The Viking Alpha

Festival-part 2

~Warning! Mature audience only. Sexual content ahead. ~

(Cassi POV)

She couldn't remember it.
But the dream had to have been good. The feeling she woke up with was of peace and happiness.
Then she remembered the events of last night. Sitting up quickly she found she was in bed. Her hand automatically went to her neck. No blood.
'Cassandra.'
Looking over she saw James sitting in a chair next to the bed. His face was unreadable.
'James? What happened? We were in the forest. We…' She stopped as details of their love-making came through.
'We made love.' He finished for her.
Blushing she avoided his eyes and brought the sheet closer to her chest.
'What else do you remember?'
'Well...we were-then you bit me?'
He nodded. 'That's right. I marked you. '
'Right. Then...I don't know. I can't remember anything else.'
'Do you remember, feeling anything? Or saying anything?'
She looked at him confused. Just what exactly happened after he bit her? He was watching her closely. As if he was waiting for something.
'No. Just...now I woke up feeling...happy. Like I had a very good dream.' She tried to describe.
'And now?' He asked, moving to sit on the edge of the bed.
'Now I feel...hungry. Very hungry.'
'That's good.' He looked disappointed.
'What's wrong?'
He shook his head. 'Nothing, love. You've had quite the night.' He looked down and grasped her hands. 'I'm sorry if I caused you pain.'
'No. It felt...it hurt when you bit me. But when we had sex it felt...eye opening. I'm glad it was with you.'
He smiled before kissing her.
'We made love, Cassandra. I'm also glad I was the one that you gave it to.'
She stood with the sheet still wrapped around her. Her legs almost gave out, he steadied her by her hips.
'Careful, love. You're still getting used to it.'
'I feel fine.' She assured.
She walked slowly over to the mirror on the vanity. Looking at her neck there wasn't even a mark on her.
Looking back at him questioningly.
'The bite is still there. It's just under the skin.'
'Oh.'
'Come on. Let's get you dressed and fed.'
It felt like a yoga pants kind of day. Those with a maroon shirt that tied in the front. Showing her navel a bit. Simple flats and a braid and she was ready.
They made their way down the stairs to the dining room. Everyone stood and bowed to them.
The first day she came in this room she felt awkward. Now she felt like a queen. Powerful. Smiling in greeting as she made her way to their table. As soon as her plate was put in front of her she devoured it. Not caring who saw. When she just finished the last bit of her eggs she leaned back in her chair with a content sigh. Looking over to James, he was smiling with his eyebrows raised. He hadn't even touched his food yet.
'Are you going to eat that?'
He laughed and fed her a bit of his pancakes before feeding himself. Syrup splashed on his hand. Not knowing what got into her, she took his hand and brought it to her mouth. She sucked and then licked where the syrup was. Her eyes never left his.
He groaned and his eyes flashed. Her hand slowly went over his thigh under the table.
She felt him tense as her hand got close to his crotch. She barely touched it when he stood, scooped her up and took her out of the room. He walked down the hall and stopped before he opened a door to his left with one hand. Slamming the door behind them he set her down.
She looked around them.
Was this a utility closet? She didn't have time to look more. He seized her lips with his and shoved her against the wall. He kissed her until she pulled back for air. Quickly he turned her until her back was facing him. He yanked her pants down and she heard him unzip his pants. She felt him slowly move himself up and down slowly over her back side then the tip dipped between her legs.
'Ahh.' It still hurt slightly but was soon replaced with a pulsing need. Her groan was cut off from his hand covering her mouth. She felt his lips at her ear.
'Quiet.' He licked then nipped her earlobe. Pushing himself gently in her, she pushed away from the wall. Spreading her legs further.
'That's it, love.' He slipped his left hand in front and played with her there while pushing even deeper in. His other hand was now at her throat holding her steady.
'Yes.' She moaned.
'Quiet, I said.' His voice was now stern. His hand leaving her throat he smacked her ass.
Biting her lip until she tasted blood. She felt herself climbing higher.
He continued to push in and out while he played with her body.
'Come quietly. Now!'
She grasped his hand that was now gripping her right breast, she covered her mouth and muffled her scream as she came.
'Good girl.' He praised, as he pumped once, twice then finished.
She sagged against the wall in front of her. His arms wrapped around her chest was the only thing keeping her up. He was resting his head against her shoulder as he breathed heavily.
'Damn, woman. You'll turn me into a sex fiend.'
Chuckling she turned her head.
'Poor, you. I believe you were the one who corrupted me.' She teased.
Laughing softly he kissed her then pulled out. He adjusted her pants then himself before turning her back around.
'I'd love nothing more then to keep you locked up in a room with me, sampling you in every way, but unfortunately we have things to do.'
'Mmm. What ways did you have in mind? I liked that one. Just now. Very much.'
Kissing her again he smiled.
'Stop tempting me. If you behave I'll show you later.'
Exiting the closet they went to the library.
'Before tonight's events I want you to study. I have some preparations to do as well. The council will be here the day after tomorrow. They'll want to meet you. You need to be prepared.'
'The council?'
'Yes. They are kind of like...a board of directors. One highest member of each faction will come here. They'll approve of you and leave.'
She raised an eyebrow.
'Just like that? I thought you were king? Why do you need the approval of your mate?'
He shrugged. 'An agreement set long ago. To keep the peace. If they do or don't doesn't matter. But if they don't approve and I still keep you, they might withdraw their support. Leaving us more vulnerable without their protection. If they were to find you...unfit, they could walk away.'
She gave a mock laugh. 'No pressure or anything.'
He kissed her firmly. 'You'll do great. Just study. Think of it as a final exam.'
'Again. No pressure.'
'Get to work.'
Swatting her on her ass again he turned to leave.
Her tutors came fifteen minutes later. Two old men and a middle aged looking woman. They were merciless with her. They took turns testing her. One of the old men with history, the women, with fae creatures, and the other old man with geography of the lands.
Three hours of work and she was dismissed.
She ran from the room to go outside. Seeing the tables be set up for the meal made her want to get involved with further set ups. Asking everyone if she could help she was politely shooed away.
She went to the kitchen and snagged an apron. Everyone was bustling around. Eva was in front of a giant stove stirring a pot.
'Can I help?'
Eva jumped and looked at her.
'Cas...your majesty. This is no place for you.'
'Please? I want...need to do something. I'm bored. Please?'
Eva sighed. 'Alright. Stir this. Don't let it boil over.'
'I can do that.'
After she was done stirring she was then allowed to knead bread and place it in the oven. She chatted with Eva as she worked. Madga came over and helped crush fresh herbs. Other people soon loosened up and joined in with their conversation. Soon it was a whole table of women and a few men voicing their opinions on what they would like to see more of. What they would like to see less of.
By the end she learned they'd like television sets. Some of the shifters had seen then in the human world and admitted it was a guilty pleasure.
She herself agreed. It was one way to see the human world again.
'Better go get yourself cleaned up, Cassi.' Madga whispered. 'You and his highness will be expected soon.'
Leaving with flour on her hands and arms, herbs in her hair, broth stains were on her shirt. She looked like a mess. But she felt like she contributed and learned more about her people.
She stilled.
Her people?
She couldn't think that way. She would soon be leaving, right?
But what if you don't? Her subconscious butted in.
No. She had to leave.
But you don't. You like it here.
It was true. Since last night she felt she finally found a home.
Maybe she could postpone the plan. Johnathan would not take it well. Maybe she could just avoid him for now. Mulling it over as she showered and dressed in another beautiful gown. This one was navy blue and had a much deeper neckline. It still accented her body's shape. It swept the floor just a little as she walked. She felt like a queen tonight.
Would things really be so bad if she did stay?
She had a good man, friends, and ambitions. Not to mention a castle and a kingdom with a title. How many women could say they had that? But she was happy. Truly.
Looking at herself in the mirror she brushed her hair slowly. She tried to envision a future with her here. She could see it very clearly actually. She would be queen with James at her side.
Her eyes flashed bright blue before
a sudden image of James flooded her mind. Furious. His face split with pain and anger. He was screaming at her. She was clutching a sheet to her naked body. Begging him with tears in her eyes. Her eyes wide in shock.
'James! Please, listen. You don't understand.'
He then threw her to the ground.
'Get the fuck out!'
He turned to one of his guards then faced her again.
'Take her back to the humans. She is no longer your queen! Get her out of my sight!'
The flash stopped.
Gasping, she dropped the brush and caught herself against the vanity.
What the hell was that?
Looking around wildly. Where the hell had that come from? It was so vivid. As if it was happening to her. She felt the grip of his hand on her arm. The sting of tears in her eyes as she begged him. Her heart rate slowly returned to normal as she breathed.
'What is happening to me?' She whispered to no one.
She slowly stood. She has to find James. Maybe this was part of whatever he did to her.
Gathering her skirts in her hand she went downstairs. She scanned the courtyard. She found Rexton by one of the tables with Vincent.
'Rexton! Where is James?'
'I'll call him.'
He just stood there.
'Well?' She said impatiently.
'I just called him and he said he's coming.'
Confusion warped her mind.
'How did you call him? You didn't even speak.'
Rexton tapped his head. 'Mind linking. He didn't tell you about that?'
'No. What is that?'
'Its-'
'It's a way to communicate through our minds. Pack only. I choose who has access to me.'
James interrupted while coming up from behind her.
'Hello.' He greeted her before kissing her softly. 'I was just on my way to get you.'
She began to speak faster then her mind had time to work out the words.
'James! I need to talk to you. I saw this...brushing my hair. It was like a movie scene. My eyes glowed. You were mad and I-'
'Whoa. Slow down, Cassandra.'
She breathed deep.
'I-my eyes glowed while I was brushing my hair. I saw them glow in the mirror. Then I saw this...I don't know. It just came into my mind like a movie scene.'
He still looked confused.
'Okay. I saw you.' She pointed to his chest. 'You were angry with me. Pissed. You told me to get out. I was no longer queen. You told your guards to take me back to the humans. I-' She began crying as she remembered her shock and confusion in the scene.
'Cassandra. It's alright.' He crushed her to him. 'Calm down. Maybe you were just dreaming.'
'I was wide awake, James!'
'Okay. Okay. Maybe it's because you're under a lot of pressure. You might be getting yourself worked up.'
She huffed in impatience.
'James...oh forget it.' She stormed off toward the forest.
She couldn't make him understand what she didn't.
'Cassandra. Love, slow down.' He caught up to her and grabbed her hand.
'What happened?'
'I-I don't know.' She sobbed.
He hugged her tightly.
'Love. You're alright.'
'You were so angry with me.' She whispered into his shoulder.
He leaned away and cupped her face.
'Whatever you saw, I would never send you away.'
'It's just-you.. ' She sobbed again.
'Shhh. I know this is all confusing. I'm sure it was very overwhelming.'
'Yes, but-'
'Cassandra. I love you.'
She froze. Love? Did he just say love?
'You what?'
'I love you. I always will.'
And just like that she knew. She couldn't leave. She loved him too.