by Moxie North
It was an odd symbiosis. But it worked. Cassie came and went from her job. She didn’t have to pay rent or utilities anymore since again she was mooching a sixteen hundred square foot pad from her bestie. Dax had weekly grocery deliveries to the main house, and after she’d moved in, she would come home to find her fridge stocked too. And not just weird healthy food, real food. Things that were artificially flavored and colored.
So outside of clothes and hair dye she didn’t have a lot of expenses. Even on her meager salary, she’d managed to save some money. That was until she’d been turned into a sardine stuck in a can on Christmas Eve.
She didn’t know how long she was going to stay out in the woods. Her ability to make future plans for herself was not possible. She wanted to wrap up, numb out, and hide from her future as Frankenstein’s monster. Hobbling around town, scaring all the little children. Well, that might be fun, she thought.
Chapter 3
The plane touched down at the tiny airport. She didn’t complain when Dax carried her off the jet, since negotiating the narrow stairs was tricky even without crutches. Cass could just pick up the salt on the air from being so close to the ocean.
Filling her lungs, she let the crisp air sink into her lungs. It wasn’t bad.
Dax tucked her into a monster SUV that had a long third row seat. Effie had packed about a dozen pillows to stuff around her like she was made of glass. The drive to the Rochons was just shy of two hours. The pill she’d taken on the plane was still working just fine, so she closed her eyes and let the boring drive slip away.
“Cass, babe, we’re here,” Effie said, giving her shoulder a shake.
Cassie tried to pry her eyes open, but they were heavy and didn’t want to budge. She was in a medication fog. One that she’d grown accustomed to. Dax was standing outside the car, greeting a large man and woman that looked to be somewhere in their late fifties but maybe sixties. Rugged outdoor life probably kept you looking youthful.
“You sure they are okay with me being here?” Cassie asked, suddenly realizing she’d agreed to become the ward of some strangers.
“Of course. Kenzi will be by soon to say hi. The boys were all told to give you some space to settle in. The Rochon brothers and their wives, plus their little ones are a bit overwhelming. Trust me, Christmas was insane,” Effie said, then realized what she’d said.
“I’m sorry sweetie, I just meant…” She faded off. Christmas had been amazing up until that phone call.
“Don’t worry about it, biotch. I’m sure it was fun. Hell, I was having fun up to a point too. Although some of those pictures online didn’t really do me justice,” she tried to joke.
“Well, Connie is like a nursemaid, B&B owner, and nanny all wrapped up in one. She’ll keep you fed and warm, and hopefully all this fresh mountain air will speed your recovery,” Effie said, trying to sound cheerful.
“I suppose you scheduled rehab for me as well, huh?” Cassie ground out. She wasn’t a child; she knew her friend was trying to help. And fuck all if she wasn’t an invalid currently. She just hated being treated that way.
“Yes, but since I know you didn’t like going where there were a bunch of people, we’ve arranged private rehab. They’ll be coming twice a week and can help you out right here,” Effie said.
Cassie had started rehab in a large facility. Her knee was the biggest problem currently. It just didn’t want to work right. The tendons were healing, but it was still weak. Her stomach wasn’t even tender anymore from the surgery. She often poked at the healing scar just to check. Her ankle would need some rehab but nothing major.
“Fine, but I’m only doing it so you won’t be a big baby and start crying again,” Cass snarked.
“I’m hormonal, dumbass. This little one has my emotions all over the place. I can’t be held responsible for anything right now; just ask Dax,” Effie said smugly. “Besides, you try compressing a pregnancy in half and see how hot you feel.” Shifters had gestations based on the animals they were. Cats had relatively short pregnancies. So Effie had only around four months to wrap her head around being a mom.
“You realize that thing is basically a parasite. Feeding off your blood, controlling you. It’s like body snatchers,” Cassie said sternly.
“Well, it’s your little niece or nephew parasite, so you have to love it,” Effie said softly.
“Oh, I already love the little monster, don’t worry. I’ll be its scary Auntie that has to hide away in the shadows and scare the kids on Halloween,” Cass said, looking at her lap. She was trying to be funny, but she knew it was true.
Effie looked at her friend. Her heart was breaking; she had to get her old Cass back. Her baby needed that crazy, wild, try anything aunt in his or her life that was the one they always wanted to hang out with. That would plan naughty adventures together and spoil them rotten.
“Well, I figure you’ll be ready for full time Aunt duty by the time this little one shows up,” Effie said, trying to sound confident.
Cassie didn’t even bother looking up. “I’m still tired,” she said quietly.
“Let’s get you inside then,” Effie said, motioning to Dax.
“Okay, I don’t want to alarm you,” Dax said ominously when he stuck his head in the door. “Connie has made some kind of caramel apple strudel thing that probably has about a pound of sugar in it. In case you were hungry. Now, don’t feel obligated to eat half it of like you normally would just to make her feel better,” he teased.
Cassie offered him a small smile. “Sounds tasty.”
Dax picked her up and carefully got her out through the door. Effie grabbed her crutches. The driver Dax had hired already had all of her luggage up on the porch. Dax and Effie were only staying one night before heading back.
“Oh, there you are my dear!” Connie Rochon exclaimed. She was smiling a big cheerful smile, but her eyes were all too perceptive. “We are so looking forward to spending time with you. This is a very healing place. Surrounded by so much life growing all the time, it’s good for the soul,” she said, patting Cassie’s cheek.
Cassie couldn’t help but flinch when she touched her. It was a kind gesture, but she’d had enough people touching her in the hospital. Always poking and prodding, usually it involved pain.
Connie didn’t miss the flinch either. “This is my husband, Edward. You probably won’t see much of him. He’s either fishing or snoring in his recliner. Feel free to poke him when he gets loud,” Connie said with a giggle that was cute, but at the same time showing her annoyance at her husband’s noisiness.
“Don’t listen to her; I purr like a kitten. Shit, you’re no bigger than a bug. Dax, how do you not lose her in the furniture?” Edward boomed. He was a big man, but apparently all the Rochons were like that.
“Oh, we just use that pointy vacuum attachment. She usually comes right up. I’ll give you a few more tips when we get her inside,” Dax offered.
Cassie gave his arm a pinch for that. He growled back. It almost made her smile.
“Well, young lady, you must be tired. How about we get you settled in? Would you like to be parked in the main room on the couch or straight to your bedroom?” Edward asked.
“Bedroom, please. My medication makes me sleepy,” Cass said quietly.
“Of course, I’ll show you the way,” Edward said gesturing towards the house.
They all trooped in, and Cassie took in the massive log cabin. It was big but still cozy.
“Let me take you on a tour, so you get the lay of the land,” Connie offered. She took them through the house pointing out areas and opening doors.
There was a great room with huge ceilings and a massive fireplace. The room opened to the kitchen. Down a hallway were four bedrooms. Connie pointed out the bathrooms and such as she went.
Bringing her into a room with a large, king size bed, Dax sat her down on the edge of the bed. Cassie looked around; it was sweet. Country charm all the way. From the lace curtains over the window that were above t
he bed, to the white fluffy comforter that was covered in tiny rosebuds. The bed was made out of real logs and looked like it grew out of the walls.
A dresser and a closet were opposite the bed, which was covered with a number of pillows that would rival even what Effie’s decorator had managed at home. Dax insisted they hire someone since Effie was overwhelmed with the idea of buying so much furniture to fill their huge house. The crazy decorator had a thing for throw pillows.
“This room will be nice and quiet for you; the window overlooks the back yard. Cage’s house is just off in the distance on that side. The bathroom is right next door. But if you ever need help, I’ve put a little bell on the nightstand,” Connie said pointing to the bedside table.
There was a small brass bell and a petite vase full of wildflowers. It was sweet, like they were welcoming her. But Cassie still felt awkward. They didn’t know her, had never even met her and she was plopping her ass down like the big old burden she was.
She could feel the tears welling in her eyes as the self-pity tidal wave started. “Thank you, Connie. If you don’t mind, I’d like to lie down for a while,” she said quietly.
“Of course dear, we’ll all be outside,” Connie said, patting her cheek again and pretending she didn’t notice the flinch.
“Get some rest; we’ll wake you for dinner,” Effie said, kissing her forehead.
Dax and Edward just waved and left the room. Scooting herself back on the bed, she grabbed some of the crazy pillows and tucked them under her knee and then her other leg to elevate her ankle. She laid back and let the darkness come.
Chapter 4
The two couples were in the living room drinking coffee, or tea in Effie’s case. They’d been talking family things, baby things, avoiding the elephant in the room.
“So, this isn’t her normal personality?” Connie finally ventured in.
Effie snorted, and to her surprise so did Dax. They looked at each other and smiled.
“No, this is not our Cassie. Imagine a brightly colored, foul-mouthed, junk food eating tornado. That might come close to the normal Cassie. She’s funny, like sarcastic and shockingly funny. When she finally woke up from the coma, the doctors said it would take a while for her brain to start running smoothly again. So we waited. At first, it seemed like she was improving. Talking normally, able to understand her injuries.”
“Then one day when she was sick of her bed and wanted to use the restroom without an audience, we helped her to the bathroom. She was in there so long we started to worry. When she came out, well, that’s what you see now. I don’t know if it’s just the scar on her face or something deeper. Or maybe it’s both. I’ve tried to be normal around her. Banter like we used to, sometimes she tries, but it’s like she’s doing it, so she doesn’t hurt my feelings.” Effie looked at Dax, her sadness clear in her eyes.
“I thought when we got her home she’d cheer up,” Dax said looking at Connie. “I think she might have gotten worse. I’m a little concerned that she’s using her meds to escape a bit. I’m not blaming her. I don’t think she’s addicted. But she’s certainly using it as a crutch. Healing so fast as a shifter, I can’t imagine being in pain for months like she’s been,” Dax said sadly.
“I guess that’s a human condition that we are unaware of,” Edward said wisely.
“I have to imagine the painkillers are muting her some, but the rest is all in her head. The fact that her hair is blonde is crazy,” Effie scoffed.
Connie and Edward looked at Effie in confusion.
“I haven’t seen her real hair color since we were children. It’s usually every color of the rainbow. It changes with her moods. Now she says it doesn’t matter, that maybe it’s time she grew up. The Cassie I know never wanted to grow up. Or maybe that’s not true, maybe she was more afraid to grow up,” Effie said thoughtfully.
“Either way, we appreciate you taking on her care. She was just miserable at home. Effie was with her, but now Effie needs to rest and get ready for the baby,” Dax said.
“Of course, we’re family. We take care of our own. She will have lots of visitors, and we will include her in everything that doesn’t involve the babies. She doesn’t know right?” Connie confirmed.
“No, I didn’t think it was my place. I thought if she knew we were plunking her down in the middle of a clan of bears, she’d think we’d lost it. But you can always tell her the kids are too crazy, and you are afraid they’ll accidently bump her or something. She’ll believe that,” Dax offered.
The four sat quietly for a moment. Dax and Effie looked at each other worriedly. Connie and Edward looked at each other like they were hatching a plan.
“Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. Cassie has some, how shall we say, interesting family members. She has almost zero contact with them. But they’ve been popping up since the accident,” Dax explained.
“Do they want to see how she is doing?” Edward asked.
“No, they want to see if she’s getting an insurance payout,” Effie scoffed.
Connie and Edward looked shocked.
“Cassie’s family is big, confusing, and mostly all losers. She was put in foster care because basically they kept forgetting about her. They’d forget to feed her, bathe her, and she was always around unsavory people. Now they heard of her accident from the news and are sniffing around hoping that there will be some money coming her way,” Effie said angrily.
“Since it was Effie’s car, and someone else was driving it, there are no settlements. We are covering all her medical expenses. Effie’s car is replaced. But her family is a bunch of greedy leeches,” Dax growled.
“We’ve even told them that. One of her aunts stopped by and tried to convince her to sue us for the wreck since it was my car. Sick assholes,” Effie snapped.
“Cass kicked them out, but I don’t think they are done causing trouble. I have someone keeping an eye on them. But just so you know,” Dax said.
“We’ll keep an eye on your girl. She’s safe here,” Edward promised.
Effie smiled. “I know, that’s why this is the only place and the only people we’d trust her with.”
“Thank you, dear. That means a lot,” Connie said, patting her knee.
There was a knock at the door. Edward got up to answer it. Pulling open the door, he saw one of his favorite daughters-in-law. Well, they were all his favorites, but he told them they were all the only one.
“Sophie, what are you doing here?” Edward asked, giving her a hug.
“Sorry, sorry, I know you wanted to let our new guest settle in. I just thought I’d bring over some treats. Well, not treats, more like dinner,” she said walking into the room.
Dax stood up and came over to give Sophie a side hug. “Hey, Sophie, good to see you.”
“Hey guys, hey Effie. Just wanted to pop this over,” she said holding a large box in her arms. Dax grabbed the box from her.
“Wow, heavy,” he said.
“Sorry, got a little carried away. There is a chicken pot pie, a garden salad and some peach cobbler for dessert. I just figured you’d all be knackered from your trip,” she said with a blush.
“Thank you, dear. That will make our evening very relaxing,” Connie said coming over to give her a hug too. “I wasn’t sure what Cassie would like so we were going to keep it simple tonight. This will be so much more satisfying. You are a dear to think of it,” she said, giving her daughter–in-law a hug.
Dax took the box to the kitchen and bent over to smell the amazing aromas coming from the pie.
“Sophie makes the best chicken pot pie you’ve ever tasted. And thank goodness she learned to make that because I don’t think I could have stomached another kidney pie. Who in their right mind would put organs in a pie?” Edward asked the room looking for back up.
“It’s traditional English fare. Just because your unrefined American palate can’t appreciate a classic is not my fault,” Sophie sniffed but winked at Effie.
“All right, I’ll get out
of your way. Whenever Cassie is ready for visitors, we’ll come visit. Micah hasn’t shifted in weeks, so I think he’s safe to bring over,” Sophie explained. Micah was over two now and had essentially stopped shifting into a tiny bear cub. He wouldn’t shift again until puberty. For a human like Sophie, it was a sad concept. To shifters, it was just normal life.
Connie came around the counter of the kitchen to give her hug. “He’s gonna be just fine. You’ll have enough on your hands with a preschooler. The last thing you need is an adolescent bear in your house,” she said wisely.
“Thanks, mom,” she said returning the hug.
Sophie waved as she left, and the group was left back at their conversation before. How do you solve a problem like Cassie?
Chapter 5
Cassie woke up feeling groggy and needing to use the restroom. The meds she took often gave her such a numbing effect she’d forget to use the bathroom. Then it would become an urgent situation. Flipping the blanket off that clearly someone had snuck in and put on her, she got to a sitting position.
Seeing her crutches propped next to the nightstand, she slid her hands into the sleeves of the crutch. Putting her weight on her non broken leg, she slowly pushed up to see if her knee would hold her. Even with the leg brace, it could awkwardly collapse on her.
Finding her balance, she set her booted foot down. Oddly her broken ankle felt almost healed. Her knee was frustratingly still an issue. Taking her first hesitant step, she got one foot down, and the door opened.
“Why didn’t you call out? You do know you have a bell right? I mean how many people would love to have a bell to ring to summon people to their beck and call?” Dax was staring at her, an annoyed expression on his face, both hands on his hips. Cassie took a split second to appreciate her bestie’s man. He was wearing a pair of black slacks and teal silk long sleeve shirt. Some guys couldn’t pull that off, but Dax could.
