The Other Part of Me
Chapter 52

Cassie

When Cassie awoke in the unfamiliar room, one of the first things she noticed was a table full of silver dinnerware. There was a bowl consisting of whole figs and walnuts on one end; the middle displayed an extended plate with a small, round, golden cake that was encircled by a green shrubbery garnish, and at the end was another bowl. This one was holding mystical stones. She recognized the bloodstones thanks to Braden's pack, there were also luminescent moonstones. These stones reminded her of the stones in the armlets she wore in her dream.

She looked at herself, she was wearing a sleeveless white, cotton nightgown with a deep V-neck. She could tell it was new because it was crisp but she knew it was not one of hers. The hem of the sleeping attire fell just above her knees. Cautiously, she made her way to the door. She twisted the doorknob slowly and carefully, trying to make as little noise as possible. When she opened the door a crack, she looked out.

The sun was beginning to color the outdoors with the help of its rays. The colors at this point, were still dull and lackluster. The only vibrancy came from the sky, which was currently painted with pink and orange hues.

She opened the door completely and stepped barefoot onto the cold ground, for the first time realizing the past breadth of time was a blur to her. She was under the notion she now felt light and free but she didn't exactly know why. Taking a few steps away from the shelter she had been in, Cassie was able to see a familiar frame not too far away from where she was.

Talon.

She sighed with relief at that moment, replaceing comfort at knowing she was with people she knew and cared for. Slowly she began to make her way to where he was. The closer she got, the more it looked like he was starting a fire. Every time he moved, his ripped back muscles flexed, accentuating every line, despite the lack of light.

She felt like she had been lost for so long, seeing him now was a welcoming sight.

There was a fallen tree trunk behind him -- its leaves and branches had been stripped away. She quietly took a seat, waiting patiently for him to finish. She leaned her hands back on the trunk, looking at him work.

Talon must have heard the subtle movement of her hands gliding across the trunk because it was then when he turned back to look at her. His hair was tousled and he had circles under his eyes.

She smiled at him.

He stood frozen, just staring at her at first; after a moment he brought his hand to his mouth and walked hurriedly to her. Without warning, he bent down to lift her. He held her in silence.

She hugged him for a moment- when the hug wouldn't end, she asked him, "Are you okay?"

She felt him nod against her cheek. "I am now, sweetness." He held her a moment longer before kissing her cheek and putting her down.

Cassie looked at his eyes. She grew concerned when she noticed his eyes glistened with unspilled tears. "Are you sure?"

He nodded alongside a sniffle.

"What are you doing up so early?" She asked as she looked at the firepit he was creating.

His eyes remained focused on her. "We have to complete Moon Goddess's offering." He stroked loose hair away from her face. "Especially after this moment." Cassie looked at him tenderly. "It wasn't just a dream, was it?"

He closed his eyes and rested his forehead against hers. "No." He smiled. "No, it wasn't. Her favored oracle came to help you."

Cassie nodded, realizing she truly no longer felt the weight of Elsbeth's death on her conscience. As her eyes remained on him, she had flashbacks of all the days and nights he had spent with her, keeping her safe. Sharing this moment with Talon, made it all the more special.

She wrapped her arms around him, burying her face in the crook of his neck. "Thank you."

He wrapped his arms around her waist.

They remained like this, each unwilling to move for a while after.

***

Hours later, Cassie took a cab to the Bloodstone pack. She wore faded jeans and a black halter top.

She exited the cab and stood at the gates, looking at the expanse of the Bloodstone pack.

Her home.

Slowly, she made her way onto the property. A few wolves stopped her along the way to apologize for the way they had behaved towards her, while others simply greeted her, letting her know they were happy to have her back. She saw Bridgette through the pharmacy window. She was helping someone with an order. The two women smiled and waved at each other. Cassie continued walking.

She noticed a new building was under construction where the old schoolhouse sat. It looked more modern, with lower windows and French doors one each side.

She saw the bones of another building being built a distance away from everything else. She wondered what it could be-- she had no doubt it would be something spectacular for the pack, as was Braden's way.

As she passed the parking lot, she noticed with a pang of disappointment that Braden's SUV was gone. She also noticed there was a brand-new Jeep in her parking spot. Same model as her old one, current year. She entered the mansion and nearly collided with Gloria. Gloria started to cry as soon as she saw her.

Before the woman said anything, Cassie hugged her. "Fresh start?"

Gloria nodded.

Cassie smiled at her but kept going.

She ran up the stairs, making her way to the room Braden had designated for her first. Upon entering, she noticed it was completely empty. Not a bed, nor a dresser remained. All of her belongings were gone. She walked through the adjoining bathroom, sighing with relief when she realized her cleansing and toiletry items were still there.

She walked into Braden's bedroom, quickly shuffling through his dressers and looking in the walk-in closet.

Her items had joined his.

She smiled.

She looked through the apparently divided closet. There was a "hers and his" theme. She walked by his side, feeling and smelling his clothes. She missed her mate.

Almost on cue, the scent of lemongrass and rainfall hit her.

She heard the bedroom doors crash open. She turned to the sound and found Braden standing by the open closet doors, staring at her.

He immediately rushed to her, holding her face with his hands, kissing her on the lips tenderly.

She embraced her mate with all the love she had in heart, knowing for the very first time in her life, she was finally complete.