The Imperial Wolf Series Books 1-3
Chapter 57

Kate POV

Things almost seem normal, even after I watched my husband leave to go look for Alexander. I felt at ease for the first time in a long time. Even though he left me to go to the old imperial camp, I feel safe, and I feel like he is safe. I know Erick and Desire can handle

Macon. I hope Alexander is alive and can return home.

I sit down at the kitchen table with Cassie and Austin. I drink a cup of coffee and watch Austin beam as he interacts with Cassie. "He loves you so much," I say to her.

"He is a special kid. I love him," Cassie responds.

"I can tell that," I say. Cassie feeds Austin a snack while I sip my coffee. Austin's nanny leaves for the night, leaving only the three of us in the house.

"John usually checks in on us at night, and I have not heard from him or Trip," Cassie says.

"Trip is probably enjoying his new baby and not worried about what we are doing over here," I say.

"Probably, but it is really unusual to not hear from John when Erick is away on business," Cassie says.

"I am sure he is fine, but you want to go check on him; I can watch Austin," I say.

"No, he is a grown wolf; I should not intrude on his life," Cassie says.

"I should probably turn in for the night, and I am exhausted. I hope they would be back soon. I wanted to wait up for him, but I do not think I can stay awake much longer," I say to Cassie. "I think I am going to put Austin to bed and go to bed myself," Cassie says.

I grab a snack out of the cabinet and start up the steps to my bedroom. I hear something outside. "Cassie, did you hear that?" I ask her.

"Yes, stay close to me," Cassie says.

We go into Austin's bedroom and huddle up together. "I am not afraid," I say to her.

"Me either," Cassie says.

We wait a few moments until I do not hear anything. "It was probably a small animal or something," Cassie says.

"Yeah, I will stay and help you put Austin to bed," I say to her.

I help Cassie move Austin into the bed. We cover him up and kiss him good night. We stay in his room with the light out until he falls asleep.

"I do not think I can go to bed right now, Cassie," I say to her.

"Yeah, me either. That did kind of scare me. I wish John would come by to check on us," Cassie says.

"I am sure he will," I say to her.

We go back into the kitchen and sit at the table. "I can make more coffee," Cassie says.

"How about some hot tea," I suggest.

"Definitely," Cassie says.

Cassie puts tea on to brew. I listen so intently, waiting for some noise or something to happen. Why am I so on edge? I felt comfortable and at ease, and now, suddenly, I feel strange. "Are you okay?" Cassie asks me.

"Yeah, I feel strange. I feel thirsty. I am so unbelievably thirsty," I answer her.

Cassie takes the tea off the stove and pours a cup. She sets the cup down in front of me. I look up at her. "Kate, your eyes are an odd color," Cassie says.

"Are you thirsty for maybe, blood?" Cassie asks me.

"I hope not, and I don't think so. Hell, I do not know. I only became a full hybrid a few hours ago," I say.

"This is going to be hard for you. I mean blood, thirst, and all. How will you feed?" Cassie asks me.

"I have not thought about that, but we will deal with it. I promise not to feed on any wolves; if you are worried, I will take a bite out of you," Cassie says.

"No, I was only saying this will be hard for you. I know you would never hurt any of the wolves or me," Cassie says.

I sip the tea and lean back in my chair. I feel so uncomfortable. "This baby is pushing and pulling on me tonight," I say to Cassie.

"It is too soon for labor pains," Cassie says.

"I know, but I am telling you something is off," I tell her.

"Let me feel," Cassie says. She rests her hand on my baby bump for a few minutes. "You are having contractions," Cassie says.

"It is too soon for that," I say.

"You need to lay down and put your feet up," Cassie says to me.

"I don't want to be alone right now," I say to her. "I will not leave you, Kate," Cassie says.

Cassie and I go up to my room, and I get into bed. I am tired, but I am afraid to go to sleep until Erick comes back. "Rest Kate, I will keep watch," Cassie says.

I close my eyes to rest for a moment. When I wake, it is morning. Cassie is still with me. "Where is Erick?" I ask her.

"He is not back yet," Cassie says.

"Go get some rest; I will tend to Austin," I tell her.

"No, you should rest; his nanny will be here soon. I am going to see about John when she gets here. Stay in bed, and I do not need you going into labor today; it is too soon," Cassie says. "I promise to stay in bed. Go do what you need to do," I say.

Cassie leaves me to check on Austin. The baby is still moving a lot. I am stressing out. I need to calm down. Where is Erick? Why hasn't he come home?