The Viking Alpha

In the flesh

Cassi pov)

'Mama?'
She had seen her mother recently. But she had to go to a spirit realm. That required her to either be near death like that one horrible night or magic to take her there.
This time it was in the flesh. Her mother still looked young and beautiful. Cassi blinked. Thinking her mother would be gone when she opened them. But still there she stood. A soft smile on her face. Her dark hair hung loose around her waist, just like Cassi remembered. Her eyes were gentle and had that spark of life.
'Baby girl.' Cassi saw tears fill her mothers eyes. Stretching her arms out for her daughter, Cassi unfrozen and tottled quickly forward and embraced her.
'Oh mama!' Tears spilled from Cassi as she hugged her. She could smell her. Lavender and chocolate.
Pulling back slightly she scanned her mothers face.
'How am I…? How are you…?'
Her mothers eyebrows rose.
'Here? Well I'll let you father explain that one.'
Laughing, Cassandra squeezed her mother back to her.
'I don't care! You're here. I can't believe it.'
'Easy baby girl. I can feel things now. That includes pain.' She hinted at her daughter's bone crushing embrace.
'Sorry. I'm just- you-' More tears flowed.
'I know. It's good to be here too. With you.' Stroking her daughter's hair back from her face, she petted her long hair.
Looking over Cassandra's shoulder she pinned James with her gaze.
'So this is my new son-in-law?'
James was still speechless. Staring at the older but almost carbon copy of his wife.
'Yes…Ma'am. I'm James. Cassandra has told me so much about you.'
'Well now,-' Gently extracting herself from Cassi's hold she walked to James. 'I believe we have some things to discuss, young man. But-' Looking back at her daughter, 'That can wait until morning. I'm assuming you were headed to bed young lady.' Debbie hinted while looking down at Cassi's swollen belly.
'Yes. But how can you expect me to sleep now? I'm afraid if I look away you'll evaporate.'
Laughing, Debbie hugged her daughter again.
'Nonsense. Your father went to hell and back to get me here. I very much doubt he'll let me go anywhere. Isn't that right, Lucas?'
'You are damned right, woman. Not a chance in hell.' He wrapped his arms around her, who was still hugging Cassi.
They all three stood holding each other. Cassandra had no idea but this was what she needed all along. What she yearned for as a child. Samuel rolled inside her, feeling the warm energy spreading through her.
Looking over her mothers shoulder she saw James leaning back against the table with a smile on his face.
'Now Cassi,' Debbie leaned away. 'You are a grown woman now and you do not need your mother to tell you what to do. But I think your husband and I…even your father, if he knows what's good for him, would all agree, you should go get some rest. I promise you I'll be here when you wake up.'
Lucas chuckled before kissing Debbie on the temple.
'Can't argue with the woman who holds everything I have.' Turning, he looked at James. 'Am I right?'
Cassi was shocked that he not only just addressed James but his voice was joking too.
James looked just as surprised.
'No I understand all too well.' James quickly recovered.
Groaning Cassi moved back. 'Why do I have the feeling I'll be out voted more often now?'
James moved forward and took her in his arms.
'We just want to look after you, love.'
'Well, you all should know by now I'm stubborn as all of you. So good luck.'
'Well mama is here and I'd say you get half of your stubbornness from me. We both know I could persuade you. But this holds firm. March young lady. Plenty of time later to catch up. You and my grandson need sleep.' Debbie and James gently guided her out.
'Wait.' Shaking herself loose she turned toward Lucas. 'Dad, what exactly did you do?'
Lucas smiled.
'Your mother is right, Cassandra. Plenty of time later to catch up. You've had enough shock tonight. We can discuss it later.'
'No.' She glared suspiciously at Lucas. 'I may still be learning, but I'm no idiot. I know a spell like this has to require some serious power.' Panic quickly flooded her system. Grasping blindly to James's sleeve shirt she heard her voice become hysterical. 'Please tell me you didn't make some kind of deal with another fae creature. Oh God, please say you didn't. Even I know that'll bite not just you but all of us in the asses.'
Chuckling Lucas quickly soothed his hands over her cheeks.
'Breathe. No, I didn't make a deal. At least not with a fae creature. A simple trade.'
'What the hell does that mean?!' She gritted.
James tightened his arms around her.
'Well, like you said, it took quite a lot of magic to bring her back. Did you know when magic is used it lingers? Like smoke. Well during that battle you and my grandson used a lot. Add that to the multiple witch powers that were against you. Mixed with what I had left, and you got yourself enough for a resurrection spell. It would have taken me years to get the magic I needed had it not been for you and Samuel.'
Cassi blinked astonished.
'So you're saying, me and Sam brought her back?'
Lucas smiled proudly. 'Exactly.'
Cassis' smile faltered.
'You said, 'what magic you had left.' What does that mean?'
Lucas shrugged. 'Magic also takes sacrifice. Balance is necessary. So I gave up part of me for her.'
Cassi's eyebrows furrowed.
'Meaning…?'
'I made a deal with magic itself. The balance is still there. One human life is resurrected by a witch. In return, part of me is…you could say is dead. The warlock part. I'm mortal now Cassandra.'