The Viking Alpha

In-laws

James POV

The heaps of vanilla scented bubbles fizzed around them in the tub. The steam heightening her scent as he slowly washed her skin. She was leaning her back against his chest. Laying in content between his legs. He stroked up her knee to her thigh lazily. The last couple days had been absolute bliss. A new understanding formed between them. He'd be lying if he said he didn't like this new side to Cassandra. She had been sex crazed the last few days. They had gotten the house in the human world arranged rather quickly. Surprisingly, Considering Cassandra's favorite hobby was to ravage James every chance she got. Not that he was complaining.
Cassandra, her father, Vincent, Rexton, and Ezri, settled in no time. It was obvious to him that Cassandra didn't want to go back to texas. He sensed she wanted somewhere new. But her reluctant agreement seemed to be for her father.
The house that was purchased itself, he could tell Cassandra immediately fell for. It seemed to be a consolation prize for her. It was just a modest four bedroom house to his standards but to Cassandra she was ecstatic.
He was amused by her enthusiasm when she eyed the backyard.
'It's perfect! We can grow vegetables in the back. A fire pit somewhere right in the middle of the yard.'
She quickly turned and scampered up the stairs to investigate more.
'Yes! A claw foot bathtub with an optional shower head.' He heard her crow from upstairs.
Victorian style, is what she called the sink fixtures.
She chose the room on the top floor overlooking the backyard. It wasn't the biggest but it's what she claimed.
Now, after quick work of purchasing and unpacking they rested in a warm bath in her own pink wall painted white tiled bathroom.
His hands rested over her stomach. A sadness still sat in his chest at the thought of returning to the fae world without her. But he'd see her again in just two weeks. His wolf huffed in annoyance. Two weeks might as well be two months.
'We've already lived through two months without her. Because of me. She is owed this. A chance to do what she desires.' He tried reasoning with his wolf but he still paced restlessly in his mind.
Still stroking over her womb he thought about their unborn son who now resided inside there.
'What should we call him?'
'Who?' Cassandra asked drowsily.
He smirked and kissed her wet hair.
They had just made love four times before he prepared a bath and placed her in it.
'Our son. What should we call him?'
She was quiet as she placed her hands over his. He was starting to wonder if she drifted to sleep before she spoke.
'I was thinking Samuel. Samuel Donnie Villr.'
That surprised him.
'Samuel? As my father?'
'Yes.'
'Why Donnie?'
'Very close to the name Debbie.' She explained.
'Wouldn't you want to save that for perhaps if we later have a daughter?'
She tilted her head up to look at him.
'Well…I thought of that too. I'd like to wait a while before we make another one. But for a girl, I was thinking, Lucinda Esther.'
'Lucinda? As in Lucas?'
'Yes. If you agree.'
Smiling, he kissed her on the lips. Happy she was considering extending beyond their son.
'I do. Thank you for honoring my parents.'
'Of course.'
'Before I leave tomorrow I'd like to come to the ultrasound.'
'I'd be surprised if you didn't.'
'Are you nervous?'
'About what?'
'About being a mother? Is it all too fast for you?'
She shook her head.
'No. Now that he's here, I'm actually excited. Yes I am nervous like millions of first time expectant mothers are, but with a witch for a mother and grandfather, an alpha for a father I'd wager this baby will be provided for in so many ways.'
She grew still before speaking again.
'Which reminds me. I'd like to discuss something with you.'
'That sounds ominous.' He replied while rising with her in his arms.
He sat her on the towel placed over the sink counter. Taking another he wrapped her up before wrapping another around his waist before carrying her to the bedroom across the hall.
'No. I guess it's a bit morbid. But I think of it as pre-planning.'
'Pre-planning?' Setting her on the foot of the bed he dried her off slowly.
'Yes. In case anything were to happen to us, I'd like Rexton and Vincent to be the Godparents.'
He was surprised at this.
'You don't think it's a good idea?' She said misinterpreting the look on his face.
'Yes I think it's a good idea. But I'm surprised you didn't choose your father.'
She shrugged. 'Well, I have a feeling he'll always be in our childrens lives. But as a grandfather. I want to let him have and enjoy that role. Besides…' Her voice trailed off.
'Besides?' He persisted as he slipped a shirt over her head then started to gently towel dry her hair.
'He's been acting odd since we came here. In the human world. Have you noticed?'
Thinking back, James did notice that. Lucas seemed a bit distracted.
'Maybe.'
'Ever since he visited mom's grave, he's been different. I'd understand the sadness. I myself still mourn her everyday. Being back here in this town where I grew up, brings back a lot of memories. But I guess I at least got to say goodbye. So maybe this is just him grieving.'
Pulling her back and adjusting the covers around her he gently brushed her hair.
'Love, it's no easy task to lose someone you love. As you well know. But if he felt half for your mother that I feel for you it still crushes him, believe me. When we were separated I went insane. But I think I let myself go that route. Because if I let the grief take over it would have consumed me.'
Putting the brush down he cupped her face gently. Kissing her lips he looked in her eyes.
'Im just grateful you didn't…' He choked in the last word. Thinking if her in the vike grips of Sylvia and her coven. Slowly dying until she was snuffed out completly. He dropped another kiss then switched the light off.
Dropping the towel he got under the blankets with her.
He took a deep breath before continuing.
'I'll never be able to express just how sorry I am for what I-'
His words were stopped when her lips landed on his.
In the darkness he saw her pull back then stroke his cheek.
'You trusted your brother, James.'
'Yes, but I should have trusted you.'
'I know. You know that now too. You learned that lesson, sweetheart. I'm forgiving you. Yes, it was…was physically painful, what they did to me. It was sheer hell. I still have nightmares but I think they're fading. But some good came from it. I met my father. Rexton and I bonded like siblings. In addition, Vincent too. I have more family now than I did before I came here. Plus, you finally found out what kind of person your brother is. He was the only family you had. I really do understand why you trusted him.'
Sighing, he stroked her hair.
'That's not true. You're my family now. Our baby is my family now.'
'But Johnathan was there your entire life. I get it.'
Sighing, he hated to bring the subject of his brother up further but he was curious.
'Speaking of my brother, have you thought of what you'd like to be done with him? I want you at peace when you come home again.'
She was quiet again. This time for a while.
He berated himself. He shouldn't have brought him up. She had mentioned him only once before this when she asked James if the rumors were true.
'I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought him up.'
'No. It's okay. I need a little more time to think about it. But honestly I don't want to think right now.'
Kissing her gently he nuzzled where he marked her. She trembled and he could smell her arousal.
'Now you're catching on.' She teased.
Chuckling he rolled her on her back.
He was about to reach down and play between her legs when the loud sound of a door opening then slamming shut made them both freeze.
A grunt and the sound of something clattering noisily on to the floor. The stench was faint but he could smell it.
'Damn it!' Lucas cursed.
Cassandra went to get up when he placed a hand on her shoulder to keep her there.
'I'll go check on him.'
He saw her eyes widened in the dark of the room.
'Are you sure?'
'Yes. Sleep.'
Pulling on a pair of sweatpants he kissed her quickly before leaving the room. As he made his way downstairs the smell of death, decay, and sweat became stronger. Lucas was a mess. Dirt coated his clothing and skin. In his right hand was a gray bag. It looked very similar to what soldiers used to carry their belongings in.
'Lucas? What is going on? What happened to you?'
Lucas turned and glared at him.
'What is it to you, mutt? Shouldn't you be upstairs cuddling my daughter? Filling her head with sweet nothings, just so you can hurt her again?'
'Lucas.' James was gritting his teeth trying to keep his wolf calm. 'I really am trying here. I do not want to be your enemy. Because of Cassandra and our cub, whether we like it or not, you and I are stuck with each other.'
Lucas moved past him to his room with the bag.
Turning slightly back he sent another look to James.
'You'll never be good enough for her.'
James immediately saw red.
'Don't you think I don't know that?' He angrily whispered.
Lucas just turned back and continued walking down the hall.
'Just so you're aware.' He finished before slamming his door closed.
Feeling every negative emotion, James went back up the stairs. Cassandra was breathing softly, slightly curled on her side. Smiling sadly he cuddled behind her and closed his eyes. No matter what he was feeling at least Cassandra's presence could make the darkest of his moods go clear.