Casmas Clan: Josiah and Clara
Chapter Ten

~ Josiah Josiah paced back and forth on the beach, while he waited for Clara to arrive. He didn't know what to do, how to protect Clara. The rest of the Casmás knew they were together now. They had gotten caught after their last tryst yesterday by Harvey. Josiah hadn't realized Harvey had spotted them until he overheard the conversation the man was having with Catalina earlier.

He hadn't allowed either of them to realize he eavesdropped on some of their conversation and didn't bother to stand around waiting to hear the rest. He needed to get out of there and figure out what he was going to do. Josiah knew he had to protect Clara and their unborn child, he just wasn't sure how.

An idea formed when he stopped pacing and stared out at the calm red water. Josiah didn't like the plan forming, he hated it, and it made him quite ill in fact. He had to let her go. If he did, perhaps the Clan would leave her alone. Would let her and the child live. If not, then he would find a way to kill them all to protect her.

~ Clara Clara was happy, extremely so, when she reached the beach and began looking for Josiah. Even though she was still suffering from morning sickness, she was in great shape. Everything was healthy and good. Even though it was too soon to tell, she had already begun thinking of names.

Clara slowed to a stop when she spotted Josiah on the beach. She was ecstatic at first until she saw his face. Something was seriously wrong. "Josiah?"

He glanced once more at the ocean as if fortifying himself, before turning and heading in her direction.

"Let's go to the swamp. We need to have a private discussion."

Clara didn't like the sound of that. Or the fact he never touched her once, while he led the way to the swamplands. Normally he would give her a kiss on the cheek or a hug, then he would take her hand and hold it as they went wherever it was they needed to go. She didn't like this, not one bit.

When they reached the swamp and her stump where she always fed Pipsqueak, Josiah finally took Clara's hand and helped her sit upon the stump. He didn't allow her to ask what was wrong or anything else, he just began speaking and every word he spoke caused her spirits to sink lower and lower.

"I'm sorry, Clara. So very sorry. I never wanted this to happen or in this way."

"What are you saying, Josiah? I don't understand. Are you breaking up with me?"

His eyes closed and he nodded. "Yes, we have to break up. I don't want to, truly I don't. But I have no choice, I have to protect you."

"Protect me from what?"

"I can't tell you that. This was the only way I could think of to keep you safe. I..."

Clara couldn't take anymore. "Oh, that is rich. 'You have to protect me', you have to 'keep me safe', so you have to desert me and your child! I don't want to hear any more of your bullshit, Josiah. You don't want to be with me any further, fine. We're through."

Clara stood and began leaving the swamp; she had to get away before she totally broke down. She refused to allow the bastard to see her cry and derive satisfaction in being able to bring a witch to her knees. Just before she left the swamplands, Josiah called out her name, causing her to still. She refused to look back at him, however.

"About the child, Clara. Don't tell anyone it's mine. And stay away from me. If you see me, don't approach me. Just walk away."

~ Josiah Josiah watched Clara's back stiffen as she walked away. He hated hurting her, hated the way he knew she was weeping and he would never see her again. Never touch her again. And especially never see his child born or be there for him or her either. His wolf was howling within him in grief. It didn't understand why he had forced his mate away, but Josiah did. This was the only way the Casmás Clan wouldn't go and slaughter Clara, just for being with him.

~ Catalina Catalina was just leaving the general store when she spotted Clara running by. The tears in her eyes made Catalina chase after her. "Clara, wait."

She called out when she began catching the girl. Clara didn't slow; in fact, she picked up her speed, as though she was trying to get away from her. Deciding that wasn't a good sign, Catalina followed behind Clara until they left town and hit the beach, before overtaking her and forcing the girl to stop.

Tears were falling freely down her cheeks and she appeared quite miserable. Her breathing was ragged from her running and sniffles. Taking pity on the girl, Catalina pulled her against her chest and allowed the girl to weep against her. Nearly an hour later, Clara finally began to calm. Patting her back twice, Catalina set her away from her.

'There, are you better now, little one?"

Wiping at her eyes, Clara shook her head. "No, not really."

"What happened, Clara? Is it your father?"

Another shake of the head. "No."

"Did something happen to Josiah then?"

Anger filled the girl's eyes and she backed further away. "No. But I wish something would happen to that lying piece of shit! I don't ever want to hear that name again in my life."

'Oh hell, what did the pup do to her?'

"What happened, Clara? What did Josiah do? You know you can tell me anything and I won't hold it against you."

~ Clara "No!" Clara backed away from Catalina even more. There was no way in hell she wanted to talk about what that lying son of a bitch pulled earlier. Not now anyway, while the wound was still so raw. Maybe not ever. "Thank you, Catalina. For everything. But I don't want to talk about it. I'm going home to rest."

Clara brushed past Catalina and started the long walk home. Wondering just what the hell she was going to do now. She didn't want to leave Kosta, she thought of this town as home. She never had a home before. And besides, if she left, what would happen to poor little Pipsqueak?