I wake up to the faint scent of vanilla and the soft warmth of Cassidy's sheets wrapped around me. I decided to pass the night here after my shift and dinner with Caspian last night. I needed to offload all that tension, and who else of not Cass?
For a moment, I lie still, relishing the comfort, until the quiet hum of a lullaby and the occasional clink of pots and pans filters upstairs.
Her mom is up. Always the early bird.
Slipping out of bed carefully to avoid waking Cassidy, who is sprawled across the bed in her usual starfish position, I grab a robe from the chair and make my way downstairs.
The smell of biscuits baking fills the house, warm and inviting, and I find myself smiling before I even reach the kitchen.
Her mom is by the counter, her movements fluid and efficient as she works on what looks like an elaborate breakfast spread. "Morning, Lilah dear," she calls out without even looking up.
"Good morning," I reply, stepping into the cozy kitchen. "What are you making? It smells amazing."
"Just biscuits, eggs, and bacon. Nothing fancy." She gestures to the eggs on the counter. "You can whisk those if you'd like. That is, if you don't mind helping an old woman out."
"You're not old," I say with a grin, grabbing the bowl and whisk. "And I don't mind at all."
She chuckles softly. "Sweet talker. No wonder Cassidy keeps you around."
I laugh, feeling at ease in her company. There's something about her—calm, warm, and maternal—that makes me feel like I've known her forever.
I whisk the eggs in silence for a moment before I muster the courage to bring up what's been on my mind. "Can I ask you something?"
"Of course, dear," she says, sliding a tray of biscuits into the oven.
"It's about Eden," I begin hesitantly. "Why does she hate Cassidy so much? It's like she goes out of her way to make her miserable."
She sighs, wiping her hands on a dish towel. "Eden's parents are… let's just say they're not the kindest people. They've always seen themselves as superior because of their ties to the crown. Eden's attitude is just a reflection of that."
"That's awful," I mutter. "And no one calls her out on it?"
"Oh, plenty of people have tried, but she's clever. Knows how to keep herself in the good graces of those who matter."
"Like Prince Caspian?"
She nods. "Exactly. She's likely to be chosen as his mate, you know."
I stop whisking and stare at her. "Her? Why?"
"She's beautiful, smart, commanding. Her lycan is strong, and she's of very fertile age. It makes sense politically and strategically."
I make a face, unable to hide my disgust. "That doesn't mean she deserves it."
Before she can respond, Cassidy's voice cuts through the room. "I elope from the pack house to get away from someone and what do I get? My own mother and best friend bringing her name up in this sacred space!"
I jump slightly, turning to see her leaning against the doorway with a frown. "Cass! I didn't hear you come down."
"That's because you were too busy badmouthing Eden." She winks and strides into the kitchen, grabbing an apple from the counter. "Speaking of gossip, you didn't tell Mom you had dinner with Caspian last night, did you?"
Her mom's eyes widen as she looks at me. "You had dinner with the prince?"
"It wasn't like that," I say quickly, my face heating up. "I just brought him his dinner, and he told me to stay and eat with him. It's not a big deal."
"Not a big deal?" Cassidy teases, her eyes sparkling. "Lilah, he doesn't eat with just anyone. You must've made an impression."
Her mom chuckles, but there's a thoughtful look on her face. "You're a lovely girl, dear, but you're not exactly a candidate for him. No offense."
"None taken," I mutter, though the words sting a little.
"Mom, come on," Cassidy groans. "Caspian can't stand Eden. You've seen the way he avoids her."
Her mom shakes her head. "That doesn't matter. He has a duty to the crown. It's not about what he wants; it's about what's best for the pack."
Cassidy rolls her eyes dramatically. "That's such an old-fashioned way of thinking. What's best for the pack is a leader who's happy and strong, not one who's miserable with some power-hungry mate."
"Puppy, you know it's not that simple," her mom says gently. "Eden's family has influence. Marrying her would solidify alliances and keep peace."
Cassidy snorts. "Peace? More like giving her parents more power to bully everyone else."
I can't help but smile at their back-and-forth. "Cass, I think you're more worked up about this than I am."
"Of course I am!" she exclaims, throwing her hands up. "You deserve better than to be overlooked for someone like Eden."
Her mom raises an eyebrow. "Are you rooting for an omega, puppy?"
Cassidy grins. "Not just an omega, Delilah, mom. She's a way better match than Eden."
I laugh nervously. "Don't waste your energy. Put your bet on some council member's daughter."
Her mom chuckles. "Minus you, puppy. Unless you want to start a war between him and Ethan."
Cassidy makes a face. "Gross. He's practically my big brother. No thanks."
I grab my apple and stand. "I should get going. I've already stayed too long."
Her mom waves me off. "At least stay for breakfast, dear."
I shake my head. "I really can't. Thank you, though."
She sighs and calls for the driver to take me back to the pack house. As I step outside, Cassidy leans in close. "Don't let Eden or anyone else get to you," she whispers. "You're stronger than you think. Wolf or not."
I smile at her, feeling a little lighter.
I'm not even invested in Caspian's love life to be honest. I'm too much of an empty shell to care. Even if it so happens that we fall for each other and we get mated, am I really fit to be queen someday?
A human, queen over a werewolf and Lycan community?
Yeah, nah.
The ride to the pack house is quiet, giving me time to think. When we arrive, I step out of the car and immediately spot two figures standing near the entrance.
One of them is tall and broad-shouldered, with a familiar look of displeasure, like he'd rather be dead than have the conversation he's having.
The other is someone I haven't seen in what feels like forever.
Theo.
They're engaged in what looks like a serious conversation, and neither of them looks particularly happy.
I freeze, unsure of what to do. My heart pounds as I take a step closer, trying to catch their words without drawing attention to myself.
What happens now?
Caspian's words from last night plays in my head, louder and louder with each step closer I take.
I'm about to slip in unnoticed, ready to run and hide with my thoughts, but I trip on my feet out of nervousness and crash to the ground with a loud yelp.
Two pair of eyes turn to my direction and one voice speaks. "Lilah?"