Chapter 19: Chapter 19

***Cassie's Pov**

WE ARE ABLE TO vanquish ALL of the rogues, and not a single one of their lives was spared in the process because they do not merit it. This evening, we suffered a loss of 16 lives; certainly, we were successful in killing more than fifty of our opponents; yet, I cannot declare that we emerged victorious from this conflict.

It is not possible to have such a thing. The idea that you can win a war is nothing more than an illusion. The purpose of war is for both sides to suffer defeat, which is one reason why everything has become so brutal.

After we have laid to rest the body of one of our fallen warriors, we console the family that has suffered the loss of a loved one.

We have arrived at the packhouse now. Even though it is early morning, the sun has not yet begun to show itself. The wind is brisk, and so is the lack of conversation between my companion and me.

Yes, Kaiden, I am aware. It is likely that he is dissatisfied with me because I do not fully comprehend the circumstance, and in the end, I did not make an effort to hear what he had to say.

I just do not want to carry out those instructions. If I'm even a second late, he's already... I can't say it. The more I think about it, the most likely scenario that led to that conflict is that something terrible happened to him... I will never forgive myself.

"I don't understand why you can't just do what I said. He spoke in a monotonous tone and informed her, "I told you to stay there and wait for me." I am aware that he is trying to conceal his frustration and rage. However, this makes as much sense as smoke rising out of the box. Because of his tone, he cannot conceal it.

"Do you believe that, after that day that you had to put up with, I'll still be able to muster the strength to play that waiting game? I cannot! It is imperative that I save you, or I shall be filled with remorse for the rest of my life! I yelled at her. I'm worn out, and the pain in my heart is getting worse. Because he continues to insist on getting what he wants in the first place.

"I just don't want you to be in danger! Are you aware of how violent and bloody that conflict is? What are the chances that something terrible will happen to me if something bad happens to you? he stated. And this is not the first time that I've witnessed him crying. Similar to the way a river flows out.

I heaved a sigh. "In a similar vein... You are being self-centered! Do you have any idea how I will feel if something terrible happens to you, or even worse, if I could have prevented it but I didn't? To hell with your pride! You may be the alpha, and while I recognize that playing that role is also a part of your responsibility, I am your mate! You complete me in every way! If something terrible were to happen to you, it would be the end of me as well! Please understand me!"

I sobbed because the hurt was so great. It's not that I'm crazy or anything; I just can't stand the thought of being without him. My entire world revolves around him, Kaiden is everything!

In the end, he encircled me in his arms and engulfed me in it. I could feel his warmth, and together we slowly made our way to bed. What could be more relaxing after such a long, exhausting day filled with fighting than lying in bed all cozy and warm?

There are still things awaiting us tomorrow, and completing everything won't be a simple feat. However, we also need to stop and take a break. In this state, we cannot possibly face tomorrow.

THE NOISE OF A PALM being pressed firmly on a skin reverberated throughout the entire library. When I look over and witness my companion, Kaiden, getting smacked by his dad, it really hurts my feelings. I can understand why our former aloha would be upset.

And I experienced the same weight.

When there is a war going on amongst our soldiers and also against those who have gone rogue, the idea of going out into the world, having fun, and dating is inconceivable to us.

But the fact that it occurs even though we are not on the pack's territory is what piques my interest in it. It seems as if they are aware of this fact. As if it were not a coincidence, but rather a premeditated assault on our territory where we do not have a presence.

"Both of you have let me down," I told them. I've heard that the two of you are wasting your time by going outdoors to the Clayland while something important is taking place in this location. What if Aron is not in attendance today? You have risen to the position of alpha, Kaiden! You are my son! I have a lot of hopes and dreams for you, but it seems like you're not going to live up to any of them.

I watched as the emotion on my companion's face transformed into shattered and fragmented pieces of glass. I am aware that those remarks pierced right through to the center of his being. If only I could fool myself out of the discomfort.

"I have no excuse about that, Father," Kaiden responded, attempting to demonstrate that he is unaffected by the situation in any way.

“Leave.”

As we make our way out of the room, I take his hand in mine. I cast a glance in the direction of Aron, although I cannot say for certain if it was the culmination of my concerns or my imagination, I thought I detected a malicious smirk hidden behind his innocent appearance. In my most nightmarish experience, I saw a face that I had never seen before.

I have no idea whether this is merely a result of the exhaustion, the stress, or the conflicting feelings that we are experiencing at the moment. However, I get a strange feeling about my sister's husband. Something, like a sinister air, seems to emanate from his features.

I am aware that the words of his father are still weighing heavily on him.

He stated that he desired some time to himself and left the room. After entering the building, he walks straight to the rear of the packhouse. I am aware that if he believes that he is in danger, he would head directly there and try to find some peace and quiet in the shadow of a large oak tree. I did not encourage it because the temperature is low and the forecast is calling for bad weather.

I believe there is a way to at least lift his spirits. After that, I hurry into the kitchen to see if I can make something out of it. I make a meaty stew and a hearty soup. I have no doubt that it will put an instant smile on his face. The very thought of food brings a smile to his face.

After making his favorite comfort food, I made a beeline toward the backyard where, to my surprise, I found him sitting in the same spot as always. I can't stand to watch him in such a miserable state, so I comfort him by bringing him his food.

I teased him by saying, "I know that this will help you more than I can do," and after a while, I noticed a smile beginning to form on his face slowly.

"I can always count on you to cheer me up."