(Cassie's POV) In the heart of the woods, on a moonlit night, I found myself surrounded by towering trees, their branches reaching out like gnarled fingers. Where am I? The air was thick with an eerie stillness, broken only by the rustling of leaves and the distant hoot of an owl. “Jace? Are you here?” As I cautiously stepped forward, my senses suddenly heightened, acutely aware of every sound and movement.“Be careful” my wolf spoke to me. The moon had cast a pale glow, illuminating patches of the forest floor, while casting deep shadows elsewhere. “Where are we? Do you recognize this place?” I asked back. When no response came, I sighed. The place felt awfully familiar. But I wasn't sure where or when I'd been here in this part of the woods. But it was in one of these very shadowy pockets that I heard it— a soft, melodic voice, barely audible, yet captivating. What was that? It seemed to emanate from deeper within the woods, beckoning me closer. My heart raced as curiosity
Cassandra came down the stairs holding hands with the Graham twins. “So you promise to let us play dress up with you when you get back?” Ruby asked. “Yes I promise, Ru” Cassandra answered. “And we'll go get ice cream and then you'll play unicorn princess tea party with me?” Rose added. “Of course my littlest flower...” Cassandra grinned, softly pinching Rose's cheek, “and my precious jewel” she added and equally pinched Ruby's cheek softly. “And may I know where you're going?” Jace asked, cutting in front of his girlfriend as she stepped on the landing. “My parents'” Cassandra answered with a chuckle, letting go of the girls so they could go do whatever nine-year-olds did. “Your parents'” Jace echoed. “Yeah,” she smiled, gingerly kissing his cheek and hoping that the frown on his face would disappear. It didn't. “Well, why didn't you bother to tell me earlier?” Jace asked. “I'm telling you now, aren't I, Jace Graham?” “Well, you should have given me at least a two days noti
(Cassie's POV) “Seriously Jace Graham. Where are we going?” I looked out the window of the private jet Jace had somehow gotten us on. He said we were going away for the weekend. And the fact that he had a private jet at his disposal was total madness.“You’ll see,” my boyfriend said with a smug grin.I chuckled. “I still can’t believe you planned all this without me knowing” I shook my head in disbelief. I also couldn’t believe we were flying on a private plane, fully equipped with a bedroom and everything. “Michael thought I was crazy trying to pack for you without telling you.”“Yeah? Well, he’s right.”“I know,” he said, kissing my hand. “That’s why I inquired for help from Siri.”I gasped dramatically. “You did not!” “Oh yes I did” he chuckled. I smiled. “Well, we’ll see how you did when we unpack.”“You’re beautiful no matter what you wear, Cass.”My cheeks flushed and Jace brushed a strand of hair behind my ear. I could tell he really liked it when I let my hair down, so
(Cassie's POV) The chirping of the birds woke me up and I groaned and turned over to the other side of the bed. But I wasn't able to fall back asleep. I stayed still for like five minutes then I dragged myself up. My first shift had taken a toll on me But when I looked outside, I couldn't help but smile.It was here. It was finally here. And a few hours from now, I was going to marry the love of my life. I'm going to be the new Mrs. Graham. I paused for a second to make sure I wasn't dreaming. If it was a dream, I didn't want to wake up and find out that Jace and this wedding wasn't going to happen. It would be the end of me. “But no. No it's not” I assured myself. “This is really happening. And I'm going to be the new Mrs. Graham in a few hours. Shake it off, Cass.” I inhaled and exhaled then got into the bathroom to take a long bubble bath. The last shower being Cassandra Adler, my mind quipped. I chuckled and brushed my teeth afterward. Seven times to be exact. Because I
(Jace's POV) I tugged on the sleeve of my button-down, then glanced at Michael. “How do I look?” “Your usual sorry self” He grinned.“Jesus, why the hell did I bother to ask?” I glanced forward through the now-open doors onto the rippling waters of the pool where I had been unceremoniously dunked and held captive by the rest of my ex-friends. Yep, I’ve officially disowned them, as of fifteen minutes ago. When they’d not allowed me out of the pool until I’d promised I’d go through with the ceremony. Which, to be honest, I had no intention of skipping.Not after I was this close.“Hey,” Michael whispered to me, “Where'd you say you got this priest from again?” Ugh! “A neighboring pack I'm in business with.” “Which one?” “It's not official pack business. It's... personal.”He chuckled and leaned away from me. I rolled my shoulders in the perfectly fitted tux that my father had produced, along with the rest of the tailored suit that I was wearing. Seemed this was his wedding gift
(Cassie's POV) “They’re all gone,” Jace said, practically slumping against the door in exhaustion. “Didn't think weddings were this stressful huh?” I chuckled, taking another bite of our wedding cake. As the flavors exploded on my tongue, I practically moaned. It was delicious, especially for it being gluten-free. And for once, I didn't mind the pink. “Gosh, I could eat this for the rest of my life and never tire of it... I think.” The cake was amazing— pink velvet with the best cream cheese buttercream. The couch in his dad’s cottage home on their property was so comfy, and I’d plopped myself on it when we came inside after everyone had finally started leaving the compound. And the cake that was currently resting in my lap was just the icing on top of the whole day. I let my eyes float shut as I relaxed further into the couch. Feeling the weight of the plate being lifted off my abdomen, I opened my eyes to Jace staring at me. “Cuddles” His arms came down around me, caging me i
(Jace's POV) We’d woken up two more times in the middle of the night, seeking out each other’s bodies for pleasure, and by the time both of us roused from the bed in the morning, it was almost ten. “Good morning,” Cassandra said, rubbing her eyes as she stretched her arms, her pebbled nipples peeking through the sheet.“Morning.” And because I could, I bent down to kiss her. Just a simple kiss on the lips. “What’s on the agenda for the day, my love?”God, I liked that. “Well, babe, I was thinking we could hide away and see no one, and do absolutely nothing.”“Mmm. That sounds nice.” “Want to order in some breakfast?” I held up the service menu I’d thankfully requested the day before. And I had already ordered champagne for tonight.Might as well celebrate this marriage while we can, right? “Pancakes” Her eyes lit up as she looked at all the options. I chuckled. “Breakfast of champions. Let’s do it.”She took the menu from my hands. “Better get me a ham and cheese omelet and
(Cassie's POV) “Hell no!” He chuckled. “Hell yes.” I shook my head. “No. That's cheating.” “No. That's game” he replied, copying my tone. “There's no way you're this good at Go Fish, Jace. Nuh-uh.” “Well...” he stretched his legs, my eyes tracing his crotch, “... I don't mean to brag but there are a few more other things I'm very good at, Cass.” I rolled my eyes, despite the huge grin I had on my face. “But...” I copied his move, jutting out my chest. Jace's eyes dropped to catch my girls perk and his mouth curved into a smile that made me proud. “You still cheated” I finished. He laughed. “I didn't. I'm just that good at it.” “Really?” I raised my brow. “Yes. I'm really good at playing. And so I play to win.” “By cheating” I folded my arms under my chest. “No” he laughed. “Okay,” I chuckled and stood up. “I'm going to go get some water.” “How about one last round? I'll be nice” he called after me. “Oh so you do admit you cheated” I asked over my shoulder. “Gosh
3 years later...(Cassie's POV) “Honey please stay still. You'll wrinkle your dress” I groaned as I tried to comb Mia's hair. “Mom, it hurts!” she whined and pulled away. “Well you didn't want to use the de-tangling shampoo, remember?” I scolded. “C'mon, we have to hurry before your sister wakes up.”I grabbed her hand. “Noooo, I don't wanna. It hurts!” she whined louder“Oh, Mia...”A loud cry came from my room and I knew the little one was awake. “Mom! There's no toilet paper!” Max cried out. I groaned and looked at Mia who sat there rubbing her head. I opened my mouth to scold her when Kristie walked in. “I've got it Mrs. Graham, don't worry,” she said, taking the brush from my hand. I sighed. “Go check up on the baby,” she told me. I nodded and gave her a grateful look before walking into the nursery. “Momma!” she let out when she saw me. “Mommy's here baby” I cooed and picked her up. I kissed her and wiped her tears. She buried her face in the crook of my neck and I g
~Two months later(Cassie's POV) “Happy birthday...” I heard a voice whisper. I slowly opened my eyes and saw Jace smiling at me. I smiled back and he helped me up. “I better get going. Michael's freaking out already” he chuckled, kissing my temple. “Why would Michael be freaking out?” I asked, throwing my hair in a messy bun. Jace gave me a confused look. “What?” I asked, pinning the bun. “I just asked why Michael would be...”Then it hit me. How could I possibly forget?!“Oh my goodness! Today's the wedding?!” I cried out. “You forgot?” he asked. “What?! No” I lied. Jace chuckled. “What are you still doing here anyway? Go already, the best man can't be late” I said and pushed him out the door. I hurried to take a quick shower and decided to dress there so I don't waste time. Thankfully, my bump doesn't really show in the dress. I fixed my hair and put on some makeup before slipping on my shoes. I grabbed my purse and headed out to my parent's house. ~ ~ ~“Sorry I'm la
(Cassie's POV)I groaned and got back under the covers.Covers?!I forced my eyes open and the bright light from the windows blinded me. I groaned again as my stomach let out a rumble and pulled myself to sit up.A lady dressed in white stood up and walked towards me with a wide smile plastered on her face. I rubbed my temple.“How're you feeling Ms. Adler?” she asked.“How long have I been asleep?”“Only two days” she replies. Only?! Which means all the other packs were gone by now. I eyed her before speaking up again. She's pretty. “Who are you?”“I'm Sharon. Doctor Elise asked me to stay with you till you wake up.” “Well, now I'm up so you can go. Thank you, but your service isn't needed anymore” I said firmly, groaning a little. “Sharon's not going anywhere” my dad's voice boomed from the doorway. “Mr. Adler” Sharon greeted and bowed down at him. “She's been recommended by Elise so she stays till you're better.”“Daddy, I don't need a nanny. I can take very good care of my
(Cassie's POV)News traveled fast in our pack. Everyone came to express their sympathy, acting like my baby was dead. I walked out of the gym through the door of the pack house and everyone stopped to bow to me as I passed by. Not forgetting to add sympathetic looks. I moved into the living room and dropped on the couch, avoiding eye contact with everyone. The door leading to Jace's office was wide open. I saw him standing behind his desk flipping through some paperwork. Max and Mia left with Emily and Nicole back to London for their safety. Jude was nowhere to be found and André decided to stay back. Cassidy was in a wheelchair... but only temporarily. I glanced at Michael as he passed. He smiled sadly at me before walking into Jace's office. “Jace” he called when he entered. Jace looked up and raised his eyebrows. “Yeah?” he said impatiently. “We think we picked up a scent trail on your daughter.”I sat upright as Jace walked around the desk and stood right in front of Micha
(Cassie's POV) I stood in the doorway of the bedroom and stared at him in awe. He was so adorable when he was sleeping. Max looked so much like him. I smiled to myself as a mischievous grin appeared on my face. “Jace!” I screamed as I jumped on top of his sleeping.He grabbed me and threw me underneath him, his hand over my mouth. I waved. “Really?” he chuckled and climbed off me. I laughed. “I'm sorry, it's just that you looked so good sleeping, I just had to”. He looked down at me. “I'm sorry!” I cried playfully and hugged him. “Don't be mad, please?” I said in a tiny voice and pecked his cheek. He grinned. “You're weird as shit,” he said between laughs and I nodded in agreement. He pulled me in for a hug. “I love you” I breathed in his chest as he kissed my forehead. “Me more” he replied. “Go take a shower,” I said and let him go. (Jace's POV) Once I was done showering, I called out to Cassandra to hand me a towel which she did. I stepped out in my boxers and saw her
She grabbed a dress and tried it on. Standing in front of the mirror, tilted her head.“No,” she said and took it off.She tried on another dress.“No!” she screamed and dropped on the bed.Alec rolled his eyes and continued to cut through the paper.“I have nothing to wear for tonight! Alec help me” she pleaded.He ignored her and continued to cut the paper.“Give my back my scissors!” she said and took back her scissors.“What do you want me to do?” he asked with a sigh. “What is the matter with you?”“I'll tell you. I don't like how you treat Cassandra. She's our sister for Pete's sake! And I don't like you hanging around with Blair. She's changing you; you're changing. You're not the big sister I looked up to and admired anymore. You're a spoilt little brat and I can't live with you anymore” he said and grabbed his pillow. “What are you doing?” Cassidy asked. “Alec, I am speaking to you!”“I'm going to Cassandra's. I don't wanna be roommates anymore.”Cassidy's face fell.“I'll c
(Cassie's POV)“What is the matter with both of you?!” the old woman asked. “Look, I don't know why you're screaming but it's not good for you,” I tell her.“I don't wanna hear another word from you”.She turned when the door closed. “How's she now?” she asked Elise.Elise sighed.“What really happened, Cassandra?” Elise asked me.I remained quiet and got back to flipping through the Vogue magazine.Michelle sighed.“Elise, how's Blair?”Blair walked in with a cast around her arm and a bandage around her head. Her face... all bruised up.“Oh,” they chorused.“I thought I told you to rest,” Elise said firmly.“I don't need to rest. I'm fine” Blair said looking directly at me.“There, she said it. She's fine. Now I'm leaving” I said and jumped up from my seat.“Don't you dare take another step young lady!” Dad barks.“Oh gimmie a break, dad.”“No. I'm afraid I'm going to have to punish you” he said.“But dad—”“No son. I'm going to have to punish your sister.”“Well if you punish her..
(Cassie's POV)Time flew by.Summer found out André was her mate and she was beyond excited. I formed a really tight bond with my baby brother. I loved him to bits. I can't really say the same thing about Cassidy though. I mean that girl was a pain in the everything. So moving on. Blair and I hadn't been getting along, but that wasn't anything new. Jace had been trying to bond with Madison but it wasn't not really working out. And speaking of Jace... A knock interrupted me.“Come in,” I said looking through the paperwork. “Are you still mad about the kiss?” he asked. I seized up the yellow pencil lying on the desk and threw it. It sailed through the air and struck the wall just next to Jace's head, where it struck, vibrating. His eyes widened for a second and I smiled faintly. “Sorry, I didn't realize it was you.”Jace chuckled. “But it's a shame I have only one pencil” I sighed. “What can I help you with Mr. Graham?”“Cass, I'm sorry about the kiss...”“What kiss?” I asked, si
(Cassie's POV) “No, I want it cute... not too simple though,” I said through the phone.Members of the other packs waved and smiled as I passed by. I paused when a few teens ran up to me with notepads and cameras. I gave them my autograph and took selfies with them.“I don't know but I feel it's a girl,” I say. “No. I want it to be perfect.”I saw Montana walk in and look at me. “Err... Ray, I've gotta go. I'll call you later” I said. She suddenly let out a groan and I rushed up to her. “Are you okay?” I asked helping her sit. “The baby's coming!” she cried out. “I just felt my water break.” “Cassie?” Rose called. “Call an ambulance!”“It hurts!” Montana whimpered.I rubbed the back of her hand. “Breathe sweetie. It'll be fine” I told her. “Where on earth is the ambulance?!”“What if I lose another child? I'll be the fifth one. I don't think I'll be able to take it” she said in tears. “No, no, no” I whispered to her. “Ethan would be heartbroken.”“Don't think like that” I sai