Cass’s POV

"What do you mean, a witch?" I ask, my brow furrowed. If the situation weren't so dire, I’d think it was a sick joke.

"That’s what Ezra called her," Miles explains. "She smelled human, but also… sweet. Overpoweringly so. It reminded me of those flowers Mom used to keep in her room."

"Bearded Iris," Colt supplies, his voice grim.

"Right," Miles nods. "Mom used to say they were tied to witchcraft. I always thought it was just superstition."

Warrick strides through the room, his expression pensive. "Witches. They’re rare, but as real as you or me. They are humans born with a natural affinity for magic. And they are no friends to the supernatural. They view us as mere resources—ingredients for their spells. Your brother is a fool; that witch wouldn't have helped him unless he promised her something catastrophic in return."

"Bigger problems than just assassins," Garret mutters.

Warrick dismisses the council, but he stops me, Colt, Serge, and Victor before we can leave. "We are at war. Victor, you will be Cass's shadow. If anything happens to me, she leads. If something happens to her, you take the mantle. We must be prepared."

We all nod. Then, his gaze hardens on me and Colt. "You two—cool the displays of affection. Alpha Oliver is arriving tomorrow to discuss an official alliance. He’s taken a keen interest in you, Cass. We need to play the part."

"You want me to flaunt myself?" I protest, feeling Colt’s possessive anger surging through our bond.

"I expect you to act

available

," Warrick warns. "Keep your distance. This is a vital opportunity for the pack."

"We are essentially mates," I argue. "We can't just pretend."

"You

can

, and you

will

," Warrick says. His eyes narrow. "If you can't keep your hands off each other in public, I will have Colt removed."

"I'll find him," I say, my voice steady with defiance. "I can sense him."

Warrick offers a cold, dangerous smile. "Fine. Then I’ll command him to stay away. I’ve never tested it, but perhaps I can even break a mate bond with enough power. Want to be my experiment?"

I go cold. He’s right—he might be able to. I cast a look at Colt, who is vibrating with suppressed rage, and give a stiff, defeated nod.

Later, alone in our room, the air is thick with tension.

"Maybe you should just mark me now," I whisper, checking the hallway. "Forget the politics. Fk everything."

Colt groans, pulling me into his chest. "Don't tempt me. We can't risk Warrick’s wrath—he meant what he said about the bond."

"If he tries to force me into an alliance with this other Alpha, we’re running," I declare. "We'll head to Alaska and live in a cabin until the end of time."

Colt laughs, his foul mood finally breaking. "You know what that means? We have all day to ourselves to make up for the hellish days ahead."

His eyes darken, and I know exactly where his mind—and mine—are going.

That night, sleep offers no respite. I’m back in that sterile, white room. Ezra sits there, looking infuriatingly like Colt, nursing that same twisted, confident smile.

"You're still tethered to me," he murmurs.

"In your dreams," I snap.

He rises, stalking toward me. He reaches out, trailing a cold finger along my cheek. There is no sympathy in his eyes, only a hollow, terrifying hunger. "If you had just taken me as your mate, none of this would have happened. No one would have died."

"Shut up!" I scream, but the world blurs.

I jolt awake, gasping, my hand flying to my cheek. It feels like his touch is still burning on my skin. Colt wakes instantly, pulling me against him. "Nightmare?"

"Yeah," I whisper, burying my face in his neck.

A sharp knock at the door startles us both. Serge’s voice drifts in: "Alpha Oliver arrives shortly. Your father expects your presence."

Colt rises, his jaw set. He turns to me, his gaze blazing with a sudden, fierce passion. He kisses me—hard, possessive, and hungry.

"You are mine," he growls against my lips. "I won't let this oaf take you."

He moves toward the bathroom, a dark smirk playing on his lips. "Let's take a shower. I’m going to make sure you know exactly who you belong to before we face the world."

My heart hammers in my chest as I follow him, the dread of the day ahead replaced by the electric promise of his touch.