Chapter 238

Cassie

The forests of Yannas home were beautiful. Not the scented pine forests that I was used to but giant ancient trees with reddish trunks and the leaves swaying green and russet red high above my head.

Lifting my head I stared at that canopy and smiled. Yes it was different but there was something magical about this place. A sense of peace filled me. Breathing in deep the smells of the forest I felt my shoulders relax.

"You seem happy."

I did a double take at the sound of Yannas voice. Turning I stared at her. She was just as beautiful as she had been at the ball, but there was something ethereal about seeing her standing here because this was her home and was where she belonged.

"Sorry." Wildly I looked around, trying to spot Ian and the twins in the crowds walking towards the giant wooden cabin in the middle of the clearing.

Sensing my panic , she placed a hand on my arm. "The boys have gone inside with Ian. They are safe. Well-" the corners of her mouth twitched. "As safe as two young boys can be from the amount of ice cream and candy everyone has bought for them. Children are so rare here so you'll have to forgive them if the boys have bad belly's later."

I couldn't help it. I laughed. "I think I can make an exception this once and anyway the run will probably help. They are so excited to be included." I met her eyes with mine. "I'm honoured and excited as well." I said truthfully.

"That's why I wanted to talk to you." Sliding her hand into the crook of my arm she grinned up at me. "Let's walk and talk a little."

I flashed her a confused look even as I let myself be lead along the gravel path and further into the woods.

"We can't talk inside?" I asked as the cabin was lost in view.

"Of course we can but I thought you might want some privacy. Ian told me you haven't been able to call your animal forth since you woke up?" Stopping dead she turned to me.

"It's no big deal. Ian's sure she is still here." I gave her a shrug. "She just doesn't want to come out and-"

Yannas slap came out of no where. Rocking my head back.

Confused I took a stumbling step back, my hand rushed up to my smarting cheek but never made contact as she slapped me again.

"What the hell-"

She hit me again and again. Rocking my head first to the right and then to the left until my neck hurt from the continuous movement more than my cheeks did.

Tears stung my eyes.

"Fight the fuck-"

"What the hell are you doing Yanna?" Ian appeared out of nowhere. Striding through the wide trunks , he caught her up around the waist and tossed her aside like she was nothing but trash.

She landed hard on her back but didn't stay down , rolling to her feet she rounded on him and her growls filled the air. Loud and threatening as they echoed around the woodland.

Ian turned to me in shock, facing me and not Yanna who was in complete attack mode. Her full lips pulled back from her shining white teeth.

It was a foolish mistake when she was growling away like a wild animal.

My body vibrated. Muscles tensing and then releasing in rhythmic bursts.

"Cassie-" Ian reached out a hand towards me, and I snapped at it. My teeth gnashing together.

More growls filled the early morning air but not from Yanna or even Ian.

It was me that was growling.

"There she is." Ignoring Ian completely , Yanna pushed past him. "Let her out Cassie." She ordered. "You're the one who is keeping her locked away.

The noise rumbling from my lips died down to nothing but the sound of my heavy breathing.

"You did that on purpose." I panted, glaring at her. That's why she had led me away from view and from Ian because her plan had always been to beat me until I shifted. She suspected that my wolf would come out to play if I was threatened and she was half right.

I could feel my wolf now. Pacing just inside my skin, ready to burst free but with no real wish to do so.

"And it would have worked if your guard dog hadn't interrupted." Out of the corner of her eye she glared at Ian.

A twig snapped under Ian's boots as he stepped between us. Turning to face Yannas much smaller frame, he clenched his fists at his side.

"You fucking touch her again Yanna and I will end you." Venom dripped from his voice.

For a heartbeat she stared at him and then with a flick of her dark curls she walked away. "You would try wolf boy." She threw back over her shoulder. "You wouldn't succeed."

I watched as she disappeared into the trees.

"Are you ok?"

I continued to stare in the direction she had disappeared into and didn't answer him at first.

"Cassie?"

"I'm fine."

"You're cheeks are red and swollen." Ian towered over me. "She hurt you and I let it happen."

Slowly I lifted my eyes to him. "I'm fine."

Ian shook his head. His fingers coming down to smooth down my stinging cheek. "I'll see you to the cat and then get the boys. We need to get out of here. These people aren't our friends."

Anger rumbled through him. "Yes they are." Grabbing his arm I stopped him storming off.

Ian turned to me in shock. "But she assaulted you."

Silently I shook my head. "She did what she needed to do to get my wolf to show herself." Catching his look I smiled. "I'm honestly not hurt, Ian." I added. "We need to stay."

He looked puzzled.

"I don't really want my wolf back, that's the truth but there might be a time in the future that I need her back. So I have to stay. I have to see if Yanna can draw her out,"

His eyebrows shot up. "By slapping you around?"

I shrugged. "By any means necessary."