3

She gave me a knowing look and said, “I’m glad.”

That was the great thing about my mom. She didn’t push if she didn’t think you were in danger. She waited for you to talk to her. I knew she’d be the only one who caught on. Maybe my aunts too, but the guys they would much rather bury their heads in the sand when it came to me and dating. Or just physical attraction of any kind.

We parted ways and suddenly Tory and Gia appeared. I snorted, “Hey guys.”

Tory pointed a finger in my face, “Don’t you hey guys us.”

Gia jumped in, “Yeah, spill it.”

I asked, “Spill what?” Rain said, “They think they know.” Tory said, “If you’re dating a Fairy I need to know. You’ve got a dopey I’m in love smile going on and you were Aiylee yesterday.” I asked, “Is that the only place I went?”

I winked at her and she groaned, “Popping and portaling Alpha’s are a detriment to us Beta’s and Gamma’s. I’ll just be figuring out where the hell you went. Come on Gia.”

Gia agreed, “Only because I know she won’t just tell us.”

She mockingly muttered, “It’s no fun to tell. UGH! It’s SO much fun to tell. Telling is the best. You’d think the biggest Supernaturals gossips would agree.”

They both left to try and figure out my secret.

I popped outside and heard Alexander and EJ laughing so I headed in their direction. EJ said, “So since Cayden’s got his hot date, we can’t spar with him today.”

My heart dropped to my feet. Rain whimpered, “But mate.”

I curtly told her, “We aren’t marked. He said we could do what we wanted since he was leaving. He’s Hackura.”

I popped away from them into my treehouse.

Alexander was in my treehouse a second later. He frowned, “Cass?”

I wiped tears from my eyes, “Just go, please. I need space right now.”

Alexander questioned, “What hurt your feelings? You are sad, almost devastated. No, it’s devastated.”

I cried, “LEAVE ME ALONE!” He stepped back surprised because I didn’t snap at him like that ever.

He came over and held me in his arms while I cried. These were the plans Cayden mentioned yesterday? He had a date? Why didn’t he cancel it for me? Did he really like whoever his date was with? Was he being nice saying he wanted me when really he wanted someone else? EJ called her hot. Was I not pretty enough?

I pulled away from Alexander. He whispered, “Cass, talk to me.”

His eyes were blazing gold. I shook my head, “I’m just frazzled right now. I need some time to collect myself.”

Alexander frowned, “I’ll kick someone's ass into a bloody mess for doing this to you.”

I didn’t want him to fight Cayden. I shook my head, “I just want to be alone.”

Alexander sighed, “Ok, but if I feel more things like this I’m coming back.”

I nodded whispering, “Ok.”

I cried my eyes out after he left while Rain whimpered because it hurt.

My mate was on a date. Not just a date, a hot date. Why did she have to be hot? I wiped my tears and asked myself out loud, “What would Aiylee do?”

I knew the answer immediately. She’d go on a date herself. That’s what Aiylee would do.

At that moment, my phone rang. I sighed seeing who it was. An Earth Fairy I’d met when I was fourteen was calling. I answered, “Hello, Gystepi.”

Gystepi sounded excited, “Hello Duchess Cassie, I was hoping this time would be my moment. Would you like to go on a date with me?”

His timing couldn’t have been more apt.

I answered, “As a matter of fact, I would. What time?”

Gystepi was surprised, “Wow, you said yes. Can you be ready in an hour?”

I answered, “Of course.”

I hung up and popped to my room. I took a quick shower then snapped on some light makeup. I threw my hair into a high ponytail and snapped it curled. I put on some skin tight jeans and a green short sleeve tight v cut top. I wasn’t going to try too hard because I didn’t really care.

Rain was quiet. I asked, “Are you ok?”

Rain whispered, “I don’t know.”

I apologized, “I’m sorry but I can’t sit home and think about his hot date. I can’t do it.”

Rain whispered, “We could call Jase and go hang out with him. I like him as a friend.” I sighed, “I already said yes, but I wish I had thought of that first.” If I wasn't so upset, I would have. Jason was a good friend.

I truly didn’t want to lead Gystepi on, but Fairies weren’t like humans. This didn’t mean much and I wasn’t going to kiss him. Hell, I probably wouldn’t even hold his hand. Rain was right. Jason would’ve been the better choice. He knew me, and he’d just watch a movie without asking what was wrong.

I smelled my mom in the hallway before she knocked on my door. I linked her, “Come in.”

She came in and looked me over. She smiled, “You look nice, Cass. Your sorrow does not match your outfit.”

I sighed, “I have a date.”

My mom frowned, “If you don’t want to go on said date you don’t have to fucking go. I’ll kick some boys’ ass if he’s pressuring you into a date. Then I’ll tell your dad and said boy would die. I’d just shrug and say oops.”

I laughed, “That’s so you, mom. No, I just need to get out of the house.”

My mom asked, “Are you ok?”

I admitted, “No, but I don’t want to talk about it.”

My mom hugged me, “You know you can tell me about anything.”

I nodded, “Yes, I just need to process it, then I swear we will talk. I just need to get out of the house.”

My mom backed off, “Ok. Who is your date with?”

I shrugged, “A Fairy I met when I stayed in Faerie for a month.”

My mom’s lips twitched. I laughed, “You don’t like it.”

She acknowledged, “I really fucking don’t, but you are smart and old enough to make your own choices. Don’t let your guard down, not even for one second. Promise me.” I put my hand on her reassuringly, “I promise I won’t let my guard down.” She kissed my forehead, “You look beautiful.”

Gystepi texted me to meet him at a pond in Faerie. I snorted, “He’s not even coming to get me. He probably doesn't want to see dad or any of my brothers.”

My mom rolled her eyes, “Then he is both somewhat smart and cowardly. I fucking hate this guy. A real man would come face your dad and brothers to take you on a date.”

I told her, “It’s not a love connection mom.”

My mom hugged me whispering, “Be safe, Cassie.”

I smiled and pulled out a dagger from my shoe. I told her, “I’m always prepared mom.”

She kissed my forehead, “Good girl.” I knew it scared her I was going, but I couldn’t stay here.

I linked Tory and Gia, “I have a date in Faerie.”

Tory groaned, “With a Fairy?”

Gia retorted, “Of course with a Fairy.”

Tory replied, “But not with the one that made her smile that dopey earlier. Did dopey smile guy already fuck up?” Rain whimpered. Gia asked, “Cass?” I told them, “I can’t talk about it. After my date bring ice cream and alcohol.” Tory agreed, “On that.”

I popped near the meeting spot for my date, then walked to the lake. Gystepi smiled when he saw me, “Hello, Duchess.”

This was awkward already. I told him, “Just Cassie is fine.”

He was nervous, but I brushed that off. Gystepi had been asking me out since I was fourteen.

Rain linked, “Something is off.”

I trusted her so I instantly went on alert. We skipped rocks for a while but it was an uncomfortable silence. That put me on higher alert. This also wasn’t doing a good job of distracting me. I kept thinking about Cayden’s lips on his hot date’s lips. I’d find out who she was, and she’d be in my tournament too. After I kicked Cayden’s ass. He could’ve warned me. Especially since my brothers knew. Did he think they wouldn’t mention it? Did he not think I deserved to know?

I turned to grab a rock when I heard a pop near me and nearly fell over because I knew that scent. It was my little sister. Angela screamed, “CASSIE, LOOK OUT!”

I quickly turned around. I didn’t hear anything fired at me, but I felt Gystepi was closer to me than he had been.

I went down onto my knee and knocked his feet out from under him. He had a syringe in his hand. I quickly put my knee on his back and pinned his arms behind his back. I yelled, “Angela, go home!”

She shook her head, “He’s not alone, Cass!”

I cursed, “FUCK YOU GYSTEPI! Who are you with?”

Gystepi snorted, “The Ring. We finally got you.”

I grabbed the syringe and plunged it into his neck. He gasped then started writhing in pain. I popped to Angela. I told her, “Get out of here and go get Uncle Aiden or Alexander, mom, dad, EJ, any of them or all.”

I stopped talking when I heard a shot fired.

I tackled Angela but felt an injection hit me. Iron. FUCK! Rain growled, “No silver or wolfsbane though.”

I looked Angela over making sure she was fine. I told her, “Conjure me my swords and you stay behind this boulder if you won’t leave.”

She conjured my swords.

She whispered, “I won’t leave you, big sister. We stick together.”

I ordered, “Stay hidden back here. They don’t know you are here, and we need to make sure it stays that way.”

She frowned, “They could've seen me.”

I snorted, “They would be taunting me if they did.”

Tory linked, “WHY IS YOUR FAMILY DOWN?! ARE YOU OK?”

Gia linked, “Girl, you better be fine.”

I replied, “Fighting. Fine is a relative term.”

They both growled which fueled my will to fight. I stepped out with my swords.

I tried linking, “EJ. Alexander. Dad. Mom.”

I got nothing back. What the fuck?! They were using Earth magic to prevent linking? I’d JUST talked to my girl. I tried again thinking maybe it was just family. “Tory. Gia.”

Nothing came back. So, they’d linked me a second before everything was set up. Naturally.

These Ring members were such assholes. At least I wore jeans. I had that going for me. A pop sounded beside me. Before they could try anything, I ran him through my sword. I winked at him as I pulled it out. He dropped to the ground and chaos ensued.

I cut at a vine wrapping around my foot then used my other sword to cut down another Fairy. I looked around quickly noting there were thirty of them. It hit me that I knew exactly how to get help. Alexander. He just needed to push my pain down instead of throwing the strength he was at me. Then he would come.

I focused, tugging on my bonds. I was concentrating and missed that someone behind me threw a tree at me. It hit me in the head. I spoke in Latin to Angela so they wouldn’t know I was talking to her. Blood poured down my face, “Fratres nosotros nos trahere (Pull our brothers to us).”

They’d be able to find us faster this way.

I’d taken one more Fairy down when I heard a pop but I wasn’t worried I knew who it was. Alexander. He yelled, “WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON?!”

Then he was beside me with blazing gold eyes. EJ popped in next followed by Mom and Dad. My dad roared and shifted.

Alexander conjured his broadsword, and he was off like we’d shot him out of a rocket. My mom yelled, “I DON’T THINK SO YOU FUCKHEADS! STAY!”

Uncle Aiden popped into the fray. I fought with EJ by my side. He frowned and linked me, “Why are you guarding this spot?”

Ok, so I could link people next to me. Cool.

I replied, “Feel your connections.”

He did and his eyes widened. He yelled, “FUCK!”

He killed two more Fairies. My dad had ripped several apart but had started capturing them. Alexander was doing the same. I predicted those captured would not have a single good day coming in their futures.

When everyone was defeated EJ touched my head. He yelled, “Alexander!”

He popped to us and healed me in the next second. I took off running shouting, “Angela!”

My dad yelled, “EXCUSE ME?! Did she just yell for Angela? Do NOT tell me both my daughters are here being attacked!”

Angela popped next to me then threw herself into my arms.

I hugged her tightly, “You’re ok, Ang. We are both ok.”

She cried, “I saw them hurting you. I knew that Alexander was going to get here in time, but they hurt you worse first. I had to come save you.”

My mom popped over and rubbed her back. She said, “Shhh, Ang. You did a good job. Next time, pop to one of your siblings or mommy, daddy, or someone. Anyone will do. We will come with you, ok?”

Uncle Aiden spoke, “Or me little Angela. I’m so sorry, Cassie. I did not know you and Gystepi were still speaking. We’d been watching him closely as a potential member of the Ring.”

I admitted, “We weren’t really. He’d call and ask me on a date every so often. Usually I say no.”

My dad yanked me into his arms as Angela popped to Alexander. He hugged me tightly and whispered, “You scared me, Princess.”

I felt the tears in my eyes, “I’m sorry, daddy.”

He kissed my forehead, “It’s not your fault. Come on. I want Ethan to check you out. ”

I snorted, “Dad, I’m fine. Alexander healed me.”

My dad nodded, “I know but I still need Ethan to check you out.”

I sighed, “Will it really make you feel better?”

My mom snorted, “It’s absofuckinglutely ridiculous, but it will make him feel better. As if I wouldn’t step in if you weren’t healed, and he knows that too.” Alexander chimed in, “It would make me feel better too.” EJ added, “Me three.” We all popped back with prisoners to the hospital.

I winced seeing Ghiza waiting with arms crossed. He announced, “No dates without us in Faerie. EVER again.”

I muttered, “I don’t plan to go on a date in Faerie again. It wasn’t much of a date anyway. We skipped rocks.”

My mom bit her lip.

My dad asked, “Angela, what did you see?”

Angela explained, “I woke up from my nap and saw Cassie being stabbed. She was overwhelmed and she only had her dagger as a weapon. Alexander popped in followed by EJ, you, and mommy. She was ok, but the iron and the head wound were not her only injuries in my vision.”

Angela paused then added, “But Cass held on. She was still fighting. They weren’t going to get her.”

I smiled, “Damn straight.”

She sighed, “You got hit with iron because of me.”

I shook my head, “No, I didn’t. I was going to get hit either way and I’m fine.”

Ethan announced, “She is fine. I want her to stay and receive her Deferoxamine drip for the iron in her system, but she’s perfectly fine.”

Ethan muttered, “Thank the Moon Goddess.”

My dad said, “Boys, let’s go. We have prisoners to talk to.”

Aiylee popped in yelling, “OH MY GOD! What the HELL?! I will CHOP HIS DICK OFF! FUCKER! WHERE is he? Is he dead?”

Uncle Aiden answered, “Language, Aiylee.”

She scoffed. Uncle Aiden laughed, “He is not dead, not yet. He’s got a small amount of iron in his system with a paralytic agent that was added in haste because it wouldn’t have affected Cassie. Apparently, not everyone read my book on hybrids. It would’ve slowed her down, but not paralyzed her because she is not full Fae. As for where he is, the dungeons here of course.”

Aiylee hissed, “Go set him on fire or something, dad. Repeatedly! That asshole!”

I laughed, “I’m fine, Aiylee.”

She crossed her arms, “I don’t care. My cousins WILL NOT be attacked in my realm. It’s insulting and I WON’T have it. It’s even more insulting because, of course, they couldn't take you. You’re awesome and they couldn’t touch you if they wanted to. Why on EARTH did you agree to go out with Gystepi?”

I looked away.

My mom instantly stepped in, “Everyone but Aiylee, me, and Angela needs to leave. Cassie is fine and you have things to do.”

Everyone left and my mom sent a text out. I asked, “Who was that to?”

My mom snorted, “Your Hackura uncles. They know to portal to the dungeon and not here.” I nodded.

I linked Tory and Gia, “I’m back. I’m fine.”

Gia said, “Yeah, well we were sent away because SOMEONE thought we were overly aggressive. So, we were popped to Thunders Ridge to help with a rogue issue. We did know you were back though.”

Tory snorted, “Maybe Gia punched someone who said they didn’t have answers.”

Knowing Gia, she definitely did.

Then a thought hit me. Oh no. Was Cayden going to find out? Would he even care? Rain whimpered in my head. My mom sat on my bed, took my hand, and squeezed asking, “Cass?”

I wiped a tear away, “I met my mate.”

Aiylee frowned. I added, “I went on a date because I heard he was on one too, just not with me.”

I started crying.

My mom held me, “Oh sweetie, did you talk to him? Was it a misunderstanding? It better be a fucking misunderstanding. I’m not above kicking anyone’s ass no matter how old they are.”

I wiped my tears, “I didn’t talk to him.”

A portal opened and my mom groaned.

She asked, “Did I not fucking say where to portal...”

She trailed off when she saw who was coming through. She asked, “What the shit?!”

Cayden ran through a portal eyes blazing gold. He looked so handsome and angry.

I cringed seeing my Uncle Bjourn coming through behind him looking very confused. My mom asked, “Bjourn, did you not read your texts? I said portal to the dungeons not the hospital. I was so fucking clear. We are having a mother daughter, cousin, sister, moment right now.”

My Uncle said, “I did not open the portal, little one. ”

Cayden came straight to me. He tilted my head to the side and checked me over. I whispered, “I’m fine. I’m sorry you were worried. You didn’t have to leave and ruin your date.”

My mom asked, “What now?”

Rain whimpered again in my head.

Cayden asked, “What are you talking about? I didn’t have a date.”

I frowned, “But I heard Alexander and EJ say they couldn't spar with you because you had a hot date.”

My mom sighed, “Oh shit fuck balls.”

Cayden’s eyes blazed, “I was babysitting my youngest siblings. Your brothers were teasing me about my hot date with my little sister and two little brothers. I guess they continued the joke after I hung up the phone.” My jaw dropped and I flushed crimson.

Cayden studied me, “Did you go on a date because you thought I was on one?”

I looked away but he grabbed my chin and forced me to look at him. Rain pleaded, “Tell him everything.”

I didn’t have much choice now. He asked, “Did you?”

I nodded, “Yes, I couldn’t think of you on a date with someone else. I was going crazy thinking about it. Then he called.”

My mom snorted, “How fucking convenient. Don’t you just BET that fucker had inside information with a little magical note. FUCKING ALANIA! I will KILL THAT GODDAMN BITCH IN THE BEYOND!”

She couldn’t actually die again there, but I understood the sentiment.

My Uncle said, “She is already dead, little sister. Cayden, when did you start dating Cassie? How did I miss that?”

My mom told him, “You’re missing the obvious, big brother. They are not fucking dating.”

My uncle gasped, “No fucking way.”

His feelings in the bond told me he was delighted and he’d been suspecting we were mates since the portal opened. He just didn’t want to get his hopes up. My mom retorted, “Yes fucking way.”

Cayden looked into my eyes, “You’re saying it hurt your feelings that you thought I was on a date, and you went on a date to stop thinking about it.”

I nodded. His eyes blazed again, “And your fucking piece of shit date attacked you?”

I winced, “That’s about how it went, yes. He brought some friends too but I had it handled. Some iron in the system and a tree to the head. I killed several of them all on my own.”

Cayden demanded to know, “Where is he?”

Uncle Bjourn said, “I already answered that before you opened a portal and took off. He’s in the dungeons.”

Cayden ignored him and kept his eyes on me. He asked, “My Duchess, where is he?”

I gulped, “He’s here in the dungeons.”

Cayden took off. I yelled, “Cayden, wait!”

Uncle Bjourn said, “Yeah, that’s not happening. Let’s talk about something else. Like when did this happen?” I didn’t even look at him. I stared at the door where my mate had just left. He cleared his throat, “By that I mean when did you two meet.” I blushed, “Yesterday.”

Uncle Bjourn said, “And Cayden leaves tomorrow so he wanted to wait until he got back to talk to your dad because you would be eighteen. He was trying to be respectful of Eric and his wolf customs.”

I nodded. Uncle Bjourn sighed, “Great. That is just….”

My mom cut in, “The words you’re looking for are fucking ridiculous! EJ and Wesley have known their mates forfuckingever.”

Uncle Bjourn reasoned, “Cassie is not the same as EJ or Wesley.”

My mom rolled her eyes, “Sexist shits. All of you. Cassie, we should go see if we can calm down Cayden, and by we, I mean you.”

A portal opened and Commander Aaron came through with Aunt Astrid. Both looked at me. Rain whispered, “He’s our father in law.”

Yes, he was. She added, “Mate didn’t have a date.”

Yeah, a knot of tension left us both the second we found out. Embarrassment was trying to creep in, but relief was my current emotion.

Aaron sighed, “I see.”

Aiylee asked, “You see what?”

Aaron snorted, “Why my son is so upset. When did you two meet, Duchess Cassie?”

I was going to be blushing permanently at this point, “Yesterday. I popped to try to see him since I’d never met him and….” Aaron interpreted, “I got it.”

Aunt Astrid squealed, “Seriously? You and Cayden are mates? Bless Aesir above. Titus is GOING to throw a parade.”

My mom gasped, “Um exfuckingcuse me! I throw the parades! Me. I have a title and everything.”

Given by Aunt Astrid actually but it did make me laugh. Astrid said, “True. Go ahead and start to prepare for your dad to ask to you plan a parade because one of his granddaughters is mated to a Hackura. ”

Uncle Bjourn smiled, “The future Commander of the Hackura Army.”

My mom said, “Right now we should REALLY go make sure we can calm Cayden down. We probably don’t have enough Fairies for him to kill. So Cass, let’s go calm your mate down so we can all talk with your dad.

I’m already convinced a confusing shit show is ensuing in the dungeons because, while all those men are smart, when it comes to females of this family, they stick their fucking hands over their eyes and see nothing.”

I gulped, “You want us all to talk to daddy? Good thing Cayden’s the future Commander then.”

Aaron and Uncle Bjourn started laughing. Eventually Uncle Bjourn said, “If it matters I was worried about your mate, but now I’m happy.”

I smirked, “Can you tell my dad that?”

My mom snorted, “Your dad will be happy, or I’ll hit him in the back of head with a sexist stick. Cayden is a good man who happens to be the future Commander of the Hackura army. You couldn’t be more protected by your mate if you tried.”

I smiled, “I know. Let’s go find Cayden.”

Astrid snorted, “We do know where he is. Just so you know, I’ve never felt him this mad before.”

Aaron replied, “Because he has never been this mad before.”

My mom linked, “Next time, let’s try communication before making date plans. I know it hurt your feelings and that’s really fucking hard. I made a similar mistake with your dad when Claudzilla stormed into our lives. I didn’t go on a date but I did shut him out thinking it would hurt less. It didn’t. It fucking hurt not talking to him. Just learn from this moment and move on.” I nodded.

Ethan took the IV out my hand and linked, “Go get your man little Alpha Luna. The Alpha will be fine.”

I smirked, “What about the rest of them?”

Ethan smiled, “It’s fifty fifty if we are being honest.”

I laughed out loud and started out the door to go find My Commander.