3

Cayden raised an eyebrow, “You’d know who it was with your sense of smell.”

I admitted, “I do know.”

I kissed him and got up. I headed towards the shower before swinging my hips more than necessary. I called over my shoulder, “Are you coming?”

before I popped into the shower. Cayden was behind me in a second pushing me up against the wall.

He turned on the water and inhaled at my neck, taking in my scent. He groaned, “Fuck Cass, I missed you so damn much.”

I pushed myself flush against him. I whispered, “I really missed you too.”

We didn’t make it out of the shower for hours. Eventually, we had no choice since we were very prune-y.

I snapped on some yoga pants and a tight t-shirt. I told him, “So, Max almost popped to Micah over his feelings. What happened?”

Cayden sighed, “I want to tell you, but we talked about this when I took over. This is one of those times I have to ask you if you want to know because you’d have to keep it from your family. I know Max will choose not to know.”

I confidently stated, “I told you then, and I’ll tell you now. I’ll keep every confidence you ask me to. Max knows you have Micah’s back as his Commander. I’m the Commander of the Hackura Army’s mate. I need to know someone has your back and that’s me. What happened?”

Cayden kissed me hard .

When he pulled back, he said, “I love you so damn much, My Duchess.”

I replied, “I love you too, My Commander.”

Cayden told me, “We have a new source.”

I gasped, “Someone else has infiltrated the Hunter group we wanted to get in with?”

Cayden rubbed his face, “That’s a word for what happened. There’s a she wolf who lives in Black Path’s pack who saved Micah’s cover from being blown. I was under the impression you didn’t know any of them.”

I frowned, “We don’t. Chase hates that pack. Hell, my dad does too. He says they are up to no good, he just can’t prove it.”

Cayden admitted, “If I could tell him about this then we’d prove it. They are sending their teenage pups and their wolf less pack members into the Hunters dens. Why? I don’t know. I do know our new source is DEFINITELY not doing what they want her to.”

I asked, “What’s her name?”

Cayden answered, “Ashley Griffen. She’s fifteen and she saved the mission. They grew suspicious of Micah for some reason and wanted him to take off his shirt.”

I paled, “They would’ve seen his mark.”

Cayden nodded, “Exactly. When I was about to charge in, Ashley did. She called him by name and touched his arm. She told the group he’d killed Wolves before and was cool.”

I snorted, “That’s a hell of a bluff.”

Cayden shook his head, “That’s the thing, it wasn’t a bluff. She’s a bad liar, like sadly bad. The girl can’t stop talking. She wasn’t lying though. She knew Micah and she knew he’d killed Werewolves. Not like the Hunters though because she evaded it all. They didn’t ask if it was rogues, and she didn't say. I was convinced on the other end she was a Fairy until I met her. She’s a full blooded Werewolf, who knows A LOT about Fairies and us, for some reason.”

I offered, “I can talk to her.”

Cayden snorted, “I wish. She’s easily spooked and we want her as a source. She even talked code with Micah. They geeked out about it and came up with some newfangled code or whatever.”

I asked, “Did Micah take off his shirt?”

Cayden nodded, “Yes. I was yet again ready to storm in, but when Ashley had touched his arm, she’d put this patch on him. It matched his skin tone and hid his mark.”

I gasped, “That’s not possible.”

Cayden dryly replied, “Not until now. I used it on myself, and it worked. Ashley agreed to help us from the inside. She has knowledge about the drug Rings too. The catch was she just wants to be an anonymous source outside the Hackura. She’s willing to give us these patches that would hide our marks while we are out in the field. We checked out the intel that she gave us, and it was solid.”

I raised an eyebrow, “Is she in the blue circle group EJ and Alexander are looking for?”

Cayden winced, “I think she is. I don’t have enough trust established with her to get that answer yet. Nor do I have any proof. She’s one angry girl.”

Rain whimpered in my head.

I questioned, “Why?”

Cayden looked away, “Her family died, and she believes it was her fault. Her brother that’s still alive blamed her. Whatever Black Path thinks she’s doing, she’s not. She wants revenge and she thinks the Hunters can get her that. She’s willing to provide us intel. If I can get us in with the circle group, we have to take that option.”

I nodded, “I understand. If she’s a wolf though, why isn’t she running to the Werewolf Council? Why trust the Hackura instead?”

Cayden raised an eyebrow, “I don’t know. From what Micah found, she’s never met a member of the council. But trust is not something she has to give. Maybe it’s because her pack betrayed her so she’s leery of Werewolves. I don’t know. I just feel if I can get her to trust us, we might solve this whole damn thing.”

I kissed him, “If anyone could do it, it would be you.”

Cayden left for a meeting with Uncle Bjourn to tell him about our new source of information. I took out one of the packages Cayden left and studied the patch that could hide marks. My brain was nagging me. This was similar to the bracelets Melanie had created. My head started to hurt.

I shook myself. Melanie was living her dream in New York. The patch was out of the box thinking just like the jewelry Melanie had developed. Rain said, “That’s true.”

Melanie had done that for my brother, and her family though. Hiding someone’s mark was helpful to the Hackura.

Rain offered, “Our brother goes on missions.”

True. Why didn’t she give it to him then? Rain was right though, Alexander was also part Hackura. My head started to pound. I sighed telling my wolf, “This was silly. Melanie and Ashley can’t be the same person. One is in Nashville and the other is in New York.”

Rain mused, “Dad had people on Melanie too.”

I groaned, “That name though. Ashley Griffen. Why do I know it? Ashley Griffen, hmm.”

Then it hit me. I called Alexander before I even processed what I was doing.

He answered, “Hey Cass, what’s up?”

I blurted out, “I need information on that book series you read.”

He asked, “Which one?”

I answered, “The one about the horses. What are the main character’s names?”

Alexander laughed, “It followed several characters.”

I groaned, “Just list off the main ones.”

Alexander sighed, “Ashleigh Griffen, Samantha McLean, and Cindy Blake. Then there were daughters and nieces.”

That was it! That’s what I’d heard the name. I sighed in relief, “Thanks. It was nagging me.”

Alexander sounded confused, “Ok. Why?”

I hung up on him.

Alexander linked, “Seriously?”

I replied, “I’m working on something!”

Rain chuckled, “Oden is also wondering what’s up.”

I told her, “Let them. They can’t be in this right now. We promised Cayden.”

She agreed, “True. I won’t say anything.”

Cayden walked back in. He studied me, “I know that look. You think you’re onto something. What’s up?”

I explained, “Ashley Griffen is a character in a book series. Did you by chance run into Samantha McLean and Cindy Blake?”

Cayden smirked, “We did. I knew who they were though. We’ve looked into Black Path before. The girl who said her name was Cindy is Addison Davis. The girl who called herself Samantha is Sierra Kiern.”

I stared at him as Rain growled. I clarified, “The Alpha and Beta’s daughters?! They send in their own kids?”

Cayden nodded, “Yup. The difference is Ashley has a background you can run. The other two don’t.”

I frowned, “That seems odd.”

Cayden responded, “You have no idea. Come on, let’s get some rest. You have a big day tomorrow.”

I teased, “Do remember that you have to stay in the stands.”

Cayden frowned, “Why don’t I like that sound of that? Oh god. What did you do to the outfit?”

I giggled, “Just wait and see.”

I popped into bed and Cayden got in next to me. He whispered in my ear, “You’re going to try to kill me, My Duchess.”

I scoffed, “Never, My Commander.”

We fell asleep holding each other.

I woke up before Cayden. Rain said, “I’m so ready for this.”

I was too. I took a shower and put on some gym clothes. Cayden woke up slowly. I kissed his lips before saying, “See you there, My Commander.”

Cayden’s eyes opened. He said, “Give me a minute and I’ll walk over with you.”

I nodded and waited for him. He pointed to my bag surmising, “The outfit with the alterations is in there, isn't it?”

I answered, “It is.”

We walked over hand in hand to the outdoor training facility. I had Cayden’s office to myself today. I waved to my family who were already here. Beagan waved a sign that either she or my mom made. I blew her a kiss. Tory and Gia screamed, “THAT’S OUR ALPHA!”

I laughed at them both.

Aiylee popped down to me bouncing up and down. She clapped, “THIS IS SO EXCITING!”

She popped us into Cayden’s office and charmed it so no one could hear us. She clapped, “FINALLY Corursula goes down! Bea is making sure no one else pops in or she’d be in here too cheering to that things demise.”

Rain cackled, “She called Cora a thing. That’s hilarious.”

It was very Aiylee.

I laughed, “That nickname is really catching on.”

Aiylee smiled, “Aunt Haley just has a talent at designating nicknames.”

I agreed, “She does.”

I snapped myself into my outfit. Originally the outfit was a suede one piece, but I’d used my magic to make it two.

Now there was a bra top with silver around the edges. It had a faux fur short piece that covered my shoulders and tied around my neck. I’d take that off before the first fight. I’d made a silver cincher at my waist. Then the skirt matched the bra, with a silver suede belt. I had silver skin tight arm bands with suede heels. Because I could kick their asses in heels, and I’d prove it .

Plus, a heel kick to the face hurts pretty bad. One leg had a faux fur leg warmer. The other had a strap wrapped tightly around my leg. I had on spandex underneath. For my final touch I snapped my hair half up, half down with intricate braids.

Aiylee gaped, “HOLY HOTNESS! I mean hello Cassie’s boobs! Look at that six pack. DAMN COUSIN! The women and men will be drooling.”

She started laughing then added, “Uncle Eric will lose his shit.”

I pointed out, “You can barely see my six pack. It’s covered by the waist cinch.”

Aiylee snorted, “Uh huh. Look at those toned legs and that booty! GIRL, I need your booty routine. You and your mom. Just dang.”

I laughed. I linked Tory, “Just a heads up, I changed the outfit.”

She snorted, “I’m shocked. I didn’t have Beagan sneak around to get me a picture to warn Grandpa Caleb and Uncle Jim. Nope, not me.”

I nearly laughed out loud.

Aiylee kept me company until a knock came on the door. She popped out after kissing the top of my head. Uncle Bjourn stepped in immediately raising his eyebrow after seeing me before he busted out laughing. He said, “Oh my god, you are so mother’s daughter.”

I winked at him. He announced, “Your first fight is up.”

I held up my hand for a high five and he gave me one. I said, “Let’s go.”

We walked out and I heard several people start talking about my outfit. Gia linked, “This is where you think I’d link you like OMG CASS! But I saw the picture Tory got. Your poor mom.”

She’d be just fine.

Rain chuckled, “Everyone thinks we are hot.”

I knew when Cayden saw me because his lust barreled into me so hard I almost staggered a step. Ashlyn winked at me right before I spotted my mate. Rain purred watching Cayden grip his seat so hard I was somewhat worried he’d break it.

I didn’t dare look at my family right now though. I shot Cayden a wink. He linked me, “Now I know you ARE trying to kill me. I’m fucking you so hard after this, Cass.”

I replied, “Promise?”

I watched as he gripped the chair harder. Rain gloated, “He is definitely going to break it.”

He just might.

Uncle Bjourn announced my first fight. My mom popped him up to the bleachers immediately after. I easily took my first opponent down. It didn’t even last five minutes. I felt smugness in all my connections from my family and Cayden. Gia yelled, “THAT’S STILL MY ALPHA! LET’S FUCKING GOOOO!”

Alexander linked me, “Nice moves, Cass.”

Rain purred under his praise. I worked my way through all the women who wanted what was mine. I didn’t use Rain or my Fairy powers to beat any of them either. I wanted them to know I could take them without them.

I put serious beat downs on Cora’s friends in my next several fights. I could hear Aiylee, Beagan, Tory, Gia, and my mom cheering me on. Followed by my Uncle Aiden and Aunt Lucinda. I was touched they’d come. I put my opponent down and noticed all my Fairy family had come. I gave them a slight smile as happiness burst inside me. My whole family truly was here to support me.

A little over an hour had passed before it was time for the final fight. Uncle Bjourn came back down to see me. He commented, “You’re making quick work of this today. Take a fifteen minute break.”

I nodded and walked to Cayden’s office.

Cayden linked me, “If you didn’t need your energy…”

I interrupted, “What would you do to me, My Commander?”

Cayden answered, “I’d fuck you so hard on my desk you wouldn’t be able to walk.”

I replied, “After this fight that’s what you’ll do then, right?”

Cayden answered, “You bet your perfectly round ass.”

We’d have to see if that was true because he might be upset after this fight. Rain pouted.

I grabbed some water as Alexander popped to me. He complimented, “You’re amazing out there. What’s your plan for Corursula?”

I snorted, “How do you know mom’s nickname?”

Alexander answered, “I heard her on the phone with Lexi. She cursed up a storm about it and the name came out about million times. Everyone near her would’ve heard it.”

I smiled, “I’m going to piss her off and make her admit what she really wants.”

Alexander smiled broadly. He kissed my forehead and hugged me. He warned, “Cayden might be mad you didn’t tell him about everything.”

I winced, “I know he will be. It will be obvious she’s done other things he doesn't know about. I’ve been nicer to her than anyone here that’s mated would’ve been. Cora wanted this to happen. Now, I’m done being nice and she will finally see who she’s messing with.”

Alexander nodded, “Alright. Go kick her ass, little sister.”

I smiled, “I’m going to.”

I tore the seam of my arm band on my right hand slightly so I could see my Melanie bracelet .

A knock sounded before my Uncle Bjourn opened it. I nodded to my brother who popped back to his seat. I told Rain, “Here we go.”

She growled, “Kick her ass.”

I took a deep breath then stepped back out into the gym. I went and grabbed my samurai swords.

The final fight of the day required weapons. I stepped into the ring smirking. Cora taunted, “You’re going down, Duchess.”

I looked into her eyes asking, “Why would you want that? I’m your Commander’s mate after all. This is all in good fun, isn’t it?”

Cora sneered, “Cayden should be mine!”

Gasps echoed throughout the crowd. I raised an eyebrow, “He’s not though, he’s mine.”

Cora lunged and I blocked her sword easily. She screamed, “HE WAS ALWAYS SUPPOSED TO BE MINE AND YOU WOULDN’T TAKE ANY OF MY GODDAMN HINTS AND JUST LEAVE HIM ALONE! When I beat you, he’ll finally see that I was meant to be his. I’m meant to have his children! NOT YOU!”

I heard several roars of anger from the wolves of my family.

A slight fire broke out before Ghiza and my guard put it out. Cayden’s fierce rage slammed into me so hard it felt like my own. My family felt that same anger, but not as fiercely as Cayden. I planned to use every last bit of their anger.

Cora gaped at me, and I could practically see her wondering why she’d said that. Tory snarled, “TAKE HER DOWN, CASS!”

Gia snarled, “Let me down there to RIP HER HEAD OFF!”

I heard her wolf coming out there at the end.

I smirked mocking my mate’s ex, “That’s why you don’t fuck with the Truth Seeker, Cora.”

I looked down at my bracelet to see what underhanded thing she was going to try. It was silver and brown. Damn. She was going for iron and silver. I didn’t see that coming. I conjured both away from her.

Our swords clashed and I managed to cut her across the arm. She screamed in anger and lunged at me, reaching for a dagger. It must have had iron or silver on it. I conjured her a normal one. She glared at me, and I winked.

She screamed in rage as she lunged. I easily avoided her and cut her across the thigh. I wasn’t going for serious injuries because I wasn’t going to actually kill her. I did want her to remember not to cross me. Since there was no way in hell my mom or Alexander would heal her.

Aiylee screamed, “TAKE THAT CORURSULA!”

I heard several people laugh. Someone whispered, “That’s a Princess Haley nickname if ever I’ve heard one.”

Several people agreed. Beagan began chanting, “Cassie! Cassie! Cassie!”

The crowd went with her. Cayden was now rip roaring angry. Rain purred, “I think we will get deliciously claimed before the inevitable fight.”

Hopefully, she was right.

During the fight, I remembered Ashlyn had a request. I sheathed one of my swords, juked left, and rammed my fist into Cora’s face. She went down hard. Rain commented, “You knocked her unconscious.”

Well damn. I guess that’s what happens when you channel all the rage you felt in your connections.

I grumbled to my wolf, “I didn't mean to hit her that hard.”

She replied, “Who cares? We get claimed sooner now. Darn the luck.”

I teased, “Such sarcasm there at the end.”

Alexander linked me, “I thought you might mess with her more.”

I admitted, “I didn’t mean to hit her that hard.”

Alexander warned, “Incoming.”

I retorted, “I have a Hackura bond with him, big brother. I can feel him coming.”

Cayden wrapped his arms around me and put me behind him. It was then I noted that he was shaking with rage. My uncle spoke, “So, that all happened. My niece, who is your Duchess, won all her fights today. That is your Commander’s mate!”

I yelled, “HEY TAH!”

They yelled back, “TAH!”

I smiled shouting, “TAH!”

They yelled, “TAH, TAH!”

We went through the chant a few times before Cayden picked me up.