Bonded Souls

by Agnes H Hagadus

  “And aiming your weapon at me doesn’t intimidate me.” Cassandra glared at the sheriff. “In fact, it makes me angry. You wouldn’t like it when I’m angry.”

  The weapon was placed in his hip holster. “Young lady, you sure do have a great deal of sass for someone who is attempting to get their friend out of jail.”

  “Sass is all I know.” Cassandra wanted to slap the man. More so, she wanted to slap Henry. “Can I see Elissa? I’ll only need five minutes. Ten tops.”

  “I don’t see the harm. Since you asked so nicely, you can see her.” The sheriff stood and made his way to the barred door and unlocked it. “She’s the only one back here. You’ll have your privacy.”

  “Thank you.” Cassandra waited until she was locked in the back with Elissa. “Are you all right?” A low growl was her response. “I know. This place is built on money. That’s why we are being treated like we don’t exist. I think the sheriff wants a bribe.”

  “Don’t give it to him.” Elissa took Cassandra’s hand through the bars. “I can remain in here only two more days. Then things will get ugly.”

  “I know. That’s why I’m going to see if I can speak to Henry.” It was the last thing Cassandra wanted to do. “Maybe he will drop the charges if I charm him…”

  “Please, don’t.” Elissa didn’t want her soulmate charming some jerk. “I know you are only trying to get me out of here. But I want to do it legally. If only Mr. Spinster was here.”

  “Yeah.” Cassandra had a thought. “I could send a telegram. It would be too far to travel, but maybe he knows someone who could help us.”

  “Or we just wait and see how things play out.” Elissa didn’t like her suggestion. “Scratch that. I need out of here. And it’s up to you to do it. I’ll behave so that should help.”

  “You behave?” Cassandra winked. She couldn’t resist the pull. She gently kissed Elissa. She didn’t allow for it to linger knowing the sheriff could come back at any time.

  “For one of those, I’ll either behave or be extra naughty.” Elissa winked at her soulmate who blushed slightly. “Don’t worry too much about me. Just do what you have to.”

  “I will.” Cassandra squeezed Elissa’s hand before making her way to the locked door. “Sheriff?” It wasn’t long before the sheriff was unlocking the door.

  When Cassandra made it to the waiting room, she wasn’t surprised to find Henry holding his splinted wrist. She was surprised to see a man nearly identical to him, only about a head taller.

  The deep voice nearly caused Cassandra to jump. “You must be the young woman who Henry has spoken of.” He looked her up and down. A plain pale blue dress with a dark blue bonnet hid her long blonde locks. Emerald eyes twinkled with…Anger.

  “My name is Cassandra Peters.” Cassandra stood as if she was bored. “And yes, I am the young woman who didn’t appreciate having her space invaded without being asked first. I am the young woman who nearly lost her pups because your son overreacted.”

  Dark blue eyes grew wide. Mr. Wilkens had not had anyone speak to him in such a manner since he had moved into the territory. He had brought a great deal of wealth from the east. His family had invested wisely in trains. Now he was in the cattle business.

  “Miss Peters, I had not heard the entire story.” Mr. Wilkens glared at his boy. His mother had always spoiled him. He had attempted to discipline Henry, but every time his wife eased the punishment.

  “I’ll tell you the rest of the story, at least from my point of view.” Cassandra’s stance relaxed a little. “After my cousin made certain Henry left me alone, we came out to find a shotgun pointed in the back of our wagon. That’s where our pets, who happen to be wolves, were. Four of them aren’t even a year old yet.”

  Mr. Wilkens turned his attention to his son. “Henry, is what Miss Peters says the truth?” Henry wouldn’t look at his Pa. “Henry, look at me. Answer me.”

  “I was just walking along, after her cousin was rude to me.” Henry felt the cuff to the back of his head. It wasn’t often his Pa struck him. Normally it was when he was frustrated with his son. “I heard growling. I looked in and seen wolves. You know how they been tearing up some of the calves. I thought…”

  “That’s your problem, boy. You don’t think. You just act.” Mr. Wilkens took a deep breath before turning his attention to the sheriff. “I want Miss Peter’s cousin released.”

  “But…” The sheriff didn’t hesitate in moving after seeing the glare on Mr. Wilkens’ face. He was at the door, dropping the keys several times, before he managed to unlock the door.

  “Did you promise him something boy?” Mr. Wilkens witnessed Henry squirming. “You and I are going to have a long, long talk when we get home.”

  Mr. Wilkens’ eyes grew wide when Elissa was led out of the back of the jail. The woman stood as tall as he did. But it was more than that. There was an aura about her. One he hadn’t sensed in a long, long time.

  Cassandra didn’t care if the others saw or not, she threw herself into Elissa’s arms. The vampire eyed the man whose eyes had grown wide. “I take it you are this boy’s pa.” The man nodded. “Thank you for letting me go free. I’m sorry I didn’t know my own strength.”

  “And I’m sorry his ma wouldn’t allow me to properly teach him manners.” Mr. Wilkens turned to his son. “Get back to the ranch. If I find you’ve left for any reason…” The threat was enough to cause Henry to swallow and bolt out the door.

  Mr. Wilkens turned back to Elissa. “If you’d ladies wouldn’t mind a quick chat before you hopefully can enjoy the rest of your day.”

  Elissa nodded as she kept an arm around Cassandra’s waist. Cousins did that. “You lead the way. I just as soon not keep the sheriff company any longer.”

  The laugh was booming as Mr. Wilkens made his way to the door. He held it open. The ladies waited outside for him. “There’s a building we can use. I’m attempting to begin a cattlemen’s association. If you’d follow me.”

  The grasp around her waist shifted so that their hands were holding. Cassandra didn’t mind. There was a physical connection. They both needed it.

  A few doors down from the sheriff’s office, Mr. Wilkens paused. He once again held the door open for the ladies. “If you’ll have a seat, we can have a quick chat.”

  There were two chairs seated side by side which the ladies gratefully seated themselves in. “My name is Henry Wilkens, Sr. And once again I apologize for my son’s behavior. Even though he’s nearly beyond teaching, there will be some lessons in the future.”

  “While we both appreciate that, what exactly is it you wanted to discuss with us?” Elissa realized they knew nothing of this man. He didn’t know them.

  “I wanted to introduce myself. And see what kind of business you ladies were in.” Mr. Wilkens leaned back in his chair. There was no anger flashing in azure eyes. He thought that was a good sign.

  “My cousin and I inherited a ranch about an hour southwest of here. We’re fixing it up.” Elissa didn’t know why she felt she could trust the man, but she did. “I come from a long line of ranchers. I know horseflesh. One day soon we hope to have a horse ranch and provide the area with horses.”

  “Interesting.” Mr. Wilkens leaned his elbows on the desk. “You’re gonna have a difficult time as women ranchers.” Before either could respond, he hastily continued. “Not from me. In fact, I look forward to working with you. I own two hundred acres. Need all the good horseflesh I can get my hands on.”

  A smile tugged at the corners of Elissa’s mouth as she reached out and patted Cassandra’s arm. This could just be what they were looking for. “It might not be until this time next year. As I said, the ranch was not left in good shape. And I only have a mare and couple teamsters.”

  “I’m a patient man.” Mr. Wilkens began writing on a piece of paper. “If you’ll give me your name, I already know Miss Peters. I can write my friend who lives in Texas. He can bring some of his stock. It’ll cost you, but it will give you a good seed.”


  “My name is Elissa Monroe.” Elissa studied the man. He was so different than the man who had raised her. He was different than nearly any male mortal she’d come across. “We can speak with you and your friend over the winter. We’ll have enough money by then.”

  “Good.” Mr. Wilkens tore half the paper off. He handed Elissa an address. “You can reach Paul Ellison at this address. I’ll write him before the end of the month. Now, is there anything else I can do for you ladies? Maybe have you to dinner one Saturday night in the future.”

  Cassandra had listened to the exchange. There was a connection between Mr. Wilkens and her soulmate. Nothing to be jealous of. It was more about their love of animals. She was in awe of the two.

  “I think that can be arranged.” Elissa rose from her chair, followed by Cassandra. “If you’ll excuse us, we had shopping to do. Then an hour drive back to the ranch. We thank you kindly for all you are doing for us.”

  “No need to thank me.” Mr. Wilkens’ smile was bright. “In fact, I appreciate strong women. If it weren’t for my mother teaching me all I know about business after my father died, I don’t know where I’d be.”

  “Wise woman.” Elissa took Mr. Wilkens offered hand before once again having the door held open for her and Cassandra. “Good day, Sir.”

  “Good day.” The pair watched as Mr. Wilkens made his way to his mount. He waved just at the edge of town before leaving a small cloud of dust behind him.

  “This had to be one of the more interesting days we’ve had.” Cassandra looked into azure eyes. “I don’t know about you but I just want to hurry up and gather what we need and see if Raven and the pups are all right.”

  Chapter 36

  They had yet to hear from Mr. Wilkens or his friend Mr. Ellison. Autumn was just upon them so they had time before they would be able to take care of any horses.

  Cassandra had watched Elissa work herself night and day. Her soulmate seemed to have this internal clock. No matter what her vampire was doing, she always knew when it was time to make certain Cassandra had eaten.

  The mortal, on the other hand, had been making finishing touches on the ranch house. It would be a place to be proud of.

  While all of that was a good thing, this rather cool autumn morning was a special one. October thirty-first of the year eighteen hundred fifty-seven was certain to be a memorable one. At least for Cassandra and Elissa.

  The fifteen-year-old was beyond nervous. It wasn’t because Cassandra was afraid of marrying Elissa or the following nuptials.

  It was because Cassandra felt like things were finally coming to fruition. She was finally getting all the things she had dreamed of.

  There was only one more thing Cassandra could ask for. She wanted eternity with Elissa. She pushed that thought from her mind.

  On the few occasions immortality being gifted to Cassandra had arisen, Elissa hadn’t shied away from her promise. She still intended, when a certain age had been obtained, she would sire Cassandra.

  Cassandra was in their room. While Elissa only spent part of the night with her, it was still their room. She was placing the final touches on her dress. She was to meet her vampire at what had once been a gazebo.

  One day the ruins of the gazebo would be rebuilt. No matter what shape it was, it would be a special spot. It was the chosen one for the couple to exchange their vows.

  It was time. Cassandra knew she had kept Elissa waiting longer than necessary. It was the nerves. One would think it would push her into finding Elissa sooner, but it had held her staring in the looking glass.

  Cassandra just wanted to look her best for Elissa. She shook her head. This was silly. She was being silly. It was past time. Her feet needed to start moving.

  Instead of exiting through the front door, Cassandra exited through the back door of the kitchen. A few more steps and the old gazebo would come into sight.

  Tall, dark and dangerous. Cassandra hadn’t had those thoughts when she had first seen Elissa five plus years ago. Even though she was only a small ten-year-old, she had never thought of Elissa as dangerous or dark. Definitely tall.

  The leathers Elissa had donned were her usual dark ones. But they were a pair never worn by the vampire. Cassandra nearly tripped at the sight welcoming her.

  The distance between them was eaten up rather rapidly by Cassandra’s feet. Finally, she was standing before the woman she loved.

  It didn’t matter that Elissa was immortal. It didn’t matter that she was so much older. All that mattered was the fact the vampire was the other half of Cassandra’s soul.

  “You look amazing.” Elissa couldn’t take her eyes off from Cassandra. She didn’t look fifteen. She looked like an angel.

  If Elissa was honest with herself, she would have to admit Cassandra resembled Andrea. They wouldn’t necessarily be identical twins, but they could be sisters.

  “You look sexy.” Cassandra blushed at the admission. While she thought it a hundred times a day, she didn’t usually utter the compliment.

  “Thank you.” Elissa could have teased, but she sensed how nervous Cassandra was. She had felt it in waves for the last hour or so. She wasn’t certain why her soulmate was so nervous. She hoped it wasn’t second thoughts.

  “So…” Cassandra took Elissa’s hands in her own. “I’ve never been to a marriage ceremony. I’m not exactly certain what to do or say.”

  “I’ve not been to many over my considerable years, either.” Elissa squeezed the hands holding hers. “I say we do what you always do. Go with our hearts.”

  “All right.” Cassandra stepped closer to Elissa. She held the vampire’s hand to her chest above her heart. “I could say my life changed forever the day I gained the courage to speak to my benefactor. I’d only seen glimpses of her till that day.”

  Cassandra swallowed as the emotions were nearly overwhelming her. “Each day of our lives together has been an adventure. Some days a little more adventurous than others. But the one thing that never changed was how much I love you.”

  The warm smile from her vampire enveloped Cassandra in safety and love. “In a way, the love I felt for you grew. That from admiration to desire. I’m here, right now, in front of God or whatever higher power is out there and pledging my eternal love to you. There will never be another.”

  Instead of a ring, Cassandra placed a simple gold band on Elissa’s left wrist. They knew the ring on Cassandra’s finger could be difficult to explain.

  Elissa felt the reverent touch of her soulmate. Between Cassandra’s words and reverence, she was having difficulty finding her own words.

  After clearing her throat several times, Elissa finally managed to find words she hoped conveyed exactly how she felt. “I’d only truly let one person into my life. I’d thought she was all I had deserved.”

  The vampire wasn’t about to state how she had failed Andrea a thousand years ago. And that she wouldn’t fail Cassandra this time around.

  “Until this precocious ten-year-old caught my attention.” Elissa loved how Cassandra’s eyes were twinkling. “I knew then I would watch over her for as long as she lived. I just didn’t know I’d want eternity with her. That she’d make me love again.”

  “So I make the pledge. Today is the first day of our lives together.” Elissa retrieved her own simple gold band bracelet. She slipped it on Cassandra’s left wrist. “I’ll love you with everything I am and protect you with everything I am.”

  Without preamble, Elissa leaned down. She was met halfway. Their kiss was chaste at first. It grew into something that would need more than lips to extinguish.

  When the kiss ended slowly, Cassandra was the first to speak. “Can we start the honeymoon right away?” The blush was fierce on the mortal’s face.

  Elissa’s laugh was hardy. She had been nervous about this. Being intimate beyond kissing and touching was something she hadn’t done since Sarah had been killed.

  Without saying a word, Elissa swooped Cassandra in her arms. This was it. This was
the joining of two souls together. She planted a kiss before using her natural speed to have them in the house in less than the blink of an eye.

  The door was kicked shut. Elissa knew that their wolves were somewhere on the ranch. They would let her know if there were unexpected visitors.

  It wasn’t long before they were in their shared bedroom. Elissa didn’t stop until she placed Cassandra reverently on the bed. She froze, not certain how to proceed.

  Elissa wanted to shed each of their clothes as fast as she could. Yet, she wanted to savor this. She knew by the expression on Cassandra’s face, she was waiting for the vampire.

  Making her decision, Elissa slowly removed each article of her clothing. She watched to see if there were any signs of discomfort. The only signs were heavier breathing and darkening of emerald eyes.

  The vampire sat on the edge of the bed. “If I do anything that makes you uncomfortable, just speak up. I only want you to feel good.”

  “Ok.” Cassandra wasn’t certain what was about to happen. She knew what her mind had been dreaming and figured she knew what was pleasurable. But this was Elissa. She wanted to give pleasure as much as receive it.

  Elissa cautiously removed every stitch of clothing. She knew that Cassandra wanted to save the dress. It would be one of those keepsakes. Sadly, there would be no one to hand it down to.

  Shoving that thought from her mind, Elissa stared at the now naked form of her soulmate. Her wife. Her lover. Her everything.

  It was Cassandra’s hand behind her neck that pulled Elissa down for a kiss. There were shy touches from small hands. Each touch sent a shiver down Elissa’s spine.

  Reluctantly, Elissa left the wet warmth of Cassandra’s mouth. She made her way to Cassandra’s earlobe. She flicked and nibbled. Her hand trailed down until she was cupping a firm breast.

  Already, Cassandra was moaning at the sensations Elissa was creating in her body. She had thought kissing was stimulating. This went beyond anything their kisses had done to her body.

  A trail was made from Cassandra’s ear to her neck. Elissa had to fight the urge to sink her teeth into the tender flesh. In fact, she had to fight her fangs from descending.