Elissa’s head whipped around at the last admission. She wasn’t concerned one of the ladies had ambitions as long as they watched them carefully. But to know they were lovers was another story.
“I trust her.” Emerald bored into azure. “I can’t explain it. I just have this inkling in my stomach saying I can. That never happened with Steven or Cordelia.”
The vampire took a deep breath. While Elissa trusted her wife with her very existence, Cassandra was still new to the world compared to the vampire. “All right. I’ll remain with the ladies and Mr. Wilkens’ men. We’ll start clearing more of the debris and ready for rebuilding. You escort the kind sheriff to retrieve the trash.”
Cassandra couldn’t stifle the giggle. Henry and Steven were no more than garbage in the young woman’s mind. “And then I can start lunch for the crew that I’m certain you’ll work until they are starving.”
Their eyes met. It was one of those moments both wished they were alone or they lived in an accepting world where a kiss between them would not be frowned upon. If not worse. “And I’ll check on Emily. You know she’s probably going to want to help you.”
“I’ll watch out for Emily. You just watch out for the sheriff and his men.” Elissa winked at Cassandra before easily sliding out of the wagon. She turned to help her wife to the ground.
Their eyes said what their lips couldn’t at that moment. A grasp on biceps with a gentle squeeze conveyed just as much, if not more.
Reluctantly Cassandra went in search of Lily. It hadn’t been that long she had been with Elissa. When the hand ranch wasn’t on the porch, she figured Emily was awake.
There were sounds of laughter coming from Emily’s room. Cassandra swiftly made her way there. While she didn’t want to interrupt, she had to attend to the sheriff and his men.
“Stop. I can’t breathe.” Emily was in tears from whatever Lily was doing to her. It brought a smile to Cassandra’s face. “Cassandra!”
Cassandra readied herself as the eight-year-old launched herself into waiting arms. “You’re getting too big already for me to do this.” She laughed at the adorable pout. “There’s a lot of people here. Mostly men. They are here to help rebuild the stables. I want you to stay with me, Lily or Elissa. For now, I have something I can’t have you help with so either stay with Lily or Elissa.”
Emily frowned. She didn’t like a lot of people. And men were the ones that were the meanest to her. Still, she liked Lily and loved Elissa. She knew she was well taken care of. “Ok.”
“That’s my girl.” Cassandra ruffled Emily’s hair as she placed her on the floor of the kitchen. Her muscles were protesting after having worked last night and now carrying the growing young girl who had steadily gained a healthy weight.
Lily watched the interaction. If she didn’t know better, she would have sworn Emily was a product of Elissa and Cassandra. The child had the blonde locks of the younger woman and the rich azure eyes of the elder.
“I’ll be back to help with lunch I hope within the hour.” Lily nodded as she followed Emily and Cassandra to the porch. There was a power and purpose as the petite blonde strode to where the sheriff was speaking to Elissa.
“I’m sorry to have kept you and your deputies waiting.” Cassandra bowed her head. “I had to make certain Emily was all right. If you’ll follow me, gentlemen.”
Sheriff Williams tipped his hat at Elissa before hastily falling into step next to Cassandra. “I’m sorry you’ve had more trouble with Henry. I went to school, part of the time, with him. I never thought he’d stoop this low. Though I always did question his morality.”
Cassandra shrugged. “We can’t control the actions of others. We just have to do our best and make the best decisions with the information we have.”
The sheriff internally shook his head. He still had trouble believing the young woman wasn’t even sixteen yet. She was more mature than a majority of the twenty something men in town and on the surrounding farms and ranches.
It was nearly half an hour until they came across five wolves. Raven came right up to Cassandra and nudged her hand with her head. “Yes, you did very good. You and your babies. And you knew that before begging for attention.”
Sheriff Williams watched in amazement at how natural Cassandra and the wolves interacted. It was as if they belonged to the same pack. And that’s probably how the wolves thought about it and why they were so protective.
“Now, you go find Elissa. But just keep in mind there are a lot strangers. You watch her and you’ll know who to trust.” A low wolf growl was Cassandra’s response. It was followed by a pack of howling wolves as they took off toward the ranch. “I swear those five are just like furry kids.”
“I’ve never seen wolves so tame before.” Sheriff Williams had already began to cut Henry free while one of his deputies was working on the ropes holding Steven in place.
“They aren’t tame.” The sheriff glanced up from his cutting of the ropes. “They know enough to respect life, unless there’s no reason to.” Cassandra shrugged as if that explained everything.
“I’m going to get you two bitches.” Henry managed to spit in Cassandra’s general direction, but missed by a foot. “Life was good until you moved to Salem.”
Cassandra remained silent. This young man was a waste of her time. He was a waste of a human being. This time, she hoped his father wasn’t going to bail him out. She hoped he’d have to deal with the full extent of the law.
“Don’t make me gag you as well as cuff you.” The sheriff roughly clasped the metal handcuffs around Henry’s wrists. They were tighter than necessary.
The young woman had to contain her mirth at the sight of Henry inwardly howling. Instead, Cassandra made a suggestion. “Why don’t we get back. There’s only an hour or so until noon. If you gentleman would like, you could remain for the midday meal.”
“I appreciate that, but I’d rather get these two into a jailcell.” They began their journey back to the ranch. The sheriff’s eyes rarely leaving the petite form next to him.
Cassandra could feel the eyes upon her. If she weren’t married and inclined toward men, she would be more than honored. But she was spoken for.
Henry attempted to run a couple times. In the end, the sheriff used part of the rope that had restrained the men most of the night to keep him from running.
When they arrived at the ranch, the main frame was already in place. Some would be surprised, but not Cassandra. Even without all the help, she knew her wife wouldn’t sit still until both stables were ready for horses and the bunkhouse was ready to house the ladies.
“Have a good day ma’am. I’m sorry I’m not remaining to help build.” The sheriff removed his hat. He bowed at the waist before making his way to his horse.
Cassandra didn’t watch them go. She wanted to find Elissa and Emily before she started the lunch preparation. Or help with them if Lily had already begun.
Men and women were working alongside one another. Cassandra smiled at what people could do if they put their differences aside.
Emily was on Elissa’s shoulders. She was helping hammer in the square nails. Cassandra knew the child was hampering more than helping so she couldn’t help smiling.
The rest of the day was spent either in the kitchen for Cassandra or helping outside. Emily was either with Elissa or Cassandra. And Lily wasn’t far from wherever Emily was.
Finally, the sun had set on the day. Mr. Wilkens had received a telegram from one of the men he had sent to make certain Steven was bringing in the horses as promised. It had told them one thing they knew which was Steven and his sister weren’t to be trusted. It also told them in two days, depending on weather, the horses would be in Salem.
The ladies were in the completed stable. Emily was tucked into bed. Elissa was holding Cassandra tightly to her body. In a few hours, she would have to feed.
“I wish I didn’t have to go.” Elissa kissed the top of her wife’s head. “I really do wish I was mortal. The only po
sitive about being immortal and having you joining me is the eternity we get to spend together.”
“I know it’s becoming harder and harder to hide the fact you don’t eat.” Cassandra snuggled closer. She would relish her wife’s body next to her for as long as she could. The next week or so would be busy settling into ranch life.
“I don’t know how many more times you can give me something to eat and I sneak it to Raven and her pups.” Elissa shook her head at the thought. “Not that any of them are complaining, mind you.”
Cassandra giggled. “Just like I’m not complaining about having to hide certain things. Even if we were mortal, we’d have to hide our relationship from most.”
“Yeah.” Elissa closed her eyes. She could feel the pull. She could feel the hunger. “I best go. I love you.” The vampire kissed her wife tenderly before she was only a blur.
Chapter 43
Cassandra was sitting on the back porch. There was now a swing on it. There was also a table and two rocking chairs. The gazebo stood in the exact place they had exchanged vows two years almost to the day.
The eighteen-year-old couldn’t believe the changes in the last two and a half years. It wasn’t just the changes made to the ranch or the number of horses that had been raised and broken only to be sold.
The changes were about the people that lived there. Emily was now eleven. She was coming into her own. If Cassandra had to guess, she’d like to be a school teacher. She had quite the thirst for knowledge.
Lily was the only one of the saloon girls who remained on the ranch. There were other ranch hands, both male and female. In some sections of Oregon, The Angel Ranch was known as the best place to purchase horses or obtain work if one could.
For Cassandra, all of this was amazing. But what she wanted she couldn’t quite have. Elissa and she had agreed on twenty-three as the year to turn her. Five years left that the young woman had to be cautious. To not fall to any foibles of humanity.
“Cassandra!” The woman in question turned toward the familiar voice. “Lily had me do some sums. She says I’m better at math than she is.”
The slate was placed in Cassandra’s lap. She took a moment to look over the figures. For eleven, Emily was advanced. It came from three women who were her mentors, along with teachers.
“Wow. You really have done well with these today.” Cassandra took Emily’s hand in her own and gave it a gentle squeeze. “You’ve been working really hard. Elissa and I are so proud of you.”
“Thank you.” Emily blushed as usual when she was complimented. “Does this mean I get to run with the wolves after supper?”
Cassandra shook her head. Raven was getting a little older, but she was still more pup like than anything else. And her pups were always getting into some kind of trouble.
“We’ll see, but I’m sure that will be all right.” The child didn’t hesitate in kissing Cassandra on the cheek. “Now finish your lessons. I’ll join you in a few minutes to begin supper.”
Emily didn’t argue. She made her way back inside. “She’s getting so big.” Cassandra jumped at the sound of her wife’s voice. “But then, my wife is quite grown up as well.”
Elissa sat next to Cassandra. She leaned in for a quick kiss. They were cautious, but not as cautious as they had been in the beginning. Most of the ranch hands knew they weren’t cousins. The rest was their business.
“I can’t believe we’ve been a family for eight years now.” Cassandra leaned against her wife. “I can’t believe I’m considered legal.”
The vampire flashed back. Eight years ago she’d been caught leaving some meat for the orphanage that didn’t have enough. There was always meat left once she drained whatever animal she had found to refuel her lifeforce.
“I’m grateful you are legal now. Otherwise I could be in trouble.” Elissa knew the backhand was on its way. She, as usual, didn’t flinch once.
“You were in trouble back East and you know it.” Cassandra felt the arm wrap around her and bring her even tighter to her side.
“True.” Elissa loved the banter. In the beginning, she had had to be in charge. She had to be the guardian. Now, they were equal partners. “But I wouldn’t change it for a moment.”
“What’s going to happen.” Elissa turned so she could look her wife in the eyes. Cassandra smirked. “Every time things begin going really well, something happens. There was Yohan. The Jones brothers. Before that I became ill and nearly…”
Cassandra trailed off as her wife’s body stiffened. “Then there was Henry, Steven and Cordelia. The burning of the stables. We recover each time. Make it even better and become stronger. But I swear we’re jinxed.”
Elissa chuckled. “I don’t know about jinxed, but life isn’t normally dull for too long at a stretch, that’s for sure.” She kissed her wife once again. “Speaking of not being dull, I have to check on Chestnut. She was due to foal last week.”
“You take good care of Chestnut. You know she’s Emily’s favorite.” Cassandra rose at the same time Elissa did. “It’s time I start the evening meal. Fifteen hands to feed is quite the meals to prepare, even with Lily helping.”
“Just don’t forget your book.” Elissa stared into emerald eyes. “You’ve been working on it for the past two years. I’d like to one day see if we can publish it.”
“The one for publishing is nearly done.” Cassandra closed the distance between them. “The one that’s just for you is complete. I’m just waiting for our anniversary to give it to you.”
“That’s about a month away. I guess I can be patient until then.” Elissa heard the shouts coming from the stables. “I think someone is calling my name. I love you.”
Another kiss and Elissa was off. Cassandra stared after her wife for a few moments. She was the luckiest woman in the world. Too bad not many others knew just how lucky she was.
The sound of horses caught Cassandra’s attention just as she was about to open the door. She turned to find a very familiar figure. One she hadn’t seen in person in over three years.
Cassandra waited until Mr. Spinster was closer to the house. She gladly took the reins to his horse as he dismounted. “Mr. Spinster, I didn’t think we’d see you again.”
The reins were tied to the hitching post near the house. The other rider slid off. Cassandra vaguely recognized the young woman. She thought she was Mr. Spinster’s secretary.
“It’s good to see you.” Mr. Spinster scanned the ranch. There were two stables which had been expanded. The barn had also been added to as they had more pigs, horses for two wagons and more cows. It was quite the impressive layout.
“It’s good to see you. A surprise, but good to see you.” Cassandra happily shook his hand. She remembered what their last communication was in regards to. “You came all this way about the adoption of Emily?”
“I did. But there’s more.” Mr. Spinster made his way to the young woman. “Julie and I were married about a month ago. We decided to move to Salem. After how you described it in your letters, we couldn’t resist.” He assisted Julie as she regained her land legs.
“Wow. That’s wonderful.” Cassandra was beaming. “Do you have any plans for supper? There’s usually a full house around here between our hands, Emily, Lily and ourselves.”
“If it wouldn’t be too much trouble.” Mr. Spinster had his arm wrapped around his wife’s waist. “We’re staying at the hotel until we can find a building for rent that hopefully has living space above it.”
“If we weren’t an hour from town, I’d offer a place here. We have a spare bedroom, plus we can always make some space to sleep in the office.” Cassandra waited to see his response.
“I appreciate it, but I’d like to remain in town and attempt to reestablish my practice.” Mr. Spinster heard the call and turned to see a young blonde with blue eyes in the doorway.
“Cassandra, Lily says she needs your help.” Emily stopped in her tracks. While she was used to the numerous hands, she still didn’t care to be aroun
d new people. Especially without Cassandra or Elissa near her. Lily was also someone she felt extremely comfortable around.
“Emily, I’ll be right in. Can you tell Lily we have guests?” Cassandra waited for the nod. She noticed how Emily’s eyes never left Mr. Spinster. “Thank you.”
Cassandra turned back to her friends and guests. “She still gets quite leery of strangers. She’ll be quiet around you, but she’ll warm up to you pretty fast. And Elissa should…Wait she might be a while. One of the mares is foaling.”
“Must be routine around here.” Mr. Spinster followed Cassandra into the house. The kitchen was neat and organized. And it was modern was the best word he could come up with.
“While we have foals every few months, each one is an adventure.” Cassandra motioned to the kitchen table. “Have a seat, unless you’d feel more comfortable in the living room.”
“The kitchen is fine.” Mr. Spinster made certain his new bride was seated before taking a seat next to her. Emily was sitting across from them chopping onions. “What are you helping to make?”
“Chili.” Emily blushed. The man seemed nice, but she wasn’t certain she could trust him. Even with Cassandra acting as though he was an old friend.
“I haven’t had chili since I visited my friend in Oklahoma.” Mr. Spinster saw the blue eyes widened. “You are doing a wonderful job with the onions.”
Cassandra observed the interaction. She hoped Emily was coming around so that she wouldn’t have to worry about her should they visit town. One problem of homeschooling. Emily didn’t interact with anyone outside the ranch.
“Thank you.” Emily smiled shyly.
Mr. Spinster turned to Cassandra. “May I?” Immediately she understood. While she would love for Elissa and herself to tell Emily, it would help Emily feel more comfortable for the evening. “I’m a lawyer. I’ve helped out Cassandra and Elissa a few times. Part of the reason I’m here is so they can officially become your legal guardians.”
Emily’s mouth formed a big ‘O’. She didn’t exactly understand what it meant. She did think it meant no one could take her away from them.
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