The Viking Alpha

Altered visions

James POV)

'Are you sure about this Ezri?'
'I'm positive.'
'What makes you so sure?'
Ezri sighed as she stood up from the floor.
'I saw her face, James. Besides, I know Cassandra. She's very sentimental.'
'Yes.' He agreed
'When will they come?'
'That I'm not sure. But soon. The shield is stronger. I can barely see them now.'
He strode across the room. He held the photo album in an unbreakable grip.
'James? You do realize she will be upset. For so many reasons. How well do you think your reunion will go?'
He turned and glared at Ezri.
The witch had a good point. One he'd been constantly asking himself. She would be upset. But he just had to see her. To assure himself that both Cassandra and their son were well.
Now that he had time to think, he knew his son had to be born here. In the fae lands. James and his wolf would rest easier knowing that both would be looked after properly by him. Even if Cassandra fought him every step of the way. But surely she would want only the best for their son? To be born under power and protection. Now that the major threat had been contained no one would dare cross him again. He knew in the months that Cassandra had been gone word had to have spread of the ferrel mad king. How his subjects went from serving to walking on eggshells around him. His people now went from adoring to fear of just whispering his name too loudly. Any enemy that was bold enough to test him knew of their impending demise. When he wasn't searching for Cassandra he was ripping through anyone who got in his way. Countless rouges he slayed easily as breathing. Each one reminded him of the distraction that fell in with his brother's ultimate plan. Any vampire he saw reminded him of the one that attacked her on the first day. Whatever witch that refused him in aid that wasn't fast enough to utter a spell was decapitated or had vital organs removed with his hands.
Maybe he had gone a little mad? But once he saw Cassandra again he knew he'd be better. His wolf was completely desolate. Nearly foaming at the mouth with rage and untamed unpredictable actions.
Everyday was getting harder and harder to keep the beast under control. The urge to let him out and just take control grew stronger.
'I recommend groveling on your knees.'
'What?' His head whipped back over to Ezri who was leaning her hip on the back of the couch.
'You know. Groveling. Kneeling.' She explained. 'Literally beg for forgiveness.'
His teeth snapped together. She had a good point. Again.
'Is that what you see me doing?'
She shook her head. Her unkempt hair shifted stiffly on her shoulders.
'No. It's just a suggestion.'
'Well. I'd appreciate it if you did not meddle in this. Thank you.'
Ezri just rolled her eyes.
He forced himself to calm before he asked.
'Can you try seeing me?'
'Seeing you?' Her brow wrinkled in confusion.
'Yes. You can't see Cassandra but maybe you could try just seeing me. My future.'
She sighed again.
'I can try. But it doesn't always work like you think.'
'Then how does your vision work?'
'Similar to Cassi's. I'll dream about it or randomly see it. Sometimes I can conjure it if I focus. But it takes a lot of energy and I need something strong to pull from. Cassi is still learning. Kind of developing. Her powers were held back for so long, now they'll be a bit odd until she learns. But I can sense she'll learn fast.'
'What do you mean?'
'Her family is popular in witch history. Very powerful. Her powers sound very similar to her grandfather's. He could get visions just by touching something or someone. I wager she'll be able to conjure visions on command.'
'Then that means she'll-'
'Yes. If she learns how to use it she'll be a hard one to surprise. With anything. But definitely one you'd want to side with in a fight.'
'What about her father? Is he one she can actually trust?'
Ezri took a moment to think.
'Back before Cassi was born I'd say no. He was a horrible man. Very pompous. He could be very cruel. To humans especially. But I think he's changed. He disappeared some time ago. Now we know it was Sylvia and her coven holding him. Obviously he had to be physical with a human woman to create Cassi. So my theory is that the woman had something to do with the gentleness and genuine affection he feels for his daughter.'
Another worry passed through his head.
'Did you know Willow? The seer?'
Ezri's face turned mournful.
'Yes. You shouldn't blame yourself for that, you know. It was her time. She knew that. That's why she tried to warn you.'
'Do you know what she saw?'
She wetted her lips before speaking carefully. As if she was trying to calm someone.
'Cassandra was angry. She would have destroyed everything in her path. This village would have been nothing but ash.'
'Would have?'
'Yes. Things can change. She changed after she found out she was pregnant. But her seeing you again could make the vision alter again.'
'So not all visions are accurate?'
'It may depend. But no. Destinys can change with every action we take. Every choice can start a new timeline.'
James turned and paced while thinking.
'So she could basically know when someone is bluffing in a way if she learns how to use her powers?'
'Yes.'
'How exactly do you two end up being close?'
Ezri now smiled impishly.
'Oh you'll see soon enough.'
'What does that mean, Ezri?'
'It means my lips are sealed. A girls gotta have her secrets. You shouldn't know too much anyway. But she won't be happy with me doing this.' She stretched her arms out indicating the room around them.
'Yes, well. Hopefully in time she'll see it's for her and our child's own good.'
'She'll come around...for some things. That I see.'
'I want you to try seeing me. Please. We need to know everything we can.'
Exhaling deeply she came to stand in front of him.
Placing her hands on his she bent her head over them and grew still. She was silent for a long moment. It was even longer when she sagged away from him. Her breath was slightly heavy. She leaned against the armchair now looking tired.
'I saw you in this room. She is reading aloud in the armchair while stroking her belly. You come up behind her and slightly massage her shoulders. She's smiling. It became foggy at the end. Every time I try seeing her it's like I can see her for a second. The more I focus on her it becomes harder.'
'Are we-'
'Shh.' She suddenly closes her eyes as if she was trying to listen to something closely.
'I can feel it.' She whispered.
'Feel what?'
'The power. They're very close. Be ready.' She warned before she turned and bent back over the floor.