Cassandra’s POV
There was no way on earth I’d postpone my marriage again. I had almost mated with Adolphus twice, and now, I was preparing to do the same with his brother.
Yet, the council members wanted me to delay it because of the Alpha’s funeral. I clenched my jaw as I faced them, my tone sharp and unwavering.
“No. The marriage goes on as planned. The funeral rites can begin afterward.”
A murmur spread among them, some of their faces twisted in disapproval, but I had made up my mind. This was about power, about securing my place before someone else tried to take it away from me.
Dorian arrived in grand fashion, his confidence unshaken despite the tension in the air.
He approached me with a smug smile, reaching out to take my hand as he whispered, “Are you ready for this?”
I gave a curt nod, ignoring the bitter taste in my mouth. He took my hand and slammed his body on mine. He smelled of aftershave and I stared at him intensely.
He was a handsome young man, no doubt and now I realize the real reason why I found him familiar from the very first time.
He shared a resemblance to Adolphus.
And that alone was intoxicating me. Before he could pull away, I found myself kissing him.
He smiled against my lips like he knew something I didn't. But I didn't . All I wanted and needed was this power, the control over everything, which he had promised to give me.
The knock on the door interrupted us and I pulled away.
“Don't worry, tonight is ours. You'll be mine after the celebration,” he winked at me and I smirked, in anticipation.
We both walked out with hands entwined to the celebration hall. The celebration began, but the mood was heavy, laced with suspicion and unrest.
The people were not happy, but I didn’t care. Their loyalty was fickle, and in time, they would accept whatever I gave them.
We stood before the officiant, the ceremonial fire burning between us. The moment had come to exchange vows. I inhaled deeply and turned to face Dorian, ready to speak the words that would seal our union.
But before I could, a voice rang out, slicing through the tense atmosphere like a blade.
“She is a murderer! She murdered the Alpha!”
Gasps and cries of outrage echoed through the gathering. My breath hitched as I turned toward the source of the accusation. The Pack Doctor, looking disheveled but furious, strode forward with unrelenting determination.
“What nonsense is this?” I demanded, my voice icy.
“You killed him!” she shouted, pointing a shaking finger at me. “I saw the signs! The poison in his system, subtle but effective. Only someone with knowledge of his routine could have done this!”
Chaos erupted. The pack members shouted over one another, some demanding answers, others hurling accusations. My heart pounded against my ribs, but I refused to let my fear show.
Dorian turned to me, his expression unreadable. “Cassandra,” he said in a low voice. “Is there any truth to this?”
I met his gaze with cold certainty. “No.”
But the Pack Doctor wasn’t finished. She reached into her robes and pulled out a vial, holding it up for everyone to see. “This was found in her chambers! It contains the same toxin found in the Alpha’s blood!”
A deep hush fell over the gathering, broken only by murmurs of disbelief and horror. My fists clenched at my sides. How convenient. How perfectly timed.
“This is a setup,” I said, my voice steady. “A pathetic attempt to discredit me on the night of my marriage.”
“You think I’d risk my life to lie about something so serious?” she countered, her voice raw with conviction. “The Alpha was my patient! I served him for years. And now he’s dead!”
More voices rose in agreement. People were shifting uncomfortably, doubt creeping into their eyes. My pulse thundered, but I stood firm.
“Cassandra,” Dorian murmured, “perhaps we should—”
“No.” I cut him off sharply. “If anyone is trying to disrupt this wedding, they will fail.” I turned back to the crowd, raising my voice so they could all hear me. “Tell me, where is your proof that I did this? Aside from a conveniently planted vial?”
The Pack Doctor’s lips parted as if she had more to say, but then another voice cut through the chaos.
“She is right.”
Every head turned. An elder from the council stepped forward, his presence commanding silence. “We have no definitive proof that Lady Cassandra committed this crime. The timing of this accusation is suspect.”
Relief flickered through me, but I masked it quickly.
The doctor’s face twisted in frustration. “You would let her get away with this?”
“I will not be accused without evidence,” I said firmly. “And this marriage will proceed.”