Rebecca forced the smile back onto her face.
"How could I possibly decide whether I like her after meeting her only once?" she asked lightly. "But the Alpha King has already issued the decree, so the matter is settled."
She reached over and adjusted the blanket across her lap.
"From now on, Aurora and Adrian can earn military merits together while you manage the household and enjoy the benefits of their achievements. Isn’t that a good arrangement?"
Cassandra’s lips curved into a faint smile. "Yes. I am sure it is." She paused before adding, "Although it seems rather unfair to make General Yates a second mate."
Rebecca laughed. "You silly girl. How could she be a second mate?" She glanced around the room as though the answer should have been obvious. "The Alpha King’s decree makes her Adrian’s official mate. And Aurora holds an official military rank. A woman of her standing cannot simply be treated as a secondary mate. She will have the same status as you. There will be no distinction between the two of you."
Cassandra’s eyes narrowed slightly. "No distinction?" She looked directly at Rebecca. "Is that actually the custom among the packs?"
The warmth disappeared from Rebecca’s expression. "Cassandra, you have always been sensible. Now that you have become part of the Warren family, you should think about what is best for all of us." She straightened against the pillows. "According to the Defense Minister, Aurora’s contribution during this campaign was even greater than Adrian’s. If you take care of the household, they can focus on their duties and fight side by side as mates."
Rebecca’s smile returned. "With their abilities, they will surely rise to become renowned generals, just like Adrian’s grandfather."
Cassandra listened quietly. Then she said, "If they are mates, what role do I have here?"
Rebecca’s brows pulled together. "How can you say that? You are still the Luna managing the household."
"I only took over the household because Amelia was unwell." Cassandra turned toward Amelia. "Now that she has recovered, she should resume her responsibilities." Her voice remained polite and calm. "I will review the accounts tomorrow and hand everything back to her."
Amelia’s expression changed instantly. "I am still not completely recovered." She sat up straighter. "Besides, everyone is satisfied with how you have been managing the household. You should continue."
A quiet smile touched Cassandra’s lips. Of course they were satisfied. Why wouldn’t they be? She had been paying for it out of her own pocket. Most of the household’s expenses had come from her own fortune, and a significant portion had gone toward Rebecca’s medical treatment.
Sebastian Dalton was one of the most renowned physicians in the territory. His treatments were effective, but his medicines were expensive enough that ordinary pack families could never afford them. Rebecca’s medicine alone cost more than a hundred silver coins every month. That was more than a thousand coins a year.
Then there were the countless smaller expenses Cassandra had covered without saying a word. Whenever the household needed new clothing, she had occasionally used fabrics and silk from the Sinclair family’s businesses to have garments made for everyone. She had done it willingly. Back then, she had thought of the Warren household as her own. She had imagined spending the rest of her life beside Adrian. So what was a little money compared with the future she thought she was building?
But that future had never existed.
Cassandra rose from her seat. "Then it is settled."
Everyone looked up at her in surprise.
"I will hand over the accounts tomorrow. After that, I will not interfere with the household affairs anymore."
Rebecca’s expression instantly darkened. "Stop right there!" Her voice cracked through the room. "Cassandra, you are being unreasonable." She gripped the blanket tightly. "It is perfectly normal for powerful Alphas to have more than one mate. If you refuse to accept that, what will the pack say about you?" Her gaze sharpened with anger. "They will call you narrow-minded. Jealous. A Luna who cannot tolerate another woman."
For the past year, Cassandra had been completely obedient. She had swallowed every inconvenience, every slight, and every unreasonable demand without complaint. The Warren family had grown accustomed to it. They had mistaken her silence for surrender.
But Cassandra only stood there. Her expression was entirely calm. "Let them say whatever they want."
Rebecca stared at her, speechless.
Cassandra continued, "Their opinions have nothing to do with me."
Rebecca’s chest began to rise and fall rapidly. She suddenly covered her mouth and broke into a harsh cough. "Cough! Cough!" Her body shook violently against the pillows.
In the past, Cassandra would have been at her side before anyone else could move. She would have poured water, rubbed Rebecca’s back, called for the physician, and stayed beside her until the older woman recovered.
This time, Cassandra did not move. She simply watched.
The fading evening light spilled through the open doorway behind her, outlining her slender figure and softening the sharpness of her features.
Serena couldn’t stand it any longer. "Cassandra, look at what you have done to Mother!" She stepped forward, her round face flushed red as she glared at her sister-in-law. "This isn’t even about you." Her voice rose sharply. "Do you really think your family is still as prestigious as it once was?"
Cassandra’s gaze shifted slowly to her.
Serena continued without hesitation. "Your parents and all your brothers are dead. You are the only one left. Aren’t you afraid Adrian will divorce you if you keep acting like you are still some noble young lady from a powerful family?"
Cassandra’s eyes dropped down to Serena’s clothes. The pale yellow dress was brand new. She remembered ordering the fine fabric herself at the beginning of autumn and having it made specifically for Serena. Now the woman wearing the dress was standing in front of her, lecturing her about knowing her place.
Cassandra’s gaze slowly returned to Serena’s face. "Take off that dress before you lecture me."
Serena’s cheeks turned scarlet. "What?"
"You heard me." Cassandra’s voice remained even and calm. "Take it off."
Serena’s hands curled tightly into fists. "I never begged you to buy it for me!" Her chin lifted defiantly. "If you don’t want me to have it, then take it back."
"Fine." Cassandra did not hesitate for even a second. "And do not forget the jewelry you are wearing." Her eyes swept over Serena’s gold earrings, necklace, and bracelets. "I expect all of it returned to me by tonight."
The crowded room fell completely silent. Serena’s mouth opened in shock, but no words came out.
Cassandra looked around the quiet room. Rebecca was still struggling to catch her breath against her pillows. Amelia looked uneasy and shrank back. Benjamin remained completely silent, staring at the floor. Only Aunt Charlotte seemed satisfied by what was happening, sitting in her chair with an unmistakable glimmer of amusement in her cold eyes.
Cassandra noticed it, but she said nothing. She had already made her final decision.
"If there is nothing else, I will be leaving."
No one moved to stop her.
Cassandra turned and walked gracefully toward the door. Her footsteps were steady and deliberate as she left the room. For the first time since entering the Warren household, she did not look back.