Chapter 8

Cassie

Cassie found it curious that she should yearn to be by Braden’s side given that twenty-four hours ago she had no idea he existed. As it was, she had now been following him in her Jeep for hours to reach his pack’s territory.

Apparently, recent events had proven too much for Eva, as she was silent the whole drive, given a part of Cassie’s psyche felt as though all lights were out, she knew Eva was sound asleep. Probably resting after staying up all night flirting with Braden’s wolf, and the run this morning could have only added to the toll on her energy level.

The long drive had been quiet and nerve-racking, she had no idea what to expect or how to behave once they reached his tribe; she wished Eva would wake to advise her, even though Cassie knew Eva would be as much an expert on the subject as she was. If only they could brainstorm together. What worried her the most was whether she was expected to sleep in Braden’s bed already or if they could casually progress to that point?

She wanted to ask him when they returned from the morning run but she couldn’t bring herself to do so, especially after the liberties he took. Her mind now wandered to the edge of the forest after Eva and Andrei pranced back side-by-side.

When the transformations back to human-form were complete, Braden stood comfortably naked in front of her, taking his time as he dressed; as if it were the most natural thing in the world for him. She on the other hand, was quick to grab her dress and modestly hide behind a nearby shrub until she was covered.

She had felt her cheeks burn at the sight of his muscular body. Worse than that, she felt all able-orifices immediately go into overdrive producing extra moisture as her gaze inadvertently traveled down his torso to his pelvic area. The definition of the muscles that covered his hips was a treat she was not expecting. Once more, her salivary glands began to work double-time.

She didn’t know why she would feel like such a prude now given she initially planned to whittle away adding naughty notches to her bedpost on this trip.

Braden felt different. If things were going to be more permanent with them, she needed him to see the best side of her. She needed to show restraint.

Up ahead, Cassie saw magnificently ornamented wrought-iron gates opening before Braden’s vehicle. He drove in and she took that as her cue to follow him in.

Was this his home?

Cassie slowed in speed so that she could take in the surroundings. Indeed, she was left in awe at what she saw. It was quite an expansive compound, the property was gated around and beyond what she could see. Tall, lush trees provided shade all throughout. Green grass as far as the eye could see.

At the center of it all was a majestic gray brick mansion as long and wide as Buckingham palace. It reminded her of Pemberley. “Wow.” She heard herself say out loud as she pulled up next to Braden’s vehicle.

This place was unbelievable. Surely it had to be a stop along the way and nothing more.

She was still appreciating the view when Braden opened her door. “Welcome home.” He told her with an inadvertently, incredibly sexy smile.

His words snapped her out of the temporary trance. “This is your home?” She asked incredulously.

He held a hand to her. “Your home now, too.” He answered with an earnest stare. “Thank Moon Goddess we’ve arrived.”

She heard the relief in his voice. She grabbed her purse and let him help her out of the vehicle. “Home to me is a tiny one-bedroom apartment in Culver City.” She looked at the property. “This looks like a resort to me. Or at least an English countryside. I can’t believe this is your home.”

Braden reached toward the backseats for her luggage. “It’s the pack’s home. Every member of the Bloodstone pack lives there.” He pointed to the mansion. “I hope you have no trouble acclimating to living with so many of us.”

She smiled. What she was going to say to him quickly lost importance.

“Braden!” A masculine voice called out. “Glad to see you made it back in one piece,” the man walked up to Braden and gave him a quick hug. “I was expecting you back last night.” He now turned to her. “Hi, I’m Jason Archer,” the young man with brown hair and a creamy-brown complexion offered his right hand.

“Hi,” Cassie took his hand in hers. “Cassie Wolfe. I’m Braden’s mate.” She answered nonchalantly, but quickly came to realize she may have said more that she should have. “Why are you looking at me like that? What did I say?” She asked as soon as she saw Jason’s eyes widen.

“You’re our Luna?!” He exclaimed. “Braden, Moon Goddess sent you a Luna!” He said through a big, bright smile and gave Braden another hug.

“What?! You found your mate?!” Cassie heard more chaos coming from behind them. When she turned around, she saw at least fifteen more people walking towards them.

A woman and a little toddler girl who looked as though she may have just recently started to walk made their way next to her. The baby let go of her mother’s hand and swung towards Cassie’s legs.

“Hello!” Cassie leaned down to talk to the baby. “Hey, sweet-stuff. How are you?” Cassie held the baby from the waist to steady her. “You’re good at walking, aren’t you?!” She asked the baby in an animated manner. “Aren’t ya?!”

The baby clapped and giggled excitedly. Cassie joined the baby in her happiness. She looked up at the mom. “I love her already. What’s her name?”

The mom bent down to pick her up. “Molly.” The mom smiled broadly. “I’m Bridgette.”

“Cassie.”

Bridgette leaned over to hug her as best she could. “Pleasure to meet you.” She then turned to Braden. “Lucky for us, we’ll have a Luna that is good with babies.”

Cassie looked at Braden, who in turn was looking at her tenderly. “What’s a Luna?” She mouthed to him.