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“I just want to be free of the hellhounds.”
“You may be right about the witch. I know one who might be able to help. I’ll make some calls in the morning.” Julian looked to the pizza. “Tonight though, we eat. Rest.”
Cassia took a deep breath and looked to the Alpha. “Thank you. Thank you for Idaho. And for tonight.”
“So tell me, those cards of yours. Are you going to read for me?”
Cassia picked up another slice, considering his words. “You sure you want to know your future?”
“If it involves you … then yeah, I want to know.” A pregnant pause filled the room. Julian reached for his wine.
“Maybe.” She cupped her glass. “Sometimes I wish I didn’t know. Sometimes I just want it to end but I don’t know how.” Cassia’s stomach tightened with emotion. “Sometimes when I let the fear creep in, when I’m not strong enough … I don’t want these abilities. I just want it to be over. I want …”
“A normal life?”
“Yeah.” As Cassia looked up into his piercing eyes, a connection sizzled between them as she’d revealed her darkest thoughts. “I just want some peace. I want to make friends. Be with family. Build a home. I want to make cookies and grow a garden. I want to lounge around on weekends and watch sappy rom coms that make me wish for love.” I want love. “I … I don’t remember what it’s like to not be running.”
Julian reached across the table and brushed his hands over hers. She breathed into the calming power of the Alpha and gazed up to him in amazement.
“It’s going to be okay, Cass. Whatever is going down with Hell, whatever reason you saw me, warned me … we’re going to find out and stop it.”
Cassia’s heart rushed with emotion, her beast urging her to stay with the Alpha. None of it made any sense. In all her time, she’d never felt connected to anyone … until this moment.
As she looked to their joined hands, logic reminded her of reality. He’s dangerous. Lethal. The Alpha could turn on her. Yet time and logic was suspended, his power radiating through her body.
Cassia opened her mouth to thank him but went silent as the vampire appeared behind the Alpha. She snatched her hands out of Julian’s, her supercharged energy readied to shift at the first sign of attack.
“Easy there, draga mea.” Greyson held up a dismissive hand and raised an eyebrow at her.
“Jesus, vampire.” Julian slammed his hands on the table.
Cassia’s heart raced as the Alpha stood up between them. She glanced at Julian and back to the vampire.
“You can’t go this alone. What harms you could harm the kid. We’ve got a pup to raise.” Greyson smiled with a chuckle. “I can’t believe I even said that.”
“Rafe isn’t a pup. He’s a full grown man. An adult. He’s a wolf,” Julian insisted.
“He requires guidance. He’s our responsibility. Well, technically my brother’s but he’s ours now.”
“I’ve already committed to the wolf.” Julian looked to Cassia and nodded. His tone softened. “It’s okay. The vampire’s safe.”
“See now. We’re friends.” Greyson laughed.
“That’s still to be determined.” The Alpha told him. “Greyson this is Cassia. Cassia. This is Greyson.”
As the ancient vampire approached her and extended his hand, she steeled her nerves. Show no fear. While the rule had always kept her alive, she also knew when to run.
“Hello.” Cassia returned his firm handshake. Though she attempted to read his energy, she surmised he’d kept up his guard.
“I wasn’t expecting the fire at the shop. I’m sorry,” she apologized.
“The hellhounds stalk you?” Greyson released her hand and reached for a slice of pizza.
“Please have some,” Julian commented. He pointed to a rack of glasses hanging from the kitchen ceiling. “Wine is on the counter.”
“Good pie.” Greyson hummed as he chomped down onto a slice.
“Thanks, man.”
