Bound to the Alpha Racer

Cassiel: My Brother’s Warning

Without realizing it, a smile curved on my lips when I saw Lune in the living room, reading quietly. Her soft, slightly pursed lips looked far too tempting. I had the urge to bite them.

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to suppress the desire that could awaken Machar. That would be fatal. Dangerous. Losing control was not an option.

I fought the urge to claim Lune, even though she was my mate. Machar, the cursed ancient spirit bound to me as my wolf, wanted her too. And I would never allow him to hurt her.

Lune looked up when she heard my footsteps approaching. She set aside the book she’d been using as a pillow and placed it on the table. Her eyes shone brightly as she looked at me.

I was grateful there was no anger or fear in her gaze anymore.

“Aren’t you bored of reading?” I asked as I sat beside her. “This is your second day staying in the mansion.”

“I need to understand werewolves, curses, all of it. How could I even try to help you if I don’t know anything?”

“You need fresh air. Too much reading will turn you into an overflowing bucket, Lune.”

She laughed softly. “Then get me a bigger bucket, so all this knowledge can fit into my brain.”

Even if Lune weren’t my mate, I would still fall in love with her. She was persistent and unyielding.

I knew she struggled with histories and knowledge far beyond human logic. And yet, she kept pushing herself, never once complaining.

“We’re going to the circuit tomorrow,” I said.

Lune went quiet. I noticed a shadow pass over her expression.

She had already told me everything, and honestly, it infuriated me. The way my team had treated her made me ashamed. Anyone with talent deserves a chance to prove themselves.

“Do you think that’s a good idea?” Lune asked hesitantly. “I mean… I could stay here and help look for the artifact instead.”

“You’re not a detective.” I reached out and took her tense fingers in my hand. “You belong in the workshop. On the circuit. That’s where your light is.”

“Like laser headlights?”

I held back a laugh. “Yes. Even better than high-power racing LEDs.”

Her soft laughter, light as a bell, eased something tight inside my chest. I squeezed her hand a little tighter.

“We’re going to the circuit tomorrow, okay?” I said, half an offer, half a demand.

“Alright. But I don’t want to be a burden.”

“You won’t be. You’ll help me there. You’re not Daniel, standing around making sure everything’s in order. He’ll be pissed if you replace him as my manager.”

Her eyes widened. “No, no. I don’t want to be a manager. I could never replace Daniel.”

Our conversation was interrupted by a soft knock at the open door. Aislin stepped in, effortlessly carrying a tray, even with food balanced on top.

“Cake?” Aislin offered with a wide smile.

She set the tray on the table, revealing two slices of cake on small plates, along with canned drinks.

“I made it,” she said proudly.

“With magic?” I teased.

Aislin frowned. “There’s no magic involved in baking, Alpha. Do you think eggs, flour, and butter jump into a bowl with a flick of my wand?”

I glanced at Lune, who was staring at Aislin with open fascination.

“You have a wand?” Lune asked.

“No,” Aislin shook her head quickly. “But I do have a cauldron with green potion.”

“Really?” Lune’s eyes widened in excitement. “Can I see it?”

I knew Aislin was being sarcastic. Unfortunately, Lune didn’t catch it.

“Just try the cake first,” Aislin said, wincing slightly when our eyes met.

I sensed someone watching from beyond the wall. I took a breath and stood, leaving Lune chatting with Aislin.

Out in the corridor, Daniel was leaning against the wall. Our eyes met, and his expression was still the same. Annoyed.

“So the babysitting game continues with that girl, Alpha?” Daniel sneered.

“I didn’t adopt Lune.”

“Our search is being delayed because of her presence.”

I had explained it to Daniel before. Lune stayed because she wanted to help. And her presence made me feel better than I had in a long time.

Hope had taken root in my chest ever since Lune arrived.

“Don’t argue with me, Danny,” I said coldly.

“Lune will only distract you. And Machar will use that.”

Before I could respond, Daniel raised his hand, signaling he wasn’t finished.

“I’m not saying this as your beta,” Daniel sighed quietly. “I’m saying this as your brother. I do care about you, Alpha.”

“If you care about me, then at least give me some space to feel happy.”

Daniel fell silent.

“I don’t know Lune’s origins. I don’t know why she has witch-like powers, even if she doesn’t realize it herself. But I’m calm when she’s near me,” I admitted. “Please, Danny. Try to understand.”

Daniel looked uneasy, but he didn’t argue. His closed lips told me he was thinking.

I knew he would keep trying to convince me to send Lune away. But I didn’t see her as a spy, no matter how strongly my brother believed it.

“Fine. I’ll continue investigating Lune’s family,” Daniel decided.

“Okay. If that makes you feel better.”

“But if I find anything suspicious, listen to me, Alpha. We have to keep her away from you.”

“She’s my mate, Danny.”

“And what if your mate is the very trigger that allows Machar to fully take over you one day?” Daniel stared at me, worry clear in his eyes.

I understood his fear. Many enemy packs had tried to infiltrate us. They wanted to awaken Machar for their own purposes.

They believed Machar could be controlled.

They were wrong.

Machar would become an absolute power. He would never share it.

And if I chose to die along with Machar, the pack would lose its leader. That would be the end of us. End of Evening Shadow.

To Daniel, all of this was a sign of slow destruction. He was trying desperately to prevent it. But his fear of Lune was unfounded.

Even with her dormant power, Lune surpassed Carlyn and Aislin.

“I trust Lune,” I said firmly.

“Alpha—”

“Daniel, I have to trust her. Because if I don’t, then who else can I believe will help me break this curse?”