The Winter Solstice: A Cassandra Blake Mystery

Chapter 2.1

Malekai sat behind his desk, tapping his pen on the hard surface. The city manager, Aaron, his pack Beta, had just been mind linked by someone who had witnessed what had happened at The Crescent Moon Bakery. Aaron had recounted nearly word for word the exchange between Cassandra and Maryanne. Malekai was furious. He wanted nothing more than to find Maryanne Perkins and rip her throat out. Fifty years ago, before the solstice celebration became such a big event for humans, it would not only have been allowed but expected. Now, he had to tread carefully to avoid suspicion about the pack’s true identity.

“What do we do about this?” Malekai asked.

“If you mean Cassie, you need to just go ahead and claim her as your chosen mate before someone else does,” Aaron answered with a smirk.

“You know that is not who I am talking about, and it is not your place to say things like that,” Malekai growled.

“I’m sorry, Alpha. I overstepped my bounds on that one,” Aaron said as he lowered his head to show respect and submission to Malekai.

“You did, and you will never say anything like that again. It is not something Cassie wants, and I would never force it on her.”

“Yes, Malekai. I know. It was meant to be a joke, and it didn’t come across that way.”

“Maryanne Perkins,” Malekai stated. “What do we do about her?”

“Whatever we decide on, it must occur after the first of the year when most or all tourists have left. This is directly related to the pack, so the fewer prying eyes, the better,” Aaron told him.

“This has to stop Aaron. I will not let this disrespect toward Cassie continue. She did nothing wrong by leaving here, going to school, and thriving in a career she loves.”

“I know that, and I agree with you. But quite a few pack members think she should have been your Luna instead of leaving and could still be your Luna if you would compel her to stay. You two were always so close and still are. I have seen the pictures of the two of you cuddled together in the same crib with your arms around each other. I have never seen two people more closely bonded unless they were fated mates. It disappointed a lot of people when she turned eighteen and didn’t claim you as her mate.”

“I don’t care if people are disappointed. I have already told you I will never do that to her. I want her to be happy no matter where she is, and if I forced her to stay here, she wouldn’t be. If she ever chooses to stay here, I will make sure she is welcome, which also needs to happen every time she comes to visit. This is her home, and Cassie needs to feel welcome here because she is.”

Before they could continue their conversation, the main door to city hall chimed, signaling that someone had entered the building. Malekai grinned when he looked out his office window to see Cassie carrying a large brown shopping bag and drink holder. He stood to help Cassie, but Aaron beat him to the door. He took both items from her, carefully placed them on Malekai’s desk, and began to unpack the carefully boxed treats.

“I think my mom went all out on what she sent for us,” Cassie said as the inviting aroma wafted from the sack. “She sent bear claws, blueberry muffins, mini quiches, and who knows what else. I think I smell sausage rolls. If she did put some in, I call dibs on at least one.”

“Cassie, when we are done eating, I am going to the bakery and hug your mama,” Aaron told her. “But first, I am going to hug you.”

Aaron whirled around, grabbing Cassie in his arms. He spun her about, making her squeal from being startled by the sudden nature of his actions. Cassie could see the scowl come across Malekai’s face when it happened, which made her wonder if he was going to come across the desk and remove Aaron’s arms, not only from her but from his body.

“Put me down!” she commanded, causing Aaron to stop instantly and gingerly place her feet back on the floor.

“Sorry, Cass,” Aaron apologized. “I just got a little carried away. We already heard about Maryanne Perkins and will take care of it.”

“Of course, you have. Because mind links are the fastest way in the world to spread gossip,” Cassie huffed. “Please, just forget about it for now. I know you guys have not thought much about security and emergency routes, so let’s get started. First, I need my coffee and some food.”

She moved to Malekai’s desk and handed each man a cup of coffee her mother had made to their specific tastes. She picked up her cup and took a long drink of the extra-strong brew her mother knew she loved. She took one of the paper plates her mother had stuck in the bag. She loaded it with her favorite goodies from the bakery before sitting in one of the chairs across from Malekai.

Malekai raised an eyebrow and asked Cassie, “How did you know that we still had details to work out about the security and emergency routes?”

“Because you two always wait until I get here to iron out those details, and I have no idea why,” Cassie answered. “I have repeatedly told you that if you ever need help with anything like that, let me know we will work it out in advance instead of this last-minute garbage.”

“I blame it all on Malekai,” Aaron said with a mouth full of muffin.

“Of course you do. And Malekai will blame it all on you. That is why I have to fix things when I am supposed to be on the only vacation I ever take,” Cassie retorted before she took a bite of the sausage roll on her plate. She saw Malekai begin to open his mouth to speak and cut him off. “And before either of you say anything, yes, I know I am grumpy. My day has not started well, and if history is any indication, it probably won’t get any better.”

“Don’t say that, Cass,” Malekai told her. “I plan on doing my best to make today better for you, even if it didn’t start out that way.”

“Me too,” Aaron said as he ate his third muffin. “You are going to have a happy birthday whether you like it or not.”

“Thanks, guys,” Cass replied. “So with that, let’s get started so we can all get out of here and do what we need to do before the festival tonight.”

“I don’t think there is much to do,” Malekai said as he handed her a file folder. “We are using the same plans as last year because of how well they worked. Unless you think changes need to be made, I will let everyone know, and they will have it done in no time.”

“I say if it worked that well last year, we should continue to use it until we have a problem or the town changes in such a way that we need to adjust it,” Cassie agreed.

“Awesome!” Aaron exclaimed as he grabbed the folder from Cassie’s hands. “I will take this to the fire station so they know what they know what to do and which streets to block and routes to use if something happens.” He stood, tossed his empty coffee cup in the trash, and grabbed his other cup from the carrier before heading for the door. “You two have fun, and I will see you this evening. Try to stay out of trouble!” he called from the city hall’s main entrance as he pushed it open and left.

Malekai laughed as Cassie shook her head. They had both known Aaron their entire lives, and he had always been one of the many who wanted them to be together. He was one of the few who seemed to understand their relationship. They both wanted to find fated mates, if possible, before choosing to be with someone.

“After we finish eating, why don’t you run over to the hardware store with me while I pick up a couple of things, and we can stop in at a couple of shops along the way? Then, we can go for the run that you promised me. That should give us plenty of time to be home and prepare for tonight,” Malekai suggested. “Since we just stuffed ourselves, do you want to skip the picnic and just spend time together instead?”

“I think that sounds perfect,” Cassie said with a genuine smile as she wiped her face and hands with a napkin and drank the rest of her first cup of coffee. “I’m ready anytime you are. Oh, I need to stop by Miss Maggie’s shop and see if she has a couple of things.”

Malekai tipped his head to the side and sighed, “You are not making me feel better. Are you telling me the truth when you say you are feeling alright?”

Cassie chuckled, “Yes, I am telling you the truth. I pick up a few specific things every time I come home because she is the only one who has them. You found out my secret. I have a secret hidden girly side.”

“I’m sorry, Cass. You look so tired and worn down. It bothers me. I know you have given me a valid explanation for why, but it doesn’t keep me from worrying about you.”

“Kai, you don’t need to apologize. It feels nice to have someone worry about me. I just need a real vacation for a few days. One where all I have to do is lie around, eat, and sleep unless it is something I want to do. No murders, no shootings, no stabbings, no major crimes of any kind. Just the boringness of our little Bloodstone.”

Malekai smiled as he popped the last bite of his bear claw in his mouth. “That is exactly what I plan on giving you. Ready?”

“Absolutely,” Cassie said as she reached over, grabbed his empty plate, and put it on hers before handing him a wet wipe from the bag. “Clean up while I take care of this. And don’t forget our coffee.”

Malekai smiled as he took the wipe from her and watched her walk out of his office and around the corner to the kitchenette. He enjoyed seeing her laugh and being happy. He quickly wiped his hands and put what little remained of the baked goods back into the paper shopping bag to have later. He grabbed the remaining cups of coffee and headed for his office door, nearly running into Cassie in the doorway.

“Oops, sorry,” Malekai laughed as he handed Cassie her coffee. He closed his office door but did not lock it, causing Cassie to raise an eyebrow at him. “What?” he asked.

“You want me to be the only officer for a town so safe the mayor doesn’t lock his office door.”

Malekai nodded as he placed his hand on her back, guiding her to the door. “Pretty much.”

She laughed, “You are unbelievable.”

Malekai suggested, “Let’s go to the hardware store last. If we already have a bunch of bags, it will be easier to escape from your dad and brother if he is there.”

“Good idea,” Cassie giggled.