Cassie’s eyes were drifting shut by the time I was through with her. She was basically asleep when I portaled us home. I fell asleep quickly myself. When I woke up Cassie was still out. I was going to let her sleep today.
I took a quick run around the area. I’d just topped the hill to see a commotion by my house. My dad came running up with a key. They threw the door open, and Cassie’s screams reached me. I portaled into my bedroom. My dad was at the door of our bedroom.
I grabbed Cassie and yelled at her to wake up. My dad's eyes were wide. He’d calmed down though now that he could see it was just a bad dream. Cassie jumped out of bed, and I sent my dad my feelings I had this as I said it out loud.
Cassie was worried about Melanie for some reason. I could see she needed to know with certainty that Meanie was safe. She’d had a dream that Melanie was hurt. Or a zombie? Ok? Cassie wanted to ask Levi to go, but I knew he couldn’t. He’d promised Tristan.
I stepped out and called Hendrix. He answered, “Hey man, I was ready to break the damn door down. Is Cass ok?” I admitted, “Not really. I need you to go to New York. Eric has a guy there watching a girl named Melanie McAlister. I need you to make sure she is ok.”
Hendrix clarified, “The girl that two whole people I know have met?” I confirmed, “That’s the one.” Hendrix said, “The girl Cassie herself has never met.” I said, “Yes, her. Go and get back as soon as you can. A picture wouldn’t hurt.” Hendrix replied, “I’m on it.” I walked back and explained everything to my mate.
We waited for my friend to come back. When he did, Hendrix came in giving me a look. He sat down and told us Melanie was fine. He couldn't get a good picture of her though. I frowned because that didn’t make sense. He’d taken photography classes in college. His assessment of her sounded right though. Cassie was still worried. I let Hendrix out the front door. I turned to face my mate who confided in me that she didn’t have a good feeling. Oh fuck. That was never good.
If Cassie or her mom said that something bad was coming. It was a question of when. Her mom’s sense was more dire, but Cass was intuitive. If she said she had a bad feeling, then we needed to guard Melanie McAlister. We’d keep in contact with Eric’s guy and warn him to be on the lookout. We’d make sure she was ok.
Cassie changed the subject to Ashley. I told her about the mission. The comparison between Ashley and Melanie came up. Cassie wasn’t wrong, there were similarities. Well, that we knew of. We could be totally off since Cassie hadn’t ever met Melanie.
I barely knew anything about the girl. I cringed at her familiarity with Melanie’s brother, Jason McAlister. He was a friend now, but he wasn’t always just a friend. I still hated that none of this would’ve happened if Cora hadn’t interfered.
We’d traced those ties back to her Witch family member. The Hackura had nothing to do with it and in fact was being bound in the basement. The Witch was gone, and we found ties to the Ring everywhere. They’d conspired to keep me and Cassie apart. They’d pay dearly for that every chance I got.
My bachelor party rolled around, and I had no idea what we were doing. Hendrix led me into the gym. I chuckled, “My bachelor party is in the gym?” Hendrix laughed, “No. Milana had the gym cleared because she said we MUST check out the girls locker room.”
I raised an eyebrow, “Angus mention something about that too.” We walked in and I nearly fell over. Hendrix started laughing and I actually did too. I exclaimed, “She encased her heart in glass!” Hendrix teased, “I warned you that the fiery redhead would have a plan. You’re lucky that it isn't in your damn office.”
I snorted, “I’m not the one who needed the reminder. Evidently my mate is of the belief that this should be warning enough.” We left and joined a large group of men on a hill. All of Cassie’s brothers were there.
Hendrix handed me a weapon. He announced, “And now we hunt.” I laughed before we split up. EJ was with me. Hendrix and Alexander were together. When we got away from the group, I killed my first fox. It wasn’t as fun as catching my sexy mate dressed as a fox.
EJ commented casually, “Cass said you knew about Alexander.” I nodded, “I won’t say anything.” EJ nodded, “Maybe the more of us that know means we can fix it.” I raised an eyebrow, “It seems pretty easy to fix. Alexander pops to Melanie and the problem is solved.” EJ sighed, “The promise we made doesn’t permit that.”
I reasoned, “So talk to Drake McAlister and explain the situation. I’m sure he wants to see his little girl enough that he’d jump for joy about the plan.” EJ rubbed his head. I frowned asking, “You ok, man?” He shrugged, “Headache.” I let the subject drop because he didn’t look good.
We kept hunting and I kept an eye on him. He seemed fine now. That whole thing was odd. We went back to the group at the assigned time. My blood was humming. Alexander snapped us a fully stocked bar.
Uncle Bjourn commented, “Between all the Fairies planning parties, people will want bars everywhere. No one wants the ocean bar to leave. No one will want this bar to leave either.” I raised my hand in the air asking, “Ocean bar?” My uncle nodded. That reeked of Haley.
We drank for a few hours before Lithan came over to me. I barely nodded to him. Ever since I became the Commander things were strained between us. He handed me whiskey and I took it. He asked, “Can we talk, Cayden?” I sighed, Sure.”
I followed him out. He said, “I’d never hurt you or your mate.” I nodded, “Mmhmm.” He groaned, “This is killing me.” I admitted, “I don’t know how to reconcile seeing you holding a blade to her throat.” He reasoned, “It was not real.” I replied, “Which is why you aren’t dead.”
He ran a hand through his hair, “I watched you grow up.” I pointed out, “Which means you knew I’d react this way.” He admitted, “I thought you’d have come and talked to me by now.” I hugged him, “I’ll get over it. I promise.” He clapped me on the back, “I love you, kid. I’m damn proud of you and this path you are carving for yourself.” We walked back to the group.
When Hendrix spotted us he announced, “Alright, it’s fighting time.” I smiled because we all enjoyed a good fight. I nodded at Alexander, “Let’s go.” Alexander smiled and the other guys split up. Alexander and I both got shots in on each other.
My brother in law was just skilled at fighting. Eventually we called it. I praised him, “You’re damn good.” Alexander nodded, “So are you.” I snorted, “I know someone who would give you a run for your money.” I did too.
Ashley and Alexander fighting would be epic. I was positive she’d never run into a challenge like him before. Alexander grinned excitedly asking, “Who?” I grumbled, “If only I could tell you.” Alexander laughed and shook his head. Micah linked me, “Ashley?” I nodded. He agreed, “That would be a hell of a fight.” I chuckled, “It would be entertaining for sure.” We drank some more before we hunted again. I added several more foxes to the group I’d gotten previously.
We ended the night drinking around a fire and singing. We were all keyed up and our blood was pumping. Alexander popped to the gym. Hendrix snorted, “That guy could get SO MUCH tail right now.” I shrugged, “He doesn’t want to.” Hendrix questioned, “Why?” I shrugged.
Hendrix made a face then said, “I don’t buy it. You know because you know things. Those two too.” He pointed at Uncle Bjourn and EJ. Both smiled at him. I laughed, “You try to figure out that mystery. I’m off.”
I took off heading for Cassie. EJ faked throwing up. My Uncle said, “Oh shut it. I’ve heard your parents going at it like wild animals. I’ve felt it too.” EJ gagged again but this time, I think it was real. I had to laugh.
I got to our house and felt our connection Cass was in the bathroom. I crept into the house. Music was playing and I could smell the bubbles. My mate was having a bubble bath. I moved quietly until I was in front of her. She didn’t see me because her eyes were closed.
Well, I’ll be damned. After all this time, I was going to sneak up on her twice in the same week. I dropped my shorts and climbed into the other end of the tub. I went under the water and kissed her nipple. She shrieked in surprise.
