Chapter 12

Cass’s Point of View

            I pour me a glass of water. I wanted a shot of whiskey so bad, but with Mari staying here for a while, I knew it wouldn’t be good for the both of us. I place my glass in the sink and quietly make my way back to the office. I see Mari, oh what a sweet name, fidgets with my cell before she quickly punches in some numbers. With my enhanced hearing, and the fact that I have a phone’s keypad memorized, I know what numbers she entered. But what I didn’t know was who she was calling. That wasn’t the number I called when I gave Lynx a call.

            I was just about to leave when her voice hits me. “Daddy.”  I could hear the pain, regret, and guilt in her voice. But behind it, there was happiness and joy. I could hear Lynx’s voice, and I watched as she visibly relaxed. I knew that I shouldn’t be listening into her private conversation with her father, but for some reason, I was glued to the spot.

            “I’m so, so, so sorry for leaving and not letting you or Mom know that I was. I’m sorry for not linking y’all either. I just wanted to find him on my own, without help. I’m sorry.” Her voice floats around me, so soft and sweet. Wait, she wanted to find him. Him who? Her mate perhaps. Why would she be trying to find her mate? Quiet you idiot. I’m trying to listen here. I snap at my wolf. He just smirks and keeps asking questions. She sounds so close to tears that I almost go running into the office and wrap her in my arms.

            “Have you found any trace of Randy yet?” I hear Lynx ask her. Why would she be looking for Alpha Cortez? Both my wolf and I ask very confused. This girl keeps me feeling like I’m just one word away from making a fool of myself. “No, sir, I haven’t. I… I’m in Alpha Winchesters territory right now. I’ve cleared all but the northwestern section.” She sounded almost scared to tell him where she was. Why, is she scared of Lynx personally, or afraid of something or someone else?

            Then, her voice gets stronger like she’s getting mad or upset at something. “Lynx, I’m so mad at myself. I let a stupid novice trap get me. Just how stupid can I get? I know better than just walking into a building, however dilapidated it looks, thinking it was safe. But I should have known better, I mean it’s in the middle of Cass’s territory, ya know.” She blurts out. My wolf starts purring when my name slips off her tongue. I chuckle softly. You’d think she’s use to catching things like that by the sound of it.

            I know that my mate and I haven’t found each other yet, but I’m so tempted to take Mari and make her mine. Do you realize how much pain you would put both her and our mate in? You never mess around with mate! My wolf yells at me, infuriated at the idea. “Cass huh? You and that pup on first name bases already?” I hear Lynx ask, and I can hear that he’s not so happy about her calling me by my first name, well more of a nickname really. “Gross Daddy. No, no way!” Her rely hits me like a ton of bricks. Burn! She doesn’t like you. My wolf tells me chuckling. Yeah, well she doesn’t like you either. I snap back at him, causing him to shut up and look a little embarrassed. I wince a little as her voice goes up an octave.

            He hasn’t found his mate yet, and I haven’t shi… You know. And besides, he’s way older than me. You know how I feel about that.” I listen, still feeling confused more than ever. I give a dry chuckle. Apparently having a big age difference between her and her mate and boyfriend will be a big hang up. I watch as she becomes uncomfortable. Tom links with me telling me that he and Red found a small scent of a Mutt but the Eastern border and that they’re bringing two small pups back to the holding cells. I didn’t know how much of the conversation I missed until I hear Lynx’s voice yelling. But by the sound, it’s more like his wolf took control, pissed about something she said.

            “What did he do? That little pup had better not laid a finger on you. If he did, he’s dead!”  Now why would he think I touched the little human? I mean sure she’s breathtaking, but I would never disrespect her or my future mate like that. My parents raised me better than that.  

            Dad, would you just chill! Come one, how many times do I have to explain my rules to you? No, he didn’t lay not one finger on me, okay. I’m fine, I’m not hurt and I’m alive. He told me that he promised you that I would call him after I woke up. Then he gave me his cell phone and used an alpha command on me. Dad, I actually felt it. I mean, you’ve tried for years to use one on me and it never worked. Not one time. But C… Alpha Winchester told me to go to bed after I finished my call to you and get some rest. I can feel the pull of the command. And to be honest, I hate it. I promise that when you hand me alpha-ship of the pack, Lynx, I will never, ever, use an alpha command unless it’s absolutely necessary!” Mari yells back at him sounding pissed. I can’t tell if it’s because Lynx yelled at her or because of… Wait, she’s never been under the pull of an alpha command before? Who is this girl? And how in the world did mine work and Lynx’s don’t? Ugh, she’s so complicated!

            “I know you won’t baby girl. You’ll be a good leader, and they’ll follow you because you’ll be fair and just, but also firm and trustworthy. Listen, I’m tired. Ever since you took off, the guys and I have been combing the entire border and the woods looking for you. You scared us to death, Mari, most of all, Nina. You know how she worries about you. Call or link me in the morning. Get a good night sleep. Oh, and Mari. Lock your door.” I laugh at his reply. Does he seriously think that a little thing like a lock will stop me if I wanted to get in her room, not that I would try to get in the first place without being asked in? Unless she’s being attacked or starts screaming bloody murder. Yeah, wait what? I ask, my wolf just doubles over laughing.

            I see that she’s slumped over, guilt written all over her face. Great! I zoned out and know I don’t know why she is looking guilty. I don’t like the idea that something her father said to her made her feel that why. I hear her voice perk up. The idiot must have apologized or something. I listen as she agrees to some kind of deal. That doesn’t sound good, but she’s happy about it. I listen as they say goodnight. Mari closes the phone and stands up. I realize that she wouldn’t be happy if she found me her listening to her conversation, so I make a beeline back to the kitchen and get another glass of water. Hopefully she won’t know I was there.