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Cassia searched his eyes for any sign of deception. Though his expression and tone had softened, his power remained strong and steady. It was a rush, a pleasant sensation that she hoped would go on forever but knew at any second it could go away. In her mind, the creature urged her to trust him … submit.
Shocked at her inner thoughts, she sucked in a breath and shook off her trance. Jesus, Cass. “Um … sorry … yeah, um, I’m not sure, but I’m open to the possibility of us coming to a place of mutual understanding.”
“Given the hellhounds chasing you, I’d say that’s a good choice.”
“Sometimes I believe … sometimes the Goddess helps people, leads them together. I thought I was just supposed to warn you but I don’t know anymore.” Sadness rushed her. Cassia’s face turned somber. “You need to know, Alpha. There’s something about me that Hell wants. I’ve been running for a long time. I don’t want to go to Hell. I want to live my life.”
Julian walked to the door, stopped and turned to her. “I won’t let them take you.”
As the Alpha shut the door behind him, Cassia released a deep breath. Her mind raced, her body still tingling with his power.
“What the hell is happening to me?” Cassia rubbed her eyes and attempted to shake his hold over her. “Oh my Goddess. He’s a fucking Alpha. Calm down, Cass.”
Her mind raced as she struggled to come to terms with her predicament. The moment she’d astral projected to him, she knew there would be a chance he’d come for her. Though capable of small manifestations she was unable to materialize. She’d left her tarot cards, hoping that if he hadn’t understood, there’d be no question of a communication.
Cassia blew out a breath and attempted to settle her mind. The fire. She shoved her hand into her backpack and retrieved her cell phone. Seven panicking texts from Marley, the receptionist at Divination.
“Thank Goddess she’s okay.” Cassia tapped out her reply. I’m fine. U ok?
I’m safe
Where r u?
Cathedral
Marley, where r u?
Evil.
Marley?
“Fuck!” Cassian threw her backpack on the bed. What the hell happened? Hell.
Cassia rubbed her hand over her hair and glanced to her blackened palm. Ash had settled into her hair. She looked to her blackened jeans and up to the bathroom door. “What have I gotten myself into?”
Cassia crossed the room and flicked on the light to the bathroom. As she stared at her dirty face, she sighed. The stench of the hellhounds clung to her. The Alpha wasn’t letting her leave anytime soon. She reasoned she might as well get clean and reached into the shower and switched on the faucet.
“Blood sucking vampire better stay the fuck out.”
* * *
As the hot spray sluiced down her back, Cassia closed her eyes and pictured the Alpha. With tousled dark hair and chiseled jawline, he exuded power and dominance. Though he could have left her for the demons at any time, he’d saved her … twice.
The secret she kept itched to be revealed but the Alpha had to earn her trust. Over the years, she’d told only a few people of her ability, her origins. Lucky to be alive, Cassia stayed hidden, moving whenever the premonitions of the hellhounds warned her of their arrival.
Through the mist of her shower, she detected the scent of fresh baked bread and her stomach growled. She reached for the spigot and turned off the water. Though still unsure of whether to trust the Alpha, hunger won the battle of her immediate needs.
Cassia snatched a black towel that hung outside the glass-encased shower. As she stepped onto the cool marble floor, a shiver ran through her.
“Jesus, it’s cold in here.” Though early Spring, the nights in New Orleans had remained cool and she yearned for summer.
Cassia grimaced at the pile of smoky clothes she’d tossed neatly on the floor. What the fuck am I supposed to wear now? Just ask the friendly wolf if he has a washing machine. You still need something to wear now. This isn’t even my house but …
She eyed the dresser, reached for a drawer and slid it open, revealing neatly folded shirts. She smiled as if she’d discovered hidden treasure. Cassia reached for an oversized Saints sweatshirt.
She tossed the towel and gooseflesh broke over her body. As she pulled the sweatshirt over her head, it instantly warmed her. Within seconds she’d located socks and sweatpants, and slid into the clothing.
With her hair still wet, she finger-combed her long damp locks. She took a deep breath and stared at the door. “He said he didn’t want me to leave. And you don’t like hellhounds. But I’m hungry. Oh just go find him.”
