My Assassin Lover

by My Assassin Lover [Whispers] (mobi)

  Wolf nodded, glad she appreciated the sacrifice he had made just for her. She was so terribly naive, she didn't understand the overwhelming danger of allowing a heartless, calculating man such as David to walk away unpunished. Wolf was aware he would need to be wary of the man for the rest of their lives. David lived in a delusional world; his fury rested upon Casey and her existence. Hopefully Wolf's threats would suffice to keep the man at bay. This opened up another topic he needed to discuss immediately.

  “You will also always need to listen to me. This is very important, Casey, and not up for debate. It is not by any means a way of controlling you. If we're in the middle of a quiet conversation, or dinner, or in a heated debate, and I command you to run and hide, you will run and hide without question. You will obey without hesitation. You will not emerge until I come for you, as you noticed Lando did with Christy. I will have places in my home where you can go that will be safe. Your life may depend on your obedience.”

  Wolf was not purposely trying to frighten her; he wanted her to stay aware. In order for him to keep them both safe he needed her to decide right then and there if she was willing to listen.

  “Do you still want to be with me?” Wolf asked her, clasping her hand.

  Casey looked at him. “I love you, Wolf. I want and need you. I will accept my lifestyle. Really it's not so different than being the daughter of a diplomat, if you think about it. There were always men protecting my mother and me when we were with my dad. There were always certain threats surrounding us. I guess after they died and I was no longer exposed to that type of lifestyle I just got used to taking care of myself.”

  “Will you let me take care of you now? Will you be able to accept Tyr wanting to protect you? I have a feeling he is going to be around a lot. For some reason he finds you fascinating.”

  “Well, why wouldn't he?” Casey replied cheekily, tossing her long locks and tipping him a wink.

  “As long as he doesn't find you too fascinating,” Wolf said, eyes narrowing.

  “You're jealous again,” Casey said, and chuckled.

  “I'm working on it,” Wolf grumbled, now annoyed.

  Damn!

  “I think Tyr finds me fascinating because you love me. I think he is tired of being all alone and he is happy to have you back,” Casey said.

  “I did my best for him. But I couldn't stop the pain and guilt of Rhea's death until I turned myself off. I shut down my emotions. Christy took the first small chunk out of the wall I had built, I think. But you went at it with a sledgehammer. Why do you love me?”

  “Because you're wonderful. You not only spared my life, you saved it. I never thought I would trust again, but I trust you. I never thought I would love again, but I love you. My mind screams for you, my body demands your touch. I close my eyes and I see your face. I never thought I would recover from the loss of Abby. Her death still pains me, but because of you I can remember the fun she and I had, not her screams of agony.” Wolf looked at her. To a certain extent he felt she offered him the same relief with Rhea.

  The secluded airstrip came into view. Wolf slowed to a stop by the small white plane, its propeller in motion awaiting takeoff. Casey stepped out of the car. Her look glanced past Wolf to their pilot, and she stood back abruptly, shuddering with distaste. To her disbelief, Roll stood looking at her with a leering grin, leaning against the tail of the plane. Casey's accusing eyes spun back to Wolf, glaring. Wolf looked back at her, just as surprised.

  “Sweetheart, I swear—” he began, arms splayed.

  “Someone find me a rock,” Casey snarled, her hands curled to claws.

  Tyr sidled up beside them, smiling, looking well pleased. “Well, he's right on time, as always.”

  “This was your idea?” Wolf asked.

  “You know how closed-mouthed Roll is,” Tyr said. His look faltered, becoming distressed at the look Casey was shooting at him.

  “Yeah, and you know how rock-friendly Casey is,” Wolf shot back.

  “Well, look at you, honey. This time you're standing and everything,” Roll drawled at Casey, checking over her body.

  “Just fly the damned plane!” Casey snapped. She muscled past the men and, scowling, she boarded the plane.

  “Well, you heard the lady,” Wolf said, chuckling. He followed Casey aboard.

  Casey sat on her seat, pressed against the plane, her cheek at the window. Wolf sat closely beside her, smiling engagingly, his thumb stroking the back of her hand until she relented. With her lips twisted into wry acceptance, she settled herself into his arms and even offered a lopsided grin to Tyr, who was still watching her, clearly wondering at his mistake.

  “Sure is nice to see you recovered from your drug mishap,” Roll mentioned to Casey. Casey groaned. It was going to be a long flight.

  “Just fly the damned plane,” Wolf warned, seeing Casey's look.

  “Yeah, sure, you know me. No questions. Real closed-mouthed. I understand you wanting her though, she being so cute and all. I would have paid a healthy buck. Faking an overdose with those boys is damned risky though. Some of them are real hard asses, “ Roll muttered.

  “Just fly the damned plane, Roll!” all three howled in unison.

  Roll flew the damned plane.

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  * * *

  Epilogue

  * * * *

  Casey sang softly to her new baby daughter while she held her in her arms, rocking her soothingly. She smiled down into the sleeping infant's tiny, beautiful, perfect face. Tufts of silky black hair, so like her father's, curled around petite ears. She lifted the child higher and breathed in her sweet scent, kissing her forehead.

  Both Wolf and she had been thrilled with the arrival of their new daughter. Casey had wept when Wolf had held the infant to his chest and, with moist eyes, he promised to protect her forever. He had cuddled the babe higher into his arms, cradling her head, and had gazed at Casey with such adoration and pride. She had smiled up at him, loving him deeper still. Her eyes then dripped steady tears as Wolf thanked her for giving him his life back, for loving him enough to trust him with her own life and with the precious life of their baby. Casey could see he had been overwhelmed with emotion.

  Casey placed the baby down into a bassinet and covered her over with blankets. The backs of her fingers stroked her downy soft hair. She left the room to retrieve a cold glass of milk. She chuckled, remembering Wolf's insistence she drink more fluids while breast feeding.

  Casey reflected back, remembering the day she had informed Wolf she was carrying his child. She had approached him hesitantly, and once curled in his lap, her head pressed to his chest, she had disclosed she carried his baby. She had waited, somewhat fearful of his response, concerned how he would react, understanding his worries over protecting another life, and his anxiety about his sister.

  Wolf had pulled her snugly to his chest. He had cuddled her and, soundlessly, he had wept. Casey had been so distressed by his response; it had been beyond unsettling to witness such a proud man weep, yet Wolf was quick to soothe her, telling her he was indeed happy.

  When Wolf had discovered her pregnancy, he gathered maternal reading material and studied up on what the experts insisted was best for the mother and her baby. Their home was conformed to the essence of tranquility.

  Tyr moved in with them immediately as added protection, and both Wolf and Tyr watched over her like overprotective wolves. They made certain she ate well, was well rested, and was never left unattended for a single moment during her pregnancy. Wolf insisted she was even too vulnerable to be hitting anyone in the head if the need for self-preservation presented itself. They made certain the need did not present itself.

  Wolf made a point of talking to her belly daily, insisting the baby needed to familiarize itself with his voice. He had stroked her tummy, his lips grazing her flesh, whispering loving, endearing words to their unborn child. Taking his lead from his big brother, Tyr happily did the same. At times Casey just stood, s
haking her head at the both of them while rolling her eyes. She had thought one giant puppy trailing her and Lando asking numerous questions was annoying. Now she had two to deal with!

  Casey chuckled, remembering her labor. She had never seen two more powerful, in control men flounder around in such a way. They stumbled over each other when she had emerged from the kitchen, claiming it was time. Finally, when Casey had cried out in pain, clutching her middle and crying for his help, Wolf seemed to settle with an inward calm. He picked her up, clasping her to his chest, and strode for the car, Tyr racing after with her luggage.

  Once she was settled, Wolf drove carefully, yet quickly, to the hospital. The nurses scrambled to make her comfortable when Wolf bellowed out orders in a formidable command, eyes glaring dangerously, Tyr's foreboding scowl and intimidating presence backing him up. It had not taken long for everyone, including the doctor, to rush to do Wolf's bidding.

  Casey had been made comfortable in no time, holding Wolf's hand for reassurance. Fearing for Casey's safety, Wolf had snarled menacingly at the nurse who had produced pain medication, howling at her so loudly she had fled, terrified for her life. Instead, he had aided her with her breathing, encouraging her to focus on his face, his loving voice, until the babe's head made an appearance.

  Wolf had moved lower, drawn to assist his child. He held Casey below the knee and gripped an ankle, thrusting up to aid with her pushing. He had stepped in like a pro when the time had come and helped deliver his child. Casey's foot had been settled securely to his chest. His gentle hands slid lower, aiding in capturing the baby as her wet body slid out, watching as the two sides were tied off, and cutting the umbilical cord.

  Tyr had remained near Casey's head to offer her encouraging words, taking up her hand and stroking her forehead, refusing to be shooed from the delivery room. Proud father and proud uncle had taken turns watching them both day and night, until they were safely released back into their capable care and sent home.

  Strolling back into the room where her baby lay, still smiling, Casey suddenly let her glass of milk drop to the floor, where it shattered against the tiles. To her surprised horror, a disheveled David stood, holding the infant in his arms.

  “David!” Casey cried, terrified of his intent.

  David looked at her. His face was pale, his eyes bloodshot, dark black circles hung under tired, agonized eyes. The babe still slept quietly, cuddled to his chest.

  “Please, David, don't hurt her, she's innocent,” Casey wept.

  “So was Abby,” David replied without emotion.

  “I did not kill Abby. I loved Abby. I loved you once. Please don't take my child from me.”

  David looked back down at the infant and held her closer still. He ran a thumb over her warm, sweet cheek and smiled when the babe's mouth moved in a sucking motion. “I remember when Abby was this small. I used to take off my shirt and hold her while she lay in just her diaper. We would share our warmth. She would always fall asleep on my chest. I promised to keep her safe. She should have been safe.”

  “I'm so sorry. Please, David,” Casey whimpered, moving closer to the pair, approaching him cautiously.

  “When her mother died she was all I had. She was everything to me,” David said, weeping. Tears began rolling from his eyes, landing on the pink blanket that held the child. “It's not fair you have a new baby while mine is cold in her grave.”

  “David, Abby gave so much to us both. She was so loved and loved life. How do you think she would have felt if you harm a baby in her name? Abby was not the type of person who would cause harm. Taking another's life won't bring her back.”

  “What's her name?” David asked. He gazed down into the infant's serene expression, captivated by her innocence.

  “Rhea Abby.”

  “No!” David cried out, his head snapping up, looking at her with aching, sorrow-filled eyes. “Don't you do that to me.”

  “I loved Abby. She loved me too, you know she did. You know how much we meant to one another. Please, David, no more pain. Rhea is helpless. I beg you. I would give my life if it would bring Abby back, but that would be my choice. If you harm my baby you will be a cold-blooded killer. That is what you accused me of being. That is what you will become. That is the legacy Abby will be given. If Abby's face haunts you it will be nothing compared to taking the life of a newborn baby with your own hands.”

  Casey's terrified tears streamed down her face. They flowed almost as quickly as David's. Casey came to rest right before him. She looked up into his agonized expression and, with shaky hands, she reached for her child. Pausing briefly, he reluctantly handed the infant back, after hugging her tiny body to his heaving chest.

  “If you need to take a life, spare my child and take mine,” Casey whimpered. At one time she had loved him so much.

  No,” David sobbed, looking into her eyes. His body shook.

  “I'm so sorry, David,” Casey whispered, crying at the misery on his face. “Abby was such a wonderful, beautiful child. She meant so much to me; I loved her. I wished so many times she was born of me. I'm so lucky she was mine too, for a little while.”

  Casey backed away from him and looked off to the side. She could see the rage on Wolf's face as he stood unmoving; holding his weapon high, aimed at David's head. She took note of an equally enraged Tyr, who blocked the other exit, brandishing his own side arm. Casey determined they must have come running when the glass shattered. Neither was ever very far.

  Casey went to Wolf and, with small pleading words, she rested against his chest. Dismayed, she noted Wolf was shaking. His fury was overpowering him. David had slowly sunk to the ground, sobbing, his hands covering his face. He wept for the loss of his beloved child.

  “Please, Wolf,” Casey begged, seeing his intent. She understood his anger.

  “Take Rhea into the other room.” Though his voice was quiet, Casey heard the slightest tremble.

  “Wolf, he has suffered enough.”

  “He was going to kill my child,” Wolf said with deadly menace. Casey shook with the intensity of Wolf's outrage. She had never seen him look more lethal.

  “He is agonized over the loss of an innocent. Despair does things to your mind like nothing ever could. What did Rhea's death do to you, and for how long? He realizes now he is no killer. Maybe in time he will heal.”

  “You expect me to allow him to just walk away?” Wolf howled.

  “I expect you to show compassion. You are a father now. Feel his pain for a moment, Wolf, just a single moment. Feel his confusion and agony. Hurt beyond livable pain. If his body was suffering the way he was mentally, he would already have died. Nature's cruel joke is to allow us to suffer emotionally much more than physically without succumbing. His mind was not right. Wolf, he will never come again,” Casey implored.

  She held his gaze when he turned to her. Their baby daughter still slumbered, oblivious to what was occurring around her. Casey slowly handed the child over into his embrace, softly encouraging him to take her. Wolf pulled his daughter closer, cuddling her to himself. Wolf looked to the man huddled in a ball of despair, weeping while Tyr stood over him, his gun now holstered, his fists balled. The man still wept for his deceased child.

  “Drive him to the airport. Tell him never to come near us again and make it very clear,” Wolf told his brother with narrowed eyes.

  Casey watched as David was hauled to his feet. She knew by his venomous look Tyr would more than get the message across. She felt bad for David, but would not deny nor protest Wolf this one small act of his protectiveness. Wolf had spared his life. David should feel grateful; she knew she did. She had done it for Abby. She could not hate the man who had been part of the child she had loved so dearly.

  Casey allowed Wolf to propel her into the other room and shut off sounds of David's frightened pleas as Tyr dragged him from the house. Wolf settled her on the couch, placing the baby in her arms, and when Rhea stirred, Casey bared her breast and encouraged the babe to suckle. She did so
, hungrily. Casey felt the wonderful feeling of immense contentment overtake her body as it always did when Rhea nursed. She sighed with pleasure. Casey settled back, waiting, knowing Wolf would be drawn to them soon.

  Wolf had been pacing before Casey, agitated, furious with himself. David had breached their security. How had he even found them? Damn the man! Casey should have let Wolf kill him long ago! His fury raged inwardly at his obvious lapse. His hands balled into fists; he needed a release. His strides were erratic, his pace harried. His emotions had rampaged while he had held his weapon; it took every ounce of his nerve not to take the man's life while his daughter had lain vulnerable in his arms, while his wife was a hairsbreadth from David.

  Rhea's terror-stricken face had thundered like a freight train through his mind. He had failed his sister...and yet his baby still lived, Casey still lived. He was no longer a helpless child. Fate rested within his hands; he was not at the mercy of another, more powerful. He was now a powerful man. He was the one who controlled the life and death of another. David was once again lucky he had been compelled to offer his mercy.

  Wolf stopped his pacing. His own thoughts replayed in his mind. He was no longer a helpless child...he had been only a helpless child.

  The revelation floored him; the notion was astounding. The weight of guilt fell from his chest like a boulder of heavy stone. He had heard from his family, from Casey, there was nothing he could have done to save his sister, but for the first time the realization had come from his own deliberations. His mind wasn't being told he needed to accept the fact; the epiphany came from his heart.

  In that instant Rhea's horror-stricken face faded. It was replaced with her charming, cherubic laughter. Once more he could remember her endearing smile and the captivating way she tilted her head to the side when she looked up at him. He heard her last words of, ‘I love you,’ in his head, only this time the agonizing pain was gone.

  Hearing his daughter's soft, endearing noises of satisfaction, he slowly moved towards mother and child and concentrated on the scene before him. Her tiny sucking, swallowing noises sounded so sweet, almost like a hum. As always, Wolf was fascinated when Rhea fed. The image of something so wondrous and natural drew him like a magnet. Casey offered their child life through sustenance. Wolf's responsibility was to protect them both. A mission he took very seriously.