Chapter 135

Cassie

It was like I couldn't breathe. Not because I was terrified although being snuck up on would do that to any girl but because a resounding sense of familiarity washed over me. I knew even without looking that who ever they were they didn't mean me any harm.

Hope blossomed in my chest and my heart skipped a beat.

"Cassie." Jayson growled out a warning and stepped forward as I began to turn. I didn't understand why he looked so nervous. Or why they all looked so scared. I don't feel either of those things now the shock had worn off. It had to be Julian.

My heart was telling me-

"Julian."I whirled around and stammered to a stop as my eyes hit the heavily muscled chest of a huge man. A man much taller than Julian. My eyes flicked up to his face and I frowned.

I didn't know this man. I had never seen him before in my life. "You're not Julian." I stumbled back from the giant of a man. And his face broke into a smile. "I don't know you."

I felt rather saw the people around the table move. Jayson came to stand at my side , his hand closing around my wrist to try and draw me behind him. A small circle went around Scarlet and the babies. I wasn't sure what good that would do. Who ever this dude was he had got through all of Scarlett's guards and managed to sneak up on thirteen shifters without no one noticing. That made him dangerous.

"No I am not and no you don't yet-" the smile slipped from his face as he stared at Jayson who was openly growling. "Be quiet boy." He snapped. "I am not threat to Cassie. Or to my grandchildren."

Jayson just growled even more. He growled so loudly that I almost didn't register what the stranger had said. But was he a stranger? I had never seen him before but he felt familiar and he had just said- I swallowed hard.

"It's ok." I turned slightly to reassure Jayson and his growls stopped. He still didn't look happy but at least he wasn't snarling.

Turning my attention back to the newcomer my hand reached up to touch his face, but stopped before I could touch his skin.

"Why do you feel so familiar? Why do I trust you not to hurt me or mine ?" I dropped my hand to my side and straightened my shoulders. "What do you want?"

One dark , bushy eyebrow quirked upwards. "Which of those questions would you like me to answer first Cassandra?"

"My name is Cassie. No one has ever called me by Cassandra."

"Sorry I just assumed you had shortened it." He bowed his head politely. "There's many things I need to learn about you isn't there? Many years to catch up on." He straightened. "But we will have time now. I am Caspian and-"

"You're my father." I murmured.

He nodded. "Yes, that's why you trust me. My blood runs through your veins and blood always recognises blood. I was hoping your mother would be here." His eyes scanned the small gathering and a line appeared between his eyebrows. "It's been years."

"Since you abandoned her?"

A flash of anger swept across his face. "Never. That is a wolf thing to do. Like your husband , mating with another woman even after you said your vows. I have been true to your mother my mate. I just couldn't get her to come away. And then I couldn't find her at all. It's only recently that I felt the link again."

I blinked at him in shock. "She was in a coma." I whispered.

A flicked of worry darkened his eyes. "Is she?"

"She is fine now. Somewhere safe. But that doesn't tell me why you are here?"

"For you and my grandchildren." He said it like it was the most obvious thing in the world.  "You're friends here have done a great job about keeping you safe but it's time for you to come home. You are a princess of the Lycans and your place now is with us." He smiled , reaching down he pushed some of my long dark hair behind my ear. "You look so much like your mother when she was your age. All that long dark hair. I would very much like to see her again."

"I can't just come with you." I snapped, my eyes flicked to Scarlett who just shrugged. "I don't know you. I don't know if I can trust you."

"We are the only ones who can keep you and the babies safe from the war that is about to happen. This kingdom is about to fall and I don't want to see you fall with it. I won't let you or your mother down again. So I'll have her fetched as well. We will be a family finally."

"No." I almost stamped my feet. "Julian-"

"Is going to father another baby. He will take Megan. He will let you down again."

"My babies are also his.  He-" I was about to say he loved me but I really wasn't sure of that.

"The choice is yours daughter. You can stay and fight and die or you can do what you know is right and come somewhere your husband can never let you down again." Digging deep into his pocket he pulled out a phone. His thick fingers flying across the keys he held it to his ear.

"Yes I'm with her now but she doesn't trust me yet. Yeah," a low grumbling chuckle. "Here. I have someone who wants to speak to you. Someone your husband tried to beat to death for being your friend." He handed me the phone and I took it tentatively.

"Hello Cassie." A familiar voice spoke softly in my ear and I let out a shriek, dancing away from the giant of a man I burst into tears. Sobbing loudly I almost collapsed with relief at hearing his voice. "Forrest?"