Chapter 108

Cassie

I came awake back on the narrow bed, back in the room that was my prison. Not the kind of prison cell that Julian was in but it was still a cell.

To the side of me I could hear both Cathy and Ian talking. Murmuring as they cradled my sons.

"Asshole." I muttered as I sat up and stretched. "You knocked me out."

Ian barely looked at me before he went back to rocking the baby in his arms. "And I'd do it again. Hell I should have done it sooner. It would have saved me so many headaches." He chuckled.

Climbing out of the bed I rubbed at my sore throat and scowled at him. "I'll give you a headache if you-" I paused as Cathy smiled at me. "What?"

Shaking her head she bit her lip, turning away from me she looked down at twin number two. "It's just I've never seen you like this?"

"What angry?" Again I glared at Ian. Who was back to ignoring me.

"No." Back and forth Cathy rocked the smaller of my children. "I have seen you angry plenty of times. I have never seen you so care free."

"I am living in the walls of the palace and there is  a bounty on my head. I don't think carefree is the right word." I rolled my eyes.

"All of that is true of course but you are comfortable. You are comfortable with Ian. You tease each other." She pointed out.

"We are-" Frowning I stared at him. Trying to find the right words. "Friends." I finished lamely.

"Friends like each other." Ian cracked a cheeky grin. "And I don't like you."

In answer I flipped him my middle finger and we both laughed out loud.

"This is what I mean." Cathy pointed out. "I've never seen this side of either of you."

"Maybe because you didn't really know us." Ian said and the laughter died on his face. "Danger put me and Cassie together. She knows my secrets and I know hers. We protected each other."

"I like Yana. She is like a sister to me." I paled as Ian's head snapped around to glare at me with a growl.

Fuck. I clapped a hand over my mouth and widened my eyes.  I hadn't meant to say her name out loud. No one here knew he was mated let alone mated to a cat shifter.

By saying her name I had put her in danger and I never wanted that to happen. I hadn't been lying when I said she was like a sister.

"I'm sorry , I didn't mean-"

"Stop talking Cassie." Ian's voice shook with anger, he was barely containing. "Stop talking now."

I lapsed into silence.

"You have a lady friend?" Cathy asked. Ian didn't answer. Instead he stood up and went to lay the baby down on the bed I had just vacated. I watched him and bit my lip. He was shaking with anger.

Fuck.

Cathy sucked in a breath. "You have taken a mate?"

He whirled on her , his hands clenched at his sides. Sensing the danger she was in, Cathy threw up her hands. "I won't tell anyone Ian. I am just surprised. I don't understand why you wouldn't tell us who she is. Why keep her a secret? We all love you and want you to be happy."

"Why keep her a secret?" He hissed through his gritted teeth. He motioned with his hands and arms. Spreading them wide. "Because I wanted to keep them safe from this. Mess-" Wildly he looked around and then groaned. Yanking at his hair he turned to me. "My wolf is agitated. I need to be alone." He began to walk away. Getting half way across the room before he turned to me. Staring at me from over his shoulder. "Don't leave this room. Not for anything." His eyes softened. "I won't be long but don't-"

"I'll stay where I am."

He didn't seem to hear me because he didn't turn or reply.

"How long has he been mated?" Cathy asked quietly. "I can't believe he has taken a mate and never told anyone. I have known that boy since he was six years old."

I didn't say anything.

"Cassie?"

"I'm sorry but I can't answer that."

Cathy's old face fell. "Because neither one of you trust me."

Reaching across the table I took her hand and squeezed her fingers. "Of course we trust you. I can't tell you that because I don't know." I shrugged and drew my hand back . "They haven't told me and I didn't ask."

"I see." For a moment Cathy lapsed into silence. "What is she like? Can I ask that? Or is that a secret."

"I don't think he will mind me telling you she is an amazing woman. Strong and independent and brave and loyal. She's -"

"And beautiful?" Cathy sighed. "Of course she is beautiful if she has attracted our dear Ian."

"You sound sad?" I stared at her. Something was going on with her and I didn't know what. But she suddenly looked sad.

"I am,  not because Ian has found his soul but because all of the young royal men , all of our future leaders and protectors seem to have some curse on them. A curse where their mates-" she trailed off and climbed to her feet with a groan . "It doesn't matter. These are the cards the Goddess has given us I guess and I must have faith that-" A shiver ran through her. "I need to go. They will start wondering where I am soon. I have left more food for you and some fresh milk and fruit but you need to make this last longer than last time Cassie. They have started noticing there is food going missing. But I'll try and get more-"

"I don't want you to risk yourself any longer." I frowned. If she was found stealing then she would be punished severely. "Me and Ian will manage somehow."

"No." She shook her head. "You have to eat properly to feed those young princes. I'll be careful." Nervously she glanced down at her hands . Rubbing at her wrists and I followed her movement. "Don't want to be punished.." shaking herself she smiled back up at me. "Are you going to be ok alone or do you want me to wait for Ian to come back?"

"I'll be fine. I am just going to read a while and -"

She was already shuffling towards the door. Eager to be back out there. "Ok, stay safe Cassie."

"You as well." I called out after her but the secret panel had already clicked closed behind her. It left me in absolute silence.

Just me and my two boys.

My nameless children

With a sigh I turned back to them and frowned.

It was time to give my sons names.