Chapter 132

Cassie

Life went back to normal. And it threw me for a loop. I knew I shouldn't be as content as I was. I shouldn't be happy and able to sleep peacefully at night. Or as peacefully as two little boys who had found their voice could do. Not that I would ever moan about their midnight cries. I would never moan about the life Scarlett had given me.

But it wasn't real. I knew that as well. I could go about my daily routine, I could cook and clean and walk the garden and the nearby forest with my babies but it wouldn't last.

War was coming.

And there was nothing I could do about that. It was quiet right now. No talk or rumours from the palace. No sight not sound from Julian or Ian. Not even a whisper that he had been caught.

Just peace.

But it wasn't right because it couldn't last. We were just holding our breath and waiting for something to happen and it would happen soon. I could feel it in the air.

Still I tried to enjoy the little bit of peace I was offered.

"What are you cooking?"

I glanced up from my bowl and smiled at Scarlett came walking through the back door. She headed straight to the twins , asleep in the bassinet she had brought for us to use downstairs. They filled it completely and soon would out grow it but I loved being able to have them close to me as I cooked. Which I did every day. It soothed my soul to do such a mundane thing even though I was rubbish at it. The only thing I could cook was Eggs royale. The one dish Cathy had taught me to cook.

"I see." Scarlett peered at me from beneath her lashes. Her smile wary. "Are you sure your not half bear with the amount of salmon you are eating?" She joked as I continued to whip the eggs.

"Almost positive but who knows. This is just the one thing I know I can cook." I continued doing what needed doing.

"And you're not tired of it?" Slipping into one of the kiddies chairs

"I'm starting to hate it." I admitted with a laugh. "But I was never a great cook. Never had a mum to teach me. Cathy taught me this and-" tears made my voice thick. I hated thinking about her and then I hated myself for not thinking about her. "Do you think he put her on the wall?" I asked in a whisper because that had been bothering me a lot since I had got here.

Instantly Scarlett was on her feet and hugging me. "You can't think about it. When this is over , then we will give them the burial they deserve but until then you have to keep the sadness at bay. Have you been outside today."

"Every day." I admitted. "It's one of the only things that keeps me sane. Has there been any news?"

Her arms still around me she gave me a squeeze. "Not yet, there's a few whispers but they are coming from a million different sources and Julian and Ian can't be everywhere at once. I know you miss him."

"I miss him and Ian as well because he's my friend. And my mother. I wish I could send word to her because she is going to be out of her mind with worry and then there's Forrest. It feels like I am betraying them all by being here and living my life."

"I would not exactly call this living Cassie. Back when I first met you. When I saw you dance , back then you were living. You might of hated your life but you were living. Not that I expect you to dance now. I couldn't even if I tried but you do need to enjoy things in your life. You are allowed to do that."

I frowned. I enjoyed being here. I really did. I was content. But was content the same as happy? It felt like - with a sigh I left the food and wandered off to stand and look out the window.

"It's beautiful here Scarlett and I never want to be ungrateful because you have done so much for us but-" I suxked in a deep breath. "I don't feel like I have a purpose. I need to have a purpose."

"Your babies are how old now?"

"Almost seven weeks I think. I don't even know really." I admitted.

"Back in the human world you wouldn't even be back to work yet. But I understand what you mean. You need a purpose then I will give you a purpose. But it's going to take some sacrifices on your part."

"What do you want me to do?" I asked eagerly. I didn't mind sacrifice. My life had been full of them.

"I want you to come down and be our packs doctor."

"You want me to move down into the valley?" My heart thundered in my chest. It was the kind of job I had dreamt of since I'd given birth. A chance to do what I was good at and be a mum. But going down to where Scarlett's pack was dangerous. If people saw me, hell people would see me and a few would even recognise me.

Reading my thoughts on my face, she tapped me on the nose. "If you will allow I will watch the babies for you. And it would only be a few days a week. No long hours."

"People will recognise me."

"Of course they will. But my pack is loyal. It will be any one else that comes along that we have a problem and that's where the sacrifice comes in." She reached down down and picked up a strand of my long dark hair. "But this will have to go. We need to cut your hair."

I paled.

"But not tonight. Tonight you are going to eat something other than salmon and eggs. Like a steak. How does that sound?"

It sounded amazing.

"Pack an overnight bag, you're eating in my home with my pack tonight."