Marrying a Warhound (Cassian) novel Chapter 6

Chapter 6

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Cassian leaned back, eyes flicking toward Celeste. “Serve us some pastries.”

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Her smile didn’t falter, but I saw the twitch in her fingers as she reached for the tray. This was a future Luna who had been reduced to serving snacks. I didn’t miss the way her eyes darted to Father, waiting for him to step in. He didn’t.

I watched her place the platter between us, each motion stiff. She’d prepared the wine, now the food. What next? Sweep the floors?

How could Cassian casually embarrass Celeste? Did he not know that she was set on marrying the Alpha King? Yet a part of me could not help the small sense of satisfaction blooming inside me. Was he doing this because of me?

No. How could I even think of something so absurd?

Cassian reached for a pastry and took a slow bite, chewing like he hadn’t just humiliated Celeste in her own home. Crumbs clung to his lower lip. He licked them away with ease, then turned his attention to me.

My gaze stayed low, but I could feel Celeste’s stare scorching the side of my face. Then, without looking at her, he extended the half–eaten pastry toward me.

“Eat,” he ordered.

I hesitated for half a second. Then nodded and leaned in, my lips brushing the spot where his fingers had held the edge. I took a bite, tasting honey and heat and something far more dangerous beneath it all.

His eyes didn’t leave me.

“Good girl,” he murmured, his voice just above a whisper.

Something in my stomach twisted. Not from fear. From something worse. Something I didn’t

want to name.

“The Fang Demons will be marching next week,” Father said, cutting into the tension like it

wasn’t even there.

Cassian didn’t look at him. He reached for another pastry.

“Talking about demons on my wedding night,” he muttered as he brushed the crumbs from his fingers. “How festive.”

“My lord, if the Fang Demons move, Nightfall will be the first to fall,” Father said, his voice

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Chapter 6

tighter now. “We’re positioned directly in their path.”

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Cassian finally met his gaze. “A third of my army will be stationed here,” he said. “Let them come.”

Father faltered. I felt it. It was the way his shoulders shifted slightly, like the answer wasn’t what he expected. Or maybe it was too generous. Was he expecting him to leave a third of his army?

Why would Cassian offer so much so easily? One would wonder why the Lord of the North would suddenly leave his army in the south. But then again, these are the things that I wouldn’t be able to understand.

I glanced at him. He didn’t even look interested in the conversation. He was back to reaching for another pastry, lips stained faintly with wine.

Celeste sat back down quietly, trying to regain her composure. But I could see it now. Cassian wasn’t just making a point. He was taking control of the room, piece by piece. First with the wine. Then with the pastries. Now with the war.

And I was sitting right beside him, silent, watching it all unfold. “The war doesn’t interest me nearly as much as my new bride,” he said.

I froze. My head snapped toward him. What was he saying?

Then he added, “I’ve reviewed the dowry you prepared. It’s rather modest for the eldest daughter of an Alpha, don’t you think?”

My mouth went dry. Dowry?

Why is he talking about a Dowry?

“My lord…” Father began.

Cassian didn’t even let him finish. “The dowry,” he said coolly. “Was prepared by your Luna, my bride’s own mother, was it not?” There was something about the way he said it, something that reminded me of the words that my own mother said the other night.

He turned his head slowly. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think it was meant for a servant.” His gaze sharpened. “Are you certain I’m marrying your daughter, Alpha Collin?”

Father stiffened. “Are you suggesting I’d lie to the crown?”

Cassian’s eyes glinted. “Did you?”

“Preposterous!” Father snapped. “I would never endanger my pack with such deceit.”

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Chapter 6

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“Then summon your Luna,” Cassian said, voice like a blade drawn in the dark. “I’d like to speak with her directly.” It wasn’t a request. It was a command.

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