MERA X CASPER POV
963 Words
Mera POV
Ever since Elora found her mate, things haven’t just changed for her.
They’ve changed for all of us.
Some days it feels hopeful. Other days it feels like standing on glass, waiting for it to c***k. But today—I promised myself—I’d just be normal. Laugh. Exist. Be with my friends the way we always have.
Then Lysander introduces us.
And my breath catches.
Casper.
That’s his name.
I tell myself it’s nothing. He’s attractive, sure. Anyone with eyes can see that. Relaxed posture. Sharp smile. That effortless confidence that makes you nervous for no good reason.
Just nerves.
That’s all.
But then he looks at me.
Not rudely. Not boldly.
Just… like he’s registering something he didn’t expect.
His gaze lingers a fraction longer than necessary.
And my heart stumbles.
Stop, I tell myself. You’re imagining it.
He straightens slightly. “Hey,” he says. Simple. Easy.
But something in my chest answers before I can.
River nudges me. “You okay?”
“Yeah,” I say quickly. “Just—new place, I guess.”
Casper’s mouth twitches, like he heard me.
Like he knows.
And somewhere in the back of my mind, a quiet, dangerous thought forms:
If Elora’s world is changing… maybe mine already has.
I don’t know it yet.
But this—this moment, this room, this look—
It’s the beginning of something.
And I have the sinking feeling that once it starts, none of us will get to walk away untouched.
.........
Casper POV
I’m leaning back against the couch, one arm draped over the back like I don’t care.
That’s the trick.
Looking relaxed is part of the job. If the future beta looks tense, everyone else feels it. So I keep my posture easy, my expression neutral, my attention wide. I clock entrances. Count people. Note moods.
Fifteen in the room. Comfortable number. No threats.
Lysander said Elora’s friends were coming.
Good.
They deserve a normal night more than most.
The door opens—and then—
I smell something.
Not sharp. Not overpowering. Warm. Clean. Like rain hitting stone after heat. It hits fast, sudden enough that my spine straightens before I can stop it.
That’s not—
I breathe in again, slower this time.
Nothing unusual.
I tell myself it’s just the room. New people always bring new scents. That’s normal. I’ve trained long enough not to jump at instincts that don’t make sense.
Then I look up.
And she’s standing there.
Dark hair falling down her back. Honey-brown eyes catching the light when she smiles. Not trying too hard. Not shrinking either. There’s a steadiness to her, even when she’s clearly nervous.
My breath stalls.
Okay. That’s… inconvenient.
Lysander is introducing them—Mera and River. River’s easy to read. Warrior family. Quiet strength. Watches before he speaks. I respect that immediately.
But Mera—
I force myself not to stare.
I’ve been trained since childhood to control reactions. To be the wall beside the prince. To assess before acting. So I school my face, lean back again like nothing has shifted.
But something has.
She glances my way—and my instincts flare so hard it’s almost embarrassing.
Is she—?
No.
Absolutely not.
That would be impossible.
There’s too much happening. Too much chaos already. My brain is clearly reaching for patterns that aren’t there.
I’m being delusional.
She looks away quickly, cheeks warm, and I catch her say, “New place, I guess.”
My mouth curves before I can stop it.
“Yeah,” I murmur, mostly to myself. “Definitely not me.”
Smooth, Casper. Real smooth.
I should talk to her.
Not because of… whatever this is. But because it’s the right thing to do. Elora’s friends should feel welcome. End of story.
I push off the couch and move closer, timing it so it looks casual. Natural. No one’s paying attention—Kaelynn is already talking too fast, Everest is arguing with Kaden about something meaningless, Lysander’s attention is on Elora like the rest of us don’t exist.
Good.
I stop just beside Mera, close enough to feel that warmth again.
There it is.
She looks up, startled.
“Hey,” I say quietly. “I’m Casper.”
“Hi. I know.” She smiles, then winces. “I mean—not like I know you, just you know—sorry. I’m Mera.”
I chuckle under my breath. “You’re doing great.”
Her eyes flick to mine, surprised—and something settles between us. Like recognition without understanding.
River clears his throat behind her. “Nice place.”
“Thanks,” I say, still watching Mera. “It’s better when it’s full.”
She hums, thoughtful. “I forgot places like this existed.”
Something tightens in my chest at that.
“I’m glad you’re here,” I say before I can overthink it. Then, softer, “Both of you.”
Her gaze lingers now. Curious. Careful.
“Me too,” she replies.
The pull sharpens—not overwhelming, not consuming—but there. Present. Patient.
And for the first time, unease curls through me—not fear, but awareness.
Looks like Lysander isn’t the only one about to cause controversy.
I straighten slightly, instinct already preparing for what this might mean. For her. For Elora. For the pack.
Still—I don’t step back.
I offer Mera a small, genuine smile.
“Soo do you both want a drink? I promise I’m less intimidating with food involved.”
She laughs—soft, surprised—and nods.
“Okay,” she says. “But I’m holding you to that.”
Good instincts confirm it instantly.
This isn’t nothing.
And whatever it becomes—
I’ll handle it.
- Writer
