The Lonely Rogue

Chapter 55 Caspian

I knew that Junie was apprehensive and nervous about finding out the truth, but I was vibrating with excitement. I wanted to be a father to Junie's pups, I wanted us to be a family. I was eager to get back to the castle and take care of all the particulars, so I could get Junie to the infirmary. Above anything else, I wanted to make sure that she was okay.

It was a short trip back to the realm. Jett had already managed to secure the prisoners by the time we got back and took care of securing the cells. Vivian and her parents were also there waiting for us, sitting in the living room awkwardly with Simon and Jake. My mother was nowhere to be found.

"Viv." Junie said, her voice full of relief as she hurried across the room to hug her friend.

"You're okay." Vivian sighed, holding onto her tightly. There was an older couple sitting on the couch that I assumed were her parents.

"Where's Jett?" She asked, looking around.

"He's finishing up with the prisoners. He'll be back here soon." I assured her, moving to stand beside Junie.

"Oh, Caspian, these are my parents." Vivian motioned towards the couch. Her parents stood up and shuffled to her side.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, I'm Caspian Storm." I offered them my hand and they both stared at it apprehensively. Slowly, Vivian's father shook it in greeting.

"I'm Walter Ryan and this is my wife, Camile. Thank you for your hospitality Mr. Storm. Or, eh, is it your highness?" Mr. Ryan stammard.

"Caspian is fine. You and your family are welcome here anytime." I smiled.

Jett arrived then and Vivian practically threw herself in his arms, to her father's utmost surprise. Jett soothed her, insisting that he was alright before kissing her on the lips.

"Are you okay, Vivvy?" He asked her, holding Viv's face in his hands. She nodded feverishly,

"I'm okay, really. I'm just glad to be with you again." Viv gushed, kissing Jett again. Mr. Ryan cleared his throat loudly.

"Jett, these are my parents." Vivian said, pulling Jett towards them. I bit my tongue at Jett's expression, trying not to laugh.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you both." Jett smiled, shaking both their hands.

"If you'll excuse us, Junie and I have to take care of some business. Shall we all reconvene for dinner?" I said, looking towards Jett who nodded. I took Junie's hand and pulled her from the room.

"Do you mind? I wanted to find my mother." I said to her,

"Of course." She frowned, her eyes sad again. I mindlinked Malcolm, figuring he was with her.

"She's in Ally's room." I said.

"Maybe I should wait down here." Junie mumbled, coming to a stop in the middle of the hallway.

"No, she'll want to see you, too." I shook my head.

"I'm the reason her daughter is dead." Junie's voice was barely audible. I cupped her cheeks in my hands and forced her to look at me,

"That's not true. Ally is gone because of Cohen and no one else. You wouldn't let me blame myself for Sabrina's death so you cannot blame yourself for Alice's." I gently squeezed her face, pressing my forehead against hers.

"I hate this." She said, her eyes fluttering close.

"I know, my love, but it'll get better." I kissed her forehead and she nodded, taking my hand again and agreeing to follow me.