“I think you are right. It’s also the closest to the cleanest looking stables.” Elissa pulled up just outside the inn. “Why don’t you see if you can get us a room. I’ll see if they can take care of the wagon and horses for a day or two.”
Cassandra nodded in agreement. One thing she noticed as she made her way up the boarded sidewalk, a majority of the men wore at least one gun at their hip. Some had two and a rifle slung over their backs. It caused her nerves to fray.
A low growl escaped Raven. “I know. I’m nervous too.” Cassandra patted her thigh. The wolf was instantly at her heels. “Just relax.”
Relaxing was the last thing Cassandra could do once she entered the inn. While it appeared nice on the outside, inside was a completely different story. There were scantily clad women everywhere she looked. The scent of sweat and something she couldn’t identify overpowered her.
While Cassandra was nervous, she couldn’t help noticing the healthy female flesh showing. It was something she’d never witnessed before.
After shaking her head, Cassandra backed out of the inn. Unfortunately she ran into the chest of someone that smelled worse than the scents that had overpowered her when she had first entered the establishment.
“Pardon me.” Cassandra’s face drained of all color. The biggest man she had ever seen stood before her. He was at least a head taller than Elissa. His biceps were nearly as big as Cassandra’s head. His beard was down to the middle of his chest. There was a gun on each hip and a bowie knife in each of his boots.
“Well looky here.” The tall man’s breath was so bad Cassandra couldn’t keep from cringing. “Aren’t you a purdy little thing.”
The growl caught the man’s attention. “Keep that varmit away from me or I’ll slit its throat.” As if about to make good, the man retrieved his right bowie knife and ran it across his rotten teeth.
“Raven.” Cassandra’s voice was commanding. There was no wavering even though she was terrified. In fact, she stared into the dark blue eyes. “You might want to let me pass. I have a friend who will be looking for me.”
The laughter caused Cassandra to jump it was so loud. “In this town, only the sheriff can tell me what to do. And even then, I normally tell him what to do.”
“This isn’t normal times.” Elissa’s voice was nearly guttural. The man turned around to see who had dared speak to him. “Put the knife away and let my friend and our wolf pass.”
“Or what?” The man retrieved his second knife. He held his hands slightly spread out at his sides. He stood to his full height in an attempt to intimidate Elissa.
In a move so swift, Cassandra once again had trouble following Elissa’s moves, her knee made full contact with the man’s groin. The knives hit the floor with a clattering noise. It was followed by a fist to the nose.
Elissa watched the big man grab his nose with one hand and his groin with the other. She easily pushed the big man to the floor. His groans would not stop.
The vampire held out her hand. “Let’s find some place a little more inviting.” Cassandra didn’t hesitate in taking Elissa’s hand. In fact, she was grateful when Elissa kept a hold of her hand as they made their way toward another inn.
“I asked at the stables. The best inn is actually right across from one of the best lawyers in town.” Elissa smiled at the relieved expression on Cassandra’s face. “I also think there’s a small restaurant not far from the inn.”
“Now you’re speaking my language.” Elissa attempted to suppress a snicker. The two walked the rest of the way to the inn in silence. They were holding hands and didn’t even realize it.
The lobby of the inn was much cleaner. There were a handful of people milling around, but they were all in some kind of formal wear. It caused Cassandra to feel underdressed even in her best Sunday dress.
“Don’t let anything or anyone intimidate you.” Elissa had felt the hand holding hers tighten when they had entered the lobby. She understood why. “We’ll get a room, put our stuff away and then go and get you something to eat.”
They waited a moment for the desk clerk to acknowledge them. “Wolves aren’t allowed.” The man was tiny. He appeared to have a permanent scowl on his face.
“She’ll sleep in the stables with the horses.” Elissa hardened her gaze. Her eyes were glacial as she stared at the man. “Now we need a clean room for two nights.”
The man swallowed. Normally women were easier to deal with. But not this woman. His hand shook a little when he handed her the key. “It’s on the third floor. Turn left. It’s the farthest door on the right.”
“Thank you.” Elissa didn’t even bother signing the ledger. Instead, she resumed holding Cassandra’s hand and led her to their room.
Elissa placed the satchel with their clothing on the bed. It was a double bed. She knew what that meant. She would be snuggled next to Cassandra all night long.
“That was an experience.” Cassandra sat on the bed. It was soft. Softer than the one she had at home that was made of straw. “I hope supper won’t be quite such an event.”
“I hope not.” Elissa waited until Cassandra had tidied up. The vampire rarely bothered with it. It wasn’t long before they were walking into the restaurant. “This looks promising. While you eat, I’m going to see if I can make an appointment with the lawyer tomorrow.”
“Be safe.” Cassandra smiled. It was what they normally both said to the other. After watching Elissa cross the street and enter the lawyer’s office, she turned to see about a table. She found herself looking up at one angry man with a bloody nose.
Chapter 21
“Cassandra?” The familiar voice startled the young woman. But not enough so that she took her eyes off the big man in front of her.
Forcing himself between the big man and Cassandra was the wanted form of Joseph. That wouldn’t have been said if they were back in Keosauqua. “I can’t believe we ran into each other. Is your friend with you?”
It took a moment for Cassandra to gather her thoughts. She still didn’t want to take her eyes off the big man. “Elissa is running an errand. She said she would meet me here when she was done.”
Joseph looked up at the man standing behind him. He swallowed hard at the anger emanating from the man. “I’m here alone on an errand in the big city for my dad. Why don’t you and Elissa join me? I have a table over here.”
Cassandra nodded and allowed herself to be led away from the man. If Elissa had been there, she wasn’t certain he would have allowed them to leave.
After they were seated across from one another, Cassandra blew out a breath. “Thank you. The gentleman and Elissa had a run in after he attempted to…”
It took a moment for Joseph to realize what Cassandra was hinting at. “Oh my goodness! I bet that didn’t go over very well with your protective friend.”
“No, it didn’t. I was certain she had broken his nose. I didn’t think I’d see him. At least I hoped I wouldn’t while we were in town.” Cassandra greedily sipped on the water the waiter placed in front of her.
“Only broke his nose?” Joseph had a sheepish grin upon his face. “I’d think she would rather have broken something else. I remember the look on her face when…” It was his turn to trail off.
“Joseph, can you answer me something?” Cassandra placed her now empty glass upon the table. She waited for the nod before asking. “Why did you do what you did?”
A deep breath was expelled. Joseph had thought Cassandra might ask if they ever were able to merely sit down without pressure from his father hanging over him.
“My father is not an easy man.” It was Joseph’s turn to sip some of his water. “In fact, he has my entire life planned. He wants me to take over the bank. Before that, I’m to go to school to become a lawyer like him. But before that, he wanted me married. For some reason, he chose you.”
“That still doesn’t explain why you did what you did.” Cassandra nodded her thanks as the waiter refilled her water glass. They ordered the spe
cial while the man was at the table.
“What about your friend?” Joseph was avoiding the question. He was thankful when the waiter had arrived when he had. It gave him more time. But he knew Cassandra wouldn’t allow him to stall forever.
“Elissa prefers her own food. And you’re avoiding the question.” Cassandra leaned back as the food was placed before them. It was smart to order the special. Especially when it was fried chicken and mashed potatoes.
Joseph took a bite of his mashed potatoes. “The kiss and reaction were on me. The only excuse I can even somewhat give is what my father does to me when I disappoint him.”
“What does he do?” Cassandra was making quick work of her dinner. She had a feeling she wasn’t going to like what Joseph was about to reveal.
His fork was placed on his plate. Maybe once Joseph said it aloud his appetite would return. “If I’m not what he thinks I should be, he beats me. Usually with his belt. But he’s used other things as well. That’s why I pushed so hard. I thought that’s what he’d want me to do.”
“I see.” Cassandra took a sip of her water to hopefully settle her stomach. She felt a presence at that moment. She turned slightly to see the familiar presence stalking them as if they were prey.
Cassandra managed to make it to Elissa before she made it to the table. “Before you say or ask, he helped me. That offensive big man was there when I turned around after you left. Joseph was kind enough to invite me to his table. We’ve been talking ever since.”
A dark eyebrow rose. “I’ll behave. As long as he does.” Elissa didn’t wait for a response. She pulled out one of the extra chairs and sat down. “Thank you for intervening.”
Joseph swallowed. “You’re more than welcome. I’m just sorry I was so boorish with my behavior toward Cassandra. Like I told her, I could blame my father. But I won’t. It was my behavior and I have to own up to it.”
Elissa nodded her head. She understood fully what the young man was alluding to. There was her clan to think about. Depending on who one followed depended on one’s behavior. But no matter what, it still came down to each individual.
“If you don’t mind me saying so, you’ve done a bit of growing up since last we saw one another.” Elissa maintained her stoic façade even though there was a part of her that wanted to snicker at the young man’s blush.
“I have a lot more growing up to do.” Joseph found his appetite returning. “Are you certain we can’t order you anything? I know Cassandra said you normally eat food you bring.”
“I’m fine, thank you.” Elissa sat back. She knew she was hampering conversation between the mortals, but that wasn’t a bad thing as jealousy was rearing its ugly head.
“So, Joseph, you said you were running an errand for your dad. Anything you can talk about?” Cassandra was scanning the room as she spoke. She didn’t want the big man to surprise her once again.
“He wanted me to secure a loan from the bank.” Joseph lowered his voice. “I probably shouldn’t tell you but he’s mismanaged the bank. And there’s not a lot of business for a lawyer in such a small town. I’m thinking of moving away as soon as I graduate. But don’t tell him.”
“I’m glad, no offense, that we don’t bank with your dad.” Cassandra winked to take the sting out of the tease should Joseph take it the wrong way.
“No offense taken.” Joseph was enjoying himself. He knew there could be nothing more than friendship between himself and Cassandra, but a friend was a nice thought and something he’d never really had. “I want to ask you if we could be friends. I know there’s a lot of baggage. And definitely not in front of my father. But I’d like someone like you to count on. Especially when it comes to court the right girl. My last attempt was less than desirable.”
Elissa nearly felt a wave of relief overcome her. She hadn’t been certain when she sat down if Joseph had intended more from Cassandra than she could offer.
“I really only have Elissa as a friend.” Cassandra couldn’t add that they were more than friends. Or would be one day soon. “I’d appreciate having someone else to count on.”
“Thank you.” Joseph turned to Elissa. “And I wanted to say thank you for being there for Cassandra. Protecting her. Even from me.”
“Never need to thank me for that.” Elissa finally allowed the stoic façade to slip a little. “That’s what I do.” She smiled sweetly if only for a moment.
“Well now that we are friends I hate to leave but I just saw a gentleman my father wanted me to speak to. If you’ll excuse me.” Joseph stood. He left money on the table before tracking the man he had spotted.
“What do you think?” Elissa stared after the young man after he had rushed away. It was like night and day the man who had walked away from the table from the one back home.
“I think he’s sincere.” Cassandra turned her attention toward Elissa. “Do you want to talk here or do you want to talk back in the room?”
“Room.” Elissa slowly rose. She made certain there was enough money to cover the dinners before helping Cassandra from her seat.
Once again, their hands linked without either even realizing it. There was no sign of the big man on the street. They still had to make it to their shared room.
For once, nothing happened before they returned. Even Raven following up the stairs went unnoticed. Elissa opened the door and waited for Cassandra to precede her in.
Cassandra made her way to the desk and sat on the chair. She stretched before turning to face her friend who remained by the door. “Do we have an appointment?”
Elissa nodded. “I was able to ask a few questions on the behalf of my minor niece.” The vampire waited for her charge’s reaction.
“Niece?” Cassandra shook her head. “I’m not certain anyone would believe we are related. But having them think we are allows for safer travels I think.”
The vampire nodded. “I think we’ll be ok. We just have to have our lawyer, once we retain him, speak to the lawyer handling your father’s affairs. Since it’s been so many years, they will need proof of relationship. Those letters, plus the letter from your uncle should be enough.”
There was the nod of a blonde head. There was also the crinkling of a brow. “There’s only one thing I don’t like about that scenario.”
“I know.” Elissa didn’t like it anymore than Cassandra did. As soon as there was contact with her father’s attorney, Yohan would know they were still in Iowa. It meant he could come himself to persuade his niece once more.
“There’s no other way if we want to begin a horse ranch.” Cassandra knew if they continued like they were, they would never want for food or clothing. But they would never be able to live out their dreams.
The sun had long ago set. It was time for bed. “Why don’t you get changed for bed while I pull the shades. Then we can snuggle in bed.”
There was one time when Elissa wouldn’t give Cassandra the privacy of changing. But with the teens changing body and the changing of their relationship, the vampire would not take any liberties.
It didn’t take long for Cassandra to be ready for bed. She slowly made her way to Elissa who was peeking out the window. She was scanning the crowd for trouble.
Cassandra wrapped her arms around her vampire from behind. She laid her head on strong shoulder blades. “I wish it could just be me and you. The big city is ok, but I just want to live out in the middle of nowhere.”
Elissa turned around in her charge’s grasp. Cassandra leaned her head back. Their eyes met for the longest of times. The vampire wanted something so much she would practically beg for it. But only if her charge was willing to give it.
Cassandra leaned forward. She began to stand on her tiptoes. Their breaths would be mingling if Elissa had need for oxygen.
Just as their lips were about to brush, a low growl brought their attention from the erotic haze. There was a pounding at their door.
Elissa cursed as she thought she recognized the voice yelling for her to open the door. Inst
ead of confronting him, she wedged the chair beneath the door handle. “Take the pistol. I’m going to climb down the balcony and get the sheriff.”
Cassandra remained slightly in the haze. Whoever was on the other side of the door better just go away. She wanted to shoot him just for interrupting her first true kiss.
Chapter 22
Cassandra jumped when she heard the door begin to splinter. She wasn’t certain how much longer the door and chair would hold. She held the pistol in her shaking hand.
Her mind flashed to another time when she had had to defend herself. A vampire had lost their existence that day. It had been her or Devlyn.
Even though it had now been three years, there were times when Cassandra would wake up in a sweat. She would see those dark, lifeless eyes staring back at her.
Since then, Cassandra hadn’t come close to taking a life. Elissa handled all the hunting or slaughtering on their farm. She was grateful she had the vampire in her life. For so many reasons.
A piece of the door came flying toward her. Cassandra had to duck her head to avoid the splinter that was an inch wide and a foot long.
Cassandra didn’t hesitate in cocking the pistol. Raven was beside her. The low growls were constant from the wolf. Taking a deep breath and thinking of Elissa, her hand steadied as she aimed where the hole in the door was.
“I can hear you in there.” That voice. Cassandra shuddered. The man had followed her from the other inn to the restaurant to the inn they were in now. In a way, she couldn’t blame him. Elissa had done quite a number on him.
“And I have a pistol aimed at you.” Cassandra managed to keep her voice steady. There was a vicious laugh from the other side of the door.
The shot rang out causing Cassandra to dive for the floor. She cursed when she felt the pain in her shoulder. Luckily it wasn’t from the bullet but slamming into the floor. She made her way to the bed and flipped the mattress off the frame. “Raven!”
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