End of an Era: A Sons of Satrina Novel (The Sons of Satrina Book 4)

by Kristan Belle

  Rolling his shoulders to relieve some of the tension, Kelton flicked through the stack of messages. There were several from council members, requesting that he call them with constant updates on the unfolding situation, but they could wait. The last thing he wanted to do was talk to the uptight stiffs and knew that Verynai would have contacted them and told them everything they needed to know.

  Cassandra. That was another thing that he really could do without. The messages from her were increasingly irate, demanding that he get in contact with her as soon as possible, if not before. That wasn’t going to happen. He had enough shit to deal with without throwing a hateful witch into the mix.

  Rubbing his eyes, Kelton wanted for this all to be over. In an ideal world, he would be curled up in bed with Kayleigh in his arms, but that wasn’t going to happen for the foreseeable future. There was no way he was going to be able to get up to their suite for more than a short visit. There was no easy solution. At least they were both close enough for him to keep an eye on them.

  He and Kayleigh were going to have to go house hunting soon enough. He knew that it was going to be a big change for Kayleigh to deal with, but she was going to have to prepare herself. They needed their own space, away from the warriors and potential dangers. He wanted a home of their own, somewhere they would be alone.

  That wasn’t the only big change that he was planning…

  Knowing that the situation with Cassandra was a personal one, even though he didn’t want to speak to the woman, he thought it prudent to resolve that situation first. After all, they were her daughters and it was understandable that she would be panicked, especially seeing as they weren’t part of the Matris community. They didn’t understand and the mystery of the situation would scare her further. Picking up the phone with a sigh, Kelton dialled Cassandra’s number.

  “The Feelan residence.” A male voice answered.

  “Ms Feelan, please.”

  “Ms Feelan is not available at the moment. May I take a message?”

  Kelton couldn’t help smiling to himself, feeling like he had somehow been let off the hook. “Can you please tell her that Master Warrior Kelton has called? Thank you.”

  The man on the other end of the line hung up without saying another word.

  A knock at the door had Kelton calling out, “Come on in.” and Jonah, one of the newly graduated warriors who had been brought off street duty to help out, poked his head into the room.

  “You’ve got a visitor.”

  Kelton cocked an eyebrow. “Tell them I’m busy.”

  “I already did. She won’t take no for an answer.”

  “She?” Kelton asked.

  “She told me her name was Ms Feelan.”

  Kelton groaned. He couldn’t help it. He thought he’d been too lucky. “I’ll come out.”

  “Sorry for bothering you. She was very insistent.”

  “Don’t worry about it. I know what she’s like.”

  Rubbing a hand over his tired eyes, he knew that it would be better to get this over and done with as soon as possible. The last thing he wanted to do was speak to her. But, there was one thing he had to do before he came face to face with Cassandra.

  “Kayleigh?” He asked as soon as she answered the phone.

  “Yeah, it’s me.” Her voice was a little husky, like she had been crying.

  “How’s Elias?”

  “He’s fine. I’ve just got off the phone from Mira.” That explained the tears. “The poor woman is entirely broken. I don’t know how she’s going to get through this, Kelton.” A sob rose in her throat. “I don’t know what I’d ever do if something like that ever happened to you.”

  “It won’t.”

  “You can’t know that. Dixon thought he’d be coming home to Mira, and he didn’t.”

  Kelton didn’t respond, knowing that their lives as warriors were uncertain and that he couldn’t make that kind of promise to her.

  “How are things going down there for you?” She asked, trying to steer the conversation away from her fraying emotions. She couldn’t bear to think of being without Kelton, and didn’t want to.

  “As mad as you can imagine.”

  “I wish I could be there with you.”

  “You’re needed where you are.” He was proud she’d taken so well to being a mother to his son.

  “True. I couldn’t leave Elias at a time like this.”

  “You’ve got more important things to do there. This place is like a madhouse. It’d drive you nuts!” Kelton smiled to himself, happy that she was out of the craziness up in their suite. “How’s my son doing?”

  “He’s wonderful.” You could hear her tone lighten as she spoke of her baby. “He’s spending most of the time sleeping contentedly. He isn’t demanding at all.” It was quite a change from what she could remember when her other children had been babies. “I’m thinking of going to see Mira later. He’s a great source of comfort to Mira. The only time she smiles is when she’s smothering him in love.”

  “As long as you tell me before you go so I can arrange for someone to accompany you. It’ll do you both good to get out of here. I’m glad he’s there to help her.”

  “Every female that comes into the house is drawn to him. I definitely think things would be harder without him there. All she can focus on is her grief. He’s a good distraction for her.”

  “He’s perfect. Just like his mother.”

  Kayleigh laughed. “I don’t know about that.”

  “I do.” Kelton said firmly. “I’m glad he’s okay, though. I was actually calling you about something else.”

  “What’s wrong? Anything I can help with?” She offered immediately. She wondered why he’d called up. Usually, he’d take the time to run up and see her if he had something he wanted to talk about.

  “Cassandra Feelan had just turned up on the doorstep.”

  “What does she want?” Kayleigh’s voice turned hard as ice again.

  “I don’t know yet. She’s left several messages over the last few days, but I’m not sure what she wants because I haven’t seen her yet. I’m guessing she’s just worried about the girls. I wanted to speak to you before I saw her.” Kelton didn’t want Kayleigh to think that he was seeing that woman behind her back. He didn’t want any secrets between them.

  “That makes sense. I bet all the parents are worried for their children.”

  “The phones are ringing off the hook.”

  Kayleigh sighed. “Well, there’s nothing you can do about it. You’ll need to go and speak to her, especially if she’s worried about the twins.”

  “I’ll call up later and let you know what happens.”

  “I love you.” Kayleigh said quietly. They’d been closer and closer, especially since the birth, but there were times when they felt awkward with one another, usually when they were talking about the girls. But, at a time like this, she had to tell him how she felt. After what had happened to Dixon, she never wanted to leave him hanging and wondering how she was feeling for him.

  “Love you too, sweetheart.” Kelton said as he hung up the phone.

  Not being able to put it off for a moment longer, Kelton walked out of his office and towards the reception area of the building.

  He saw Cassandra straight away. She stood out like a sore thumb among the rough and rugged warriors in her emerald green designer outfit and perfectly styled blonde hair. She looked like an elegant and sexy Barbie doll.

  “Kelton.” She said warmly as soon as she saw him approaching. “It’s good to see you again.”

  “Ms Feelan.” He nodded stiffly, wanting to keep things professional between them. “What can we do for you?”

  “Please, Kelton. Call me Cassandra. We’re beyond those silly formalities, don’t’ you think?” She smiled, bringing out her flirty nature. “I’ve left several messages for you.”

  “This has been a very busy time for us, as I’m sure you can appreciate.”

  “But, this is important. Or at le
ast it should be. I was calling to talk to you about our daughters. I thought that it may be of some importance to you also.” She pouted.

  Kelton stiffened. “Each and every one of my students are important.”

  “So that means that you still haven’t accepted your role as their father?” Her eyes chilled slightly. “You’ve had enough time to let the concept sink in.”

  “I think we should talk somewhere a little more private.” Kelton glanced around, noting that no one was taking any notice of them, but with Cassandra raising her voice, it wouldn’t be long before they attracted more attention.

  “I want to see the girls.”

  “The trainees are busy. They’ll be in the gym at the moment.”

  “I want to see them now.” She demanded.

  Kelton sighed. There were more eyes on them now. He didn’t need his staff distracted from their duties. “Let’s take this to my office, shall we?”

  “Whatever you think is best.”

  Kelton turned and spoke to Jonah as they past. “Everything okay?” he asked.

  “Another worried parent.” Jonah explained after hanging up the phone.

  “Can you go and get Rhian and Cala Feelan for me please? Bring them both to my office.”

  “Will do, sir.”

  Leading the way, he knew that Cassandra was following him by the click clack of her ridiculously high heeled shoes.

  The last thing he wanted was to be alone with the woman, but there was no way he was prepared to talk to her in public. She may be happy airing her dirty laundry, but he liked to keep his life as private as possible. The warriors and trainees at the academy knew that he was the twins’ father, but he didn’t need to add fuel to the fire of their gossip.

  “This is cosy.” She grinned as Kelton shut the door to his office. He regretted closing them in.

  He cleared his throat uncomfortably. “I thought it would be more appropriate to speak in private.”

  “In private?” She smiled seductively.

  Kelton glared at her until she laughed. “Relax, Kelton.”

  He sat behind his desk and watched as she moved to sit in the opposite chair, elegantly crossing her legs and smoothing down her skirt with perfectly manicured fingers. “How are they?”

  “I’m not sure.” Kelton admitted honestly.

  “You mean you haven’t even asked them?”

  “In case you haven’t noticed, we’ve been a little busy here.” He didn’t think it was a good idea to let her know that he had been seeing more of Cala or that she had met his son. That would only make the situation even more awkward.

  “But they are your daughters, Kelton! You didn’t think that they may need their father at a stressful time like this?” Cassandra stormed. Even angry, she was ridiculously attractive.

  Kelton didn’t know how to respond to that. He knew that he should have done more to get to know the girls and possibly comfort them during this upheaval, but he had so much going on what with the death of his friend, the situation with the shifters and his new-born son. He had to admit to himself that he hadn’t even spared a thought for how scared the girls’ may be.

  It had been hard enough introducing Cala to Kayleigh. He knew they had spoken about the events that had happened and she’d assured him the girl was coping well with the situation with the shifters. With regards to Rhian, they had no clue. The girl didn’t want anything to do with them.

  Luckily, it was that moment that Jonah walked into the office with the twins. Quickly, Kelton dismissed the warrior and brought forward a couple of chairs so that they could sit next to their mother. Cala didn’t seem overly excited to see Cassandra.

  “How are you both?” he asked.

  “Oh? So now you’re asking?” Cassandra snapped.

  “We’re okay, thank you.” Cala smiled shyly.

  “What are you doing here, Mother? You didn’t tell me that you were coming.” Rhian asked, completely ignoring Kelton’s presence and question.

  “I wasn’t getting anywhere on the phone and I was concerned.”

  “Have you come to take us home?” Rhian asked as hope brightened her face.

  “Why on earth would I do that?” Cassandra scoffed.

  “Because this place is a nightmare!”

  Cassandra spared Kelton a glance, looking him up and down as if undressing him with her eyes. “This is the perfect opportunity for you to get to know your father. I would be selfish to take that away from you.”

  Rhian laughed. “Are you kidding me? He doesn’t care, and neither do I.”

  “Your father is a wonderful man.” Cassandra looked directly at Kelton, her intent gaze making him feel uneasy.

  “Mother. Just give it up. It’s not going to happen. We’re wasting our time here.” Rhian rolled her eyes.

  “What do you mean?” Kelton frowned. There was something going on here that he didn’t understand.

  “Rhian! Quiet!” Cassandra demanded. “She doesn’t mean anything.” She smiled at Kelton winningly.

  “Mother, if you had bothered to return any of my calls, you would have known that he was back with that woman. And happy, for some reason. I can’t see it myself. She isn’t anything like you.”

  “What? Why didn’t you tell me this before?” Cassandra gasped.

  Kelton banged his fists on the desk to get their attention. “What the hell are you all talking about? What’s going on here?”

  “You’re back with that woman?” Cassandra asked, her face going red with rage. It wasn’t an attractive look for her.

  “Kayleigh?” Kelton was confused as to where this conversation was leading. “Of course. What has that got to do with anything?”

  Cassandra sneered. “I should have done this from the very beginning.” And she started to mutter something under her breath.

  Kelton felt his breath hitch as a feeling of numbness started to creep over his body.

  “Stop!” Cala screamed suddenly and Kelton felt the snap as the numbness left him.

  “What are you doing?” Cassandra screeched. “You’re spoiling everything!”

  “I can’t let you do that to him. I won’t.”

  Kelton shook his head as if to clear his thoughts. “What just happened? What’s going on?”

  Cala straightened her spine, feeling stronger and more confident than she’d ever felt in her life. “She was trying to enchant you, a spell to make you think you want her.”

  “You have no idea what you’re talking about!” Cassandra screamed at her, losing her composure entirely. She didn’t think her daughter would be the one to thwart her plans.

  Kelton narrowed his eyes. “I think she knows exactly what she’s talking about.” He turned, trying to soften his face so as not to scare her, and asked Cala. “What’s been going on? Do you know?”

  “I wasn’t supposed to know anything. I overheard Rhian on the phone. This was the plan from the very start. To get you back.” Cala couldn’t look at the mother or sister, or she’d lose the nerve to talk. She had the feeling that this was the moment in her life when everything would change for her. “I wanted to tell you. I didn’t know how.”

  “Thank you, Cala.” He smiled at his daughter, knowing that it wasn’t always easy to do the right thing. Turning to her mother, “You never had me in the first place, Cassandra! Talk about deluded!” He shouted.

  This was the last thing he wanted to deal with at the moment and it was just what he expected of her. This was why he didn’t ever want to be alone in her presence. He trusted that woman as far as he could throw her.

  “How can you say that? It was the most wonderful night of my life! And our union resulted in these beautiful girls. How can you deny that?” Cassandra pleaded.

  Kelton felt a growl of frustration rising in his throat. “You cast a spell on me that night. I didn’t have a choice.” He wasn’t going to say the word ‘rape’ in front of the twins, but he implied it clearly enough.

  “These girls were made out of our love!�
� she insisted, stamping her foot like a child.

  “My God, woman! Just listen to yourself. There was never any love between us. Never. It was a mistake. I was in love with Kayleigh then and I still am. She’s the one that I love and always will. You and I were nothing.”

  “How can you even think that?” she pleaded, all fake puppy dog eyes. Kelton wasn’t falling for that.

  “Easily.” Kelton planted his hands on the desk in front of him. “What game have you been playing?” He knew that there was more to this situation and wanted to get to the bottom of it.

  Cassandra stood up abruptly. “I’m leaving.”

  “Not until we sort this out you’re not.”

  “As you said, there is nothing here for me. I’m leaving.”

  “Can I come with you? There’s no point in me staying here any longer in this hell hole. Please?” Rhian jumped up, eager to escape the academy.

  “I don’t see why not.” Cassandra sniffed, disappointed that her plan was coming to such a disappointing end. She stood up straight to try and regain some of her composure and confidence.

  Kelton stepped around the desk. “I don’t think that’s a very wise idea.” No matter how much he wanted this woman to get the hell out of his life, he couldn’t let the girls walk away in all good conscience, especially not after he was only just getting to know Cala.

  “Why? Have you suddenly decided to be a father to them?”

  Kelton paused for a moment. Since holding his son in his arms for the first time, the realisation that he hadn’t done enough for the girls had really hit home to him. But this was more than that. Stronger. The warrior in him called to help them. He couldn’t let them walk away to fight against the call of the warrior mark all on their own. “They need to be around other warriors. They need to train.”

  “They’ll be fine.”

  “You can’t say that. You don’t know how hard it is to fight against the urge of the mark.”

  Cassandra laughed ruefully. “I think we’ll be just fine, thank you. I know better than you think.” She turned to look at the girls with a hard expression. “Go and get packed. We’re leaving in five minutes. I’ll be waiting for you in the car.”