The Viking Alpha

It's time

(Cassi POV)

The two women strolled slowly through the gardens with their arms hooked together.
Cassi kept staring at her mother. Reveling in the sound of her voice.
'So,' Debbi chatted. 'I know what happened. From what I could see on the other side of stubborn spirits and what your father has told me, I'd like to know. Are you truly happy, Cassi? With this man? He forced you here. But yet you seem so content.'
Sighing she tucked her hair behind her ear and continued to walk forward.
'Yes. he did. Yes I am happy. We both have been through a lot. He has made mistakes but he atoned for them. But look at you and dad. You believed he walked out on us. Yet you still were waiting for him. Even when you tried to move on for my sake. You felt that…once in a lifetime special bond. From what I understand nothing worthwhile is ever easy, right? I'm also looking forward to our son. Even if I wasn't happy I would not deny James that. But I feel like I've been given something good. Multiple blessings actually. I have more now than I ever did, mama. With you here now I couldn't be more content.' Cassi explained passionately.
Debbi stopped and grinned at her daughter.
'Look at you. All grown up and mature. Yet you will always still be my baby.'
Cassi grinned back. 'Always. I'll also need your help with my baby too. If he's anything like the rest of us he'll be stubborn as hell. Yet you could get through to me sometimes. He'll be an alpha too, according to James. Ezri has told me a little about what to expect.'
'Ah yes. You little witch friend. I've heard about her. I think the term your father used was, "A little off her rocker." ' Debbi giggled. 'Something tells me I'll like her. When do I get to meet her?'
'Right now if you'd like. She has a little cabin in the forest on the outside of the kingdom.'
'Well, should we call first?'
It was Cassi's' turn to giggle. 'Oh no, believe me. She'll be expecting us.'
'Alright. Let's hurry before our men decide to detain us.'
'I can cloak us.'
'What?'
'Cloak. Shield. I can make us invisible. It doesn't last long. It takes a lot of power and concentration.'
'Should you? I side with James. Who I wish to talk with when we get back. But I agree with him. You shouldn't over do yourself. You're what…seven months along right?'
Cassi shrugged. 'Give or take a few weeks. I'll be fine. Besides I need a break I think from James and his over protecting actions. If you want I'll send a link to dad when we are safely on the other side of the border.'
'Okay, then. What are we waiting for?'
Both women grinned identical mischievous smiles before clasping hands and disappearing.
The walk was freeing and exhilarating.
Once they made it past the guards and birder they ducked to the side of the road into the woods before turning visible. Looking ahead Ezri's cabin was about forty yards away.
A small twinge in her lower back came about but she ignored it. Cassi chatted about her other friends. Magda, Natalie, Rex, Vince. How they were all family now.
Ezri came to the door smiling with Humphrey winding around her leg.
'Come in quickly before someone sees you. You should send that message to your father now Cassi.'
'Oh crap!'
'Dad. Mama and I are at Ezris. Don't worry. We're fine. I promise we won't stay too long. Please tell James not to worry. Thank you.'
She turned off the link to avoid the angry lecture about being foolish to go off without telling anyone.
Ezri smiled and turned her attention to Debbi.
'Hello! So good to meet you at last. I didn't know how much longer I could hold the secret.'
'You knew?' Cassi demanded.
'Yes. But I didn't want to give away the surprise.' She explained while ushering them to take a seat and poured tea.
'The cookies will be done in a moment. I prefer them fresh with my tea.'
Cassi glared at her friend.
'Oh don't be angry. It wasn't my place to tell. But I can't help what I see Cassandra.'
Ezri stood to return a moment later with warm butter cookies.
Another twinge hit her in her back then gripped her stomach for a second.
Damned Braxton hicks.
Humphry jumped on Cassi's lap and nuzzled her round stomach.
'Humphrey! Be patient!'
'What?'
Ezri nervously chuckled. 'Oh, he just loves babies. It's the only thing the stiff creature finds enjoyable besides eating.'
Humphrey hissed and glowered at Ezri before continuing to nuzzle.
They sat and drank tea. Cassi stroked the cat while listening to Ezri and her mother chat.
'I want to thank you for helping my daughter.'
'Oh it was nothing. I love her. It was no hard task at all.'
'But I'd still like to thank you all the same. I know there are more parties to thank but you from what I understand help teach her and are a good friend.'
'Well thank you. I'm glad you are back here. With us. I see us helping Cassi together.'
'With what?'
Suddenly they heard a grumbling from the back door.
Humphrey growled on Cassi's lap.
'What is that?' Debbi asked. Panic in her voice.
Ezri pursed her lips and waved her hand in the air before rising.
'Damned greedy demanding pests.' She grumbled. She lifted another batch of cookies that was sitting on the small table in the kitchen and placed it outside the door.
Returning Cassis brow was raised.
'Wood goblins. They enjoy my cooking and harass me from time to time to feed them.'
'Goblins?' Debbi asked.
'Yes. They sulk out in the woods and are unpleasant to others. Naughty but harmless. But I give them food. In return they protect my home from other more mischievous creatures.'
'I see.'
Humphrey purred and looked at Ezri.
'No Humphrey! I have not decided yet.'
'What?'
Ezri shook her head in annoyance.
'He's inpatient for you to give birth.'
'Why?' Cassi asked while scratching underneath his chin.
'Like I said, he loves babies. Also he wants that new room with a bigger fireplace and a plump velvet feather pillow.'
'Huh?'
Ezro stirred her tea slowly. 'When you give birth…afterward, I see you asking us to move in. But I'm not sure I want to leave my home permanently. Visiting you up in the castle and helping in the kitchen has spoiled that ungrateful good for nothing cat.' Ezri glared playfully at the feline in question.
Humphrey in return literally turned his nose up and purred at Cassi.
Debbi chuckled.
'I see now what Lucas was talking about.'
Ezri smiled too. 'Yes. He pretends that I'm a thorn in his side but secretly he cares for me.'
'I can tell. With that man he can't fool me.'
Ezri looked at the clock on the wall then at Cassi.
'How do you feel Cassi?'
The question was one she had heard at least once a day as so many fussed over her. Particularly James.
'I'm fine.'
'No…pain whatsoever?'
Cassi and Debbi looked at each other dumbfounded then back at Ezri.
'Just a twinge or two. Braxton Hicks. I was warned my last ultrasound would happen. For God sakes. Dont tell dad or James. They'll lock me in my bedroom for the remainder of my pregnancy.
'Twinges? Cassi, how many have you had?' Debbi asked. Her eyes wide.
'Two. One, right before we arrived. The second after I sat down.'
Another cramp hit just when she finished talking. This one was slightly stronger.
'Okay and one just now.' She said breathlessly.
'Time to get you home.' Debbi announced quickly.
'I agree.' Ezri joined in. Both women stood and helped her up. Humphrey jumped from her lap and ran out the screen door.
'Guys it's just Braxton hicks.'
Another pain hit her again.
She doubled over and clutched her stomach panting.
'Yeah, Cassi. I think you're wrong.' Ezri hinted.
'What?' Cassi's eyes widened. 'No it's too early!'
Ezri chuckled. 'With the size of this boy I don't think that matters much. He's ready. I'd call your father if I were you.'
Panting she turned back on the link.
'LITTLE GIRL! I AM ALMOST THERE TO EZRI'S HOUSE! YOU BETTER HAVE A DAMNED GOOD-'
'Dad! I think I'm going into labor. Turn back please. Tell James.'
'Oh shi-...Oh! He's here with me, sweetheart. Can you walk?'
'I think so.'
'Meet us outside.'
'They want us to go outside ' She explained. 'They're here.'
With Ezri and Debbis help she managed to walk to the door. Pain gripped her faster and faster.
The door opened. James' face spoke volumes of anger until he saw her pained expression and her clutching her stomach.
'James…'
She was cut off when a rush of liquid ran down between her legs and onto the porch with a loud spat.