The Pack

Chapter 22

Catherine's POV
I really wish I could help Tim forget about his troubles more than we've been able to but the roots of his pain and anxiety have grown and stretched so deep in his body, heart, and mind. Removing those 'roots' would be by far the biggest challenge. And the narrow minded in this pack are just going to make things astronomically more difficult. One obstacle at a time. For now we would worry about getting some food for our little pup. On the way, I noticed there were less people looking at Tim. But something didn't feel right, my senses were screaming at me that someone was watching and I just knew it had to be Cassidy. I subtly looked around trying my best to not let Tim see because the last thing we needed was for him to worry about that bitch anymore than he already may be. Turning my head to look into a small group of werewolves I saw the bitch in question and although I only saw her for a split second, I know it was her, I know a bitch when I see one, no matter how briefly.
The bitch is stalking us now, more specifically our little pup. As much as I want to 'teach her a lesson' I don't want to risk becoming a rogue and never seeing our little pup ever again. If Cassidy acted first though then we could legally defend ourselves and Tim. Just wish we didn't have to wait till then. Despite that, I'm certain we will need to defend Tim soon.
Finally arriving at the dining hall we picked a table and sat Tim in one of the chairs and decided that Vicky and I would stay with Tim to keep watch while Jackie and Haley went to go get the food. Vicky and I did our best to keep an eye out for Cassidy as subtly as possible. The last thing we need is to make Tim even more paranoid than he already is, we could sense Cassidy around and so could Tim.
'Where are you, bitch?'
I think on to myself as I move my head around and rub my neck as if it was sore, using the movements to look around us, still nothing but she's around. I can sense it and so can the others. Jackie and Haley return with plates of food and Haley placed a plate in front of Tim and kissed his cheek. Before we all sat down I began to whisper to the girls.
Catherine: "Jackie and Haley, you two keep an eye on Tim while Vicky and I keep an eye out for that bitch Cassidy."
I whisper and the girls nodded as we all understood our roles.
Tim: "Mommies? What's wrong?"
Tim asked with a small tilt with his head which was adorable.
Catherine: "Nothing, little one. Everything's fine, go ahead and enjoy your food."
I say with a reassuring smile which made Tim smile in return before turning back to his food and begin enjoying his food. It's so painful to lie to our little pup like this but our priorities are to protect him and keep him happy and healthy. Admittedly had a bit of a bump with the 'healthy' part but that wasn't our faults. He's getting better and his injuries are healing. We all sat down but kept a sharp eye out for Cassidy. We were straining all of our senses at this point in time. We weren't worried about Cassidy putting anything in the food. A crime like that in this pack would earn a quick one way free ticket to the River Styx. Tampering with food in such a way would make the Alpha kill you personally.
Tim: "Mommy?"
Tim asked as he looked up at me.
Catherine: "Yes, little one?"
I ask sweetly as I caress his cheek.
Tim: "Can we all go see another show after this? Please?"
Tim asked as he leaned into my hand as I continued caressing him. He was talking about the shows we watched together during his first day in the pack. I figured it would be nice and help take all our minds off of our worries. Although the girls and I would still need to keep an eye out for Cassidy or anyone else who might wanna do harm to our little pup.
Catherine: "Of course we can, sweetie!"
I said with enthusiasm. This was a good idea. The others also agreed. After we ate we made our way to the stage area of the cave and as we were walking I held Tim's left hand and Jackie held his right and we lifted him in the air as we walked.
Catherine and Jackie: "Weeeee!"
Jackie and I said with each lift and a few chuckles and Tim was having fun and giggling too.
Tim: "Again, again!"
Tim said as he got ready to jump again.
Catherine/Jackie: "Weeeee!"
Jackie and I said as we lifted him again making him laugh. It was so nice to see Tim with that heartwarming smile of his. On our way to the show we passed Nick who, despite apologizing for holding a grudge on Tim for being a human, looked on at Tim looked with slight contempt. I know his mate Daniella wouldn't want him to hold on to his grief. Daniella would want him to at least move on and live for her. Though we can't change the way Nick acts around Tim it's nice that he helped at all. We continued our way to the performance area of the caves and took a seat as I placed Tim on my lap and wrapped my tail around him. Breathing a sigh of content, Tim rested the back of his head on my chest, I giggled and kissed the top of his head. Soon the show started with a barbershop quartet performance. The four performers in perfect sync and harmony. The next performance was by a magician named 'Gregory the Great'. Tim really enjoyed this performance as he was so enthralled with it all, although I couldn't see it, I could tell Tim's mouth was hung agape in amazement. Gregory had asked for volunteers a few times, Tim wanted to volunteer but decided against it. Probably for the best, don't want to bring anymore public attention than he already has.
The next performance was a solo singer with an accordion.
Tim was clearly enjoying the all the performances as he shifted in my lap to get comfy again. As the show went on, I entertained a very troubling thought. Cassidy, she'll do whatever she can to put Tim in harms way, including rallying others behind her. Maybe Nick would join her? No... Unlike Cassidy, Nick is a loyal pack member. Though the possibility isn't out of the question, the resentment Nick holds for humans could be stronger than we think. No matter. Whatever comes our way, we'll be ready. Suddenly I felt a tap on my shoulder and looked over at Haley.
Haley: "Cath, you good?"
Haley asked in a whisper. She could tell there was something on my mind.
Catherine: "It's fine, I'll tell you guys later."
I whisper back.
Tim: "Did you say something, mommy?"
Tim asked as her arched his head back to look up at me.
Catherine: "No, little one. Everything's fine, enjoy the rest of the show."
I said as I rubbed his head.
Focusing back on the show, I still couldn't get my mind off of Cassidy and what she might have planned.
'Calm yourself, Catherine... just focus on the present. Enjoy the show with your pup.'
I think to myself as I push all outside thoughts out of my head and focus on the show. Now there was a musical sung by some school students, one of them being Minnie.
Catherine: "Look, Tim, it's Minnie."
I say as I point her out to Tim. It took him a moment to spot her but he saw her he waved. Looks like he isn't too shy about Minnie. Unfortunately for Minnie, she couldn't wave back but I was certain her eyes were switching between her parents and Tim. Imagining Tim and Minnie together is just so cute. Oh no. Negative thoughts again. What if Cassidy targets those who sympathize with Tim?
'Damnit, Catherine! You were meant to enjoy the show, damnit! Just focus on the-'
I had just realized that the musical was over and the next performance was starting. Didn't realize how long I can get lost in my own head. Now there was an acrobatic group doing all kinds of tricks, and flips, and flips. Tim was definitely quite impressed. After a few more performances, the show was over and everyone got up to leave. On our way out, Minnie ran up with her mom behind her.
Minnie: "Hey Tim!"
Minnie greeted in her signature bubbly attitude.
Tim: "Hi Minnie, I saw you singing, um... you did great. It was very nice."
Tim complimented. It was clear he still wasn't used to holding a conversation or giving compliments but he wasn't doing too bad.
Minnie: "Thanks! I'm so happy you were here, I didn't know if you would be or not but it's awesome that you were here to watch!"
Minnie said almost jumping up and down in place. Sometimes I wonder what keeps her so energized. Whatever it is, I want some of it. As Tim and Minnie were talking, I swore I saw Cassidy in the crowd in the corner of my eye. Looking over, I didn't see her but I know I saw her. Now I'm afraid my mind is trying to see her. Just need to focus on our little pup. Cassidy is distracting me far too much. Looking back at the cute little duo, I saw Minnie hugging Tim, at first Tim was surprised but reciprocated the gesture, albeit a little awkwardly.
Minnie: "I can't wait to see you in school and introduce you to my other friends!"
Minnie said excitedly.
Tim: "Oh yeah, uh... that sounds... fun?"
Tim said with uncertainty.
Minnie just giggled and gave him one last hug before taking her mom's hand walking away.
Vicky: "It's so nice to see you two together."
Vicky said as she pet Tim's head. Haley then came over picked up Tim causing him to yelp as she placed him on her shoulders and began walking back to the residential area, Tim giggling along the way.
Tim: "This is fun, I'm so high up!"
Tim said happily.
We continued our way with Haley carrying Tim on her shoulders all the way.
After getting Tim changed into his pajamas, we all came up to say our good nights.
Haley: "Goodnight, pup."
Haley said as she kissed Tim's head.
Vicky: "Sweet dreams, sweetie."
Vicky said as she kissed Tim's cheek.
Jackie: "Goodnight, cutie."
Jackie said as she gave Tim butterfly kisses all over his face making him laugh.
Tonight it was my turn to cuddle up with Tim tonight but before I could get comfy, Haley called me over to other side of the room.
Catherine: "Stay here, little one, we'll be right back.
I said as I got up and tucked Tim into the bed.
Walking over to the others, Haley spoke up.
Haley: "Somethings been on your mind for the last few hours. What's up?"
Haley asked.
Catherine: "My mind is just trying to play with me. I've been worried about Cassidy and what she might do."
I answered in a whisper as to not alarm Tim.
Vicky: "Ah. Yeah we've been worried about the same thing but it seems like you've got it worse."
Vicky said.
Catherine: "Maybe we should continue this conversation tomorrow, I can sense Tim wants cuddles."
I say as I turn and look at Tim who tossed and turned trying to get comfortable.
Jackie: "Alright let's get to bed."
Jackie said as she made her way to her bed with the rest of us following suit.
Lying down, I pull Tim into my embrace to which he subsequently latched onto me and nuzzled his head into my chest. Kissing his head, I close my eyes and fall asleep.

A/N: Sorry I haven't updated in so long, I've been preoccupied with practicing lapidary and faceting. Here are some photos.