Chapter 1

Cassandra's POV

"Cassie?" A familiar voice brings me back to the real world.

"Cass? Come on, wake up!" The voice sounds panicked, I almost smiled, only one person can sound worried yet stern at the same time. Trying to wake me up by calling me is fine but the sudden shaking was enough to wake a dead person.

"Go away!"Groaning I turned away from the source of an annoying voice. For a moment it was quiet. Finally some peac-

"What the hell!" I was drenched in water, that too cold water. Glaring at Damon I was about to go off on him when yesterday's events come rushing back to me. I gulped and remained silent.

"Cassandra, why- I.. I don't understand. You said- Oh god!" Damon started pacing around the room, I fiddled with my fingers. I knew he would be mad.

"Damon, I-" words seemed to be stuck in my throat. What excuse did I have really? I became quiet once more.

"You said you were fine. You said they stopped. Cassandra you passed out after your panic attack last night. Your breathing was freaking faint when I arrived. You said-" before Damon can continue my bitter laugh stopped him.

"Let's face it, brother. How many times do we actually say stuff that we mean? How many times are we actually fine when we say it? It's all a lie, Damon. A facade, trying to not let people see you vulnerable, trying to stop being a burden on others. It's all what everyone does. It's all what I've been doing." I turn away from him, not being able to look at his pained expression.

I don't want anyone's pity. I've seen the same look from everyone since- I shake my head, I don't need more reminders of my past.

"Cassie-" Damon tries again but I break him off. I really need to forget about last night. Talking about it is the opposite of what I want.

"Thank you, Damon. Really. I don't know what I'll do without you but please I don't want to talk about it, anymore."

"But- Okay. Anyways, you don't thank your brother. Like ever. It was my duty." He replied while kissing my forehead. Thankfully he let the topic go. I owe him so much.

"Moving on, what time is it?" I squinted my eyes trying to make sense of the clock but clearly my eyes were not in the mood to start working.

"Half past nine." Damon looked at me sheepishly, knowing full well what my reaction would be.

"WHAT? Damon you were supposed to be at pack grounds. You're the Alpha, you have duties. You can't just neglect your pack duties because of me." I furrowed my eyebrows, shaking my head at him.

"Cassie, I know but you come first and considering the state you were in do you honestly expect me to leave you? " He replied crossing his arms over his chest and looking at me as if I offended him.

"No, you are not leaving me because I am going with you. I need to forget last night's incident and what better way is there to forget than training your ass off?" I got up, making my way to the bathroom to take a bath and change into training outfit ignoring Damon's objections.

I enter the bathroom and stand in front of the mirror staring at myself. I looked like a mess.

And, no, not a hot mess. A dire-need-of-help mess.

Taking some deep breaths in and out, I try to relax myself. My head was throbbing with all the thoughts running inside my head. My eyes were burning, clutching my hair hard, I wanted to scream. I lost control over my self again, which resulted in Damon finding out I was having panic attacks again.

I have to be strong for him. I have to be strong for the pack. I have to be strong for myself. I have to fight, I won't give up. Splashing water on my face a few times I change into my training gear and head out with one thought on my mind.

I have to be strong for the people I love.

Hey guys! Any thoughts on the chapter. Kindly ignore any mistakes, and don't forget to vote, comment and share. Don't be a silent reader, your comments make my day.

With love, Izzy.