Conquering Cassie: The Celestial Mating Series Book 3 Read online

  Chapter 1: Cassie

  No! Cassie exclaimed to herself as she sat on the bathroom floor of the pack sanctuary. She was supposed to be happy. She was here celebrating the Bonding Ceremony of one of her best friends, Dani. Instead, she was holding, in her trembling hands, a pregnancy test. Positive. There had to be a mistake. She never forgot her birth-control. She took it every morning at the same time without fail. She squeezed her eyes shut and took in a deep, calming breath before looking back down. Yep, positive. Dang it! What was she going to do now? This was so not a good time for this to be happening. How was she going to tell Jake? He was not going to be happy and she was going to definitely pay the price. She always paid the price no matter what she did to help make his life easier. She wished she could confide more in her family and her friends but to do that would put them, and her, in more danger. She had to keep this to herself until she figured out what to do.

  Making her decision, she stood up and freshened up her makeup before leaving the bathroom and heading back into the dance hall where the music was booming. She made her way over to Jake and wrapped her arms around his shoulders from behind. He liked it when she showed affection toward him in public because it branded her as his. “Hi honey. Are you enjoying the night?” She asked him as she kissed the side of his neck.

  “I am now that you are back. What took you so long? You never spend that long in the bathroom. Did you run into some guy?”

  “No, but I have had a migraine headache all day. The music made it worse and caused me to get a little nauseous so I took a break in the bathroom.”

  “Are you feeling better or would you like to leave?” He asked her.

  “I think I would like to leave. Would you mind?”

  “Not in the least. Go say your good-byes and we will head out.” He gave her a swat on her butt as she walked away. Funny how the little things she used to love years ago now seemed to annoy her.

  She walked through the crowded dance floor and found Dani who was standing near the bar with Ryan and Adrian. She smiled as she approached hoping Dani wouldn’t be too disappointed in her.

  “Hey Dani, we’re going to head out. I’m not feeling too great; my head has been bothering me all day. Do you mind? I promise we will get together as soon as you three get back from your mini getaway.”

  Dani reached out and pulled her in for a hug, “I don’t mind. Are you going to be o.k.? Do you need anything?” Dani fired the questions at her, worriedly.

  She laughed, “No, no, I will be fine. I think I am just overly tired from all your parties.” She joked. “I am going to go home and get some rest. I am sure Jake will take care of me until he leaves for work in the morning. By then I will be good as new!” She tried to sound cheerful but the look on Dani’s face told her that she didn’t buy the act one bit.

  “You know I can read right through you. Tell me what’s bothering you.”

  “I can’t right now, sorry Dani. I will soon, promise.”

  “I will hold you to that. If you need me for anything you call, I don’t care when. Do you understand?” Dani and Brielle were always looking out for her and Dani had a way of comforting Cassie whenever she was down. She didn’t want to put a damper on Dani’s celebrations so she vowed to call her if she needed anything and walked over to say her good-byes to Brielle, Max and Cole.

  “Cassie, I hope you feel better. Get plenty of rest and call me tomorrow, o.k.? I want to know that you are better.” Brielle said after Cassie told her the reason why she was leaving so soon. After assuring her that she would call her in the morning she made her way to the table to where Jake was talking with Lucien and Wes.

  Her heartbeat sped up and her palms began to sweat. That had been happening a lot lately when she was around those two. When she met them a while back at Brielle’s house party she was instantly attracted to them. It wasn’t just a lust or physical attraction. It went far deeper than that, it was animalistic and called to her inner wolf, and it scared the crap out of her. She was in a relationship with a controlling and abusive guy who instilled fear in her on a daily basis, there was no way she could handle this…this…whatever it was that was there between the three of them.

  She smiled in greeting to the guys before grabbing Jake’s hand. He was always in a better mood when she showed these little signs of possession. She had a feeling that it was because it helped him with his insecurities. He was a very jealous man and she didn’t want to take any chances of him finding out about her attraction to Wes or Lucien.

  “Hello gentlemen. I hope you don’t mind that I take my Jake away from you. I have been suffering from a headache all day and would like to get home and sleep it off.”

  “We don’t mind.” Lucien answered her, staring with such an intense look that made her break eye contact. His look made her feel as if he could see right through her and read her thoughts. She looked to Wes who just shook his head no as he watched Jake. Oh, no! She hoped Jake didn’t notice the look that passed between her and Lucien. If he did then she would surely pay when they got home. She risked a glance at him and breathed a sigh of relief. He hadn’t noticed, thank God!

  “Thank you guys.” She said and then tugged on Jake’s hand, “You ready to go?” she questioned, smiling sweetly at him.

  He leaned down and kissed her hard before answering, “I’ve been ready.” And with that they made their way out the doors and to the car, all the while she sensed Luc’s and Wes’ eyes following her exit. Jake held onto her hand the entire ride home which meant that he had to be in a good mood. She prayed that it would last more than a day this time.

  Chapter 2: Wes

  Wes was in a trance watching Cassandra walk away with her jerk of a boyfriend. From what Dani and Brielle had told him, the guy was not only possessive but abusive as well. Sweet little Cassie deserved better than that but there was nothing he could do. Even if there were, he wouldn’t do anything with the guy around and risk causing her more drama at home.

  He looked over at Luc who was also watching Cassie. “What do you say we head to the dance floor and let loose with a few of the girls?” he asked. His stomach roiled at the thought of touching or dancing and enjoying himself with anyone other than Cassie. He lost interest in other women the moment he laid eyes on her again months ago. He knew her when she was a little girl but he had not seen her in such a long time and when he met her again at Brielle’s he was instantly drawn to her. She was gorgeous with her bright, icy blue eyes and hair as golden as the sunshine. She was shy, sweet, tender and caring; being around her brought out his protective instincts. He had never experienced that before, but now he felt a sudden urge to lock her in a room and not allow her out, in an effort to prevent any harm from coming her way. He wanted to shelter her from all the ugliness in this world, and he knew deep down in his soul that he would get that chance. He just had to be patient.

  He was startled out of his thoughts of Cassie when Luc answered him. “No man, I’m not really feeling it tonight, haven’t in a while.”

  Luc’s answer surprised him. Luc was a great looking guy, not that he was into dudes, but Luc was in shape and drew the attention of many women when he hung out with the guys.

  “You alright man? You sound a little depressed.”

  “I’m fine. It’s just, I don’t know. I really get a bad feeling about Cassie and her boyfriend. That guy rubs me the wrong way and I have a sixth sense that Cassie may be in danger with the guy. There is something off with her tonight, more than just a headache.”

  “I got the same feeling but cannot pin it. I wonder if Dani or Brielle know since the three of them are pretty close.
And I am with you on the thoughts of her lousy boyfriend. From what I’ve heard he is a real jerk to her and has been since they got together. I wish there was something that we could all do to get her away from him. Every time I see her she seems a little more withdrawn. I wish I could protect her more. The sight of her leaving with him tonight caused my stomach to churn.”

  “I know the feeling Wes. I wanted to grab her and drag her back here and never let her go.”

  He was relieved that Luc seemed to be on the same page as he was. He had spoken with Brielle a lot lately regarding Cassie and she filled him in on the little secret that he, Cassie and Luc were destined to be Celestial Mates like she was with Cole and Max. She was able to tell him that he and Luc would help to save her, protect her and conquer her demons. He just wished he knew when that would happen. He told Luc about his conversations with Brielle. Even though they had all come to care for and respect Luc, he seemed to feel as though he was an outsider all because of what his brother had done to the gang months ago. They, however, never once held him responsible for the actions of his brother. For goodness sake, their best friend was in cahoots with him! Damn! He still hurt just recalling what Jax had done to them. His betrayal hurt still and he could only imagine what Luc was feeling.

  “Ok, so, no dancing and mingling. What do you say to heading to the Club and shooting some pool?” He had to get out of here and clear his head. The Club was the name they had given to the center that Max, Cole, Ryan and Adrian had built in the center of the property where they all had built their houses. It was equipped with everything you could imagine to entertain and relax.

  “I think I could go for that. I need to get out of here.” Luc replied and then handed his glass to the passing waiter. They both said their goodbyes to the newly bonded trio and headed to the Club.

  Chapter 3: Lucien (Luc) (At the Club)

  “So what you’re telling me is that Brielle has informed you that you, me and Cassie will be bonded and mated?” Luc asked as he leaned across the pool table and took his shot, missing the hole by mere centimeters.

  “That is exactly what I am telling you. She said that she saw you and I as Cassie’s saviors but has no idea when. I am just wondering what we will be saving her from.”

  “I have a feeling that we will be saving her from that no good rat of a boyfriend she is with. And I hope that it will happen soon because I have a really bad feeling about him. She doesn’t look good. She looks a little lost and empty, and seeing her like that causes me actual physical pain.”

  “I know what you mean. Brielle explained to me that when you find your destined mate you will be able to experience their emotions and feelings even before you are mated or bonded. I guess, according to her and Dani, those experiences become even stronger once you are finally mated.”

  “So the fact that I know how she is feeling, and sometimes what she is thinking, is a sign that she is my destined mate?”

  “Exactly! I know it is a bit of a shock at first. Believe me! When I was talking with the gang a while back about what I was going through and they explained to me what I just told you, I was in a state of denial. I mean, yeah, she is a fantastic girl. She is beautiful and smart, the whole package, but part of me wasn’t ready to go through the mating thing. That is, until I was there when the guys fought for their mates and I wanted that more than anything. Now every time I see her I experience a strong need to hold her, protect her and love her. It isn’t just physical either. The need goes deeper than anything I can describe.”

  Luc listened to Wes as he detailed his feelings and thoughts that were in exact alignment with his own. The way that Wes described his feelings about the information Brielle shared with him, and the way that he felt about Cassie, were the exact same way that Luc felt himself. He had only known this gang for a few months but it seemed as though he had known them all forever. They warmly welcomed him into their fold and made him feel a part of their family. He still had guilt issues when he thought about the trouble his brother had caused for them when he tried to manipulate their best friend Jax. Luc wished he could’ve gotten through to Jax and made him see that his brother was only using him and had no intention of keeping him around once he gained control of the pack. Jax didn’t listen and one of his best friends had to end his life…and Luc felt like it was partly his fault even though not one of them held him responsible. He was damn lucky to have been given the chance to befriend this group. He had grown to love and care for each one of them in the last few months and didn’t know what he would do without these friends. He trusted them more than anyone else, even those he had known his entire life. And once he met Cassie he experienced love at first sight for the first time in his life and each time he has seen her since their first meeting has caused his love for her to deepen. She was as much a part of him as his own soul.

  “You are describing my sentiments exactly, Wes. I feel as if she has been a part of me for my entire life. If that jerk of a boyfriend does anything to hurt her he will be a sorry S.O.B.!” Just thinking about that creepy man putting his hands on Cassie in any harmful way angered him more than anything. She was precious and was meant to be cherished and treasured. From what he has gathered from the many conversations he has had with the gang she has been abused in this relationship almost from the beginning but is afraid to put anyone in danger by leaving. Well, he would find a way to get her out from there and away from this guy if it was the last thing he did.

  “I have been thinking, lately, about trying to help her get away from that guy.” Wes said as if he were reading Luc’s thoughts.

  “Have you been able to come up with any ideas as to how to do that?” He asked, hopeful that Wes had some clue as to what they could do.

  “Well, I know she works at Cole’s gym. I was wondering if there was a way we could get her out the back door and into hiding. Make her boyfriend think she was at work but after she shows up we leave with her. We just need a place to take her where he would not find her.”

  “She could always stay at my place. You guys are the only ones who have been there so she should be safe there.” Luc offered up.

  “I think that is a great idea. We just need to run it by the guys. We can probably have the girls drive her. The guy is pretty possessive and jealous, so we need to be seen without the girls. That way he will not assume that she is with any of us.”

  “You don’t think he will do anything tonight to hurt her, do you? There is something wrong with her, more than her headache that she was claiming. She looked as if she had lost her best friend and it is really worrying me.”

  “No, I don’t think so. He looked pretty happy with himself when they left so she should be safe. But man, I still have this gut feeling that something is bound to happen soon. I don’t like it.”

  “I have had that same gut feeling since the day began and it got stronger when I watched her leave with him tonight. Why don’t we finish up with this game here and then we can give Max and Cole a call and make a plan with them. I am sure they will be more than happy to help us out, Ryan and Adrian will too. Those guys would do anything to keep Dani and Brielle happy, and to protect Cole’s little sister.”

  Luc watched Wes nod and then take another shot. He felt a little more at ease knowing that they had a plan to help Cassie escape. He just hoped that they were able to get her away before that creep put his hands on her again. But as Luc stepped to the table to take his shot his mind filled with images of Cassie and he knew that something was wrong…she needed them and she needed them now! He shot a look to Wes and said, “We need to go now. Something is wrong and she isn’t safe.”

  They threw down their pool sticks and they each made a phone call as they jumped into his car. He called Ryan and Wes called Cole.

  “Ryan, it’s Luc. We need to get Cassie, now.”

  “We are on our way. Brielle was just telling us that she had a vision that Cassie was in danger. We will meet you there.”

  He hung up from his call with Ry
an at the same time as Wes’s call ended with Cole and they took off as fast as they could to rescue the one woman that completed them.

  Chapter 4: Cassie (At her home)

  Cassie waited patiently for Jake to finish his work in his office so she could tell him. This had to be one of the most dreaded times of her life. How in the world do you tell a man, who didn’t want to be a father, who didn’t even like kids, that he was going to be a father? She closed her eyes and tried to still her rapidly beating heart. Calming breaths, she told herself. In through the nose and out through the mouth. Even that did nothing to still her nerves. Maybe she should wait to tell him. If she waited then he couldn’t make her see a doctor to rid herself of the baby. She had always dreamed of being a mom but not like this. In her dreams she was with a man who loved her and wanted to create a new life with her, a symbol of the love and intimacy they shared. Instead she was in a relationship with a man who acted as if he hated her half the time and she was pregnant with his child. This poor, innocent little being didn’t ask to be brought into this world, especially to a man like Jake. She had to tell him because he had a right to know that he was going to be a father. Then she had to find a way to get as far from him as she possibly could for the sake of her baby.

  She jumped when his office door opened up and he walked out, slamming the door behind him. Oh my God! He was in a bad mood. She could tell just by looking at him. He stormed passed her and right into the bathroom. She had a few minutes reprieve. She could do this, she really could. Just tell him. Her cell started ringing and she ran across the room to answer it, relieved to see that it was Brielle on the ID. “Hey Brielle, what’s up?”

  “Cassie, it’s Cole. I knew Jake wouldn’t let you talk if it was me.”

  “Good to hear from you.” She replied, trying her best to maintain a calm voice and hide the fact that her brother was on the line. Jake hated when she talked to any man even her own brother. He was under the impression that all men wanted to take and control what was his, that being her.