The Alpha's Daughter and Her Commander

Tell Me Everything Pt. 1

Cassie is Seventeen Years old

            I sat in my room. My mind drifted to last year when Alexander, EJ and I had this talk about mom’s past with my parents. I still shivered when I thought about what happened to my mother during her childhood. EJ, Alexander and I were waiting for Max And Wesley in Max’s room. They were having that talk with mom today. Mom had planned to wait until they were sixteen like she did with us, but….Max was in Faerie today, and he heard people talking about it. Uncle Aiden was furious that this had happened. Max had been sobbing and begging Uncle Aiden to tell him what they said wasn’t true. Alexander had popped to Max feeling his distress. Max clung to him saying that no one would’ve whipped and raped mom. Alexander had been furious. Several fairies had severe headaches right now. They were lucky Alexander didn’t kill them. If he didn’t need to get Max home to mom….he probably would’ve killed them. Alexander stood and started pacing. 

            EJ frowned, “Alexander….it’s not your fault.” Alexander turned, “We are supposed to protect them!” I frowned, “Wes and Max are fifteen, Alexander. Max just wanted to spend some time in Faerie. Our siblings do that. We do that. We couldn’t have done anything about this.” Alexander ran a hand through his hair, “Max shouldn’t have ever heard about this that way. Why can’t fairies just respect mom for god’s sake?! Just stop talking about her when we are around. It’s the LEAST they could do for her.” I frowned, “I think Uncle Aiden is going to make them do just that. He put them in the dungeons, big brother.” Alexander snorted, “I know he did. He was just as upset as I was.” I hugged him, “You went to Max as soon as you knew. That’s all you could’ve done.” EJ added, “You went to him before we did.” Alexander sighed, “I have that connection to everyone’s distress. I’ve learned what type means what.” I smiled, “Still….you were there for him.” Alexander kept pacing. EJ linked me, “Just let him pace. He saw Max in that hysterical state. He saw mom upset that he found out that way. He saw Wes upset that Max was so upset.” I added, “He can also feel how upset all of them are right now.” EJ frowned, “I know. He feels differently than we do.”

            He did. I could feel their emotions, but Alexander was tapped into the complexities of their distress...or god forbid if they got hurt. After a few hours, we felt Wes and Max getting closer to us. Both ran through the door of EJ’s room at the same time. I held out my arms and Wes ran to me. Max was already in Alexander’s arms sobbing. Wesley asked me, “How could they? How could they do that to mom? How?” I rubbed his head, “I don’t know Wes…..” Wesley cried, “She’s the strongest person I know.” I smiled, “Me too. I want to be just like her when I grow up.” Wes laughed a little, “You are just like mom.” I smiled, “With a little more bite and wolf.” Wesley laughed, “You got the mom and dad knock out combo, Cass.” I smiled and kissed his forehead, “It will be ok, Wes. Mom really is ok. She has her ghosts, but she’s here with us. She’s who she is, and no one will take that from her.” Wes snarled, “I’d kill them if they tried.” EJ said, “You would not be alone in that.” Wes asked, “What are we doing about this? We are doing something, right?” EJ nodded, “We are preparing to fight the rings. They’ve gotten good at hiding, but we are going to find them. When we do, they will pay for what they did to our mother.”

            Max snarled, “They’d better.” I laughed, “We WILL get them Max. They WILL pay for this.” Wes said, “Not just for mom….they want you too Cass.” I smiled, “Wanting does not produce results. They don’t have me. I can fight just like you guys can. Even without fairy powers….I’d fight like hell.” EJ smirked, “You won’t have to.” Max said, “Yeah….I’m not with that. I can’t handle any other god awful s**t going down. They will NEVER get you Cass or mom. They will NEVER get her back.” Alexander said, “They won’t. Mom only got taken because of Uncle Arion.” Max sighed, “You said you guys have met him.” I nodded, “I talk to him not infrequently. I let him pull me at least once a month. He will pull you all to the Beyond to talk.” Wes snorted, “Good. Then I can hunt up Fabian and show him what real power looks like.” Max smirked, “I’m so in.” Alexander smirked, “Make sure to ask if he remembers EJ and me.” I rolled my eyes. Wes said, “You didn’t go meet him did you, Cass?” I shook my head, “No. I have no desire to meet the monster in our mother’s mind. If he seeks me out he will wish he hadn’t. Just like Alania wishes she hadn’t.” 

            Wes shrieked, “You’ve met Alania?” I nodded, “I have. She pulled me when I lowered my defense to let Uncle Arion pull me. She regrets that with every fiber of her being. She’s rusty on her fighting skills, and her earth powers are pitiful compared to mine.” EJ smirked, “You do have strong earth powers.” I rolled my eyes, “I got to Faerie to see Aiylee more than you guys go there.” Alexander asked, “How is our cousin and Exsis doing?” I smiled, “They are great. They are actually really cute.” EJ asked, “Did they share their light with each other?” I smiled, “I can’t tell you that. That’s between them.” They had. Aiylee was all about Exsis and he was all in on her. Alexander snorted, “They have EJ. You’ve seen how happy they are together. That type of happiness among the Fae is with those who have shared their lights. Aiylee has stopped talking about how hot guys are. She doesn’t even look. It’s very un-fairy of her.” I laughed, “That’s not fair brother. They are changing as a people. Evolving. The fairies our age share their light. Even if they are mated with older fairies. The resistant ones are the older earth and sky fairies. Fire and Water are on board. Even the sky and earth fairies are coming around.”

            Max sighed, “I really can’t talk about fairies right now. Or I may just go fairy hunting for sky and earth fairies with a stick up their ass.” I bit my lip. Alexander linked me, “Would it even be the worst thing if he did?” I snorted, “As long as you are with him, big brother no.” Alexander winked, “As if someone gets to have an outdated backwards ass fairy hunting party without me.” I smiled, “Never. I’d take you on any hunt I had.” Alexander smirked, “You’d better, little sister.” I rolled my eyes at him. EJ linked me, “Whatever you and Alexander are plotting….stop it.” I smirked, “Technically….we were discussing Max’s wannabe fairy hunt. Alexander was going to join him.” EJ smirked, “I’d join them too.” I rolled my eyes, “Then you’d need me to join. You all have no subtlety. That’s why you have me.” I flipped my hair. EJ smiled and kissed my head. Wes asked, “What did I miss?” I laughed. EJ said, “There is no fairy hunting party, but if we had one we need Cass because she’s stealthy and we aren't subtle.” Alexander smirked, “Who needs to be subtle? Showing up and killing people is always effective.” I snorted, “If you only want to kill that one group of people, that’s true. You are talking about multiple people….you can’t just show up and murder everyone….the other group would run. There is stealth that needs to be involved. Honestly….you all are lost without me.” 

            Alexander walked over and picked me up and spun me around. He put me down, “You’re right, little sister. We would be lost without you.” He kissed the top of my forehead. Wes sighed, “Your mate had better be awesome.” I rolled my eyes, “He’s taking his sweet time showing up.” Max and Alexander huffed. Alexander had something going on he wasn’t sharing. I had a theory that it involved the invisible possibly imaginary Melanie McAlister. What was NOT imaginary about Melanie was her toy wolf. I’d asked a Red Run pack member about the wolf in all the family photos at the McAlister’s anniversary party. They’d looked at me like I was crazy and said it was Ladybug’s stuffed wolf toy. I still didn’t get why I was the crazy one when they were the ones who showed up with a million pictures without ONE of her in it. Just her toy wolf. Yet we were all acting like that was perfectly normal. It was not normal. What was their deal? We kept missing meeting her…..that was weird enough….now she’s not in any pictures where….she’s….well she was clearly in the pictures they just removed her. The wolf though…. Melanie’s wolf looked just like Alexander. I’d caught him studying those pictures. He got prouder with every picture he saw with the toy wolf. He liked that Imaginary Melanie had a toy that looked like his wolf. I was the only one who’d noticed him doing that though besides my dad. 

            I shook myself. EJ said, “Wes...go see buttercup and settle yourself.” Wes frowned, “I’m going to see Uncle Aiden with Max. Then I’ll go see her.” EJ nodded. I told them, “I’ll go with you. I want to see Aiylee.” EJ snorted, “I’m going to the Hackura realm. Alexander and I are sparring with Cayden.” My heart jumped. I frowned, “You didn’t tell me that! I’m the only one who hasn’t met him! Then you make plans and don’t even tell me.” Alexander laughed, “He’s a busy man.” Rain purred, “Sexy….he’s a busy sexy man.” I linked, “We’ve never seen him.” Rain snorted, “He sounds sexy.” She was right. He did. The mere mention of his name had me wanting to drool. I’d been crushed when he was delayed on a mission at my Uncle Bjourn’s coronation. It had delayed my Aunt Astrid’s crowing as queen. I’d missed it because I was in Faerie for a whole month. I’d missed him. I was embarrassed because the fact that I’d missed him was what I was most upset about. I sighed, “I could’ve trained with him too.” Alexander shrugged, “Sorry sis. It came up at the last minute. He texted us an hour ago that he was back.” I sighed, “How long is he back for this time?” EJ shrugged, “Didn’t ask. Why?” I sighed, “Men. Are you incapable of asking the pertinent questions?” Max snorted, “I think Cass has her eyes set on a new boyfriend since her and Jason broke up.” 

            I rolled my eyes, “We weren’t dating. We were friends.” Wes raised an eyebrow, “Friends who kissed.” I sighed, “We knew we weren’t mates...I can have friends I kiss if I want. I like Jason. He’s great. Even if he does have a weird imaginary little sister he talks about that no one has seen.” EJ sighed, “Uhhh excuse me….I’ve seen her.” I smirked, “So you say….so you say. Where is our picture proof, big brother? Maybe they spelled you to go along with this long running gag...or hired a child actress to keep the ruse alive.” EJ laughed, “Ladybug is the worst liar of all time.” I frowned, “She can’t be that bad. She insists she doesn’t cross the border.” Alexander growled. Oh, did I strike a nerve? I raised an eyebrow at him.

             EJ sighed, “I don’t know what’s going on with that, but I believe her. She’s not crossing the border.” Now I was intrigued. EJ was a good judge of character. He had to be. I nodded, “Ok…if you need me…” EJ nodded, “Thanks Cass.” I nodded, “Of course. You guys know all you have to do is ask….I’ve got the stealth and the right questions to make people spill their secrets.” Alexander laughed, “Oh we know.” And yet….he was keeping things from me about Melanie McAlister. Was he embarrassed because she was only twelve? I shrugged it off. He’d tell us eventually. 

        I grabbed my little brothers and popped to Faerie. My Uncle Aiden raised an eyebrow, “Cassie….I did not expect to see you.” I smiled, “Just dropping them off.” I kissed his cheek and whispered, “Own  da.  Point Megroup falhing  own.  Cuz group   orto. own  da     canbe sper point. (You are a good man uncle. Never forget that please. We all love you. Even if they are upset for now....you are a good man, your past is just that. The past.)” My Uncle smiled, “own mene da  sper canis   cassie.  Own   addto own  so.  Meself  own (you have a heart just like your mother Cassie. You are kind and you love so deeply. I love you.) I smiled, “Meself  own , addto so act group (I love you too, and so do they).” I kissed his cheek and sent my brothers my support in our connection before I popped to Aiylee. 

            When I popped to her I saw she was fuming mad. She was pacing and her hands were thrown up in the air. She said, “I swear Exsis….I’m going to start having people’s heads CHOPPED OFF! HOW DARE THEY do this to my father! He had one more year to prepare for this again….and those unable to KEEP their mouths shut shits had to push this up. How hard is that? They kept their mouths shut while it happened to my aunt and NOW suddenly they have to SHOUT about it in front of my cousins! How DARE they do this to my family! To my Cousin Max! Honestly, it’s like they try to annoy me.” Exsis sighed, “My love, I do not think that’s why. Your aunt is popular gossip here. Her past is something that baffles everyone here. Those that knew her didn’t bother to look close at her to see she was clearly hiding something. Then there are those who are stunned and surprised she managed to survive. Let alone be the functioning….fun version of her we see now.” 

            Aiylee shrieked, “SO? They couldn’t have spread their gossiping whispers when my Aunt was young? They couldn't have whispered where Uncle Arion or my dad could’ve heard them? Maybe my mom would’ve never fled with me if they had. We would’ve known each other...that we were mates my whole life Exsis! My dad would’ve done something about Uncle Fabian! He wouldn’t have ever touched me and told me it was normal! He wouldn’t have made me feel gross and ashamed! My Uncle Arion could still be alive! They DARE throw that in our faces every so often with my cousins?! It is ENOUGH!” 

            Exsis stood and wrapped his arms around her. I wiped a tear away. Exsis said, “I’m so sorry about your Uncle Arion. I am sorry I did not fully know the extent to which Haley was suffering. For my own part, I could not prove it. We were trying to prove it, but….we had nothing. I would’ve taken even the tiniest shred to your father. I’m so sorry Aiylee. It enrages me that he ever touched you. You are not dirty. He is a disgusting old man who should’ve never laid eyes on you.” Aiylee held onto him crying, “I’m so sick of them doing this to my family. Everyone is hurting and I can’t stop it. It destroys my dad when he has to talk about the past with Aunt Haley. He hates himself for it.” 

            Exsis sighed, “I know he does my love. He and I have had many discussions about it. He cannot change it, but he would if he could. It kills him. He feels he should’ve known, but he couldn't have. That’s the thing about the rings. They know how to hide. Fabian used Aiden’s grief about the death of his father to hide his true nature and wormed his way into his life. He became the rock Aiden needed. That’s what manipulative people do. Fabian….was a disgusting man, but he was good at manipulation. He was good at putting on a face with those he wanted to. I saw him around your father. It was a night and day difference from when a member of his family that weren’t his sons were around. It wasn’t your dad’s fault. Fabian should’ve been a most trusted advisor, not a weed wrapping around the flowers in his garden slowly killing all that was there. What the Conners' children will see is that your dad turned it around. It is sad that your Uncle Arion…..is it sad that he fractured his soul because of your grandma’s whispers. He should be here to stand beside your dad. Haley and Aiden needed him. He was meant to be there. I will never not be angry that he’s not. He’s their balance, and they both struggle without him when they shouldn’t.” Aiylee cried into his chest. 

            After a few moments I conjured us drinks and cleared my throat. I handed her an alcoholic fairy beverage. She laughed and took it from me. We both drank them. She snapped us two more. Exsis smiled, “I’ll leave you ladies to talk. I’ll go wait for Aiden to finish his chat with the little wolves.” Aiylee kissed him, “I love you something ridiculous. Exsis. Thank you for doing that.” Exsis smiled, “Of course my love.” He popped away. I sighed, “What a freaking day Aiylee.” Aiylee snorted, “The day is still young.” I sighed, “Tell me about it.” We had a few more drinks. I told her, “You know what irks me?” Aiylee giggled, “Men who don’t know what they want.” I pointed my drink at her, “YES! They do...but that’s not what I meant.” Aiylee frowned, “Tell me cousin.” I rolled over, “Alexander and EJ are sparring with Cayden, and they didn’t tell me or invite me.” Aiylee tilted her head, “Cayden Crawford? The man you insist is a hottie, but you haven't seen yet?” I nodded. Aiylee continued, “The man who will one day lead the Hackura army?” I sighed, “That’s the one. They didn’t tell me until they were leaving. They don’t even know how long he’s going to be here for this time.” Aiylee laughed, “This….my dear cousin….is why you have me. Tap into that fairy side of yours….pop to the Hackura realm. Use your stealth….spy on the possible hottie named Cayden. He might not even be worthy of your time. You must keep in mind girls that look like you….needs a man not a boy.” 

            I giggled, “Don’t you just KNOW he’s a man? His full name is…Cayden Aaron Crawford, future commander. He has to be hot.” Aiylee laughed, “Cassie and Cayden sitting in a tree K-I-S-S-I-N-G.” I started laughing, “I can’t believe that until we came around...this realm did not know of that teasing taunt.” Aiylee snorted, “Because it’s absurd….why would two people trying to kiss sit in a tree? You could get lost in the passion of the moment and FALL OUT OF THE TREE!” I started laughing, “You’re right!” We lost ourselves to a fit of giggles. I started waving my hands in the air, “Oh god….can’t you just see it?! Two people just falling out of a tree.”

            Aiylee laughed, “The poor humans would probably have to go to the emergency room. Imagine the healer's faces!” I laughed harder, “We call them doctors.” Aiylee cackled, “Whatever….just picture it!” I started laughing harder. Eventually we stopped laughing. Aiylee snapped us more drinks. She chugged her and motioned for me to do the same. I did. She clapped, “Now….go get your stealth on and find hottie hottie with a possibly good body, Cayden. I bet he wants to meet you too.” I rolled my eyes, “Most Hackura want to stay far away from me because of who my family is.” Aiylee rolled her eyes, “The cowardass troglodytes who do not recognize the hotness that is Cassie Conners and do not act upon it because a few hurdles do NOT deserve your thoughts. The FUTURE commander of the armies better have some balls. That’s what I’ll say about that.” I laughed, “You are too much Aiylee.” 

            She smiled, “I’m just right. One cannot be too much. Now….go get you some cousin of mine. Challenge him to a fight and DAZZLE him with your skills. He’ll HAVE to ask you out then.” I laughed, “You think so?” Aiylee nodded, “Oh...I know so.” I smiled then frowned. Aiylee asked, “What?” I sighed, “When he meets his mate...she’ll have to have a tournament and fight a few people to get everyone all excited about their commander’s mate.” Aiylee frowned, “Who says you’re not his mate?” I snorted, “Shut up Aiylee.” Aiylee smirked, “I will not shut up. You’ve never met him….he is a single unmated Hackura…..you think your mate is a Hackura….” I gaped at her. Aiylee sighed, “Do I have to draw you a picture, cousin? Get ….to...popping….see if Cayden Crawford is yours. If he is, you'll have to invite me to this tournament of yours. I WILL be your loudest cheerleader.” I snorted, “My mom’s pretty loud….” Aiylee smirked, “One might try to outmatch me but as your cousin….I will be louder.” I laughed, “You’re right. It could be him. Oh god….I’m getting too excited.” Rain perked up, “He could be though…..I love his name. I always have.” Aiylee smiled, “That would be our paths. Us both having men we should’ve known forever were ours, but….we missed them by weird twists….and sometimes cruel twists of fate. Don’t let the cruel parts of fate win any longer, cousin. Go!” I laughed and kissed her cheek. 

            Aiylee squealed, “Call me later! I want details…..I better know either way mate or no….if the man is a good kisser. You’ve been thinking about kissing him for YEARS!” I laughed, “Shut up Aiylee!” Aiylee rolled her eyes, “If I have to tell you to get moving one more time….I’ll kick some ass.” I laughed, “You can’t kick my ass cousin….I’m better with swords.” Aiylee laughed, “We would have ourselves quite a battle though, and I love you too much so….” I laughed and popped away. I truly did love my cousin. 

            I popped to a hill where I could see the training facility. I knew they’d be outside today. To my surprise no one was fighting. That was weird. I heard people coming though. I popped into the tree. I heard, “I swear to god….how is it...that I’m the only one who’s never even glimpsed Duchess Cassie Conners?” The voice laughed, “She’s beautiful.” I heard a punch. Then, “Hey! What the hell Cayden?” Cayden said, “Leave before I hit you again.” The guy said, “Whoa! What IS it with you and the Duchess? You know if you f****d her…..that could cause problems. If you break her heart, they will break you.” I heard another punch. Cayden commanded, “Don’t you talk about her like that!” I heard, “Damn Cayden you broke my nose! Look, people around here look but don’t touch when it comes to the duchess.” Cayden snorted, “Fearless protectors of the realm indeed. I clearly have bravery to instill in my men.” Rain whispered, “He sounds hot...why are we in a tree? They aren’t that close by.” She was right. I could hear them because of how well I could hear. 

        A scent hit me like lightning. I could smell coconuts. Rain purred, “Is Aiylee right? Can’t they walk faster?!” I was almost falling out of the tree I was leaning so far forward. I nearly laughed thinking how Aiylee and I were just laughing about this. I saw him. I barely held back Rain’s growl of mine as my brain whispered it too. I wiped drool from the corner of my mouth. He was shirtless and boy….did he work out. He was ripped. Rain purred, “He’s so handsome.” He had black hair with a light black beard. Rain said, “We are getting all over that Cassie! MATE IS HOT! We were right about that.” Yes we were. A guy was trailing after him with a bloody nose. Cayden looked over at the tree I was in. I shrank back. He couldn’t see me. There was no way. Cayden whirled around, “Go home Jed.” Jed frowned, “Come on man. Don’t be like that!” Cayden said, “Unless you want your ass kicked again after the beating you took from Alexander….leave.” Jed snorted, “Don’t know what his problem is.” Cayden rolled his eyes, “He doesn’t have a problem. He’s intense. Try to find a fraction of his drive, and I’ll be happy. GO!” Jed sighed and took off running.

Cayden walked closer to me then spoke, “Whoever you are….get down here.” My eyes widened. I didn’t move. Rain said, “Uhhh hello….get moving!” I sighed, “Don’t you want to have a better meet story than oh gee….He found me...IN A TREE?!” Rain snickered, “I like it. Make him come up here and kiss you.” Cayden raised an eyebrow and said, “Come down, or I will come up.” I popped down in front of him. His eyes widened. He gripped my waist and looked into my eyes, “Mine!” I smiled, “Yours.” His lips were on mine. It felt like heaven. Jason was a good kisser but Cayden...I could feel it in my toes. I wrapped my arms around his neck. He gently bit my lip. I’d never felt safer than I did in his arms. Eventually our lips pulled part. He was breathing heavily against my forehead. He pulled his head back so he could look into my eyes. He was smirking. Rain purred, “Let’s make him smirk all the time.” I agreed wholeheartedly. Cayden spoke, “Duchess Cassie Conners, I presume.” I smirked, “Cayden Aaron Crawford, future commander of the Hackura army...I presume.” Cayden grinned broadly, “One in the same my Duchess.” I rolled my eyes, “Just Cassie...or Cass…” Cayden smiled, “I prefer mine.” I felt my inside melt.