Kailani's Pride (The Cassidy Pride Book 1)

by Sage S Wolf

  I pushed it back at her. “I insist.” I gave her my best smile and felt victorious when she finally caved.

  “Fine. But only because you insisted.” She wasted no time cutting a piece and taking a bite, letting out a little moan at the taste.

  In different circumstances, the sound might have affected me below the belt, but at the moment it just made me grin.

  Leandra sat another plate in front of me. “Here you go. Try not to lose this one to your mate this time.”

  “You know if she wanted it, she could have it,” I said, looking at Kailani as I spoke, making sure she understood that my words were true.

  She blushed. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome, mate.” My words made her blush deepen and I hid my smile by taking a bite. I almost let out my own moan at the cheesy goodness.

  “You two headed to the DMV after this?” Leandra asked, sitting down with her plate.

  “I think that’s the plan.” Kailani looked at me and I nodded. I couldn’t seem to stop eating the delicious omelet. A shame there was only one. “I’ll grab a new ID and then head to the bank to see if I’ve been robbed. I need to cancel my debit card too.” I could feel her getting overwhelmed.

  I swallowed my food and reached over to place my hand on hers. “Calm down, Kailani. We’ll get it all taken care of, okay?”

  She took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. “Okay.”

  We spent the rest of our meal making small talk like we had the night before in the truck. I told Leandra about my home in Montana and the pride. She seemed very interested to meet my mom since they had both dealt with losing their mates even if Leandra’s hadn’t died. He’d still been away from her for years now.

  Once our plates were empty, I stood and collected them while Kailani and Leandra continued to talk about Kailani’s parents.

  “Your parents were thrilled when they found out they were pregnant with you,” Leandra said, reaching over the table for Kailani’s hand. “I’d never seen two people more in love with their cub. You were their world.” Leandra's smile was a sad one.

  Kailani returned her aunt’s sad smile. “I remember them enough to know that’s true. They treated me like a princess.”

  “You are a princess, Kailani,” I said, turning the faucet on and starting to wash our dishes.

  Leandra came over and turned the faucet off. “Leave them there, Blake. I’ll wash them once you two leave. I need something to do while your both gone."

  “You and my mom are gonna get along just fine.” I laughed, stepping away from the sink and turning to Kailani. “You about ready to go?”

  “Yep. I just have to grab my cell phone bill and birth certificate and then we can head out.”

  I held my hand out to help her from the chair, relieved when she took it. We were making steady progress. “I’ll meet you in the truck. It needs a few minutes to get warm anyway.”

  Kailani nodded and headed toward her room.

  Leandra grabbed my arm to get my attention. “You be easy with that cub’s heart, ya hear, Alpha?”

  “I promise I will, Ms. Walker.” I had no intention of doing anything but protecting Kailani’s heart forever.

  “Good,” Leandra gave me a shove toward the door. “Now go help our girl get her life back together.”

  “I’m going.” I chuckled and headed out to the Jeep.

  I leaned in and started it before getting in the back and grabbing a sweater from my duffle bag. Even in the spring, Alaska was chillier than Montana.

  ~16~

  Kailani

  I grabbed my birth certificate and cellphone bill and then headed out to meet Blake in the Jeep.

  “We’re good to go,” I said, getting in and buckling my seatbelt. I looked over to see he was wearing a gray sweater that almost matched mine. “Were we doing matching outfits today? I think I missed that memo.” I joked, finding that I wanted to make him smile. I liked him a little more today. It was a little weird but welcome.

  “All the cool couples are doing it.” Blake flashed me a predatory smile before pulling away from the house.

  I laughed. “So we’re a couple now?” I knew he was only making a joke. He wouldn’t rush me into anything, and I respected him more for it. Blake was patient.

  “We are whatever you want us to be, whenever you want us to be it, Kailani.”

  “I’ll remember that. Take a right up here at this stoplight and keep going until we reach the next town. That’s where the closest DMV is.”

  “Got it.” Blake hit his blinker as we stopped at the red light. “Don’t you think the no right on red thing is stupid sometimes?”

  I huffed out another laugh. “Are you seriously asking me about traffic laws right now?”

  He shrugged. “Is there something else that you’d like to talk about because I’m down for whatever.” His lip twitched, telling me he was teasing.

  “You say whatever a lot,” I was watching him closely.

  “Whatever.” Blake’s cheeky grin had my heart and body feeling all kinds of things at once, I wasn't sure if I hated or loved it.

  “I-” I stopped myself. Was I really about the tell this man that I loved him? Nope. Not only no, but hell no.

  Blake glanced over at me as the light turned green. “You what, Kailani?” His eyes were glowing.

  “I might like you a little.” My eyes went to my feet. Did I really just say that?

  He threw his head back and laughed. “I’m glad. A little like is better than the no like I had yesterday.” He turned right and hit the long, and very potholed road that led to the next town. “We should stop somewhere and get you a new phone, which reminds me that I need to call my mom while you’re in the DMV doing your thing. Unless you want me to come in with you?”

  I shook my head even though he wasn’t looking at me. “Nah, I’m good to go in by myself. You check on your mom and let her know we made it here in one piece. Don’t forget to tell her about the evil couch that attacked you.” I needed to stop with my bad jokes.

  “Ha! Very funny, Kailani. How long is it till the next town?” Blake asked, keeping his eyes on the road.

  “About forty-five minutes,” I replied, looking out the window at the never-ending mountains. “The last twenty minutes are all windy roads, and switchbacks, so slow down for them.”

  He nodded. “Thanks for the heads up. Maybe someday we’ll come back and be able to enjoy the beauty of this state. I’d love to maybe hunt a little as my lion.”

  “We’ll? Like you assume that I’m going back to Montana with you?” I’d honestly not thought about it.

  Blake glanced at me. “Aren’t you?”

  I thought for a second. It didn’t make sense for me to stay. “I’ll go, but only if my aunt can come too. I won’t leave her alone again.” I refused to leave her.

  “Deal.” Blake held his right hand out for me to shake and I took it.

  “No take backsies.” I teased.

  “I would never.” The truth ringing out in the words Blake spoke. “Let’s see what’s on the radio.”

  Releasing my hand, he turned on the radio and we were rewarded with the loud sound of… wait for it… opera!

  We both burst out laughing.

  “Wow!” I said, holding my sore stomach. “I was not expecting that at all.”

  “Me either. I won’t lie, I was expecting country or pop, not opera. I don’t think that was even on my list of possibilities when I pushed that button.”

  “That’s satellite radio for you. You can listen to whatever you want.” I pushed the button to sort through the stations and ended up landing on a country station that we both agreed on.

  We spent the rest of the drive singing along to the radio, and for a few short moments, I forgot about all the shit I’d endured the last couple of days and allowed myself to be content.

  Once we arrived at the DMV, I pushed my door open and got out. “This shouldn’t take very long.”

  “I’ll be right her
e waiting for you.” Blake pulled his phone from the cup holder where it had been charging.

  “Okies. Be right back.” I shut the door and headed inside.

  ~17~

  Blake

  I watched Kailani go inside before dialing my mom’s number.

  “Blake Andrew Cassidy, you better be calling me to tell me that you were in an accident yesterday and just regained consciousness!” Mom hissed. She was madder than mad, even not being in the same room as her, I could feel it.

  “I’m sorry, mom. A lot of stuff happened when we got here, and I got distracted with helping Kailani and her aunt. I’m really sorry I forgot to call.” I tried to let her hear how sorry I was, I hated when my mom was upset with me.

  Mom sighed. “I suppose because you were helping your mate, I can forgive you. Just don’t do it ever again. I was worried sick all night wondering if you two had made it safely.”

  “I know.” I went on to explain in detail what had happened with Kailani’s aunt being a lioness when we arrived and me fighting her and then everything that happened after, with us replacing the door and meeting Jack.

  “Now I’m just sitting here waiting for Kailani to get her driver's license so we can head to the bank.”

  “Sounds like you’ve had an exciting twenty-four hours, Cub.”

  “Exciting is not the word I would choose to describe it, but yes, it was been an adventure. How’re things back home?” I asked, fidgeting with the keys still in the ignition.

  “Almost too quiet." Another sigh. "I’m finding it hard to believe Dirk and his family would let you banish them that easily.”

  “You think they’re planning something?” I knew I needed to get back home to my pride. I needed to help my mate first though.

  “I don’t know. I’ve got our enforcers on the lookout for anything strange and Lucas is staying right up my ass like you asked him to.”

  I chocked on my embarrassment. “Mom, I did not say anything about him being up your… I’m not even saying it.” Mom laughed along with someone else. “Is that Lucas?”

  “I just said he was very near, Blake. Do you ever listen to me?” Mom's voice went for frustrated to teasing.

  I blew out a breath. “Put him on the phone, please?”

  “Okay. Call me tonight and let me know how your day has gone. I also want to talk to Kailani.”

  “I will call tonight and make sure Kailani’s around to talk too. I love you.”

  “Love you too, Cub. Here’s Lucas.”

  I heard the phone change hands.

  “What’s up, Alpha?” Lucas asked.

  “You think Dirk and his family are planning something?”

  “Maybe. I can never be completely sure with Dirk. You know the dude is unpredictable most of the time.”

  “I know. Will you just keep a close eye on mom and the house? Make sure no one sneaks in and I’ll be home as soon as I get Kailani and her aunt’s stuff settled enough to bring them with me.”

  “You’re bringing the crazy aunt here?” Lucas joked. I didn’t find it funny knowing what I knew.

  “She’s not crazy, Lucas. Her mate left her, and it broke her lioness. She’s been holding herself together all these years for Kailani.” The door to the DMV opened and Kailani came out wearing a big smile. She must have gotten her driver's license without an issue. “Ask my mom to tell you about it. I gotta go.”

  “Alright. Talk to you later, Alpha.”

  “Later.” I hung up and waited for Kailani to get in the truck and buckle herself in. “Went well?”

  She turned to me and smiled wider. Goddess, she was going to continue to get more beautiful as the day progressed. “Yep.” She pulled her fresh driver's license out of her pocket and showed it to me. “Now we can head to the bank and get that all sorted.”

  I started the truck and backed out of the spot. “Back to your town then?”

  “There’s actually a bank branch just right up the street from here. Might as well go there since we’re here.” Kailani pointed in the direction of her bank.

  I let her direct me and found myself waiting in the truck again as she went inside to find out if her ex had robbed her of more than her freedom.

  ~18~

  Kailani

  Once inside the bank, I gave the teller my ID and account number so she could look up my account.

  “Your account balance is zero.” Her words made my heart sank.

  “He took it all,” I whispered, feeling Kavik’s betrayal all over again. How could someone be so cold-hearted? He really did hate me.

  “Is everything okay, Ma’am?” The bank teller was concerned by my burst of sudden tears.

  I nodded, trying to gather myself so I could do what needed to be done. “My ex stole my debit card and driver's license. I need to cancel the card.”

  “Oh dear. Would you like me to call the police as well?” She asked.

  I shook my head. “No. Just cancel the card and close the account for me. I won’t be using it anymore.” I hated that I felt so fucking defeated again. I needed Blake. Wait…needed?

  “You don’t need to cancel the card if you’re closing the account. Let me just go grab the paperwork for you. I'll be right back.”

  I stood silently while I ping-ponged between hurt and pissed off. That was money I had busted my ass to earn. Kavik hadn’t worked a day in his life. His parents bought and paid for anything he wanted. He was a spoiled entitled dickhole!

  “Here we go.” The teller came back with a few forms for me to sign and then my account was closed for good. “I hope your day gets better.”

  “Thank you,” I said, heading out to the truck.

  Blake knew something was wrong a soon as my door shut. “What’s happened?”

  “Kavik took everything.” My trust, my love, my sense of security. I didn’t say that to Blake, of course, but the way he started growling told me he felt it.

  He slammed his fist on the steering wheel. “I’m gonna fucking kill him.” He roared, a growl becoming constant from his chest.

  I grabbed his wrist, instantly quieting the growls. “He’s not worth it, Blake. Let’s just get back to my house and convince my aunt to leave with us. I don’t care about my stuff. I just want to be done with him and this place.” I wiped my eyes.

  “If I promise to not maul his lying, manipulating face will you promise to take that damn ring off?” Blake was practically begging.

  I released his wrist and twirled the ring on my finger. It was time for it to go. “I promise. When we’re halfway back to my house I’ll toss it over a cliff and be done with him forever.”

  “Good girl.” Blake locked his glowing eyes with mine. “You’ll feel better when you’re wearing my mark and not his.” The growl in his chest was turning into a purr. I found myself wanting to put my ear to his chest to listen to it.

  “I don’t even know what that means.” I was trying not to smile. I wanted to stay mad and guarded, damn it!

  “You’ll see,” Blake smirked.

  We pulled out of the bank parking lot and headed back toward my house. As promised, we stopped around the halfway mark and got out of the Jeep.

  “I hope doing this makes me magically feel better,” I said as we stood on the edge of the cliff, staying inside the guardrail.

  Blake slung an arm over my shoulder and pulled me against his side, instantly soothing any lingering doubts I had about taking off the ring. “You will. I don’t know how I know that, but I do.”

  “Here goes nothing.” I slowly slid the ring off my finger and place it in my palm. “Hard to believe I’ve been wearing this for over two years now.”

  Blake plucked it from my palm and held it up in the sun to study it. “It is an interesting piece of jewelry. Look at the mark-”

  “Ow!” I cried out as pain shot through my middle, making me fall to my knees.

  “Kailani!” Blake dropped beside me, trying to find what was hurting me as I screamed in pain. “Show me where it hurts.�
� He pleaded, though I barely heard him over my cries.

  “Everywhere!” I cried out, convinced I was going to die at any second. “Take care of my aunt,” I begged, clutching his sweater and pulling him closer. I needed him near me when I died, as odd as that sounded.

  “Fuck, Kailani.” Blake pulled me tightly against his chest. “We have to get you in the truck and to a hospital.”

  I felt something snap inside of me and I cried out again. “I’m gonna die right here, Blake. Don’t let go till I’m gone, please.”

  “Never, Kailani. I will never let you go.” Blake stood, carrying me bridal style toward the truck. “Hang on, Princess.”

  Something told me to make Blake put us down. Us? “Put me down, please!"

  “I won’t.” He growled, opening the passenger door.

  “Please, Blake," I begged, tears falling from my eyes. "Just do as I ask.” I gritted out. My pain slowly morphing into a burning sensation throughout my body.

  Blake’s nostrils flared and he smiled. “Whatever my queen wants." He sniffed me. "Hang on.” Carrying me to the driver’s side, he sat me on my feet. “Undress.”

  I could barely stand as I glared at him. “Excuse me?”

  He chuckled. “You’ll understand soon. Strip down to your bra and panties and then relax.”

  There was that voice again telling me to do as he said. “Fine.” I stripped down to my underthings and stood shivering in the mud.

  Blake smiled and kissed my forehead. “Give her a few minutes.”

  “Who?” My skin was super itchy now.

  “You’re lioness, Kailani. She’s coming out.” He explained.

  Suddenly the pain was back, and I went down again. This time Blake didn’t crowd me. He stood and encouraged me to not fight what I was feeling until I was on all fours staring down as two massive white paws. I looked up at Blake to see him beaming at me. Pride written all over his face.

  “You’re beautiful, Kailani. Even your lioness’s eyes are violet.” Blake was admiring me.

  His words made me purr… yep, I was purring. Now I just had to figure out how to shift back to my human self.