“Really.” He said, quietly playing with the bubbles in front of them.
“Nothing, at all?” she asked eagerly.
He chuckled and laid his head back against the tub.
“What did you expect?” he asked.
She shrugged, “A good story I guess. I mean, you went to a werewolf pack meeting, that’s not a common occurrence. At least not in my life.” She said laughing slightly. He smiled, enjoying the sound of her happiness. He lightly rested his hands on her small bump and caressed it, loving the feel of her skin beneath his hands.
“I love you.” he said kissing the top of her head.
“And I love you.” she said turning to kiss him on the lips.
They smiled at each other and Cas closed his eyes, thinking of how relaxed they were.
“So…you’re really not going to tell me about it?” She asked, a slight edge of hurt in her tone.
He laughed, “What do you want to know?”
“Whatever. Everything. Something.” She said linking their hands together over her sudsy belly.
“It was weird. Apparently, they thought I was single. Of course I told them about you, so now they want to meet you.” He said thoughtfully, thinking of the werewolves.
“What else?”
“Nothing really, like I said. It was weird. I felt…weird. Uncomfortable. It was like…it was like I was on display and I was supposed to entertain.” He said quietly.
“And then?”
“And then nothing…I honestly don’t know if I really want to go tomorrow. I don’t really want to take you.” he said in the same quiet tone.
She turned fully to look at him, a frown on her brow.
“Why not?”
“Because.”
“Because why?”
“I just don’t, OK?” He said getting frustrated.
“Did something happen?” she asked, trying to catch his eye but he was avoiding her gaze.
“No.” he said shortly.
“Well then what’s wrong?”
“I just said nothing.”
“Cas!”
“Hannah.”
They glared at each other, after what felt like eons, Cas was the first one to break with an annoyed sound.
“It didn’t feel right. It was in this mansion; there’s one leader; it was like a cult. I felt…weird. It wasn’t homey or comforting or anything remotely positive, instead, I felt like I was signing my life away to join a fucking cult.” He said angrily getting out of the tub and grabbing a towel.
“Cas!” Hannah shouted.
But Cas had already stomped out of the bathroom annoyed that all she had done was push him until he was over the edge. He went to their bedroom and changed quickly before sliding under the covers and waiting for her to join him. She came to him a few minutes later with a soft look on her face. She knew she’d pushed too much, but that didn’t mean she was going to apologize for having a question answered. She watched as he shifted around under the covers and then finally settled into bed. She let out a sigh and crawled in with him after changing. She curled her body around his and waited for the tension to ease from his shoulders.
“Why are you so frustrated?” she asked.
He shrugged, “It was weird.”
“You keep saying that.”
“I know.”
“Why?”
“Because it was. You weren’t there. You don’t know.” He said harshly.
She sighed, “You know I don’t like fighting before bed.” She said calmly.
“I know.”
“Then lets not.”
There was silence as they both tried to drift off to sleep.
“Are you going to take me tomorrow?” she whispered.
He huffed, “I guess I have no choice.”
“Good.”
“Good?”
“I’m curious.”
“Why? They’re werewolves.” He said his annoyance coming back.
“Like you.” she said in the same calm voice.
“So?”
“I just think it would be good…if…you know, you had some more werewolves around. People you can bond with, that you can talk to if the baby or I are too much. Just kinda like friends. It could be healthy for you and plus, if we are ever in danger, we have an entire werewolf pack to keep us safe. I really think that joining them would be good.” She said reasonably. He considered her words and then let out a long drawn on sigh knowing he was giving in far too easily and that if he did have friends, they would call him whipped.
“Fine. We’ll go.” He said shortly before she grinned widely in the dark and drew him closer.
“Ok.” She said, then fell asleep with a smile on her face as the bad feeling in his gut intensified.
Chapter6
Hannah smoothed down the silky green fabric to make sure all the wrinkles were out. She turned a few times in the mirror to make sure her dress was in all the right places before taking a sweater and putting it on. She nervously fiddled with the sweater, then with the hem of the dress until Cas called for her to hurry up. Once she looked in the mirror to perfect her make up and to check her teeth, she went to find him looking just as nervous as she did in the living room.
“Ready?” he asked smiling at her.
She nodded and took his offered hand before leaving the house, anxiety squirming in the pit of her stomach. They went to his car and drove the distance to the mansion. The conversation was dull because of the high concern both of them had for what was about to occur. Cas’s concern was for her safety, Hannah’s was more trivial – whether they’d like her. She felt like she was going to a dinner party instead of a gathering of werewolves. Finally, they arrived at the mansion and Hannah couldn’t help but let her mouth drop open a little in awe.
“Wow.” She mumbled as they linked hands and began to walk towards the entrance.
“We should have a secret word if we want to leave.” He said glancing over at her.
She laughed but nodded her head.
“What about…tired. I’m really tired.” He said.
She laughed again and shrugged. “Sure, if that’s what you want.”
“It is.” He said, as he rang the doorbell.
The door was answered almost immediately. Ashley was on the other side of the door with a large smile on her face. She looked over at Hannah and it dropped a little.
“Welcome.” She said ushering them inside.
Hannah smiled warmly at her, not noticing the lack of warmth in return.
“This is our home.” Ashley said after a beat of silence.
“It’s lovely.” Hannah said with the warm smile in place.
“Thanks. May I take your coats?” she asked.
Cas and Hannah shrugged out of their outerwear.
“So welcome! Follow me and you can meet everyone else.” Ashley said diplomatically.
Cas and Ashley looked over at each other before following her cautiously.
“So how long have you guys been together?” Ashley asked casually.
“Two years.” Hannah said.
Cas frowned, having told them this information the last time he was here.
“And how long before the baby’s due?” Ashley asked without turning around.
Hannah’s eyes widened and glanced over at Cas, who stiffened. He hadn’t told them about the baby so how did they know? Hannah wasn’t showing in her dress and she didn’t have that pregnant glow about her, so how could Ashley know?
“Um…I’m only about three months in.” Hannah said startled.
Ashley came to a halt in front of a pair of French doors. She glanced at them and then, with a secretive smile, opened them to reveal the pack members milling about. Hannah gulped as they walked into the room, feeling all eyes on them. She wrapped her arms around her body, self consciously, and tried not to let everyone’s gazing get to her, but she couldn’t help it. It was weird everyone staring.
“Brother, Cas and his lovely girlfriend are here.”
Ashley said, gesturing to them.
Hannah couldn’t help but notice for the first time how Ashley’s tone had turned mocking and the world ‘lovely’ sounded more like a swear word.
“Great.” Brian said walking towards them and off the armchair he was in.
Hannah’s eyes followed him widely talking in his animal-like movements. Cas stood stock still, studying his soon-to-be pack master.
“Well aren’t you lovely.” Brian said smiling over at Hannah.
Then a frown crossed his face and he stared at her hard.
“You’re with child.” He stated.
Hannah blanched and looked over at Cas.
“How can you tell?” Hannah asked.
“We werewolves have a very strong sense of smell. We also have great eyesight. The ultimate hunters. The smell of child and the look of child are very apparent about you.” Brian said with a smile.
Cas bristled at his words. He mentally scolded himself for having brought Hannah here and he told himself he would never again listen to her when she begged him to do something.
“I also didn’t realize you were with a human.” Brian said.
Hannah smiled stiffly at him. She glanced over at Cas, who was watching Brian through narrow slips. She wanted to bring herself some kind of calmness so she concentrated on Cas and the body warmth that rolled off him. She felt unnerved standing in the middle of the room surrounded by werewolves. But standing in front of this man, who had eyes like the devil, was as frightening as it got. She wrapped her arms tighter around herself wanting to bring herself comfort. She now understood Cas’s hesitation and anger when she begged him to come. She mentally made a note to listen to him the next time he wanted her to do something. In this case, stay away.
“Is that a problem?” she asked trying to be brave.
He chuckled, “No just a surprise.”
There was a beat of silence as the room became aware of her merely human existence.
“Right.” She said, to fill the stiff silence.
“So how did you become pregnant? It’s quite unnatural for humans and werewolves to breed.” Brian asked curiously. He tilted his head as he gazed upon them his devil eyes become darker and more sinister. She looked over at Cas, wondering if he was going to say he was tired now so they could leave. Or she at least hoped he answered the question and took the reins of the situation, she was seriously getting creeped out.
“Like anyone would. It doesn’t take rocket science to figure out how to make a baby.” Cas said woodenly.
Brian laughed and glanced over at the members behind him who seemed like his bodyguards.
“He’s quite funny.” He called behind him. He looked around the room and then his eyes finally landed back on the couple.
“You’re quite funny.” Brian repeated.
Hannah glanced at Cas wanting to gauge his emotions, but she couldn’t tell from her angle. She could tell from the anger rolling off like his heat.
“Thanks.” Cas said dryly.
“Well let us go eat. Get to know each other some more and see if you’re a good fit for our pack.” Brian said casually. Then he gave a hand signal and everyone got up together. Hannah now understood what Cas meant when he said it was like a cult. In her eyes, it was a cult, a very dangerous one filled with werewolves. She shivered unconsciously and Cas took her hand in his, squeezing it for comfort. Her nerves dissipated as she reminded herself that Cas wouldn’t let anyone hurt her. He’d take care of her, like he always did, like he always would. Especially now that they had a baby on the way.
After dinner Hannah and Cas stayed for another thirty minutes before leaving. Both of them felt unsettled as they got into the car. They were silent for the first few minutes of driving before Cas finally broke the silence.
“See.” He said glancing at her.
She rolled he eyes, not liking having a told-you-so thrown at her. “Yes.”
“I don’t want to join.”
“Fine.”
They fell into silence.
“It was weird.” She relented begrudgingly.
“Like a cult.”
“Yeah, like a cult.”
“I didn’t like how they were looking at you.” Cas said after another few minutes of silence. He took his eyes off the road to look over at her.
She nodded her mind flashing back to Brian and his devil eyes.
“Yeah.” She mumbled.
He took her hand and squeezed it in his large one. He brought the knuckles up to his lips and kissed them delicately before setting their hands back down. He never let go of her fingers not wanting to let her go. He was still uncomfortable about their evening and he wanted to keep her as close as possible to him.
Ashley sat down in an armchair in a huff. Brian glanced at her over the rim of his tumbler.
“She’s human.” Ashley stated, knowing she didn’t have to but needed to say it out loud. It was odd to think about a werewolf with a human. It made her angry to think he’d rather be with a human than her, a powerful werewolf. She didn’t understand what he saw in her anyway, she wasn’t attractive or that smart. She was just a human who happened to be pregnant with his child. A child who shouldn’t even be born because of being an abomination.
“Strange.” Brian mused swirling the liquid in his glass.
“A werewolf and a human, in love.” Genevieve added, smirking at the siblings. She couldn’t help but look pointedly at Ashley, knowing how it was bothering her so.
“It’s an abomination, Brian.” Stefan mumbled from his position in the corner.
“I know.” Brian said in the same pensive tone.
“What should we do?” Ron asked, glancing at the participants in the room.
“I, personally, am interested to see what this child comes out as…I know an abomination, but…would it be powerful? And what about the mother? Could we turn her?” Brian asked standing from his chair and walking towards the window.
“You want to turn a human?” Ashley asked appalled.
“I’m merely wondering what we should do about this situation, Ashley. Obviously we cannot let it continue. Cas would be a great addition to the pack, but his child and the mother are not welcome. They are unnatural.” Brian explained.
“So what should we do?” Genevieve asked.
Brian was silent as he contemplated.
“We could kidnap her.” Ron said quietly.
Everyone turned to him.
“We could find out about the child and we could separate the couple. We could kill the woman and Cas would just assume she ran off. Cas would then join us.” Ron explained.
Everyone thought for a moment about the plan.
“And what of the child? What would we do once it was born?” Brian asked.
“If it’s powerful, we could raise it, away from the pack of course, because of Cas, or we’d kill it because of it being an abomination.” Stefan said glancing over at Ron.
“Interesting…” Brian mumbled.
“We could also just kidnap the woman and go from there. We could make it look like she ran off then decide what to do as the time draws closer to the birth. She did say she had six months.” Ashley said reasonably.
Brian nodded. “Let’s start there. Kidnap the woman, make it look like she left.” Brian ordered and the members dispersed to go execute the plan. Ashley stayed behind with her brother who was still looking out the window.
“Do you think it’ll work?” she asked quietly.
Brian shrugged, “If it doesn’t, he’s just a mere werewolf. We’re a pack, we can take him.”
Ashley nodded and turned to leave.
“If you play your cards right, Ash, perhaps he could be yours.” Brian called.
Ashley smiled to herself as she continued to the door.
“Perhaps.” She mumbled, the possibility of Cas being hers made her excited. He didn’t deserve a mere human, but a werewolf, an equal and that could be her.
*
Cas had a funny fe
eling. When his feelings were usually off kilter, he knew something was coming. At first, he figured it was because of the other night with the werewolf pack, but then, he decided the odd feeling to the bad day he was having. He had awoken late for work, followed by spilling his coffee at his desk and getting very important medical papers, along with himself, soaking wet with black coffee. If that wasn’t a sign of how bad of a day he was having, then his patients were an atom bomb of badness. Then, Cas had to deal with Ashley.
“What can I do for you, Ashley?” Cas asked warily as she strutted in to his office.
She gave him a wide smile and plopped down in the chair.
“We’d like to extend an offer to you to join us.” Ashley said.
“Fantastic.” He said woodenly.
“Please, let Hannah know, we look forward to seeing you soon.” Ashley said diplomatically.
He nodded, feeling tired; he just wanted to go home.
“Great. Thanks. I’ll let you know my decision.” He said, waiting for her to leave.
They eyed each other.
“Is that it?” he asked finally.
She shrugged and got up. “Yes.” She said and without another word, turned and left.
Cas shook his head, the funny feeling increasing in his stomach. He decided the feeling was a reaction to his dislike of Ashley. She was strange and behaved oddly. He also knew that she was attracted to him and he really didn’t want to deal with that when he had so many other things to deal with. He let the feeling trickle to the back of his mind and looked forward to the time he could go home to Hannah.
Cas came home to the strange sound of silence. He went into the kitchen to look for Hannah but didn’t see her.
“Hannah!” he called walking through the kitchen.
“Hannah!” he shouted again.
He tried to calm his mounting nerves and reminded himself of the incident when she was bathing the last time; he tried to remain cool. He had freaked out last time and wasn’t going to do it again. He knew she was safe, he’d seen her that morning and talked to her at lunch. She was fine. She was fine. She was fine. He kept repeating in his head as he searched the house for her.
Seduced by Doctor Wolf (BBW Paranormal Werewolf Romance) Page 4
