasn't even 18), her skills were far beyond her years.
At the age of just eight, she had completed her shift. survived the testing and outperformed her training partners in the race.
She had no trouble sparring with the more experienced Cold Warriors when she was just eleven years old.Yet as her father raged at her, she sat there, withdrawing like a child.
Besides, your suggestion has no purpose, he added, capturing her attention.Once more leaning forward in his chair, he kept his eyes fixed on her while resting an elbow on the table and placing his mouth against his fist as if he were thinking.
She noticed what appeared to be humor dance over his gaze, which caused her brows to knit together in perplexity.
I've already heard Harry's request for an excuse and turned it down.Her cheeks began to become warm as it crawled up her spine.
She turned her head away as her father laughed heartily."My girl, don't feel embarrassed.
I recognize."She felt there was nothing to lose in making an obscene request right now because her cheeks were still burning.
"Why not—if you understand?" I said.He answered firmly, "No.She turned away from him as she sat back in her chair with her arms crossed."I can see the desire you have in your heart, Cassie . I am aware of a friend's attraction.
I can appreciate the excitement of first love. However, you are still a minor.She murmured.He roared, "But not yet!" You are the only one who is familiar with our pack's customs and laws.
You will get married and mated at the full moon after turning eighteen. not earlier.It's not like we were intending to flee, I know," she groaned.
All we wanted was to be together for a while.It poses an excessive risk. Particularly during the blood moon, there is a tremendous pull toward mates.
We don't want to tolerate mistakes of any kind.As he came to a conclusion, blackness engulfed his sight. Cassie recognized his meaning.
Within the Winter Pack, mating before the first full moon of one's eighteenth year was a grave transgression. It can be interpreted as an open disrespect for the goddess.
She pushed herself up from the table to look down at him, shouting angrily, "But Father!" without giving a damn about whether anyone could see or hear her.
The only thing he could do was growl at her.
She sat back down and turned her head away.She muttered, "I'm sorry."Before I am your father, Cassie , I am this pack's Alpha. I want to reiterate as your Alpha that your duty should always come before your heart.
His Alpha status served to underline his harsh demeanor.Yes, she said, lowering her head to her alpha.
As a result, you will stay and make offerings to our goddess throughout the remainder of the Blood Moon Gathering."Yes, Alpha," Cassie reaffirmed, this time sporting an even more sour expression.
And as your father, I'm advising you not to rush through growing up.Cassie once again turned to face her father. She anticipated seeing his stern visage, as she knew the Alpha to be. But she noticed the kindness that he seldom displayed in his eyes.
Instead, he had a pleasant and gentle expression.Uncertain of what to anticipate, she c****d her head toward him.
She accepted the hand that her father extended to her. As he spoke, he ran his thumb over the back of her hand."Cassie , you will be married and mated in due time.
Despite the fact that you only consider being with the person you love, you should keep in mind that wolves can only mate once.
This is a lifetime commitment. As a result, even though you adore the lad and I welcome him, I would be silly if I didn't caution you to make sure that your choice is the right one.
She was genuinely perplexed by his statements and questioned, "What?"
However, he is my mate.Even when there is no urgency, that might be. Beta Tom scowled. To be completely honest, I find it odd that you found your partner so quickly."I don't get it," Ashley scowled.
I ask, "What are you saying?"Her heart started to genuinely worry, and she felt a terrible panic developing within her."It doesn't matter, my girl. Imagine your father not wanting to see his young daughter grow up."But—"The Blood Moon Gathering is a special time, Alpha Tom sighed.
When we do so, we can worship our goddess and ask for her grace. So you and Harry ought to be glad to be here.
Our mate bond is something that the goddess bestows upon us. Given that your wedding is approaching, wouldn't it be preferable to obtain her blessing on this revered occasion?
Will this not just make your relationship with each other stronger?Cassie experienced a peaceful acceptance of her anxiety. Her anxiety subsided.
Her father interrupted them to say that he needed to find her mother quickly.
Before his obligations prevented their time together, he hoped they could participate in a few dances together.
Cassie was nevertheless left with a warm sense of thankfulness and the wish that she and Harry would have the same level of happiness together.
The relationship between her and Marvin erupted into a fire that still makes her hurt less than ten minutes after she spoke with her father.
Cassie got out of bed immediately. As the reality of her situation hit her again, she hurried to the bathroom to get sick.As she splashed the chilly water on her face, she muttered to herself, "Just a few more hours."
A couple more hours, then after that.Cassie raised her head to look in the mirror at herself.What would happen after that? she pondered.
Going home has no impact on the situation.The door to the restroom was rapped on.Cassie sighed while holding onto the counter.
She felt worn out, and her head was pounding. Expecting to see her mother waiting on the other side, she reached for the door.Her head felt light as she opened the door, and then she realized she was falling.
Two large hands seized her shoulders, causing her to gasp. She slowly raised her gaze. She was faced with a sight that only made her head hurt more.His beautiful, light blue eyes smiled at her. It was lovely.Her true partner was that Not Marvin Alpha.She said, "I'm sorry," as her awareness began to fade.