Chapter 3 Minaj Jealousy

Audio of Chapter 3:

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I watched Minaj across the training grounds and caught the keen, possessive glint in her eye as she looked over at Cassian, who was consumed by sparring with a few young wolves. She also wore a faint, calculating smile on her face, her expression almost... predatory. Subtle, unmistakable-this wasn't the look of a friend or even a loyal pack member. It was something darker.

Cassian laughed, and slapped his hand against the back of one of the young wolves, who yelped but didn't flinch; Cassian was bigger than life with his easy, unbrotherly confidence. And I saw the way Minaj's gaze trailed him with every step, her grin inching a little wider with each glance.

"Minaj," I called, approaching her, hoping that would dislodge the unease simmering in my tummy. She turned to me, her face immediately softening into a smile, though the sharpness in her eyes did not falter.

"Niki," she replied; her tone was warm but with an edge I hadn't caught earlier. "Good to see you. I didn't think you'd be out here today."

I nodded, crossing my arms as I tried to keep my expression neutral. "I wanted to check on the pack's training. Cassian's been putting a lot of work into it."

Minaj nodded, her gaze drifting back to Cassian as he spoke with one of the older wolves. "He's... very dedicated. The pack is lucky to have him as Alpha.

"True," I said, the now-familiar burn of pride spreading through my chest. Cassian's being a leader had always been something for me to be proud of, but seeing him with the pack amped up that feeling tenfold.

But as I looked at Minaj, I could see a shadow in her expression, a glimmer of something that made my heart clench. Her gaze lingered on Cassian just a bit too long, her eyes darkening with what I could only describe as longing.

I forced myself not to let the dark thoughts creep in, not to panic. Minaj was my friend-loyal, always there for me. I had to believe she would not cross the lines. But the doubt burrowed at the back of my mind quiet, insidious voice that refused to be silenced.

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Later that night, in bed, Cassian's even breathing a constant beside me, the sound usually so soothing. Tonight, though, my mind refused to relax, swirling around and around over Minaj's expression, that almost predatory way she watched him. Of course, I was likely getting worked up over nothing, my insecurities twisting the truth of what had happened. But a part of me couldn't disregard the gnawing feeling inside, a suspicion that perhaps-just perhaps-her feelings for Cassian weren't as harmless as she made out.

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Minaj paced her room, her mind racing. At first, her feelings for Cassian had been easy to ignore; she had merely admired his strength, his presence. As the months grew into something much deeper, something she could no longer ignore: watching him lead, fierce loyalty to the pack, his easy charisma. It was just all too much. She'd fallen for him, harder and faster than she'd ever anticipated.

She scowled, nibbling her lip as Niki came to mind. Niki, who had everything Minaj wanted, stood by Cassian's side with a quiet strength that only seemed to make him love her more. Minaj's hands clenched into fists, her heart twisting with jealousy. Why should Niki get to have it all? She'd failed to give him a child; she was vulnerable, weakened by her insecurities. And Minaj knew Cassian deserved someone strong, one who could match his intensity.

She could see a plan begin to take shape in her mind impossibly dangerous idea, yet it coursed a shiver down in her veins. She would be the one by his side, the one he relied on the one one he turned to. She would need only just the right moment, that just-perfect opportunity to show him that she was all Niki could never be.

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The next evening, Minaj found it.

She slipped into Cassian's private quarters, her footsteps silent as she entered the dimly lit room. Cassian looked astounded to see her there.

"Minaj," he said, his voice steady, though confusion flashed in his eyes. "What brings you here?"

She forced a casual smile, moving closer. "I... wanted to check on you. You've been working so hard, and I know it's been a difficult time.

Cassian nodded, his gaze softening somewhat. "It's been hard, yes. But we're surviving."

Minaj took another step closer, letting her hand settle lightly on his arm. She felt his muscles tense beneath her touch, and her heart ran a pace, a thrill sparking inside her. She kept her voice low, her tone soft, almost intimate.

"I just wanted to let you know... I'm here for you, Cassian. Always. Whatever you need, whenever you need it." Her eyes held his, open and so very fragile, an invitation to behold her as he never had.

Cassian's brow furrowed slightly, and there was a flash of doubt crossing his face. Neither closer, nor farther away. "Thank you, Minaj. It means much to me that you'd have my back in this manner.

Encouraged, she took a step closer still, her body closing the distance between them. Her hand slid down his arm, tracing his skin in a way that left little to the imagination. "You deserve someone who understands you," she murmured, her voice barely louder than a whisper. "Someone who truly sees you."

Cassian's expression darkened and he finally pulled away, hardening his gaze. "Minaj, you're my friend... and Niki's."

She forced a hurt look, her eyes filling with a glint of frustration. "Niki doesn't understand you like I do, Cassian. She can't see you the way I do. She's-"

"Enough." Cassian's voice was quiet, and firm, his expression unreadable as he stared at her. "You're overstepping.

Minaj swallowed, making her face contort into one of repentance. "I'm... I'm sorry. I just... I hate seeing you unhappy. You deserve more, Cassian. You deserve someone who will give you everything."

He shook his head, disappointment in his eyes cutting deeper than any reprimand. "Niki is my mate, Minaj. She's my Luna, and she's more than enough for me.

Minaj's lips seemed to flatten into a thin line as she felt the rapid rise in the temper inside her, and yet she willed herself to nod, to back off, suppressing the anger now writhing under the politeness of her smile. She'd misjudged him, and overplayed her hand; that didn't mean she'd given up. Yet.

As she slipped out of the room, her mind worked at a million miles an hour, as her heart pounded with this new drive. If Cassian couldn't see her worth now, she would make him see it. She needed only that perfect plan. And with Niki's vulnerabilities becoming more and more apparent, Minaj knew it was only a question of time before Cassian turned to her.

---

That night, lying alone in her quarters, thoughts swirled in her mind in a maelstrom of plans, each more interesting than the last. She had learned to be patient over the years, and if there was one thing she knew, it was that the pack admired strength, ad ambition. She was strong; she would do whatever it took.

And where Niki was concerned. Well, she knew just how to make good use of Niki's insecurities.