2

I could care less if he came. The further we walked the more I felt drawn to a particular area. I let that guide my way. Maybe Beagan did some charm or something. All I knew was I had to go this way.

Jed started talking about Cassie and caught my attention, “I wish Duchess Cassie had come with them today. She’s a sight to behold.”

I couldn’t stop myself from complaining. Jed didn’t take my hints to let it drop so I punched him. I was so sick of him talking about Cassie.

My blood was pumping in my veins. I wanted to beat him even bloodier than Alexander had. GOD! I needed another fight, and we’d just sparred for hours! He started ranting about how I couldn’t fuck her.

I absolutely could, but that’s not what I wanted to do. If I had sex with Cassie, it would be more than just a fuck. I punched him in the face when he said I’d break her heart. I’d NEVER hurt her .

I warned him off the topic. Cassie wasn’t just some girl I could have some stress relief fucking with. I wanted to know her and how to make her smile. I wanted to have sex with her, but not in the way he made it sound. I didn’t want dirty and cheap.

Jed cried some more and I was close to breaking more than just his nose. People should know if I saw someone I wanted to date, their last name didn’t stop me. I just hadn’t come across someone I wanted to date in a while. Plenty of girls threw themselves at me. I’d had sex with Cora. Since then, I hadn’t really had time to have sex because I didn’t want something meaningless. I wanted sex with someone I cared about, and as much as I was gone, I really didn’t have time.

Plus, I knew there were girls who wanted to have sex with me in the hopes of getting pregnant. I meant what I’d told my parents. I did not want to knock up some girl who wasn’t my mate. I had a position of leadership here, and a responsibility to my people.

Plus, I wanted to be an involved dad. The whole ‘not seeing my kid for what could be sixteen years while they were checked on regularly’ wasn’t something I wanted to do. It was a fine choice for others. I just wanted my kids here with me. With my mate.

We kept walking and the scent of pears hit me out of nowhere. Damn. Hanging out with Alexander and EJ must be sharpening my senses. I began to look for a pear tree. I didn’t know there was one up here. Maybe that’s why Beagan sent me. She had earth blood, and she knew pears were my favorite fruit.

We cleared the hill, and I located the tree the smell was coming from. It wasn’t a pear tree. The tree shifted, just subtly. I smirked, knowing someone was in the tree. Someone who smelled heavenly. I turned to Jed who didn’t seem to be paying attention to the smell.

I got rid of him because I wanted to talk to the person in the tree. I wanted to know what they were doing. I also wanted to know how they got up into that tree fast enough to avoid us seeing them. At the very least we should’ve heard them climbing it. How did they know we were coming?

My damn mouth was watering over this scent. I walked closer to the tree and my order to get down was ignored. I raised an eyebrow because I was not a man accustomed to having my orders ignored. I warned them again without saying that they probably wouldn’t like the result if I had to climb up there.

A pop sounded in the next second that changed my whole world. I had no doubts that Duchess Cassie Conners was standing before me. She had stunning auburn hair, lips that were begging me to kiss them, and light blue eyes. I couldn’t take my eyes off her. I was drawn to her in a way I’d never been. The need to possess and claim her hit me. HOLY SHIT! Cassie Conners was mine!

I couldn't stop my smile until I couldn’t deny her lips any longer. They tasted like heaven. I’d kissed my fair share of girls, but Cassie blew them all out of the water.

When she wrapped her arms around me, I didn’t want to do anything else but have her attached to me. Good GOD, how did mated people get anything done?

Thank god my parents were having sex and not monitoring the bond with me or they’d show up here. Then my mom would probably launch into the best sexual positions to give her a grandchild or something speech.

After several moments I forced myself to pull back. She was out of breath and flushed. I couldn’t help but smirk. All this time, it had been her. She was mine and ANY warrior who breathed a word about her ever again would pay. I would beat the shit out of them myself.

I knew I was in trouble the moment I heard her voice. I was already addicted to the sound and the way she said my name. She was MY Duchess, all mine.

I hoped she was here to see me, and Beagan knew it. She had sent me this way. Which reeked of a Fairy plan.

When I found out she was drinking with her cousin Aiylee, the future Fairy Queen, I knew it was plot with Beagan. Aiylee probably called her and told her to send me this way. It was also good she hadn’t been drinking with a Fairy man I would have to put on my kill list.

I wanted her to move into our house immediately. Then it hit me. I was leaving. FUCK! Why was I leaving?

Damn mission. How was I going to go months without kissing those lips or hearing her voice? All thoughts left me when she buried her head into my chest. I wrapped my arms around her waist .

This was where we were both meant to be with her beautiful auburn hair against my chest. Our kids would be really cute. I silently said, “Aesir, bless her brothers for letting her know I was here. Along with her meddling Fairy cousins Beagan and Aiylee. Whom I now adore.”

I knew Cassie was almost as busy as I was. The girl liked to be in constant motion. I was going to have to kill a few Demons for making her pout about me missing Uncle Bjourn’s coronation. It was their fault Micah and I got hung up. They would pay for upsetting and delaying our meeting. They’d found out Micah was not who he said. I still didn’t know how they had. We’d had to kill them, and I’d had to move fast. We had to lay low and fight our way out.

We didn’t have much time to spend together since I was leaving. Plus, I’d already agreed to babysit my siblings tomorrow too. I could portal to her once my parents got back from their double date though.

I could hold her before she fell asleep. I would have to do that to get me through some LONG months.

I would be coming back around her eighteenth birthday. Her dad, not to mention her brothers, would be far more likely to accept me as her mate then. Especially with Eric being a Werewolf. A very impressive Werewolf. Damn them not finding their mates until they were eighteen.

I hated that she was upset we’d be separated. I’d never been sorrier about anything in my life. If I’d known we were going to meet and that she was mine, I certainly wouldn’t have taken a mission that long. Not when I’d just found her.

Hopefully, my way would have everyone being chill. I knew how protective her family was of her. She was one of two girls on her Hackura family’s side. None of her uncles had daughters, though Duchess Miley did.

Honestly, if I wasn’t leaving I wouldn’t wait. I wanted her with me in our house sitting on the chairs I bought for her at the pond. I’d go talk to her dad now, and deal with the fallout. I wouldn’t leave without her. Hell, I’d sleep outside their house if that’s what it took. I wouldn’t come home until she was by my side where she belonged.

I’d have to wrap this mission up at warp speed. Heaven help anyone or anything that got in my way. I watched Cassie’s eyes until she turned away when I mentioned dating. I couldn’t wait to have our Hackura bond. I’d have a better idea how she felt. For now, I’d have to trust she’d tell me.

She was quiet until I pulled her down into my lap. She was just so damn beautiful. I loved that blush of hers against her perfectly pale skin. She kissed me and then our hands were all over each other. It was escalating quickly because we were getting lost in each other and the connection we had.

I wouldn’t have her first time be in a field. I wasn’t that type of asshole. We talked about our histories. Mine had her eyes flashing gold. We’d have to keep Cora and Cassie away from each other. Cassie clearly already wanted to kick her ass. She was more upset than I’d been about it at the time.

Now, I literally couldn’t care less. Cassie teased me that I might not be able to handle her. What she didn’t know was that I could handle whatever she threw at me. I’d been training my entire life to do just that.

We started talking and I fully relaxed when she acknowledged we were not at all related. At least I did not have to work through that hurdle since it didn’t exist. Her eyes flashed with lust, and I was moderately convinced she was trying to kill me.

I had to keep talking about what I did, or I was going to jump her. As someone who prided themselves on control, she was shattering mine. Years of patience and control were putty in her gorgeous hands. I was excited that her cardio program was similar to mine. I enjoyed running and I was already looking forward to going on runs with her.

Her running outfit told me I’d never focus in training sessions again when she was there. I wanted to claim her as mine and couldn't stop myself from kissing her.

My blood was pounding, and I was painfully hard. I rolled on top of her and ran my hands down her gorgeous, curvy body.

GOD! She was perfect and so responsive to my touch. I could have fun with that throughout our lives. She groaned in annoyance. Shit. Did I go too fast? Then she said someone was coming. Now, I was convinced someone had a death wish .

I stood up but when I looked back at her her eyes were wide staring at my dick. There was wonder, curiosity, and a little fear. Mostly lust. I needed to be buried inside her and my teeth itched to be buried in her neck.

It made me want to consume her and be all she’d ever know. Mine. She was going to torture me with her lustful, innocent eyes. I got rid of Jed because it wouldn’t be good if someone else found out Cassie and I were mates before we told her family and mine.

Jed was in for a world of hurt when I got home because I could be going down on my mate right now if not for him. I could be tasting her delicious juices. This also confirmed for me that she had the same hearing her siblings did. I’d definitely have to keep my army in line. I wouldn’t have her hearing that shit and feeling uncomfortable. Not here. Not in our home.

To calm myself down I had her talk to me. I needed to hear that sweet voice. Hearing her story, I knew Cassandra was VERY lucky I’d missed meeting Cassie until now. I knew why Uncle Bjourn and the others had let some things go; however, I was not inclined to let things that hurt slide, ever. We talked about powers. I’d actually seen Julian suck someone into a tree. It was something. I’d even seen Haley take someone’s air.

I wanted to see Cassie do it though. She literally took air and made a tornado. Wow. The wind caught her hair. She looked more like an Angel than anything else to me at that moment. I knew everything she told me and then some. I knew that people had been after her since before she was even born. They couldn’t have her. Cassie Conners was MY Duchess. She was mine, and I protected what was mine.

EJ texted her about coming home. I wanted her to stay here where I could keep an eye on her. I needed to talk with her guard and work out a plan to keep her safe. That’s what I did.

Action items and planning. I took her phone and added my number in it.

I smiled and put my contact information as ‘My Commander.’ She’d have to look for it which would amuse her Fairy side. Besides, I intended to call her . Plus, I was definitely hers. We made our plans. I was absolutely telling her where I was, so she’d come to me. I needed her with me more than I thought I would. Not being around her seemed devastating right now.

I was screwed, I loved her already. Getting through the nights even just holding her would make time go by faster. I could just hold her and not pounce on her. I could do that. I had restraint somewhere in pinky toe. I could steal several kisses. Yup, I could do that.

We made out until she had to leave. She popped away and I groaned and laid back in the grass. I yelled, “Fuck you, Jed.”

I’d been so close to tasting her I could practically feel it. I had to smile again because Cassie Conners, Hackura Duchess, was mine.

At least I knew former King Titus would be thrilled. So would Uncle Bjourn, Actually the royal family here would rejoice. My phone went off. I smiled hoping it was her, but it was Hendrix.

Hendrix: Hey, Malina left an hour ago. I went by your place and you’re not there. Jed said you were in a mood. What’s up?

Me: I’ll shower and be at yours in ten.

Hendrix: That didn’t answer my question but ok.

I ran back to my place. Several people waved as I ran by. I showered quickly, grabbed a pair of shorts, and ran back out back to the path to the pond. I touched the yellow Adirondack chairs I’d bought. I whispered, “Soon, my Duchess.”

I couldn’t wait to bring her out here.

I left and headed to Hendrix’s. I walked inside whistling. Hendrix raised an eyebrow, “Ok. Either Jed’s off his rocker or you're pissed at him. Because you appear to be in a great mood.”

I rolled my eyes, “Jed should learn to shut his mouth.”

Hendrix handed me a beer.

He warned, “Cora’s looking for you because she heard you were back. You’d think she’d take a hint.”

I snorted, “She cheated on me then followed me into the streets to announce she had when I wasn’t going to make a big spectacle. She made it clear she doesn’t care.”

Hendrix laughed, “Well, Malina said she tried the age old trick in a horrible way. My mate said she messed it up. Apparently, when you make a guy jealous you don’t fuck someone else. You flirt.”

I snorted, “We weren’t in love.”

Hendrix laughed, “No my friend, you were not in love. She was head over heels.”

I raised an eyebrow, “We talked about our feelings a lot. I liked her well enough, and she liked me. We both knew we weren’t in love though. She said she wasn’t to my face. Beside her words do you know how I know she didn’t love me? She fucked one of my friends during an on period.”

Hendrix asked, “Did I miss a memo? Do you forgive Eagan? You’re friends again? Because Milana has staunchly cut him out of our circle. That will be awkward.”

I snorted, “Forgive him? Sure. Trust him? Hell no. I’ll never trust him again. Milana doesn’t need to change her plans. I should’ve said ex-friend.”

I couldn’t keep the smile off my face.

Hendrix smiled, “You seem chipper.”

I admitted, “I am. I wish I wasn’t leaving.”

Hendrix tilted his head, “Oh? That’s new. Why? You are always excited to leave for your next mission.”

I threw a dish towel at him. I asked, “Is this chatty hour? Or watch a movie, drink beer, and eat pizza?”

Hendrix smiled, “It’s both. Us mated men know if we don’t get the pertinent details we get yelled at by our mates. I’ve had classes on what details I MUST have when there’s a story to be told. So, I have to know what’s put that smile on your face. Also, what had you in a field for hours? Could it be you tracked down a certain Duchess? I think it could be just that.”

I took a slice of pizza.

I said, “I’m not saying anything.”

Hendrix’s eyes widened, “YOU DID! You met Duchess Cassie! DAMN Cayden! You already made a move!”

I raised an eyebrow, “Who said that?”

Hendrix snorted, “Your swollen lips. Be careful my friend.” I assured him, “It’s fine. Trust me, all is well.” Hendrix raised an eyebrow, “Well unless she’s your ma…” He trailed off.

He shouted, “HOLY SHIT! NO FUCKING WAY! You met your damn mate, and you ran into my house talking about JED!”

I pointed out, “You were talking about Jed when I got here, not the other way around. He’s low on my list since maybe I could’ve been tasting things if he hadn’t shown back up.”

Hendrix slapped me on the back, “Then you say, ‘shut up man I have news.’ HUGE, MONUMENTAL NEWS!”

I laughed, “I didn’t say anything.”

Hendrix teased, “Yeah, well your smile is shouting for you. Damn man, Duchess Cassie. The royal family is going to throw a parade. A literal parade, all for you.”

I rolled my eyes, “I still said nothing.”

Hendrix snorted, “You said nothing about Jed interrupting you tasting things, but you said nothing. Sure. Damn the timing sucks though. You gonna talk to her dad when you get back?”

I tapped my chin, “IF you were right, hypothetically I would be going to Black Mountain the second I was done and not coming back here without her.”

Hendrix smiled, “Damn. Malina and I will be going on double dates with the Commander and the Duchess. The Commander was a big enough deal. Now we are adding the Duchess.”

I shook my head.

He whistled, “Hearts will break all over the realm because you're officially off the market. Not even kind of off the market either. Once you mark her, that’s it man. No off periods because of her wolf side.”

I shrugged, “I don’t care. It’s not like I’m some ladies’ man now. Hypothetically, anyway.”

Hendrix rolled his eyes, “Hypothetically, my ass! You dog!”

I laughed and we did end up watching the movie.

I didn’t bother telling Hendrix to keep it quiet. I knew he would. He would never betray my trust. I knew he’d tell Milana who would also keep it quiet.

Once I left his house, I was lying in my bed waiting for my phone to ring. I wanted to see her number flash across my screen. Finally, an unknown number came through. I flipped it open and quickly saved her under ‘’ then memorized her number.

We teased each other. Then she ended our texting conversation by calling me her Commander. FUCK! For the second time today, I was painfully hard. I plugged my phone in and jumped into my shower. I couldn't stop myself from picturing her beautiful face. Next came her lips, swollen from our kisses. I remembered the feel of her skin on mine. I pumped myself quickly then thought of how soft her skin felt to my calloused hands, yelling, “CASSIE!”

as I came.

I stayed under the cold water for several moments. Every touch, smile, and laugh replayed in my mind. I shut off the water and dried myself off. I hopped back into bed desperately wishing she was here in my arms .

I could picture her beautiful auburn hair tumbling over the pillow next to mine. Or better yet across my chest as it had been earlier today. I sighed, “Soon, you’ll be here to stay and you will be all mine.”

I woke up and worked out with everyone in the gym. I wasn’t surprised Cora was there. She was always there the morning after I came home. After we finished Hendrix coughed, “Incoming.”

Cora ran up, “Hi C, welcome home.”

Another crazy thing she’d taken to doing. She never called me C when we were dating. Now, she said it all the time.

I replied, “Thanks, Cora.”

She smiled asking, “Do you wanna go grab a coffee and catch up?”

I answered, “Not really. I’m pretty busy. Thanks for asking though.”

I’d given up telling her I didn’t drink coffee. Cora nodded, “Oh right, of course. You’re going right back out there again?” I nodded, “Yup.” She smiled, “Well, see you next time.” She skipped away and I sighed in relief.

Hendrix chuckled, “I know you haven’t dated much, but you’re too nice. You need to shut that down, or a certain fiery redhead might kick the literal shit out of her.”

I snorted, “Hypothetically, fiery redheads have nothing to worry about.”

Hendrix studied me then busted up laughing.

He waved his hands, “I’m sorry. We are talking about the same person, right? The fiery redhead with a fiery redheaded mother who has had a woman’s head, encased in glass in her husband’s office? A head that’s been there for the last seventeen years. Yeah, I don’t think she’ll care that she has nothing to worry about.”

I smirked, “It will be fine.”

Hendrix chuckled, “Hypothetically of course.”

I grinned saying, “Of course.”

I took off back to my place and showered. I was about to head over to my parents’ house when the phone rang. It was Alexander so I picked up and walked out the door. “Hi Alexander.”

Alexander replied, “Hey man, wanna spar in an hour?”

I admitted, “I would, but I’m on babysitting duty tonight. My parents are going out with Aunt Astrid and Uncle Bjourn.”

EJ snickered, “You’re ditching us for a hot date with your siblings, I’m offended.”

I joked, “Yeah, hot date. That’s me, the lady’s man. Let’s not act like you wouldn’t do the same thing.”

Alexander laughed. EJ commented, “The two of you do need dates. Maybe it would chill you both out.”

Alexander argued, “I don’t need a date.”

I chuckled telling them, “You have no idea how ironic this is.”

EJ asked, “Huh?”

I laughed, “Ask me later.” My mate’s brother wanted me to date. EJ sighed, “There are lots of girls who want to date you. Hell, I’ll even set you up with Cass and that’s saying a lot.”

I walked into my parents’ house smiling. I said, “Remember that, EJ.”

EJ told me, “I don’t forget the things I say.”

Alexander sighed, “Alright well, next time you’re in town hit us up.”

I couldn’t hide my amusement, “I definitely will.” EJ said, “Ok, then. Bye weirdo.” I laughed, “Bye.” I hung up.

My Uncle Bjourn was standing there with a raised eyebrow. He asked, “Who was that?”

I answered, “EJ and Alexander. They wanted to spar and set me up on a date. Which is funny…”

Tenley ran in and jumped into my arms cutting me off.

She said, “But you said no because you’re all ours tonight!”

I grinned, “I did say no, and I am all yours tonight.”

Tenley clapped, “YAY! We are playing Twister first.”

I tapped her nose, “Of course we are.” My mom laughed, “Thanks for doing this Cayden. They’ve been talking about it all day.”

I asked, “And where are my other siblings? I haven’t seen hide nor hair of them.”

My dad snorted, “Who knows? Your brother is definitely with a girl. Your sister is seeing the boy next door and hiding it poorly.”

I laughed, “I’ll be sure to tell her to be stealthier.”

My dad studied me, “You seem happy.”

He tapped into our bond and his suspicions spiked. I replied, “I’m always happy to be home, dad.”

My dad said, “Uh huh.”

My mom said, “Cora called. Please don’t tell me you’re seeing her again.” I actually recoiled, “No, I’m not.” She smiled, “Good. Anyone who cheats on my baby is not welcome in my home. A simple ‘we aren’t together anymore’ phone call or text would have sufficed. Then I’d still want to kill her, but not in such gruesome ways.”

My Uncle Bjourn took out his phone and groaned. I looked at my dad in question. My dad asked, “Bjourn, do we need to cancel?”

Tenley yelled, “NO! You have to go!”

I assured her, “I’ll stay either way.”

My Uncle sighed, “Cassie’s going on a date with a Fairy.” I frowned .

I did tell her to date, so we were technically off. I started planning ways to kill said Fairy anyway when she stopped showing interest in him. I could flay him. Or I could rip his head off his shoulders with my bare hands. I could gut him. Oh, the possibilities. They left for their double date.

I continued to plot ways to kill a Fairy by pumping him full or iron and smiling as her turned TO DUST. Yup, this was normal. I’m totally fine. I played Twister with my little siblings. Their bedtime was pretty early, and my parents weren’t back so I put them down. I read six books to Tenley before she fell asleep. She tried to fight it, but she’d been tired.

I walked out and caught my fourteen year old sister sneaking in. I cleared my throat, “Mom and dad aren’t home so sneaking in is superfluous. They’re on a date.”

Aubrielle whirled around gasping, “Cayden?!”

She ran and flung her arms around me. She asked, “When did you get back?”

I laughed, “Yesterday.”

She sighed, “You’re just stopping by.”

I nodded, “Yes, now tell me about the neighbor boy. He does know I can kill him, in so many different ways, right?”

Aubrielle rolled her eyes, “Oh hush!”

I teased, “But I can. I need to know that he knows that.” Aubrielle laughed, “I’ll go change then we can talk.” She walked upstairs.

My sixteen year old brother walked in next. I greeted, “Hey, Angus.”

He whirled, “Cayden? You came home before your next mission!”

I chided teasingly, “You and Aubrielle really need to pay more attention.”

Angus sighed, “A little heads up would be nice since I’ve got a date outside. I just forgot my wallet.” I hugged him, “Have a good time, little brother. I’ll have a big surprise the next time I see you.” Angus winked, “I love surprises.” I chuckled, “I know.” He left and Aubrielle came downstairs.

We caught up for a while before my parents and Aunt Astrid and Uncle Bjourn got home. Aubrielle squealed and went to Aunt Astrid. Uncle Bjourn looked tense. I frowned asking, “What’s wrong?”

Uncle Bjourn said, “Unknown. I know Haley is upset so I have Marcus heading to her now. FUCK!”

He called someone several times.

Then finally he stopped and closed his eyes. His phone rang. He answered, “Harper, have Gunner track Haley’s phone now! She’s pissed, worried, and now she’s fighting someone.”

I tensed. I told him, “I can have men ready to go in seconds, Uncle Bjourn.”

He nodded.