Chapter 33

Morning sunshine streamed in through their bedroom window, Kasey rolled away from it wanting a few minutes more before she needed to get up then remembered what day it was. It was her birthday and according to Fey tradition she had now officially come of age.

She studied herself for a minute, she didn’t feel any different, she wasn’t exactly sure how this was supposed to work though, if all her gifts would hit her at once or if they would just develop quickly… more steadily now. She sighed knowing there was no sense in worrying about it then bit the bullet and got up.

Half an hour later she was showered and dressed and perhaps not ready for the day, but as ready as she was ever going to be. When she got to the dining room she froze! “Brae, what’s going on?”

“Happy birthday kitten! I knew you didn’t want a big celebration, so I thought a family breakfast would be best.”

He indicated her father and brothers with his eyes and she sensed that this breakfast wasn’t just for her. Kasey smiled at everyone, “This is a wonderful surprise thank you everyone,” she rushed into Braedon’s outstretched arms for a birthday hug and waited as everyone else hugged her as well.

As they took their seats Jaz came out from the kitchen with Gilbert helping him carry the biggest stack of pancakes she’d ever seen. She checked the table and yep there were strawberries, maple syrup, cream and she just knew there was homemade vanilla ice cream if she wanted it.

Kasey grinned; she was full almost to overflowing with the emotions emanating from all who loved her. This was a gift she would truly have to master or she may well end up a sobbing mess from time to time. She sensed someone else coming through the kitchen and turned to see Talea holding a bunch of wild flowers and a gift wrapped in purple paper.

Talea rushed to Kasey and gave her the flowers and gift wishing her a happy birthday as well. Kasey thanked her and gave her a hug, but looked at her curiously, “It’s okay Kasey my Jacob said I could come but after I need to go straight home.”

Kasey put the flowers in a vase and placed them on the sideboard against the wall with the gift Talea had given her. Talea sat beside her Jacob and Kasey had to smile at the sight of them both together.

They ate their fill between talking and laughing, she touched Braedon’s hand often needing the contact and each time he’d give her hand a squeeze. They didn’t have to say anything; they both knew everyone was putting on a brave face. If something was to happen, it would be today Kasey knew it, felt it and it all but curdled her stomach knowing that even one of her people may get hurt because of her.

After they finished breakfast she opened up her gifts, she discovered that there were more waiting for he in the living room. She opened Talea’s first, it was a handmade wrap made of soft cream coloured wool. It would keep her warm through winter and she knew she would use it often.

Jaz gave her a patchwork quilt that she said many of the women had worked on for her. Each of the Enforcers came forward and gave her something as well a knife strong and sharp but light to carry, a leather sheath that had been intricately embossed with her name, a leather belt to hold it with similar markings on it and she was rendered speechless when she opened a gift to find a leather vest that matched the belt and sheath. It had loops around the waist for her to slide the belt threw and she was all but jumping up and down with excitement.

She opened another and discovered a set of leather wrist guards to protect her from getting cut when she wielded her knife. They would cover most of her lower arm and take a bit of getting used to, but once she did they’d be worth the effort.

Each of these men had worked on the pieces putting time and effort into the work. Never before had she received such gifts and she knew without considering it that she would treasure each of them.

Kasey was overwhelmed by what she received and a few happy tears escaped as she looked up at these men, these Enforcers who had always shown her the utmost respect and kindness.  She looked at Nicolas and when he nodded she knew that he too had worked on these items.

Jacob handed her a huge box and when she opened it she squealed in surprise, “Oh my goodness Jake you are the best, then she pulled out the entire DVD collection of Buffy and Angel. “We are so gonna have some late nights here soon!” she looked at her family and they were all family at a loss for words.

Taren and her brother’s came forward then and he handed her a red velvet case and waited for her to open it. Kasey’s eyes almost popped out of her head and she shook her head, “I can’t accept this, it’s far too much.”

 “Kasarina it is your birthday, your coming of age, this gift is not just from me but from your brother’s as well. These jewels belong to our family and are passed down to each heir; there are a good many others if you do not like this.”

Kasey looked back into the box and picked up the long gold chain that held a flat diamond as big as her palm. There were matching ear rings and a bracelet as well, but in the bottom left corner she found something that caught her eye. It was a broach in the shape of a feline head; it looked very much like Trace did in his cat form. The gold was encrusted with onyx giving the effect of a black coat and the eyes were small emerald chips. When she looked closer she could see tiny white teeth possibly made of ivory or something similar.

She looked at her father and he nodded, “My mother very much loved that piece, she had an affiliation with felines even had one within our home, she was treated as part of the family both in cat or human form.

He turned to Trace and saw that he realised his father had spoken of his mother. He smiled but remained silent, today was about Kasey not him. Her lower lip trembled as she looked from her father to her brother, she had often wondered what had become of his mother and now she knew that she too was loved.

Braedon cleared his throat to get her attention and she turned to him. He handed her an envelope with a card and a few sheets of paper. She looked at him curiously then read the card before spreading out the sheets of paper to read.

Tears streamed down her face as she read until she could no longer see the words, “Brae,” she all but whispered, “I can’t see the words, can you please read it for me?”

“Of course kitten,” he took the card and read that first, “To my dearest Kasey, you have given me everything I could wish for my love and now that it is your birthday I wish to give something special to you. With all my heart your Braedon.” 

He took the sheets of paper each had something different on in and began to read the first page, “Here is my promise of a trip to Sydney to visit with your friends and family there.” he took the second, then the third sheet, “this is my promise to ensure that each year you spend time with those you love in Sydney and this one is my vow to marry you in church so that Jax can give you away.” He avoided Taren’s gaze at the last knowing he’d have to explain the closeness Kasey had for Jax.

Kasey was stunned, the excitement took hold, “Oh my god Brae, Chrissy and Marie are gonna have a field day!” she giggled, “it’s gonna be so much fun.” She noticed Nicolas out of the corner of her eye shaking his head no doubt thinking about the security hassles the trip would cause. She ignored him, this was her birthday and at least for now she’d enjoy it.

“You are pleased with my gifts kitten?”

Kasey threw her arms around him and spoke to him through their personal bond, “I love your gifts enough that I’d like to thank you in a more personal way, if you know what I mean.” She blushed, which endeared her even more to Braedon’s heart.

Jaz and Talea helped her put her gifts in her room, the men were getting ready to go about their duties and she knew that Jaz and Talea would have to leave as well. She looked at Jaz then took Talea’s hand and sat on the side of the bed with her.

“Talea I need your help today,” Talea nodded waiting for Kasey to tell her what she wanted her to do. “All the women and the children are to stay in the grounds of the school today, no wandering off to go anywhere else.”

Talea lowered her head, “I won’t Kasey I promise.”

“No Talea, I didn’t mean you. I need you to help the adults and make sure no one tries to sneak away. This is really important and I know I can count on you. In a few minutes Jacob and Eli will take you and Jaz to the school, if anyone tries to leave or even hide you need to report to Jaz or one of the adults okay.”

Talea looked from Kasey to Jaz and back again, “I’ll make sure we keep everyone safe Kasey, I know something is wrong and you can’t tell me, but don’t worry I promise I’ll help out and stop anyone who tries to leave.”

Kasey gave her a hug then all three went back to the living room where Jacob and Eli were waiting. It wasn’t long before they’d left and Kasey stood in the living room alone. Yet again she wondered what the day would bring, she could feel herself shaking then strong arms engulfed her, drawing her into warmth, heat and comfort.

“Talk to me kitten; tell me what has you tied up in knots,”

Kasey rubbed her face against her Braedon’s chest. She wanted to crawl under his skin, to feel a part of him always, but realised she already was. She sighed and stepped back pulling him to the couch so they could sit.

“Brae do you remember in Sydney when we had that argument about you keeping me out of the loop?” he nodded and she could see he didn’t like where this might be going. “Remember how in the end I said I didn’t want to know everything, but you needed to be honest with me and at least tell me it’s not something you want me to be involved in.” he nodded again and felt tightness in the area of his heart.

“I’ve gone through so many changes lately and even with all the help from Pack, Shallana, Taren and my brother’s… it’s not enough.” She turned away from him for a moment trying to gather the right words.

“Brae the physical stuff I’m dealing with, I’ve been training really hard and I’m gaining more and more control. But I feel like there’s so much more inside of me and the weird thing is I know that no one can help me understand it. I have to deal with it alone.” She waited for him to respond.

The tightness in his chest increased, he had known there was more to her worry than he’d originally thought. He would always be there for her, but now… this was something he could not help her with. He couldn’t protect her from the turmoil of what was going on within her.

He pulled her onto his lap and held her close, “My love I have sensed your concern of late and have waited for you to speak about it. Your right kitten, I can’t help you with this, but I will be close by, you need only call and I will be with you.”

She rested her head on his shoulder and relaxed, the day would play out no matter what they decided. “Brae I need you to do something for me. I need you to go to the school and speak to the children, you need to make sure no one leaves the area today.” She grimaced, “threaten them if you have to, but make sure no one tries to leave.”

Braedon didn’t like the sound of what she’d said, “threaten them if you have to” this was so unlike Kasey, but he agreed and as he left Daniel and Nate stepped out of the shadows scaring the bejesus out of her! Both men apologised feeling badly that they’d scared her.

Kasey looked at them, really looked at them, “You two are my shadows today huh?” both nodded acknowledging that they would be, “okay guys this is what I need you to do,” when they bristled she scowled, her hands going to her hips.

The scowl turned into a glare, “I know you both think I can’t take care of myself and that you are both experienced in taking care of the bad guys, but this is different. These aren’t going to be your regular bad guys. Aldrid is part Fey and if he comes after me I doubt he’ll come alone,” she knew Braedon was hearing all this, which was fine with her because it saved her having to say it twice.

“I need you both to keep your distance,” the look on their faces said it all, “okay, okay not too much distance, but you need to be behind me. I have no idea why, but please promise that you won’t move in front of or come level with me?”

Both men looked at each other and raised an eye brow before looking back at her. Kasey was never one to have tantrums, but she was coming close to having one at that moment, she stood her ground and growled at them showing her Alpha side and waited.

Both men sighed and nodded, “As you wish,” began Daniel, “but we will not let anyone harm you, so if you hear us yell… throw yourself to the ground and let us do what we do best.”

She rolled her eyes but agreed and hugged them both. They seemed a little uncomfortable at first but as she held them they relaxed and soon held her too.

                                                   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The morning went smoothly everyone doing as they usually did. Kasey went about her training sessions with her Fey family, then donned her newly acquired garb to train with the Enforcers. She wore the jewellery that her Father and brother’s had given her and tucked the gold chain under her shirt out of the way.

Kasey was small, tiny against these Enforcers, but she moved swiftly and took on board all she was told. If she didn’t get something the first time she’d try it again and again until she perfected each move.

The wrist guards came in handy as she would have been cut several times over without them. Once more she was grateful for the gifts these men had given her. They stopped for a ten minute break, but in all honesty the men didn’t need to. They were sworn to watch over Kasey and would stop at intervals to ensure she rested and took water.

Kasey sat on the grass with her eyes closes and relaxed, the feel of a slight breeze was like heaven. She was hot and sweaty but strangely she wasn’t tired. She rolled her eyes, strange had become the norm lately. 

She could sense the men of the Pack in strategic places where they could best defend the woman and children; she could also sense the Enforcers doing the same for her. Braedon was in the training centre with Nicolas, she thought Taren would be there too but he was with Shallana.

Trace curled up next to her and she smiled her hand automatically stroking his fur. He would stand beside her in cat form today. It would be easier for him to strike and do damage to any attacker as he had both claws and teeth. Kasey tried not to think about it, but knew it was a big possibility.

Kasey felt something on the wind, she tensed as did Trace and they stood both looking towards the school. In seconds she’d set up a shield around the area and sent a message telling Jaz to keep everyone from the edge of the school boundary.

She waited listening while Jaz quieted everyone and announced that something was amiss and everyone needed to stay close. She gave instructions to the women and older children to take charge of smaller ones and Talea stood by her side waiting instruction. She would be a strong woman when fully grown, a woman Jacob would be very proud to call his own.

Braedon had listened in and she felt a wave of love and caring wash over her then he pulled back and waited as everyone else did. Kasey had insisted that at least three of her brothers be assigned with the men of the Pack to watch over the school.

It was decided that Ewan, Caton and Kellen would protect the school. Ewan because people were now familiar with him and would follow his orders if needed and Caton and Kellen would support him because of this.

They were loath to leave her but once she explained that the Pack’s future lay within the school they caved. Her brothers may give the impression that they were tough, rough warrior types, but as all Fey they had a soft spot for children, they would stay and protect all within the school.

Kasey knew without asking that Taren and Trace wouldn’t leave her, the bond between her and Trace too strong and Taren being her father would never again fail to protect her. Callum too stayed to protect her; she was still getting to know him, but hoped she’d now have several lifetimes to do so.

She stood and lifted her face to the sun, eyes closed she opened her mind and let her senses drift out over the Compound. She sensed something… someone, actually several someone’s.  Trace rubbed his head against her thigh and she placed a hand on his head, “It’s almost time Trace, whatever Aldrid’s got planned it will happen today.” Trace grunted in acknowledgement and sat beside her.

Braedon sensed her tension knowing as she did that it was almost time. He came out to stand beside her to support her and put himself between her and danger. But she shook her head; she came to him and held him, reaching up to give him a kiss.

“No Brae, this is my fight, you need to ensure the Pack is kept safe because he will hit them to distract you and I couldn’t live with myself if anyone got hurt because of me. He has other Fey with him, not very strong Fey, but Fey none the less.”

She sighed knowing how difficult this was for him but knowing this was how it had to be, “If you are hurt or worse… killed,” and a tear escaped her eye. “The Pack needs you whole Brae, you are their strength, they need you. I have my father and two brothers as well as most of our Enforcers. 

Go with Nicolas and Jacob and protect what is yours to protect. Have faith that I…,” and she grinned trying hard to lighten the mood, “will kick some major butt!” then she kissed him one more time and stepped back hoping he’d do what was needed.

“Kasey you are most assuredly the most selfless woman I have ever known, I swear if you are harmed…” he paused taking several breaths to calm himself, “you’re right the Pack needs me. You had better come out of this unharmed kitten, because if you don’t I will be in no fit state to act as Alpha and you know what that means.”

She looked at him curiously and smiled when she saw a hint of a smile at the corner of his mouth, “Umm, I got nothing?”

His smile grew, “It means Jacob would be in charge!”

Kasey laughed when she saw the exaggerated look of horror on his face, “Then I better take extra care.”

They stood for a moment just looking at each other, all those close by saw the look of love they shared between them and wondered if they would ever find what their Alphas shared.  The moment over Braedon stepped back and bowed to his mate before going to his duties.

Kasey breathed a sigh of relief and looked at Trace, “We need to be where this all began.” Then they moved towards the open area in front of their home and Kasey stopped in the centre turning in a full circle before she stood still waiting for Aldrid.

The breeze was soft and gentle as it swept over her lifting her hair and flaring the skirt of her dress out behind her. She closed her eyes and reached out trying to sense her brother or any others that may be intruding on their territory.

Her mind was open to all who watched over her, she would have closed it to Braedon not wanting to distract him but realised he’d not be able to focus if he didn’t know what was happening. It was a good thing too because she sensed intruders near the school, something she had greatly feared.

There were four of them and when she’d pinpointed their locations she showed those surrounding the school then turned her focus elsewhere. She lifted her hand and pointed in two directions and Enforcers and Fey moved silently the Fey shimmering to where they now sensed intruders.

Trace stayed beside her unmoving, she had her hand on his neck softly stroking him more to comfort herself than him. And so it was that while standing in the midst of the Compound she felt Aldrid approach. She thought she’d be terrified having to face him like this but she remained calm. Trace growled and would have moved closer still if he didn’t think it would put her off balanced.

Kasey knew that Daniel and Nate had stayed to protect her, they would cover her back, would gladly give their lives to keep her safe. She took a breath and pushed thoughts of them to the back of her mind. 

She looked down at Trace and he nudged her hand. As they looked forward again Kasey noted the soft change in the air, the translucent energy that depicted Aldrid’s body trying to shimmer in.

A soft smile on her face she watched as he appeared a few meters from where she and Trace stood. “Brother,” she began, “I was told you were upset with the choice my mate and I made.”

The look of hatred on his face would normally have scared the hell out of her, but it was as if and inner strength had come to the fore. She had come of age, her gifts had awakened giving her an inner strength she was still coming to terms with.

Whatever happened between her and her brother, she knew she would survive. She didn’t want him injured, but injured was better than dead and she didn’t want to lose him.

This was the first of what she feared would be many encounters to take her. She took a breath, “One fight at a time Kase, just breathe and get through this before you start worrying about some other disaster.” She waited for Aldrid to speak and when he threw Trace a disgusted look Kasey had to hold him back from attacking.

“I see you have your pet with you sister!” his eyes flickered around looking for his brothers and the rest of the men he assumed would be assigned to protect her. He shook his head and laughed, “You warrant only two,” he looked at Trace again, “or should I say two and a half protectors.  It would seem that your ‘mate’ doesn’t care as much for your safety as I’d thought.”

He was goading her into reacting, but she remained calm. She sent a warning to Trace to stand down but remain on alert. “Why are you here Aldrid? I can’t be used for your benefit any longer. Our father has already declared me his heir, so no other sibling can present himself as such.”

His face was distorted with outrage. He hadn’t realised that Kasey had made contact with his Sire. He’d been trying to do so since he’d left the Compound but been unsuccessful. “I don’t believe you, how the hell would you, a lowly bar maid for god’s sake, how could you have made contact with our Sire!”

At that moment Taren stepped forward. He walked to his daughter but stood behind her not wanting to hinder her in any way. Trace too had somehow moved back a few steps. “Aldrid, I wish I could say I am proud to finally meet you, but alas you have shown only the worst traits of your Fey heritage. Kasarina is indeed my heir and will in time come with me to the Fey realm to meet with the Fey King and Queen.”

He sighed, “You unfortunately will never do so. You have disgraced yourself and your family in your actions. It was foretold that one of my offspring would betray me and mine. I did not want to believe it, but you stand before me with betrayal in your eyes.”

Taren shook his head and looked to his daughter, “I apologise Kasarina, but it is better we know now than have him in our midst not knowing when he would turn on you.”

“Turn on her! You dare stand there and talk about betrayal; I am your eldest son and as such have the right to be your heir yet you would give it to ‘her’!” He lashed out angrily and struck Taren with some kind of invisible force.

Taren was unprepared and knocked off his feet, he got up a little unsteady but ready to take his son to task. He raised a hand but Kasey sent a thought his way stopping him in his tracks. Taren looked at her worry chasing over his face, concern in his eyes, but Kasey looked calm almost serene.

“Leave Aldrid and take your men with you, this is the only chance I’ll give you brother. I will not have you hurt any member of my family or my Pack and if you don’t back down I’ll have no choice but to stop you.”

Aldrid laughed, he was human but he was also Fey and with that came many gifts, this child would not take what was rightful his. “You try to frighten me child? I have already seen more than one lifetime and acquired much knowledge. Do not try my patience!”

He took a step forward reaching out as if to grab her, he got nowhere near her. Trace barrelled into him putting him on his back and had his jaw locked around Aldrid’s neck in seconds.

Kasey felt everyone move but put up a hand staying them. “Trace let him up, I know you won’t to protect me but this disagreement is between Aldrid and I.” Trace didn’t move, if anything his hold on his brother’s neck tightened and he knew he’d broken his skin when the scent of blood filled his nostrils.

“Trace! Please I need to end this now. If I don’t he will keep coming back and he’ll bring more men next time.” She watched as her proud and loyal brother released Aldrid and step back to sit by her side. This time he stayed there, he didn’t move to stand behind her as he had been.

Everyone watched as Aldrid got to his feet. Kasey’s hand went to her throat and feeling the gold chain there pulled it out from the safety of her leather vest.  She moved her hand down to the diamond and held it for a moment before lying against her body.

She looked to her brother and saw that he was neither beaten nor ready to give up. It saddened her greatly and she had to try one last time. “Aldrid, come to me as a brother should, stand with me as our brothers have…. I wish only that we become family.” She held out her hand wanting so much for him to come to her in love and friendship.

But he lashed out at her with a knife cutting her cheek. As he pulled back to lash at her a second time the calm in Kasey’s eyes retreated, they became stormy, dark and somewhat frightening. 

But Aldrid was too far gone in his lust for power, his need to get revenge for having wealth and position taken from him. The knife he was holding suddenly flung from his hand landing several metres away. He glared at her and raised both his hands as if he would use his Fey powers to end her.

Kasey could feel his need to hurt her, to end her and knew if he did he would cause so much hurt, so much agony and chaos because it would destroy any gentleness any sense of humanity within Braedon. Jacob, Nicolas and all the Enforcers would have no choice but to hunt him down and kill him destroying what was quite possibly the best man she had ever known. She would not let that happen!

Kasey looked deep inside herself searching for an answer, a means to end this without bloodshed. When she finally looked back at Aldrid it was with pain in her eyes, she had found an answer, she hadn’t liked it but she had no choice, not if she wanted to prevent the chaos that would take place if she didn’t.

Kasey took the diamond in her hands cupping it as if offering it up to the gods. It was a strange situation but she went with her gut. Her fingers pointed at Aldrid as she spoke, “You have given me no choice brother, if I allow you to harm me or any member of my Pack you would die a slow and painful death. 

You are my brother, my family and I will not see this take place. I give you one last chance Aldrid…” she didn’t get to finish, Aldrid moved as if to attack her surprising everyone. Kasey somehow stopped him mid-move it was as if he were frozen to the spot.

She focused on Aldrid and it seemed as if they were somehow separate from everyone else. Not even Taren could break through as he now saw firsthand the protective shield that she used to keep her and her mate safe. 

Braedon was with her though; part of him resting in her mind watching, waiting in case she needed him. Aldrid couldn’t move and finally saw that he was no match for Kasey, he’d underestimated her and now he would pay.

“Kill me then sister, go ahead and get it over with!”

“No Aldrid I won’t kill you, I will save your life but you will suffer the rest of your days for the greed and selfishness you have showed towards those who would love you.”

She moved her hands out towards Aldrid and a soft light passed from him to her. Aldrid could feel his strength waning and realised Kasey was taking it from him, his strength, his gifts, his power. He cursed her time and again trying to force her to stop, but she held steady and as the stream of light continued its colour changed to pale pink then darker until it was finally blood red.

Everyone remained still and silent, unsure what to do or if they should do anything at all. Several minutes later Braedon came up to her, he’d been in her mind, knew the decision she had to make. He’d agreed with it but kept his thoughts to himself, he signalled he was needed elsewhere and made his way to her as quickly as possible.

He stopped beside her watching, looking, making sure she was in one piece. He saw the cut on her cheek… actually all he saw was blood as the cut had healed almost instantly. He noted that she was still within the space she’d created for her and Aldrid; he knew he couldn’t enter and had to trust she knew what she was doing. He looked at Aldrid, saw the pain on his face knowing he’d finally realised exactly what Kasey was doing to him.

Braedon turned once more to his mate, “Kitten, come back to me, I wish to hold you love and I can’t reach you. Come back to me and give Aldrid over to your father.”

Taren moved closer knowing he’d need to tend Aldrid once Kasey ended contact with him. Kasey blinked several times, “The school? The children?”

“All is well kitten, come leave Aldrid to his father.” He held out his hand to her and she took it ending the protective shield and breaking the hold she had on her brother. As her hands moved the diamond came to rest against Kasey and Braedon gasped!

Kasey looked at him almost too afraid to see what had made him react as he did. Taren left Aldrid on the ground for the moment; he would be incapable of going anywhere for some time. He looked at his daughter and looked upon her in awe.

“My dear sweet Kasarina, when word of this feat is told no one will try to take you or use you to their own benefit. You have done what only the High Fey are capable of. You have captured Aldrid’s Fey essence and trapped it within the diamond.”

Kasey looked down at the diamond and made a squeaky frightened noise, “Brae!” he was there in an instant pulling her to him, stroking her hair, her back her arms. He needed the closeness as much as she did.

He looked to Taren and he nodded, “It’s over kitten, Aldrid will never try to hurt you again.” He scooped her up into his arms and turned to take her to the house, but when he turned he saw the entire Pack standing close by all armed and ready to come to their aid. Gratitude for what they were willing to do to save his mate overwhelmed him.

Trace shifted and came to stand beside Braedon and Kasey as did Daniel and Nate; all were in awe of what she’d done. They stood for a moment waiting as Braedon acknowledged his Pack members and told them that as soon as could be arranged there would be a gathering to celebrate Kasey’s birthday and also to show his thanks to all who stood and helped to keep his mate and the Pack whole.

Before heading to the house Braedon turned to Taren sensing the man needed to speak to him, “I will take Aldrid to my home in the Fey realm, the others who helped him must die. My son’s will see this is done.

I will be gone but hours as time is read in my realm, but in yours… expect me in a day or so. I would attend the celebration and also replace the diamond Kasarina is wearing; I don’t think she needs a reminder of what she had to do.”

Braedon nodded and in the blink of an eye Taren and Aldrid were gone. He looked down at his little mate and saw that the diamond was also gone. Braedon turned once more to his people and with Kasey in his arms bowed showing the greatest respect to them all, then he headed for the house to put Kasey to bed where he could watch over her and make himself believe that this was truly over.

An hour later he came outside sensing that he was needed. What he saw surprised him, the entire pack man woman and child were sitting outside the house waiting for him to emerge with his mate. She had become so beloved by these people that they couldn’t leave until they saw she was alright.

He heard a rustling sound behind him and turned to see Kasey coming out the front door. She was a little pale, but she’d washed the blood from her cheek. She came forward and placed a hand on his arm; she looked out at the people there and smiled. Someone began to clap and before they knew it the entire Pack were applauding her.

“Thank you for coming to see me, I was going to come visit with as many of you as possible tomorrow to make sure no one was hurt,” she turned to Braedon a worried expression on her face. He shook his head indicating that all were unharmed and she smiled in relief. 

“I think Braedon mentioned a celebration? I’m looking forward to spending some time with you all, but for now please return to your homes and rest. This has been a long day for everyone, a day I don’t think anyone will forget for a very long time.”

Kasey saw Talea standing between Jaz and Jacob and nodded acknowledging that she was aware of how big a help she’d been at the school. As they walked back inside, the door closing behind them Kasey leaned into Braedon, “Umm…” and her legs gave way.

He returned her to their bed and made sure she stayed there having Gilbert bring a late lunch and then dinner to them there. Gilbert doted on her all afternoon, making sure she had everything she needed. In the end Braedon had to ask him to leave stating they were having an early night and he would ensure Kasey had whatever she might need through the night.