Marrying a Warhound (Cassian) novel Chapter 44

Chapter 44

ATASHA’S POV

:

79

55 vouchers

The courtyard was colder than I expected. Crisp air clung to the stones beneath our feet, and a thin veil of mist still hung in the spaces between the old columns. Crimson Howlers Pack had gathered in full force, guards in formal armor lining the sides, attendants standing stiffly, and, at the very center, Alpha Jason himself.

He hadn’t changed much. Still tall, still sharp in the way only old wolves could be, with a presence that demanded attention. His expression, however, was unreadable. Like this whole greeting was nothing more than a formality he’d rather not bother with.

His gaze swept across us and, for the briefest moment, landed on me.

Just a glance. But it happened. And that was already strange.

In the past, Alpha Jason hadn’t looked at me at all. I could’ve been a shadow clinging to the wall and he wouldn’t have noticed. Back then, I was just an omega girl, wolfless and unremarkable. Not worth even a nod. But now, standing next to Cassian as his wife, a Princess Consort, that glance, short as it was, felt like a silent admission that my presence mattered now. Or… he was just wondering why I was still breathing.

Jason didn’t hold my gaze. He shifted his attention immediately to Cassian and offered a nod, nothing more.

“Welcome to Crimson Howlers territory, Lord Cassian,” he said. His voice was smooth but clearly forced, like every word had to be pushed through his teeth. “I trust your journey wasn’t too harsh. We’ve arranged for your comfort during your stay.”

Cassian didn’t respond right away. He looked at Jason for a long moment, expression unreadable, then asked, casually, “Are you sick?”

I blinked, confused.

Jason’s brows twitched. “What does the Lord mean?” he asked.

Cassian tilted his head slightly, a slow smile forming on his lips. “If you’re unwell, you probably shouldn’t be out here. Wouldn’t want you infecting the rest of us.”

I felt the tension in the air change instantly.

Jason’s entire body went rigid. His jaw clenched so tightly I thought I heard the faint grind of his teeth. For a moment, it looked like he might explode right there in front of everyone, but he didn’t. Instead, he inhaled through his nose. “I am not sick, my lord. Thank you for your concern,” he said, voice stiff and low.

11:13 Wed, Sep 10

Chapter 44

…

:

79

E 55 vouchers

Cassian just nodded, still smiling. “Ah,” he said, feigning relief. “Because I was starting to worry. You see, if you’re healthy, then I assume it was just poor manners that kept you from grecting the Princess Consort.”

My breath caught in my throat.

Alpha Jason’s gaze flicked toward me so fast I nearly missed it. And the look in his eyes… was something else. He looked like he’d swallowed something bitter and it refused to go down his throat. Still, he gave a shallow bow, one that barely counted.

“Greetings to the Princess Consort,” he said. The words sounded forced, like they pained him.

Cassian reached out and clapped a hand on Jason’s shoulder, and I could tell it wasn’t gentle. “You’re learning,” he said, the smile never leaving his face. “But next time, you should mind your manners. You might not be so lucky. What if you run into someone worse than me?” He leaned in slightly. “You’d be dead already.”

Jason’s expression twisted. The anger there was impossible to hide now. His fists curled tight at his sides, and for a second, I thought he might snap.

But he didn’t.

Cassian chuckled under his breath like this was nothing more than an amusing exchange, then stepped forward with a smooth, unbothered air. “Shall we?” he said, motioning ahead. “Lead the way, Alpha.”

Alpha Jason led the way through the stone corridor, his strides rigid but calculated. The guards stationed along the hallway didn’t move or speak, simply watching us pass with expressionless faces and carefully masked curiosity. Every step echoed faintly off the walls, and I couldn’t help but notice the way the silence between Jason and Cassian stretched, tight, stretched like wire, the tension thick enough to trip on.

Eventually, we arrived at a set of tall, dark–wood double doors. Jason pushed them open both hands, revealing a grand dining hall beyond.

with

The room was enormous, its ceiling arched and supported by beams carved with ancient symbols of the Crimson Howlers lineage. Chandeliers made from twisted iron and glass hung from above, casting a warm golden glow across the stone walls. A fire roared in the hearth at the far end, crackling quietly, adding both heat and light to the room.

At the center stood a long rectangular dining table, made from polished blackwood and flanked by high–backed chairs upholstered in deep red. The table could easily seat thirty people, maybe more. It was already set for a feast.

Polished silverware, bone–white dishes, and goblets carved with the Crimson Howlers crest lined every setting. The table was overflowing with food, roasted meats glistening with

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify