Marrying a Warhound (Cassian) novel Chapter 33

COLLIN BLACK’S POV

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“Sir, tonight’s attack was different. It looked like our plan to inform them about Lord Cassian’s whereabouts was effective. We had lesser casualties, and none of them were fatal,” Renan said.

Collin leaned back in his chair, studying Renan thoughtfully. He tapped a finger against the desk, letting the silence stretch for a few seconds before speaking again.

“How is the cave?” Collin finally asked.

Renan straightened slightly. “It should be secure, Alpha. Our men successfully dispersed the poison throughout the area. It activates once night falls, exactly as planned. Even the strongest werewolf would succumb quickly if they inhaled enough of it.”

Collin snorted, the corner of his mouth lifting in a subtle sneer. He hadn’t confirmed his suspicions yet, but he was almost certain Cassian had been behind the theft of the map from his study. The notion irritated him more than he liked to admit. Cassian had managed to slip through his defenses, something Collin didn’t intend to tolerate.

Still, this was also an opportunity, one Collin wasn’t eager to waste. Cassian’s strength was undeniable, but even he had weaknesses. Collin wanted to see exactly how Cassian and his supposedly elite warriors would react when faced with a toxin powerful enough to incapacitate or kill even the strongest fighters. He wanted to know how Cassian would handle losing some of his best men–men he couldn’t easily replace.

“And what about the Demon Fangs?” Collin asked, eyes narrowing slightly as he watched Renan’s reaction carefully. “Are you sure you provided them with Cassian’s route north?”

Renan nodded confidently. “Yes, Alpha. I made certain their leader personally received the information. Cassian’s men might be powerful, but constant travel and frequent battles would drain even the strongest warriors. The Demon Fangs know this, and they’ll take advantage of it. They prefer hitting their targets when they’re at their weakest.”

Collin smiled grimly. “Good. We need to keep Cassian occupied. He’s too dangerous when he’s focused and rested. If he’s forced to fight constantly, his strength will eventually fail him.”

“Precisely,” Renan agreed. “He might manage to survive tonight, but each encounter will weaken him further. It’s only a matter of time before he slips up.”

Collin stood and walked toward the window, gazing out into the dim evening light. “Cassian is resourceful, but even he has limits. Let’s see how long he lasts when he has to protect his fragile new consort as well as his men.”

Renan chuckled. “He won’t last long, Alpha. The Demon Fangs are relentless, and combined

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Chapter 33

with our traps, Cassian won’t know what hit him.”

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“He had better not,” Collin said coldly, turning to face Renan again. “I want detailed updates about his movements. Every misstep, every loss, every injury.”

Renan inclined his head respectfully. “Consider it done.”

As Renan left the room, Collin returned to his desk, fingers tightening briefly around the edge. Cassian had managed to evade serious harm so far, but Collin would not allow that to continue. He intended to break Cassian’s strength piece by piece until nothing remained.

Then, and only then, would he truly feel secure.

However, just before Renan completely shut the door, an Omega came running towards him. Renan frowned. “What’s wrong?” he asked, wondering if it was the attack.

The Omega, one of Collin’s trusted aides who worked directly within the cave, stumbled forward, gasping for breath. “Fire… There’s fire!” he managed to choke out between frantic

breaths.

Collin immediately shot up from his seat. His gaze sharpened, zeroing in on the Omega. “Repeat that,” he demanded sharply.

The Omega straightened slightly, gulping for air. His face was pale, eyes wide with panic. “There’s a fire in the cave, Alpha. It’s spreading quickly.”

Collin didn’t waste another second. He moved swiftly, his chair nearly toppling behind him as he rushed from the study. Renan matched his pace, the two men moving rapidly down the corridor toward the staircase leading to the first floor. Their footsteps echoed harshly against the marble floors, urgency driving each step.

Upon reaching the expansive library, Collin didn’t hesitate. He strode to one of the towering shelves lined meticulously with countless volumes. His hand reached out immediately, gripping a seemingly random book bound in dark, worn leather, and yanked it forward sharply,

Almost instantly, a low rumble sounded as the bookshelf shifted. Dust drifted into the air, and the heavy shelf rotated smoothly, revealing a hidden staircase spiraling downward. The entrance was narrow, barely wide enough for two people to move side by side, the stone steps descending steeply into darkness.

Smoke immediately billowed from the opening, thick, acrid, and choking. It poured upward, obscuring visibility, making the stairs nearly invisible beneath a dense gray haze.

Collin didn’t pause to question the Omega further or assess the danger. Without hesitation, he plunged forward, rushing down the stairs into the suffocating darkness. Renan moved just

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