My Duchess

Cayden is Twenty Years Old

Cayden Crawford opened a portal and stepped into his home in the Hackura realm. I quickly took a shower and sent out a text to Alexander Conners.

Me: I’m back. If you can spar later I’m free.

Alexander: I’ll be there in thirty minutes.

He was quite the motivator for the troops here since he could beat them all. He was almost as intense as I was. Plus, I really liked him. I liked all the Conners kids I’d met. I sighed heavily because I wanted to meet the Duchess. I just hadn’t. I kept missing Cassie Conners and it killed me every time.

Some of my friends, besides Hendrix and Milana, thought I was crazy. I thought they were pansy ass cowards who couldn’t talk to or ask a beautiful girl out. I hadn’t seen her, but I knew she was beautiful. I may not have met her myself, but people talked about her. Most didn’t do it around me anymore since I beat the crap out of several men who were talking about what they would do to her if she wasn’t the King’s niece or former King Titus’ granddaughter. I didn’t like it one bit.

I didn’t know why it just made my eyes turn gold and lose it on them. It must be because I respect her brothers so much. Yeah, that’s definitely it. I don’t have a hard on for a girl I’d still never met. I got dressed and went to my parents’ house.

I walked in and my little sister Tenley ran up to me. She squealed, “CAYDEN, YOU’RE BACK!”

I laughed, “I am back, Tenley.”

She clapped her hands, “YAY! Can you babysit me, Ace, and Irwin tomorrow night? Mommy and Daddy are going out with Aunt Astrid and Uncle Bjourn. You’re WAY cooler than our regular babysitter. Plus, I missed you!”

I laughed, “I’ll talk to mom and dad to make sure we can all hang out tomorrow.”

Tenley clapped and ran off screaming, “Mommy! Mommy! Cayden is home and he’s babysitting tomorrow!”

I heard my mom laugh and she came out of her room.

She hugged me, “We didn’t expect you today.”

I smiled teasing her, “That’s what makes it a surprise, mom.”

I winked at Tenley as my two youngest brothers Ace and Irwin ran out of their room and hugged me wrapping themselves around my legs.

I laughed, “Look at you two! Did you guys get taller while I was gone?”

Ace smiled, “I wost a twooth.”

I motioned for him to open up, “Let’s see.”

He opened his mouth. I saw the missing tooth in question. I agreed, “That you did.” Irwin asked, “Are you really babysitting tomorrow?” I nodded, “Of course. You guys know I love hanging out with you three.” Ace and Irwin took off hollering about tomorrow.

My dad walked in the door, “Hey Ashlyn I…”

He trailed off then yelled, “Cayden?!”

My dad walked over and hugged me. He laughed, “You’re home.”

I replied, “You gotta check the bond every so often dad. I had a few days of down time, so I thought I’d come by and see everyone before I head back out. The next one is several months long, so I wanted to see the little rugrats and you guys.”

My dad clapped me on the back, “We are glad you did.”

My mom chimed in, “We are. Since you’re here I have a question.”

I nodded, “Go ahead.”

She crossed her arms, “When do I get grandchildren?” I groaned, “Mom.” My mom sighed, “All my friends with boys your age have at least one grandchild.”

My dad rolled his eyes, “He’s picky, that's not a bad thing.”

I pointed out, “I have to be picky. Your friends’ kids are not the future Commander of the Hackura Army. I am. I need a certain type to be the mother of my children.”

I added, “Plus, Dad doesn't have any kids that aren’t with you. Uncle Bjourn doesn’t have kids with anyone besides Aunt Astrid. I grew up around Haley and she babysat me mom. I know the stories about what happened to her. I think the best policy is to only have kids with my mate. Someone I trust implicitly not to harm my kids. Or turn a blind eye to what’s happening to them if it’s not the way they should be being treated.”

My mom sighed, “I raised such a good man. I blame myself, but I agree I would have to beat the shit out of anyone if they harmed my grandchild. Alania is lucky that Haley’s grandparents died before she came here.”

I kissed my mom’s cheek assuring her, “I’ll meet my mate one day, mom. Then when we are ready, you’ll get your grandkids. Or one of my siblings will start having them before then.”

My mom laughed, “They all look up to you, so I know they’ll follow your lead. They could meet their mates when they turn sixteen though. Angus is close. In a few months and he’ll be sixteen.”

I laughed, “See? There you go.”

I looked at my watch, “I’m meeting Alexander and EJ at the training facility. I’ll see you guys later.”

I ran out the door trying not to be excited. I hoped they would bring Cassie with them. She was usually busy but hope springs eternal and all. I’d heard she was impressive with samurai swords just like her mother. It was a numbers game that I was playing. Eventually I’d meet her.

I got to the training facility. Jed smiled when he saw me, “Cayden! Hey man, what’s up?! My sister wanted me to tell you hi if I saw you and tell you that she misses you.”

I raised an eyebrow, “Jed, Cora and I broke up years ago when she fucked someone else. I don’t miss her, and I seriously doubt she misses me.”

Jed sighed, “She hoped you were over that. You didn’t really seem to care at the time. She said she just wanted you to care.”

I snorted, “I don’t have time for girls who play games. I’m pretty busy. Cora will find her mate, and I’ll find mine. I have no desire to restart things with her. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice…”

I trailed off and he winced.

I added, “Well, I’m not a fool.”

Jed sighed, “Yeah, I know you’re not. She’s just my little sister, you know?”

I nodded, “I do know.”

Hendrix walked in and came over to me giving me a hug. He said, “Man, you need to stick around more often. We miss you buddy.”

I laughed, “One day, you’ll be sick of my face and wish I was gone.”

Hendrix denied that, “Never man.”

I heard two pops and several groans. I looked at Hendrix who blinked twice letting me know she wasn’t here with our signal. Damn it. Cassie wasn’t with them.

I turned around and held out my hand to Alexander. I smiled, “Hey man, good to see you. You too EJ.”

EJ winked, “You are in a rare group that can tell us apart.”

I replied, “My men should be able to tell you apart on sight as well. We are to be observant in the field.”

Several straightened while Alexander smirked at me.

Jed muttered something and I just barely caught Cassie’s name. Alexander’s eyes narrowed. He said, “Hey Jed, you and me in the ring. Let’s go.”

EJ smirked. Hendrix whispered, “One day, Jed will remember how good their hearing is.”

I asked, “What did he say?”

EJ answered, “He said that he wished we’d brought Cassie with us because she always wears tight yoga pants and a sports bra. Her boobs apparently look sinful in it.”

I shouted, “You are fucking kidding me!”

I turned around announcing, “I will NOT hear about any of you talking about what the women of this realm wear to workout in this facility or the indoor one. They are to be comfortable here. If you focus on their assets, you’ll lose a fight. We are focused and do not let things like that distract us. Everyone start running. I want fifteen laps. After that Jed, you’re with Alexander. Does anyone else want to talk about the DUCHESS OF THE HACKURA’S BOOBS OR HER OUTFITS?!”

Everyone shook their heads no. I yelled, “What are you waiting for? START RUNNING!”

EJ nudged me, “I really do like you, Cayden.”

I nodded and took off running. I always ran with my troops. When we stopped I told them, “Women wear whatever the fuck they want here. What they are comfortable in is what they wear. If I were them, I’d know just how to distract you now. Split up and spar!”

I was going to fight EJ, but Silas grabbed him. I couldn’t help but smile. Silas always wanted to fight with Alexander, EJ, or any Conners who was here. He was always looking to improve. I was pretty sure I’d make him a squad leader. He was always looking to improve himself, and we were friends. I didn’t take that into account with his skills though.

Hendrix cleared his throat, “I guess it’s you and me.”

I smiled agreeing, “I guess it is.”

We sparred for several hours. When Hendrix and I called our fight, I looked around the gym. I snorted because Jed was taking a beating from Alexander, but at least he was taking it. He wasn’t calling their fight. He seemed determined to get a shot in on Alexander. It wasn’t going to happen unless Alexander let him. Given what he’d said about Cassie I doubted Jed would get the chance.

EJ walked over smirking. I asked, “So, where are the rest of your siblings? I thought more might come.”

EJ sighed, “Cass was pretty pissed we didn’t tell her that we were coming here today. She popped with Wes and Max to Faerie.”

I asked, “Did something happen to Wes and Max?”

It had better not be Cassie.

EJ explained, “Some Fairies let it slip around Max what happened to our mom. Cass wanted to check on Aiylee. The rest are around, but a bit introverted today because of how upset Max was.”

I frowned hating that it must hurt Cassie. Not to mention Haley. She should be able to tell her story to her kids in her own time.

It did tell me Cassie was in town. I was never going to meet her at this rate. Hendrix asked me, “Do you want to watch a movie later? I’ve got to run now and go see Milana before she leaves on her mission.”

I chuckled, “You guys are cute.”

Hendrix shoved me, “When you meet your mate, you’ll be just as in love.”

I acknowledged, “I’m looking forward to it, but I am a pretty busy guy.”

Hendrix snorted, “I know. The girls clamor to meet you at events only to find you’re usually not there because you’re busy extending missions and going dark.”

I rolled my eyes, “I do what I need to do.” Hendrix smirked, “Just you wait, Cayden Crawford.” I laughed, “I’ve been waiting.” Hendrix took off to go see his mate before she left.

EJ commented, “I didn’t know you were looking for your mate.”

I shrugged, “I’m not actively looking but I’m not avoiding looking either. I’m just busy and I have a lot going on. I’d love to meet my mate. I just don’t have time to travel around the realm and see if I can find her.”

EJ snorted, “She might not live in this realm.”

I shrugged, “Historically, the Commander’s mate is a full blooded Hackura.”

Even though those words tasted like ash in my mouth, they were true. EJ laughed, “The times they are changing, Cayden.”

I shrugged, “I don’t care if she’s not full Hackura. Honestly. I’d just like to meet her. Who knows where she’s been hiding herself?” Cassie.

Every time I talked about my mate her name flickered into my mind. It was serious wishful thinking. What I’d told EJ was true. Since the beginning of the Hackura history the Commander’s mate was ALWAYS a full Hackura. The longer I went without meeting Cassie, the more the dream of my mate being her was kept alive.

Then she hadn’t found her mate either. I was starting to think her mate could be a wolf. She was almost eighteen, but she would know the second she met her mate. Whoever he was, he’d eventually come here to this realm, and I could find a reason to kick his ass.

Damn it. There I go, trying to impress a girl who’s not mine. Well, I don’t know she’s not mine. It’s just unlikely which pissed me off. EJ questioned, “What are you thinking about that’s got you all golden eyed?” Shit.

I shrugged, “Jed, enough!”

EJ muttered, “I see you’re evading.”

I wasn’t to go to there. Alexander stopped immediately. I ordered, “Go hit the showers, Jed. I’ll wait for you.”

Jed was breathing hard. He held his hand out, “Good fight, Duke Alexander.” Alexander shook his hand, “Sure.” Jed took off to hit the showers.

Alexander popped to us. He said, “Your guys don’t give me much of a challenge.”

I shot back, “Hey, I’m still waiting for you to accept a position as a squad leader here. You always have a place in the Hackura Army, Alexander.”

Alexander gave me his standard answer, “My place is by my brother's side. If the army is ever deployed, we will be by right by your side.”

I knew he wanted to be a squad leader. I could see it all over his face .

I mused, “I might have to create a flex position for you.”

Alexander laughed, “Work it out with EJ and I’m game.”

I smiled at EJ warning him, “I’m going to figure it out. I want him as a squad leader.”

EJ replied, “Time works differently here. I’m sure we can figure something out. Your problem is him and his insane workout schedule and routine.”

I pointed out, “The heavy bags here are the same as a heavy bag there.”

EJ laughed, “Fair enough.”

I asked, “When do I get to meet that sister of yours? It hardly seems fair because you’ve both met my two sisters.”

Alexander groaned, “You two today, man. Do you have the hots for our sister, Cayden?”

I frowned, “Us two?”

EJ murmured, “He’s evading a lot today.”

I ignored him. Alexander said, “Yeah, I think she thought about punching me when I said where we were going today. I think my sister’s got her eye on her next boyfriend. It’s you.”

My heart stuttered and I hoped they didn’t notice it.

Alexaner added, “I can’t say I’d be upset about that, but if you hurt my sister I’ll break you in half.”

I snorted, “I would never hurt a member of your family.”

EJ smiled, “Did you hear that, little brother? He did not deny wanting to be Cassie’s next boyfriend. Nor does he seem upset that she might want to date him. How interesting.”

So, they had heard the stuttering of my heart.

Alexander teased, “I did notice that.”

I shrugged, “A beautiful woman wants to date me. Why would I be upset? She broke up with her wolf boyfriend then?”

I’d only plotted his death somewhere near a hundred times.

Alexander nodded, “Apparently, according to Cassie, he wasn’t her boyfriend. Just a friend.”

EJ smirked, “Friends that kiss.”

I was not upset that she and said wolf were done kissing then. I was completely on board with them being just friends and not friends who kiss.

I asked, “Isn’t he a friend of yours, Alexander?”

Alexander sighed, “I believe he is, most days anyway.”

I raised an eyebrow as did EJ. EJ questioned, “Most days? What the fuck?”

Alexander just shrugged, “Sometimes I’m not so sure. Most of the time I’m pretty sure we are good friends. He’s one of my best friends, I’m just not sure he’d say the same.”

EJ snorted, “I’m sure he’d say the same. You are one of his best friends.”

Alexander shrugged and the look on his face told me he wasn’t so sure about that. Well, that was interesting. Jed jogged back out, and Alexander looked at his watch.

He told EJ, “We should get back and see if Max and Wes need us. They left here an hour ago.”

I raised an eyebrow. EJ sighed, “I thought I felt them closer to us.”

Alexander said, “I’ve got a lock on the distressing emotions our siblings feel.”

EJ nodded, “I know. Alright, let’s go see if they need anything. Thanks for the sparring session, guys.” Jed and I nodded, and they popped away.

Jed and I started to walk. Beagan Holloran popped in with her mate, JP. I grinned, “JP, good to see you.”

He laughed, “I’m just along for the ride.”

Beagan grinned and pointed out the window. She asked, “Isn’t that a lovely hill for a walk?”

She’d inclined her head in a direction I just felt I needed to go now that she’d pointed out. I agreed, “It is. Thank you, Beagan.” She winked, “Always trust a Fairy to spot the best places for a walk.” She popped out with JP.

Jed said, “She’s weird but I like it.”

I was barely listening to him. I just felt pulled towards the hill. Jed asked, “Wait, we are really going on that walk she mentioned? Town is the other way.”

I shrugged, “I want to go for a walk.”

Need was the accurate word. I had to walk this way, right now.

Jed sighed, “Why yes Cayden, I’ll go on a walk too. Thanks for asking.”