Chapter 228

Cassie

"Home." Standing in the doorway , I looked around the cosy interior of the house that had been my home once upon a time but not in this lifetime and smiled.

I had been happy here before Ian had forced me back. I knew deep down that Ian wouldn't be forcing me back this time. He was adamant that I be kept as far away from the kingdom and Julian as possible and I had to agree with him.

This time our separation had to be final. No more second chances. My heart and soul couldn't take it anymore.

And-

Giggling the boys rushed passed me. Heading straight to the kitchen area in search of the snacks that Ian had promised them were waiting for them.

Smiling sadly I stepped through and waited for Ian to close the door behind us.

Goddess it was strange to be back here. Strange but not in a bad way. The boys were safe here, and we could be happy as a family.

Not once had they asked about their father and that shocked me.

"Welcome home Cassie." Ian dumped the suitcases and bags he had carried from the car by the door and kicked up his shoes. "I know it's not much but-"

"It's perfect. It's always been perfect." Sighing I kicked off my own shoes. The ones that were a size too big because they were borrowed.

I would have to get my own stuff soon and clothes for the boys. I would need a job to get those things because I wasn't replying on Ian for those things.

Luckily for me I knew just where to get a job and I already had friends here because Yanna would be close.

At the thought of the young panther my eyes met Ian's. He didn't know it yet but they were made for each other. Quite literally. Or maybe he did but something was keeping him away from her.

Old prejudices?

Or maybe new responsibilities. He had said himself that we would need the world to think we were a couple.

"Don't start with that again." Ian said with a groan.

"What?" My eyes widened. "I didn't say anything."

"You didn't need to." Lifting his hand he motioned to my face. "You have that look on your face that you're going to say something nuts. Don't tell me you've been here before?"

I shrugged. "You wouldn't believe me even if I told you."

Ian's eyes narrowed. "Cassie I have only bought this place- you haven't been in here."

I wandered into the big open plan room. And fell into the plush overstuffed sofa with a sigh. I didn't expect him to believe me but I kind of wanted him too.

Another groan I leant forward and pulled open the small drawer in the coffee table. Plunging my hand to the back I pulled forth a foil covered toffee. Unwrapping it I popped it into my mouth.

Ian's eyebrows shot up in shock.

"And yet I knew where you hid your secret stash of toffees Ian." Lifting my chin I called to the boys. "The good cookies are hidden." I called to them. "Cupboard by the sink. Right at the back in a tin with sewing needles on it."

Ian sucked in a breath and fell onto the sofa next to me. "How do you know these things Cassie?" He asked in wonder. His voice shook. "Are you a witch?"

"I don't think I'm a witch. I have some healing powers as well but I haven't seen them manifest since I woke up." I shrugged. "But I know where everything is because I've lived in this house before. I know you don't want to believe that Ian but I've lived this life before."

He stayed silent.

"It was different, we were at war and things were good but in all the ways that matters it was the same. I only came back because I thought I could save Julian but I know now that he has to save himself."

"He died in this other world?"

I nodded. "Megan killed him. She killed him when she was pregnant with his child."

"Shit-" Ian ran his hand through his hair. Making it stand up on end. "Do you think she will-"

"I don't know but I don't think so. Not with me gone anyway. Megan has always wanted power and that is it. She has that now so I don't think she will." I shook my head. "But if you need to go back and protect him I understand and we will be fine here." I added quickly. "I will get a job with Dr Harris and Yanna and her people will be able to help teach the boys about shifting and their animals."

Ian's eyes darkened. "You will get your wolf back Cassie."

I shrugged. "Maybe or maybe not. At this point I'm quite happy to live as a human. Being a wolf in this world is confusing. This is my chance to bring the boys up the way they deserve. Without any danger. They can have a normal life." I sighed. "I can have a normal life."

For  second Ian studied me. "That sounds good Cassie. But I'm not going anywhere." His eyes darkened. "I couldn't go back even if I wanted to."

He sounded bone weary.

"So it looks like we will be all living as humans now. I'm not going to ask how you know about doctor Harris though." He winked and I couldn't help it. I laughed. "But don't let your guard down, don't stop looking over your shoulder because Julian will not stop looking for us."

"He doesn't love me that much Ian." I sighed.

"That's not the reason he will be searching Cassie, although he does love you. No." He jumped to his feet. Towering over me. "I've left some things for him to find. Once he finds them he will hunt me and you to the end of the world."

My eyes widened. "What have you done?"

"I faked a paternity test. When he finds it then he will think that I am the twins' father. And-"

My heart clenched. I had said I was ok with having my reputation tarnished but it still hurt my heart to think Julian would believe I had strayed from my marriage.

"He's going to believe we have been in a secret relationship for years."