“Right, that was sort of a dumb question. Do you prefer I ask him?” I could tell she was sincere, concerned for my feelings.
“Nawh, it’s okay. I’ll just add it to my bucket list.” I said, winking at her.
She smiled sweetly, a look of tenderness in her gaze. “God, Abe – you are so amazing. How did I ever luck out so well to find and meet you?”
She made a good point. We’d both hit the relationship jackpot, I was realizing. It was good we both knew it too.
Chapter Fifteen
(( 15 ))
CASSIDY
The cursor sat on my computer screen blinking at me. I was attempting to get some work done on a revision of my novel and despite staring at it for more than an hour, I was lost in deep thought about the most recent conversation with Abe.
Was I really an Alpha?
And a dormant shifter to boot?
Which was kind of scary to grasp. To accept. To own the idea. The concept. There was so much I was curious about. Needed to know. Was wondering about…
Soon, I found myself typing out a list of questions. All sorts. From little ones to big ones.
He’ll think I’m ridiculous, I mused out loud to myself after reading through the list of questions. But then again, maybe not. I needed to give Abe more credit. He’d been nothing but supportive, understanding and helpful since we’d met.
And truthfully, in my gut, I knew Abe was my mate. I felt it in my bones. The more I learned about him, spent time with him and got closer to him, the more I knew we were partners. Companions. Even husband and wife material. Which was both scary and exciting.
I’d never gelded to someone so closely in my entire life.
Sure, I’d had boyfriends, but none of those relationships felt as rich, deep and rewarding as what we were cultivating with one another. I’d been able to open up to him quicker than any other man I’d known.
Which made me wonder about my inclinations to be involved with more than one man. Was Abe right? That being an Alpha sort of predisposed me with this preference? Was that why it was spring up so strongly, this pull to not just Abe but Jason too?
My phone rang, pulling me out of my reverie.
“Hello?” I answered it somewhat absent-mindedly.
“Cassidy? This is Philip Silk. We spoke the other day at Starbucks. Is this a good time?”
“It’s as good a time as any. How are you?” I asked politely.
“Doing well, I wondered if you’d had the chance to update your attorney?” He asked.
“I did, he was supposed to reach out to you. Have you not heard from him yet? His name is Mick.”
“Not yet. Just wanted to check in and make sure.”
“I appreciate it, sorry about that. He’s a very busy man. I promise though, I put you on his radar.”
“Great. I just wanted to be sure… By the way, I took some time and read one of your stories. You’re a very good writer.” He said, changing the conversation.
“I appreciate that, always good to hear when someone enjoys something I wrote.”
“My pleasure… Alrighty then, I know you must be busy yourself, so I’ll let you go. Looking forward to speaking with Mick.”
“Thanks again, have a great week.”
“Take care, bye.”
“You too, bye.”
Philip’s call was a bit of a wake up to reality which caused me to dial my attorney. After a few short rings, Mick answered.
“Hi Cassidy, just the woman I needed to speak with. Are you psychic or something?” Mick teased.
“Perhaps,” I jested. “Just another one of my many skills. How are you doing?”
“Great! Busy as all hell, but always got time for a new client. I imagine you’re wanting an update?”
Now he was reading my mind.
“Yes, actually. I wanted to see if you’d had a chance to reach out to Bob Silk’s son yet? Philip Silk? He just called me… I just want to be sure what he has to share will be useful to you and the case?”
“I hadn’t called him just yet, but plan to. How comfortable are you with using what he has to share against his own father? It would entail some mud-slinging and once you go down that path, it can get ugly real quick.” Mick said, a note of hesitation in his voice.
“Good point. It can’t hurt for him to at least provide it, even if we end up negotiating everything in private, right?”
“Agreed. I will reach out to him today then. Consider it done.”
“I appreciate it.”
“Of course. Stay the course. You’re in good hands. I’ll follow up with an update later this week. Talk to you soon, Cassidy.”
“Perfect, thank you. Take care.”
“You too, bye.”
“Bye.”
I hung up and thought about what he’d said. That the mud-slinging could go both ways. The last thing I wanted was for it to get ugly. I really was hoping for as peaceful a resolution as possible. I didn’t want things to go public, at all.
Chewing on my pen, deep in thought, I remembered that sometimes business got ugly and that when push came to shove, there would be things I’d need to do to protect myself and my writing career. I’d prefer it to be any other way, but I knew that if I got backed into a corner, I would do what I needed to do to protect myself.
Which made me think about my shifter instincts. How they would manifest? When they would rise up and be useful? And how would I know? The mind-reading part had blown my mind. It’s hard to think of something that has only ever been considered fantasy or sci-fi material to be an actual ability or skill. I wasn’t so sure how much I liked the idea of it. If I even wanted to have that kind of a gift. It seemed more of a burden. I could see how sometimes it could be really useful, but overall I was content not knowing other people’s thoughts.
I felt there was so much unknown to me and that it would take time, just like Abe had said.
I needed to be patient with myself. Really patient…
Chapter Sixteen
(( 16 ))
ABE
I passed the pitcher of beer to Jason and he poured himself a pint. I’d invited him to meet me at Biddy’s Pub to gauge his interest in Cass. I'd never done anything like this before and wasn't exactly sure how to broach the topic. The fact that Cass was interested in a threesome with him.
"How goes the new gigs?" Jason asked, the picture of collected calm. He wore the police officer act well, on or off duty.
"Not bad, I'm starting to get steady editing work. Can't complain. Cass's connections have been really helpful. A real boon." I shared.
"That's great to hear, man."
"Thanks. How goes it in your world?"
"The usual. Just one day at a time on the force, really. Half the time you know what to expect, the other half, you're completely caught off guard."
"I bet." I said, taking a long sip of my beer. "So, I have an off-handed question for ya. I hope you won't be offended..."
"Yeah? What's that?"
I paused, gearing up for what I would hope be a positive outcome.
"So, as you know, Cass and I have been seeing one another for a bit."
"How's that going?" Jason asked, studying my face keenly.
"Good. Great, actually."
"She's a great gal. You're a lucky man. I must admit, I'm jealous. Don't like to admit it, but I am."
I nodded, appreciating that he could be so candid and upfront with me.
"About that... that's what my question is about. Cass is a very open-minded woman and she's very honest and transparent. I really like her for it too. In a world of women who seem to play lots of games, she's a breath of fresh air. Normally, I wouldn't consider something like this... But for Cass, I'm willing to do just about anything, I’m finding. So here goes nothing."
Jason's eyebrows had perched high on his forehead, intrigued as to what I was getting around to saying.
I continued, "So, I'm
just gonna come right out and say it. She wants to experience a threesome. With you. Would you be interested?" I asked, the words falling out of my mouth so fast, I could barely hear myself saying them. It was a first for me. Asking a man to participate in lovemaking with a woman. Any woman. I could hardly believe it myself, that I was considering it.
The look on his face was priceless. He looked stunned, amazed, shocked, and a bit confused.
"Oh, I get it. This is a prank! You're playing a joke on me! Good one, good one!" He said suddenly, laughing heartily and loudly, a look of pure amusement washing away the shock.
I swallowed hard, inwardly praying that the man wouldn't deck me next. I was bracing myself for what was about to come. My silence must have cued him in response as his gaze became more solemn and intrigued.
"You're not kidding, are you?” He said, point blank.
I shook my head back and forth. "Look, man. I get it. It's sort of an out there thing to ask... I'm sorry if I've offended."
He grew quiet, a look of contemplation on his face. "Wow. Must admit, that was just about the last thing in the world I expected to be asked. It's a first, too."
"I hope I didn't offend?" I said apologetically.
"No, man. It's cool. A bit awkward, yes. But very cool of you... you're a bigger man than I am. Not so sure I could ever share a lady... But she really is interested in me, in that way?"
I nodded, "Yes, she is. She's been rather upfront about it. And I have my reasons why I'd even consider it."
"What reasons are those?” He asked.
"Well, at this rate, I'm pretty sure I can confide in you. Would you agree?"
"Sure man, I'm not a gossip, if that's your concern." Jason said, assuring me. Man to man.
"No, not that. Just that the reason is an important one. Needs to be handled with discretion." I explained.
"Okay, so now you really have my curiosity piqued. What gives, man. Spill."
I took a deep breath. "Cass is a latent shifter, and she's an Alpha female. She's just now discovering this about herself. I'm helping introduce her to it."
He looked stunned. "Oh wow! Is that what it is? I should have known..."
"Wild, right?"
"Very. Crazy. I guess it all makes more sense now..."
"How's that?" I asked.
"Why I'm so drawn to her. She has this magnetic pull, it's very strong. I was trying to figure out what the pull was and well, that would certainly explain it." He shared.
We smiled knowingly at one another. A form of comradery and understanding passing between us. A brotherhood-like bonding that kicked on when two male shifters discussed a female, a woman they cared about.
"You know, we both met Cass on the same day. The day she was arrested. I went to breakfast with her for an editing assignment. Later that day, when she went to the pool and decked that guy, she then met you."
"Is that right? And you were who she called to bail her out of jail?"
"I know, I was a bit flummoxed by her too... calling that night. But she explained that everyone she knew was out of town and that there was no one else to help bail her out. I couldn't just let her sit in jail all weekend. She didn't seem the criminal type, so I knew something had gone sideways."
"That's for sure. Truth is, we hated even have to take her in. Off the record, that ass clown deserved what he got. Not that I said it, mind you." Jason said.
"Exactly."
"So, is this why Cass is interested in more than one man? Because she's an Alpha?" He asked.
I nodded, "That's my understanding. Her instincts and inclinations are predisposed to have more than one mate, one partner."
"Wild."
"Yes. Believe me, it goes back to what I shared earlier. I normally wouldn't consider this type of thing. But with Cass, it just makes sense. I was nervous as hell asking you..."
He laughed heartily, "God, I can only imagine! Cheers to having the balls to go there." He said, refilling his pint and then raising it.
Relieved, I refilled mind and lifted it. “Cheers.”
“Cheers, man.”
We both took hearty sips.
"So, what say ye? Cass is eager to know. She really likes you. And god, I can't even believe I just said that. You have to forgive me, I have no clue how this sort of thing works."
"I do, man. It will need to involve a lot of hard liquor and the right setting." He said, laughing a bit at my awkwardness.
"Amen. Lots of hard liquor." I stated in agreement.
"So, how does this proceed? What's next? You text her and let her know that I didn't beat your ass into next week for asking on her behalf?" He said, laughing.
I liked his Scottish spirit. I was beginning to appreciate more what it was about him that Cass was drawn to.
"Well, I have an idea. Tell me what you think. I was thinking of taking Cass camping for a weekend, and I was thinking you could come up and join us for an evening. I'm planning on shifting for her too, so she can experience that in a safe way, in a safe place."
"That would work, I'd be down for that."
"You would?"
"Sure thing. Now that I'm wrapping my head around this... I get it. It makes more sense. I couldn't figure out why she kept flirting when I knew that she was seeing you. I wasn't sure if I was getting mixed signals or what. But now that you've explained it, I get it."
"Good. I kind of figured that it would help explain."
Just then, my phone pinged and sure enough, it was a text from Cass. One small, little word.
So?
I held off in responding.
"Is it just a sexual thing for her, this threesome idea?" He asked, peering down into his beer contemplatively.
I shook my head, "No, I don't think so. I would say it’s more that she has always wanted to be involved with more than one man at a time but didn't really know how to go about it. So, safe to say that she wants more of an ongoing dynamic. But time will tell..."
He nodded, genuinely intrigued at this point.
"Think she can handle the two of us?"
We grinned at one another, sharing that innate carnal knowledge that men know and understand about one another.
"I believe she can. To be honest, it’s part of what I find attractive about her. She's a whole lot of woman and she's not afraid to use it."
"Damn, that's hot... Sexy as hell. She's very sexy but sort of oblivious to it. I like that about her.”
"I agree. You've got her pegged."
He nodded towards my cell, "So, was that her checking in?"
I laughed, he didn't miss nothing. "Yes, actually."
"Text her back. Tell her she rocks my world and that it's a green light. I leave this matter in your more than capable hands, sir. I commend you for being a braver man than I."
"Thank you."
At that point, the two pints of beer we'd managed to drink through the conversation was catching up with us, lubricating away some of the awkwardness. I texted, 'green light' to Cass and immediately, her response was a big smiley face.
Somehow, deep inside, I knew that Jason wasn't a threat to our relationship, involvement or connection. Instead, I suspected he was about to enhance it. Which was weird. Very weird. But something in me told me to trust and so that was what I was doing.
Chapter
(( 17 ))
CASSIDY
Considering that the last time I’d been camping was when I was a child, I wasn’t minding it much. In fact, I was digging my current view.
It was dusk, and Abe had built a campfire. We’d arrived in the early afternoon and he’d gone about getting our campsite prepared, teaching me how to pitch the tent. Once everything was situated, he’d set about building the fire, mesmerizing me in the process.
There was something primal about it and I found it stirring.
Arousing…
Seeing him in the great outdoors was giving me more of an appreciation of him in h
is natural environment and habitat. I was watching him closely, admiring his ease with nature. In a way, I felt I was seeing him for the first time, my thoughts percolating around when he would shift for me, so I could see him in bear form.
We’d discussed it and had agreed that I needed to know what it was like for a shifter to actually shift. He explained that he needed to be in nature, somewhere remote and private. Which, of course, made perfect sense to me. So, the weekend camping trip had been made an actuality as soon as possible.
“What’cha thinking about?” He asked, while poking at a burning log. His gaze devoted to the flames, leaving me to admire his handsome profile. He truly seemed more rugged out in the nature of the woods and campsite. I wasn’t sure if it was just my imagination, but I noticed the difference.
“That I’m liking this more than I thought I would…” I admitted.
“Thatta girl! I thought maybe it was hiding out in you, somewhere.” He teased.
“We’ll see. It’s only night one and it hasn’t gotten dark yet.”
“You afraid of the dark?” He asked.
“Is it okay if I say, a little?” I admitted, feeling silly.
“Of course it’s okay. Any reason in particular?” He asked, starting to prepare the firepit with the utensils he needed to make us some dinner. He’d promised me some good eats while camping, in the hopes of changing my opinion about roughing it, in the woods.
“Well – just have always had city lights. It makes me feel safe, having light.”
Abe nodded, “I follow. For what it’s worth, the stars are amazing when it gets totally dark. You’ve probably yet seen a night sky so bright. There’s something to look forward to.”
I smiled, it was one of the things I really was growing to appreciate about him as I got to know him better. He saw the positive in things. Which made me understand better how he’d come out of the other side of divorce so seemingly unscathed. He hadn’t opened up much about it yet and I was getting curious.
“Did your ex like to camp?” I asked gently, picking up one of the long sticks and poking at the fire.
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