The Lost Alpha Queen: Heaven and Hell Bound

Chapter 38

Cassandra’s POV

I paced back and forth in my chambers, my blood boiling with fury. My hands trembled at my sides, not from fear, but from sheer rage. How dare he? How dare Adolphus humiliate me in front of everyone? How dare he choose that worthless Omega over me, the future Luna of this pack?

The noble gathering had been meant to solidify my position, to remind everyone that I was the rightful heir to my father’s legacy.

Instead, it had turned into a disaster. Katrina, that wretched girl, had dared to meet my gaze with defiance, as if she were my equal.

But that wasn’t what burned me the most. No, it was Adolphus. The way he had clenched his jaw, the way he had glared at me as if I were the villain.

Then, without hesitation, he walked away from my side and took her hand—before dragging her out of the hall in front of everyone.

The memory of the hushed whispers and murmurs of the nobles sent a fresh wave of fury through me. They had seen it. They had witnessed my humiliation.

I would not let this stand.

A knock at the door startled me from my thoughts. One of the guards stepped inside, bowing his head slightly before speaking.

"Lady Cassandra, Adolphus has returned."

My lips curled into a smirk. Finally.

"Where is he?" I demanded, my voice sharper than I intended.

"At the gates, my Lady," the guard responded.

I scoffed.

He had betrayed me. He had chosen Katrina over me. He needed to be reminded of who held the power here.

"Seize him," I ordered coldly.

The guard hesitated for only a second before bowing. "Yes, my Lady."

I followed closely behind, my heart pounding with satisfaction. I was going to make Adolphus regret every moment he had defied me.

The moment I stepped outside, I saw him. Adolphus stood at the entrance of the packhouse, his clothes slightly disheveled, his hair wild from the wind.

He looked up as I approached, his golden eyes locking onto mine. There was no fear in them, only quiet defiance.

"Cassandra," he acknowledged, his voice calm despite the guards surrounding him.

I stopped a few feet away, folding my arms across my chest. "Where have you been?"

His jaw tightened. "You know where."

I spat. "You've been with her."

He didn’t deny it. That only made my rage intensify.

"You humiliated me in front of everyone," I hissed. "You left me, your future Luna, to chase after some pathetic Omega."

Adolphus remained silent, his expression unreadable.

"Take him," I ordered the guards.

A flicker of surprise crossed his face as the guards stepped forward and grabbed him by the arms.

He struggled for a brief moment, but he was outnumbered. I stepped closer, tilting my head as I looked up at him.

"You made a mistake, Adolphus," I whispered. "And now, you're going to pay for it."

He narrowed his eyes. "What are you planning, Cassandra?"

I smirked. "You'll see soon enough."

The guards dragged him into the packhouse, and I followed, my heart racing in anticipation.

In the lower chambers, I stood with my arms crossed, watching as they strung Adolphus up by his wrists. Thick ropes wrapped around his arms, suspending him just enough that he couldn’t fully stand. His muscles tensed as he tested the restraints, but he didn’t speak.

I stepped forward, letting my fingers trail down his chest. "You thought you could defy me, Adolphus?"

His golden eyes burned with quiet fury. "You don't own me, Cassandra."

I chuckled darkly. "Oh, but I do."

With a wave of my hand, my servants stepped forward, each holding a whip. The first crack of leather against his back echoed through the chamber, and my heart pounded with twisted satisfaction.

Adolphus tensed, but he didn't make a sound. Another lash. Then another. His skin reddened, and still, he refused to cry out.

I leaned in closer, my breath ghosting against his ear. "How much are you willing to endure for her?"

Adolphus exhaled sharply, his jaw clenched. "More than you think."

I straightened, my patience wearing thin. "Again," I commanded.

The whip cracked once more, and Adolphus flinched. Still, no sound escaped him. My smirk faltered. I wanted him to break. I wanted him to beg.

"Enough," I finally said, signaling for them to stop.

The servants stepped back, and I walked forward, reaching up to tilt Adolphus's face toward mine.

His breathing was heavy, his skin glistening with sweat, but his eyes remained defiant.

"You’re stubborn," I murmured.

He chuckled dryly. "Just tell me what you want.”

I raised a brow in surprise, just as an idea stuck me. I let my fingers trace his jaw before gripping his chin tightly. “You’re at my mercy now," I whispered. "If you want this to stop… if you want me to untie you… if you want to avoid more pain, all you have to do is one thing."

He stared at me warily. "What?"

I let a slow, wicked smile spread across my face. "Be my mate."

For the first time, something flickered in his expression, uncertainty, hesitation. He looked away for a brief moment, as if weighing his options. I leaned in closer, my lips nearly touching his ear.

"Say yes," I coaxed. "And this all ends."

Silence stretched between us. I could hear his labored breathing, feel the tension radiating off his body. Then, finally, he exhaled and met my gaze.

"Fine," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I’ll be your mate."