The Alpha's Daughter and Her Commander

My Duchess Pt. 1

Cayden is 20 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. I let him know I was back and that we could spar later if he was free. He was quite the motivator for the troops here. He could beat them all. He was almost as intense as I was. I really liked him. I liked all the Conners kids I’d met. I sighed. I wanted to meet the Duchess, Cassie Conners. I kept missing her. It killed me every time. My friends thought I was crazy. I thought they were pansy ass cowards who couldn’t talk to or ask a beautiful girl out. I knew she was beautiful. I just did. 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. I don’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 it….I don’t have a hard on for a girl I’ve 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. 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 ran out from my parents’ room. She hugged me, “We didn’t expect you today.” I smiled, “That’s what makes it a surprise, mom.” I winked at Tenley. 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 laughed, “Let’s see.” He opened his mouth. I smiled, “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 ….Cayden?!” My dad ran over to me and hugged me. He laughed, “You’re home.” I smiled, “I had a few days….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 said, “We are...now...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 smiled, “I have to be picky. Your friends are not the future commander of the Hackura Army. I am. I need a certain type to be the mother of my children. 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...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.” My mom sighed, “I raised such a good man. I blame myself, but I agree…..I would have to beat the s**t 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, “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.” My mom laughed, “They all look up to you. They’ll follow your lead….They could meet their mates when they turn sixteen. 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. I was 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….eventually I’d meet her. 

            I got to the training facility. Jed smiled, “Cayden! 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 four years ago when she f****d 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, Jed. 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….Well, I’m not a fool, Jed.” Jed sighed, “Yeah, I know...she’s just my little sister, you know?” I nodded, “I do know.” My best friend Hendrix walked. He gave me a hug, “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 laughed, “Never man.” I heard two pops and several groans. I looked at Hendrix who blinked twice. 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 smiled, “You are in a rare group that can tell us apart.” I smirked, “My men should be able to tell you apart on sight as well. We are to be observant in the field.” Several straightened. Alexander smirked at me. Jed muttered something. I caught Cassie’s name. Alexander’s eyes narrowed. He said, “Hey Jed. You and me. Let’s go.” EJ smirked. I sighed. Hendrix whispered, “One day….Jed will remember how good their hearing is.” I asked, “What did he say?” EJ said, “He said that he’d wished we’d brought Cassie with us because she always wears tight yoga pants and sports bra. Her boobs apparently look sinful in it.” I hissed, “You’re f*****g kidding me!” I turned around. I said, “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…..well you’ll lose a fight. We are focused. We do not let things like that distract us. Everyone start running. I want fifteen laps then Jed...you’re with Alexander. Anyone else want to talk about the DUCHESS OF THE HACKURA’S BOOBS OR HER OUTFITS?!” 

            Everyone shook their heads. I yelled, “What are you waiting for? START RUNNING!” EJ smiled, “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 f**k 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 or 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. Hendrix smiled, “I guess it’s you and me.” I smiled, “I guess it is.” We sparred for several hours. When Hendrix and I called our fight I snorted. Jed was taking a beating from Alexander, but he was taking it at least. He wasn’t calling it. He seemed determined to get a shot in on Alexander. It wasn’t going to happen unless Alexander let him. Given what he said about Cassie….I doubted it.

            EJ walked over smirking. I asked, “So...where are the rest of your siblings? I thought more might come.” EJ sighed, “Cass looked pissed we didn’t tell her that we were coming here today. She popped with Wes and Max to Faerie. 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. So she was in town. I was never going to meet her at this rate. Hendrix said, “Hey….want to watch a movie later, Cayden? I’ve got to go see Milana before she leaves on her mission.” I smiled, “You guys are cute.” Hendrix shoved me, “When you meet your mate. You’ll be just as in love.” I smiled, “I’m looking forward to it, but I am a pretty busy guy.” Hendrix snorted, “Oh 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. 

            EJ said, “I didn’t know you were looking for your mate.” I shrugged, “I’m not...not looking. I’m just busy. I’ve got 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 Cayden.” I shrugged, “Historically…..the Commander’s mate is a full Hackura.” 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 didn’t meet her though….the more the dream was kept alive. Same with the longer she went without finding her mate.. 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…..I could find a reason to kick his ass. There I go... trying to impress a girl who’s not mine. I mean...I don’t know she’s not mine. It’s just unlikely which pissed me off.

            EJ laughed, “What are you thinking about that’s got you all golden eyed?” s**t. I shrugged, “Jed! Enough!” Alexander stopped. 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 smiled, “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 smiled, “My place is by my brother's side. If the army is ever deployed we will be by right by your side though.” I laughed, “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, “I’m going to figure it out. I want him as a squad leader.” EJ smiled, “Time works differently here….I’m sure we could figure something out. Your problem is him and his insane workout schedule and routine.” I shrugged, “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? Hardly seems fair...you’ve both met my two sisters.” 

            Alexander laughed, “You two today man. You got the hots for our sister, Cayden?” I frowned, “Us two?” Alexander said, “Yeah...I think she thought about punching me when I said where we were going today. I think my sisters got her eye on her next boyfriend. It’s you. 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.” Alexander smiled, “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 they were done with that. 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 said, “Most days? What the f**k?” 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. Well that was interesting. Jed jogged back out. 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 sessions guys.” Jed and I nodded, and they popped away.

            Jed and I started to walk. I just felt the need to go towards the hill. Jed said, “Uhh….town is the other way man.” I shrugged, “I want to go for a walk.” Jed sighed, “Why yes Cayden...I’ll go on a walk too. Thanks for asking.” I could care less if he came. I felt drawn to an area, so I walked that way. Jed started talking about Cassie, “I wish Duchess Cassie had come with them today. She’s a sight man.” I couldn’t stop myself from complaining I was the only one who hadn’t met her. Jed told me she was beautiful. I punched him. I was so sick of him talking about Cassie. He asked what my problem was. I told him to leave before I hit him again. 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. Jed asked me what it was about Cassie. Great people had noticed. He told me I couldn’t f**k her. I absolutely could….but that’s not what I wanted to do. If I had s*x with Cassie….it would be more than just a f**k. I punched him in the face when he said I’d break her heart. I’d NEVER hurt Cassie. 

            I told him never to talk about Cassie like that again. She wasn’t just some girl I could have some stress relief f*****g with. I wanted to know her. I wanted to make her smile. Yes, I wanted to have s*x with her, but not in the way he made it sound….Dirty and cheap. Jed wailed that I broke his nose. I was close to breaking more than just his nose. He told me people don’t touch when it comes to Cassie. Cowards. 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 s*x with Cora. She’d wanted to before my first solo mission. I came back to find her f*****g someone else. I hadn’t really had time to have s*x. I didn’t want meaningless s*x. I wanted s*x 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 s*x 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. I wanted to be an involved dad….the whole not seeing my kid for sixteen years possibly while they were checked on...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. We topped the hill and I looked at the tree the smell was coming from. That wasn’t a pear tree. The tree shifted just subtly. I smirked. 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 told him to go home. 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. We should’ve heard them climbing it. How did they know we were coming? Jed was trying to talk to me. I told him unless he wanted to get his ass kicked again he needed to leave. I wanted to talk to the person who smelled like a pear, and he was in my way. My damn mouth was watering. He needed to leave. Jed said he didn’t know what Alexander's problem was. REALLY? Talking about his sister like she was a piece of meat was the problem. I went with Alexander was an intense guy, and he had a drive. Honestly, I said it because if Jed said something about Cassie again...I’d lose it. I yelled at him to go. Finally….he took off running.

            I walked closer to the tree and told the person to get down. Nothing happened for several moments. I raised an eyebrow. I was not a man accustomed to people not listening to me. I told the person they could come down or I’d come up. I didn’t say that they probably wouldn’t like the result if I had to climb up there. A pop sounded in the next second. In front of me was without a doubt Duchess Cassie Conners. She had stunning auburn hair. Her lips were begging me to kiss them. Her eyes were light blue. I couldn’t take my eyes off her. I was drawn to her in a way I’d never...HOLY s**t! Cassie Conners was mine! I couldn't stop my smile. I looked into her eyes and told her she was mine. She confirmed it saying she was mine. I couldn’t deny her lips any longer. They were pouting for mine to be on them. Her lips tasted like heaven against mine. 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?

            After several moments I forced myself to pull back. I put my forehead on hers. 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 s**t out of them. I knew who she was, but I felt we should probably say words. My duchess….she was perfect. She smirked right back, and I was already addicted to the sound of her voice and the way she said my name. I told her I was in fact Cayden. She told me to call her Cass or Cassie. Oh...I’d call her both, but she was MY Duchess. She was mine. I asked what she was doing here. Based on the earlier conversation I’d had with her brothers….I’d hope she was here to see me. Not to be conceited, but she was in a tree that overlooked the training facility. I also wanted to know who she’d been drinking with. I’d been around the Conners enough to know that was an alcoholic fairy beverage I smelled. She told me it was her cousin Aiylee. That was good….Not a fairy man I would have to put on my kill list. 

            I asked again what she was doing here. She told me she could come here anytime she wanted. Oh yes. She could. I wanted her to move her when I got back. f**k! I was leaving. Why was I leaving? Damn mission...How was I going to go months without kissing those lips or hearing her voice? We teased each other before I asked hopefully if she’d been looking for me. She buried her head into my chest. I wrapped my hands around her waist. This was where we were both meant to be. Her beautiful auburn hair against my chest. Our kids would be really cute. Cassie admitted she’d come because she wanted to see me. She’d known I was here. May the Hackura god bless both her brothers for letting her know that. She told me I was busy. That was cute. She was almost as busy as I was. The girl liked to be in constant motion. She slapped my arm lightly because we didn’t meet at the coronation. I was going to have to kill a few demons for making her pout. It was their fault Micah and I got hung up. They would pay for upsetting my Duchess and delaying our meeting. 

            Cassie asked how long I was here for. My heart hurt answering her. I’d already agreed to babysit my siblings tomorrow too. So I had plans….I could portal to her once my parents got back though. I could hold her before she fell asleep. It 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. Her dad was a werewolf. A very impressive werewolf. They didn’t find their mates until they were eighteen. Cassie was upset I was leaving. I hated that. I told her I was sorry. If I’d known we were going to meet….that she was mine….I certainly wouldn’t have taken a mission that long. Not when I’d just found her. She asked what we were going to do. I told her I wanted to respect her dad and his heritage. She pointed out two of her brothers had their mates. She had to know that it was different in everyone’s eyes. 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. It was her and Angela.

            Cassie pouted and said that wasn’t fair. There’s that fairy side I was looking for. So far I’d only seen Hackura. Which made sense….she was my mate. I had a little sister. I’d want someone to respect me too. Honestly, if I wasn’t leaving...I couldn’t wait. I wanted her with me. I’d go talk to her dad now, and deal with the fallout. I wouldn’t leave without her though. 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 told her she didn’t need to wait around for me since I was leaving. If she wanted to date I’d be ok with that. I searched her eyes. She didn’t give any sign she wasn’t ok with that. 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. Something that would probably be harder for her than her siblings since she leaned towards her Hackura side.

            She was quiet. I pulled her down into my lap. She was just so damn beautiful. She blushed. I couldn’t stop my smile. I loved that blush of hers against her perfectly pale skin. She kissed me. We were running our hands all over each other. It was escalating quickly. We were getting lost in each other and the connection we had. I forced myself to ask if she’d done this before. She said no. Damn...I wouldn’t have her first time be in a field. I wasn’t that type of asshole. She asked if I’d done this before. I told her I had...once. Literally not just one girl...I’d had s*x once. She was surprised so I explained. Her eyes flashed gold. I bit my lip. We’d have to keep Cora and Cassie away from each other. Cassie 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. She teased me and told me I was in for it. I was counting on it. I could handle whatever she threw at me. I’d been training my entire life to do just that.