Rox POV

I entered the pack gym early, my black sports bra and high-waisted leggings accentuating my figure. A loose tank hung over the bra, and my sleek running shoes completed the look. With my hair pulled into a high ponytail and a sharp, determined expression, I gave off a clear don’t mess with me vibe.

I headed straight for the treadmill, needing to work off some frustration. The rhythmic pounding of my feet helped clear my mind—until I felt it. Eyes on me. The prickling sensation crawled over my skin, but I ignored it and kept running.

Halfway through, a man’s angry voice broke my concentration.

“Get off the treadmill,” he barked, his tone hostile.

I slowed, glaring at him. “What’s your problem? I was here first, and there are plenty of treadmills open.”

His sneer deepened. “You think you own this place because you work near the alpha? You’re nothing but a lazy bitch who gives orders.”

The insult cut deep, but I wasn’t backing down. My fists clenched as Mist, my wolf, stirred, her growl echoing in my head. 

‘Not now,’ I warned her.

No one could know I was a Volana wolf. If they did, I’d become a target—captured and bred for my blood and powers.

The gym grew quieter as people noticed the commotion. From the third floor, I sensed Cassian and his entourage. They’d been lifting weights, probably hearing every word. 

Great, I thought, hating the attention but refusing to back down.

“Let’s take this outside,” I challenged, stepping off the treadmill.

The man smirked, confidence radiating off him. “Gladly. I haven’t seen you train a day in your life. This’ll be easy.”

Once outside, the tension snapped like a rubber band. Without warning, he lunged at me. His movements were fast, but mine were faster. I dodged effortlessly, slapping the back of his head with each miss.

Laughter rippled through the crowd, even from Cassian’s entourage.

But Cassian wasn’t laughing. His gaze burned into me, irritation clear.

When the man shifted into his wolf form, the crowd gasped. He lunged again, his claws grazing my arm. Pain flared, but healed quick, and Mist had had enough.

She surged forward, and my eyes turned a piercing purple as my claws extended.

With a single powerful kick, I sent him flying into a tree, the impact reverberating through the clearing. Gasps echoed, but I wasn’t done.

Rage surged as I darted forward, pummeling him with ferocious speed and strength. The crowd began to disperse under orders from Cassian’s men, but I barely noticed.

“That’s enough,” Cassian’s voice thundered, his alpha aura crashing over me, making me stop.

Mist didn’t care. It had no effect on her, and she fought harder against it.

Cassian moved in a blur, wrapping his arms tightly around me from behind, pinning my arms to my sides. His body pressed against mine as he whispered in my ear, his voice low and commanding.

“If you don’t stop, they’ll know who you are.”

Mist growled, defiant. My body tensed, fighting his hold. I could feel the shift beginning, bones cracking under my skin.

Cassian’s grip tightened. His breath was hot against my ear as he growled, his voice dripping with dominance.

“Don’t shift. If you run, I’ll chase you and when I catch you, I’ll mark you. And if I mark you... you’ll be mine.”

The threat—and the promise laced within it—sent a shiver down my spine, grounding me enough to push Mist back. My breathing slowed, but Cassian didn’t release me.

“Good girl,” he murmured, his voice softer now but no less commanding. I hated how those words made my heart race.

I wanted to listen but when he said those words, my wolf turned more defiant. She began struggling against his hold again and trying to shift. In a final attempt to quell my rage, Cassian's voice dropped to a menacing growl.