The Alpha's Daughter and Her Commander

My Duchess Pt. 2

            She snapped us a blanket and asked about me. I explained what I did here….when she giggled about us sharing an Uncle I jumped into to make sure she knew we weren’t related. In any way shape or form. I relaxed when she said she knew that. Good. I did not want to have to work through that hurdle since it didn’t exist. I explained why I was always so busy. Eventually I would be helping make these assignments. I needed to know what I was signing my people up for. Then I spend a lot of time sparring. The army needs to know that I’m in charge. Her eyes flashed with lust. 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. Cassie told me she was a fast runner, and she could keep up with me. We’d have to run some time together then. She told me she did the same cardio program I did. 

            I couldn’t help but wander to Jed’s comment about what Cassie wore when she worked out. I asked her about it. She snapped herself into mostly all black with white stripes, tight yoga pants and a sports bra. I’d never focus in training sessions again. I wanted her. I wanted to claim her as mine. I couldn't stop myself from kissing her. My blood was pounding. I was painfully hard. I rolled on top of her and ran my hands down her gorgeous curvy body. GOD! She was perfect. She was responsive to my touch. I could have fun with that throughout our lives. She groaned in annoyance. s**t….did I go too fast? When she told me she heard someone coming…..I was convinced someone had a death wish. I stood up. I looked back at her, and her eyes were wide staring at my d**k. There was a wonder, curiosity… a little fear, but mostly lust. I told her she needed to stop looking at me like it. It made me want to consume her...to be all she’d ever know. Mine. She said she’d be good. Uh huh….right…..She was going to torture me with her lustful innocent eyes. I kissed her again. 

            She asked if I wanted her to go. Go? f**k no. She pointed out we were keeping this quiet until I came home. Damn it….she was right. It wouldn’t be good if someone else found out before we told her family. Then she told me it was Jed. She could smell him. Jed….Jed wanted to die today for some reason. First, messing with Alexander and now me. I could be going down on my mate right now if not for him. I could taste her….I closed my eyes and yelled at Jed unless this was an emergency he needed to leave. Cassie told me what Jed was saying...So she could hear just as well as her brothers. I’d definitely have to keep my army in line. I wouldn’t have her hearing that s**t and feeling uncomfortable. Not here. Not in our home. She told me Jed was leaving. For all his faults….Jed wasn’t that dumb. He had to know unless someone was dying, the King told him to come get me….which is unlikely...my uncle would just call me himself….or something was on actual fire….he had nothing I wanted to know about. 

            I had to touch Cassie again. I told her to tell me about her. I knew a lot, but I wanted to hear it from her. I needed to hear my Duchesses sweet voice. She told me about her dad’s mom. That b***h was VERY lucky I’d missed meeting Cassie until now. I knew why Uncle Bjourn and them had let some things go; however, I was not inclined to let things that hurt my duchess slide…. ever. She told me about her quest to get in touch with every part of her. Fairy, wolf, and Hackura. I asked to see some of her powers. I’d 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. She was something. The wind caught her hair. She looked more like an Angel than anything else to me at that moment. She told me Aiylee was more like her best friend. I did know that. Hopefully she was a fairy I could stand to be around as she’d likely pop in often. She told me she was good with Samurai swords...I would be lying if I said I couldn’t wait to see her with them. She was also the truth seeker. I knew that. I also knew that people had been after her since even before she was born. They couldn’t have her. Cassie Conners was MY duchess. She was mine, and I protected what was mine. 

            Her phone buzzed. After a few moments she told me she had to go. I didn’t like that at all. I wanted her to stay here where I could keep an eye on her. I needed to know she was safe. I need to talk with her guard. I needed a plan of how to keep her safe. That’s what I did. Action items and planning. I took her phone and put myself in it. I smiled and put my contact information as her commander. She’d have to look for it. It would amuse her fairy side, and I intended to call her my duchess. Plus...I was definitely hers. She asked if I'd given her my burner number. I didn’t know which one I was taking yet. I wanted her to have my real number. As soon as she texted or called me...I’d memorize her number and talk to her from my burner. I promised her she’d hear from me daily until I came home. I kissed her again. I really didn’t know how I would do this. She pointed out she could pop to me or portal in. 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….that was a thing I could do….stealing several kisses. Yup. I could do that.

            We made out until she had to leave. She popped away. I groaned and laid back in the grass. Cassie Conners….the 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. It was Hendrix.

Hendrix: Hey...Malina left an hour ago….went by your place...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: Ok…..that didn’t answer my question but ok.

I ran back to my place. Several people waved as I ran by. I jumped in the shower quickly. I grabbed a pair of shorts and headed to Hendrix. 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 said, “Cora’s looking for you. She heard you were back. You think she’d take a hint.” I snorted, “She cheated on me. She made it clear she doesn’t care.” Hendrix laughed, “Oh Malina said she tried the age old trick….in a horrible way. She said she messed it up. Apparently….when you make a guy jealous….you don’t f**k 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, “Yeah…..that’s why she f****d one of my friends.” Hendrix said, “Did I miss a memo? Do you forgive Eagan? You’re friends again?” I snorted, “Forgive him? Sure. Trust him? Hell no. I’ll never trust him again.” Hendrix smiled, “You seem….chipper.” I smiled, “I am. I wish I wasn’t leaving.” Hendrix titled his head, “Oh? That’s new. Why’s that?” 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. What’s put that smile on your face? 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 smiled, “It’s found Hendrix. All is well.” Hendrix raised an eyebrow, “Well unless she’s your….HOLY s**t! NO f*****g WAY! You met your damn mate, and you ran into my house talking about JED!” I laughed, “You were talking about Jed when I got here, not the other way around.” 

            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 said, “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 sighed, “Damn the timing sucks though….you gonna talk to her dad when you get back?” I sighed, “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. Hearts will break all over the realm because you're officially off the market. Not even kind of….Once you mark her...that’s it man. No off periods.” I shrugged, “I don’t care….it’s not like I’m some ladies’ man now. Hypothetically, anyway.” Hendrix rolled his eyes, “Hypothetically….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 was lying in 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. I quickly saved her under My Duchess. I memorized her number. We teased each other. Then she ended our texting conversation by calling me her commander. f**k! For the second time today…I was painfully hard. I plugged my phone in and jumped into my shower. I couldn't stop myself. I pictured her beautiful face. Her lips, swollen from our kisses. I pumped myself quickly then thought of how soft her skin felt to my calloused hands I yelled, “CASSIE!” as I came. I stayed under the cold water for several moments. Every touch, smile, and laugh replayed in my mind. I shut up 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 tumbled over the pillow next to mine. Or better yet across my chest as it had been earlier today. I sighed, “Soon….Soon you’ll be here to stay my Duchess...and 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.” I said, “Thanks Cora.” She smiled, “Wanna go grab a coffee and catch up?” I said, “Not really. I’m pretty busy. Thanks for asking though.” Cora nodded, “Oh right...of course….you’re going right back out there again?” I nodded, “Yup.” She smiled, “Well, see you next time.” Hendrix chuckled, “I know you didn’t date much….but you’re too nice. You need to shut that down….or a certain fiery redhead might kick the literal s**t 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 a woman’s head….encased in glass in her husband’s office… 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 smiled, “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. I picked up and walked out the door. I said, “Hi Alexander.” Alexander said, “Hey man...wanna spar in an hour?” I laughed, “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 laughed, “Yeah...hot date….that’s me.” Alexander laughed. EJ said, “The two of you do need dates. Maybe it would chill you both out.” Alexander sighed, “I don’t need a date.” I laughed, “You have no idea how ironic that is.” EJ said, “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. That’s saying a lot.” I walked into my parents’ house smiling. I said, “Remember that EJ.” EJ asked, “I don’t forget the things I say.” Alexander sighed, “Alright….well...next time your town...hit us up.” I bit my lip, “Oh...I will.” EJ said, “Ok...bye weirdo.” I smiled, “Bye.” I hung up. My Uncle Bjourn was standing there with a raised eyebrow. He asked, “Who was that?” I smiled, “EJ and Alexander. They wanted to spar.” 

            Tenley ran in and jumped into my arms. She said, “But you said no because you’re all ours tonight!” I laughed, “I did say no, and I am all yours tonight.” Tenley clapped, “YAY! We are playing Twister first.” I smiled, “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 dad.” My dad studied me, “You seem happy.” I smiled, “Always happy to be home, dad.” My dad said, “Uh huh.” My mom said, “Cora called. Don’t tell me you’re seeing her again.” I laughed, “No mom. 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 would have sufficed.” 

            My Uncle Bjourn took out his phone and groaned. I looked at my dad. My dad asked, “Bjourn? Do we need to cancel?” Tenley yelled, “NO! You have to go!” I laughed, “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. We were technically off. I started planning ways to kill said fairy anyway when she stopped showing interest in him. I could flay him…..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. Pumping him full or iron. Yup...this was normal. I’m totally fine. I played twister with my little siblings. Their bedtime was pretty early. I put them down for bed. 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. They are on a date.” Aubrielle whirled around. She gaped, “Cayden?!” She ran and jumped into my arms. 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 smiled, “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 laughed, “Hey Angus.” He whirled, “Cayden? You came home before your next mission?” I laughed, “You and Aubrielle really need to pay attention more.” Angus sighed, “A little heads up man...I gotta 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 smiled, “I love surprises.” I smiled, “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 ran to Aunt Astrid. Uncle Bjourn looked tense. I frowned, “What’s wrong?” Uncle Bjourn said, “Unknown. I know Haley is upset….Marcus is heading to her now. f**k!” 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. He added someone to the call and put it on speaker. Probably Marcus. Marcus snorted, “I’ve got her phone. She’s not here...on the plus side neither is Eric. So she took him too.” Uncle Bjourn cursed, “s**t!” He went outside. I sent out a text to Hendrix. I wanted men ready if we needed to go. He was on alert. 

            We waited. Uncle Bjourn walked back in. I asked, “Is she ok?” She had to be ok. Cassie would be distraught.” Uncle Bjourn sighed, “I don’t have details. All I know is Alexander healed someone and more details will come. The fight is over.” I texted Hendrix he could stand down and to spread the word. After fifteen more minutes Bjourn cursed, “f*****g FAIRIES!” My heartbeat stopped. Cassie was with a fairy. My mouth was dry. If that fairy hurt Cassie….she had to be ok...Healed….Alexander healed her. That fairy’s soul was not prepared for his suffering. Aunt Astrid asked, “What happened?” Bjourn cursed, “A f*****g ring member was Cassie’s date. Angela popped to warn her. Cassie fought back. She took iron in her system to hide Angela. She stood on her own until Alexander pushed her pain down. She got hit in the damn head with a f*****g tree….” His voice faded. I heard the word hospital. Cassie was in the hospital. My mom was staring at me. My dad was too. I was angrier than I ever had been. I opened a portal in the next second. I heard Aubrielle ask, “Cayden? Where are you going?” I was gone already. I couldn't answer her.

            The first thing I saw was Cassie on a hospital bed. I didn’t see anything else. I ran to her. There was dried blood on her head and her shirt. It was her blood. That DEAD FAIRY FUCKER! She told me she was fine, and she was sorry she messed up my date. Date? What the hell was she talking about? She told me she’d heard her brothers joking about my hot date. Son of a b***h! She’d misunderstood and she didn’t talk to me. She went on a date because she thought I was on one? I asked her if that was the case. She didn’t want to answer. We need to have our Hackura ceremony. I needed to feel her. I would’ve known she was uncomfortable dating other people if I could’ve felt her. She was hurting and she didn’t tell me. She admitted she couldn't think of me on a date. Oh my poor mate. We were going to have a chat about communicating. People were talking around us. I didn’t care. I could barely hear anything over the pounding need to seek vengeance. She’d bled. My Duchess had bled. They hurt her, and they needed to pay. She walked me through vaguely what happened. I asked where he was. I knew someone said something but the only voice that reached me right now was Cassie. 

            There was a little fear in those blue eyes. Embarrassment was there too, but there was fear. Someone made her afraid and they needed to be dead at my hands. She told me he was here in the dungeons. I was gone. I nearly ripped the dungeon door off the hinges. I’d come here before. Alexander gave me a tour once. Cass wasn’t here at the time when I’d come...naturally. Cass...they tried to put her in one of those rings. They hurt her. I ran down the stairs. Alexander’s voice called out, “Cayden? Whoa….his eyes are like insanely gold.” I saw Eric standing over a fairy holding a bloody knife. The question on his face was clear, but I couldn't answer it. 

            I grabbed the fairy and ripped him off the table. I hissed, “You hurt her!” The fairy said, “Technically she hurt me…I didn’t’ get the chance to hurt her.” I slammed him onto the ground, breaking several ribs. I asked, “Were you her date?” He wheezed, “Yes….” I pushed his head into the floor. He screamed, “That….man what are you doing?” I said, “You tricked her! Who told you to call and ask her on a date? How did you know she was vulnerable? HOW DID YOU KNOW?!” EJ asked, “What are you talking about Cayden?” Someone had to tell him. It was the only thing that made sense. How did he just happen to call when she thought I was with someone else? The fairy cringed, “We….there was a magical note….the former queen said to...call…..” I applied more force and crushed his skull until I reached his brain with my bare hands. I ripped his head off and threw it at the remaining fairies. They stared at me with horror on their faces. 

                I grabbed one, “Did she look at you like you are looking at me?! WHO HIT HER WITH A TREE?! A f*****g TREE! WHO MADE HER BLEED!” The fairy pissed his pants. EJ said, “Ok seriously…..what’s happening?” Eric said, “I have no idea.” I heard someone snort, “You really don’t, do you?” Alexander spoke, “Caleb….you know?” Caleb snorted, “Yes, and don’t bother asking if you can’t figure it out on your own. I will NOT be the one to say those words.” I slammed the fairy into the dungeon bars. I yelled, “WHO DREW HER BLOOD?! TELL ME!” The fairy pointed behind him. I grabbed a cattle prod and shoved it through his chest. I shocked him several times before I pulled it out. I grabbed a sword. I kicked the prison door off the hinges. I looked at the fairies and said, “Give it your best shot. Try….just TRY to get by me. I f*****g DARE you!” Several lunged. I cut two of their heads off and gutted the third. Several huddled in the corner. I hissed, “What? Do you only feel confident when you’re facing unexpecting opponent? COME AT ME YOU COWARDS!” I saved the one who’d made Cassie bleed last.

            I hit him in the head where I’d seen the dried blood on her. I slammed him into the bars, “You hurt her! YOU THREW A GODDAMN TREE AT HER!” The fairy cried, “It was my job! You don’t understand.” I ripped his tongue out. I said, “You think I give a s**t about your excuses!” I threw him into the wall of the cell. I heard several bones breaking. When I heard his neck snap I cursed, “f**k!” I had plans….I didn’t mean to throw him that hard. I was breathing hard. I needed another fight. I need to rip fairies to pieces. 

            I felt tingles on my back. Cassie whispered, “It’s ok Cayden. I’m ok.” I whirled around and yanked her against me. Alexander asked, “When did they meet? I swear she was pissed yesterday because she hadn’t met him….now they are dating?” I inhaled her scent. I could feel myself calming down. She ran her hands up and down my back. I heard Haley snort, “I swear to god….you all are so smart….but so very blind at the same damn time.” I heard Eric say, “You’re one to talk ,Angel.” Haley snorted, “At least I can see what is LITERALLY in front of my f*****g face.”