The Alpha's Daughter and Her Commander

Tournament Pt. 1

Cassie is Twenty Years Old

            Cassie looked around her and Cayden’s home. We’d slowly made some changes around the place. Cayden had insisted we buy new furniture together.  I smiled. I missed him. He’d gone with Micah on a mission. Micah was going to infiltrate a hunter ring he’d been working towards getting in with. I wasn’t allowed to talk to my family about it. Cayden was going to fill me in when he got back. Cayden felt the hunters were involved with the drug ring that had started to come up. Uncle Bjourn agreed to his plan to have someone on the inside. The hunting group needed a techy person. Which made Micah the most obvious choice. For now….I guess we were playing nice. Cayden felt that if we just took this cell of hunters down, the bigger group would figure out we were onto them. I knew why Cayden was crusading this mission so hard. It was because of me. For my family. I popped the castle. My grandpa Titus spoke from behind him, “If it isn’t my beautiful granddaughter.” I turned, “Hi Grandpa!” I hugged him. He smiled, “Your grandma and I were just about to sit down for breakfast. Would you care to join?” I smiled, “Sure.” He led me into the dining room. A plate was brought out and set for me. 

            My grandma smiled and stood. She hugged me, “What a pleasant surprise Cassie.” I smiled, “I just didn’t want to sit at home alone anymore. I’m starting to worry Cayden will miss my tournament.” Cayden had taken over as the commander of the Hackura army six months ago. My tournament as his mate was coming up. It was actually in two days. My grandpa laughed, “He won’t miss it. Bjourn is ready to send someone to get him. I don’t think he will have to. Cayden will just order someone to take his place. He’ll be here for your big day.” My grandma smiled, “It’s one of our larger tournaments. More than previous years signed up to fight you.” I snorted, “A lot of women who want what’s mine. There’s this thought that if they can beat me Cayden will choose them. Bitches.” My grandma Veronica winked at me. 

            My grandpa Titus yelled, “EXCUSE ME?! Want him sure? But to think Cayden would choose them over you? I don’t think so.” My grandma laughed, “She won’t lose Titus. Even if she did...Cayden loves her. You know that. He would not choose someone else.” My grandpa frowned, “I don’t think she will lose, but if you lose a match Cassie….Cayden will not leave you. That boy loves you fiercely. Like he should.” I laughed, “I’m not worried about it grandpa...I’m looking forward to putting some people in their places.” Rain snarled, “Cora. That b***h is going down SO HARD.” I had talked to Astrid when Cayden took over. I’d wanted to make sure Cora was in the tournament. My worry she wouldn’t sign up was unfounded. Cora had signed up first. She was my last fight of the day. She would be going down. She would know to stay away from what was mine. Rain agreed wholeheartedly. Normally, I was more subtle, but I’d been nice. Cayden and I were not quiet about our love, but she still couldn’t take a hint. She’d started her whispers about me not having a child yet. That ended quickly and didn’t gain much traction. No one said a single thing about the word lying b***h that was tattooed across her chest the next day either. As my mother would say….you mess with the fairy….you get the hijinks. I’d taken Cayden to the locker room, and we’d had s*x….loudly that day too. She apparently left crying.

        Cayden was too nice to Cora. She just wouldn’t get the hint. He didn’t see how much she hated me. No one did because I’d been systematically shutting the s**t she started down since it happened. The rest of our breakfast passed without incident. I walked back to my house. Milana saw me and ran over. Hendrix was right behind her. I smiled, “Hi Milana.” She smiled, “Hey! I was going to ask how you’re doing. I heard there’s a record number of girls fighting in the tournament this year.” I snorted, “Record number of idiots who think they can have what’s mine you mean.” Hendrix chuckled, “I warned him….I warned him three years ago that the fiery redhead would have a plan….that there would be a plot...he said you had nothing to worry about. I told him that wouldn’t matter. I love him but he is….naïve.” I snorted, “I’ve got plenty to worry about Hendrix...oh and here’s one now.” 

        Cora ran up to us. She ignored me completely. She smiled, “Milana! Hendrix! When Cayden gets back we should all go for coffee and catch up.” Hendrix snorted, “You really need to get a clue.” I laughed, “No...she needs to get a grip.” I shot her in the arm with my sunlight. She screamed. I stared at her. Finally she spoke to me, “That was uncalled for Cassie.” I punched her in the face, breaking her nose. She screamed. I told her, “It’s Duchess Cassie. Disrespect me again Cora. I dare you.” She wiped blood from her nose. She frowned at me, “We are friends.” I snorted, “We are so far from friends it’s ridiculous. You knew full well you were trying to disrespect me and get away with it. You’re in front of the wrong audience Cora. I see you for exactly who you are.”

         My Uncle Logan’s voice came from behind me, “It that so?” Cora paled. I turned, “Nothing I can’t handle Uncle Logan.” My Uncle Logan’s eyes were blazing. He looked at Cora, “I know you think because Cassie doesn’t run to us and tell us the s**t you’re trying to pull that we don’t know. You’re incredibly dense if you think that. My sons have been cursing your s**t for months. Katie cursed you a few months ago to call yourself a wannabe after every sentence a few months ago. Watch yourself Cora. We see and hear everything eventually. You’re lucky my niece has wanted to deal with this on her own or you’d have been in the dungeons or dead by now. Run along before you say something else stupid, and I kill you.” Cora cried, “Cayden won’t like that.” I rolled my eyes, “If I told Cayden ONE of things you’d done….he’d kill you.” Cora shook her head. Hendrix said, “Cora seriously!? What did you do? I don’t know what this is about, but something tells me….Cassie is right. What are you talking about Cass?” I smiled, “Yeah Cora...What AM I talking about? How much do you actually believe that Cayden won’t kill you? Enough to tell his best friend about your tricks? You could even pick one of your milder tricks. Which when you come against a fairy is just sad. I mean seriously. I can out hijinks you any damn day.” Cora literally turned and ran off.

        I yelled, “COWARDASS b***h!” Milana bit her lip. My Uncle Logan said, “Cass...what were you talking about?” I smiled, “Nothing I can’t handle Uncle Logan….I’ll handle her at my tournament. She’s a status person. When I put her on her ass…..she’ll disappear for months.” Hendrix frowned, “Milana….what did Cora do?” Milana said, “There is a girl code Hendrix. I was told in confidence.” My Uncle Logan sighed, “Cass….you know we are ready to take action….your word is all that’s needed.” I kissed his cheek, “I know, but like I told Aunt Astrid….I want people here to respect me. I can handle myself. I don’t want the people to see me as someone who runs to Cayden or you guys when anything happens. I want them to know...I can handle myself.” Hendrix sighed, “No one doubts that.” I smiled, “In two days….none of those bitches will either.” They’d spread rumors I’d trapped Cayden. That I’d tricked him and wasn't his true mate. Milana, Aiylee, and I stopped those before they got too far. I knew they all thought the second I lost a fight in my tournament they’d be right. They’d have to go back to the drawing board when I won. I didn't plan to lose a single one.

            Hendrix sighed, “A few months back...Cora disappeared for several weeks….Why?” I smirked. Because I’d found her naked in Cayden and I’s bed. I’d beat the s**t out of her. She claims she was unprepared and unsuspecting and that’s how I beat her unconscious and so badly...I almost killed her. I popped her to her brother and told him to keep her trash ass out of my bed. That was a disrespectful move even to couples who had off periods. You don’t f**k in the same bed that you have s*x with your mate. The only thing that kept me from killing her was the desire to show everyone here that I could beat her. I wanted to take her down in front of the whole realm. I wanted them to know I was formidable. I was the rightful mate of their commander, and Cora was not. She’d cheated on him with the intent to make him care for her. She wasn’t even that good a fighter, and she sure as f**k wasn’t tactical. 

            My Uncle Logan evaluated me. Hendrix frowned, “Cass, if she’s messing with you.” Milana snorted, “Messing? We passed that SO very long ago.” Hendrix frowned, “Why the hell didn’t you all say anything?” I smiled, “She didn’t say anything because...I have it handled. In two days….I’ll kick her ass...again” Milana teased, “Ohhh you’ll be rid of her the second your mother meets her. Cora is magically not around whenever your mother is here. She’ll sniff that crazy b***h from a mile away.” I laughed, “She will but she will let me handle it.” Milana snorted, “After she threw her across the room with her wind and put her in a tornado.” I smiled, “I could do that too.” Milana laughed, “Yes you could.” My Uncle hugged me, “It can only go so much longer before we do something about Cass.” I smiled. I knew they didn’t know about her being naked in my house. Uncle Bjourn would’ve killed her. There would’ve been a line. I told him, “I intend to take care of it in a few days.” My Uncle nodded. 

            He walked off. Hendrix sighed, “Does Cayden know about this?” I smiled, “Does Cayden know I can handle catty bitches all on my own? Yes. Does Cayden know that I hate Cora with every fiber of my being? Yes. Does Cayden know that she still wants him even though I’m in the picture? No, but that’s because he doesn’t listen to any of us. We ALL know she still wants him. He’s the one who doesn’t see it. He just says she cheated on him so she can’t want him.” Hendrix groaned, “What all has she done Cass?” I smiled, “That’s a very long list we don’t have time to get into.” Hendrix frowned. Milana snorted, “It also involves burned sheets.” I winked, “Singed sheets.” I used my sunlight hands to burn them. Washing them wouldn’t have gotten her off them. They had to go. Hendrix gaped, “You went to her house?” I snorted, “No.” Hendrix’s eyes widened, “She came to yours?!” I smiled, “I didn't say that.” Hendrix groaned, “Oh s**t….you’ve got to tell Cayden.” I smiled, “He’s not going to be back until my tournament. If then…” Hendrix snorted, “Cayden is not going to miss your tournament. He’s been having anxiety about it for months.” I raised an eyebrow, “His anxiety is about my tournament?” Hendrix smirked, “He’s proud of you when you fight, but he also HATES seeing you fight.” I rolled my eyes, “I’ll be fine.” 

            I looked at my phone. I told them both, “I’ve got to pop to my parents’ house. I promised Angela I’d be there. She’s got something….that I just HAVE to see.” Milana snorted, “I love that little girl.” I smiled, “I do too. I waited a long time for my little sister, and she certainly doesn’t disappoint. She’s only six and she’s a firecracker.” I waved and popped to my parents’ house. I smiled at my brother, “Hi Alexander.” I gave him a hug. I asked, “How are you doing?” He shrugged. I linked him, “Alexander?” He sighed, “I just….” I nodded, “Miss Melanie?” He’d confessed all to me after he’d talked to EJ at Elise’s Luna ceremony about how he thought Melanie McAlister was his mate. I’d be grumpier if I was him about the whole thing. A mate was a big deal. I was spitting mad at Jason. It just didn’t jive. He was a good guy, and my brother is a catch. Jason must just be dense to Alexander’s feelings for Melanie. If Alexander wasn’t a good guy….he’d ask one of our cousins to portal Melanie back here. She was living her dream, and he wanted her too. Even though he desperately wanted her here with him. That’s just who Alexander was. 

            I asked him out loud, “Do you have any idea what we are doing here?” Alexander laughed, “We just all had to be here.” Angela and TJ popped in. I linked TJ, “What’s going on?” TJ shrugged, “I’m locked out of this one…” I bit my lip. Then it had to do with TJ himself. I linked Alexander, “One hundred percent...this is about TJ.” Alexander smirked, “Lexi and Chase are coming over. Mom invited them because Angela asked her to. Emmett said Chase actually got a separate invitation on his desk too.” I smiled, “What if Lexi is pregnant and it’s with TJ’s mate?” Alexander smirked, “Stranger things have happened. Mom will scream….so loud.” I bit my lip. He was right. EJ and Elise walked in. I winked at Elise. I popped to EJ and gave him a hug. My dad spoke, “Hi Princess.” I turned around and smiled, “Daddy!” I threw my arms around him. He held me tightly. He whispered, “We miss you around here princess.” I pulled back, “I come back all the time.” My dad smiled, “It’s a good thing too...there are too many people around here who can pop or portal me to you if you don’t visit.” He winked at me. 

            I popped over to my mom. She smiled, “You look beautiful, Cass.” I hugged her. She quickly spoke the space unheard chant then asked, “So what’s this I hear about a blonde fucktard who needs her skull cracked open….I think I heard her name was Corursula.” I bit my lip, “You heard huh?” She nodded, “Yes, I f*****g did….why isn’t she f*****g dead yet?” I laughed, “Several reasons. She’s one of my people. She’s in the army...Why? I couldn’t tell you. She’s not that good at fighting. I want to take her down in front of everyone. I want them to know I am Cayden’s mate for a reason. No lying, cheating, b***h is going to take me down or be better for my man.” My mom smiled, “That’s my girl. Are you wearing the traditional commander’s mate fighting outfit?” I smiled, “Well, that would be no fun….I might have embellished it….just a little.” My mom laughed, “Is your dad going to have a heart attack?” I winced, “It’s possible….but I didn’t change it for him.” My mom smiled, “I’ll handle your dad, don’t you worry.” I smiled, “I never do. I know you’ve got dad, mom.” She smiled, “I do...if you ever need to talk about putting bitches’ heads in a glass dome….you know where to come...or just to talk about kicking their asses….because….I’m one action away from kicking her ass myself. No one messes with my babies.” 

            I kissed the top of her head, “I love you mom. I’ve got this though.” My mom nodded, “Which is why there’s isn’t a blonde fucktard whose name is Corursula hung upside down  FROM A f*****g TREE slowly bleeding to death!” I laughed. My mom continued, “Because I know you have a plan….but my momma side can only take so much before I channel my Hackura side and go assassin princess on people.” I smiled, “If she’s still a problem after my tournament….I’ve reached my limit.” My mom smiled, “Good. I might have charmed all the food in her house to turn into cockroaches when she takes a bite of it.” My eyes widened, “You did?” My mom patted my shoulder, “Of course I f*****g did. No one messes with my babies and gets away with it. You’re lucky your father doesn’t know.” I snorted, “That’s new you know...and dad doesn’t.” My mom frowned, “Of course I know things about the Hackura Realm and Faerie your father doesn't know.” I nodded, “That’s….a way to look at it.” I was sure my dad knew more than my mom thought. She spoke our space heart chant. 

            My dad raised an eyebrow at us. My mom rolled her eyes, “Can’t I catch up with my own damn daughter without raised eyebrows?! All of you...little carbon copies of your father with your raised eyebrows.” I bit my lip realizing all my brothers were shooting us the same look. Angela popped over, “Cass! I’m so excited!” I smiled, “I’ll bet.” Max stood up and started to pace. I frowned, “Max?” He kept on pacing. EJ said, “Max….what’s wrong?” Max frowned, “Micah is worried…...God, he’s nervous…..He’s panicking! I have to go.” I grabbed him, “Wait Max….see if he pulls you. He’s not alone.” Max’s eyes pleaded with me, “I need to know who he’s with….I need to know, Cassie.” I smiled, “Cayden.” Max relaxed, “Ok….but if I feel him get hurt...I’m gone.” I linked Alexander, “He can’t go to Micah…” Alexander frowned, “Why?” I linked back, “Micah is with hunters.” Alexander stiffened. He spoke out loud, “You know Cayden wouldn’t let anything happen to Micah, Max. I’m sure Uncle Gunner is monitoring him closely too. I’m sure there’s a backup to the backup of the backup plan.” 

            Max kept pacing then suddenly sighed in relief. I asked, “All good?” Max nodded, “Yup. He’s surprised and confused, but he’s also relieved. Now he’s curious. I can deal with these emotions.” I didn’t let my relief show, but EJ and Alexander caught it. Before they could ask. Chase walked into the room, “Hello Conners family! I must say the invitation to come here was intriguing. Who invited us beside Haley?” Lexi flashed in. I bit my lip. She was glowing. Alexander and I shot each other a look. TJ instantly popped to her. My dad started laughing, “Oh….I know who invited you and why.” Chase frowned, “Hi TJ….Eric...who invited us?” Lexi squealed, “OH MY GOD! CHASE!” Chase asked, “What? What’s wrong?” Lexi smiled, “I’m glowing, aren’t I Hales?” My mom nodded, “You are.” Lexi clapped, “We are having a little girl Chase!” My mom said, “You are having more twins, Lex.” Lexi slapped Chase on the shoulder, “WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?! Why can’t I just have one at a time!” Chase frowned, “That’s all you sweetheart. There were no twins in my family until we had Emmett, Emma, Keith, and Keaton.” Lexi punched him in the arm, “It’s your fault if I say so.” Chase smirked, “How do you know it’s a girl?” Lexi smiled, “Because TJ has had crushes on girls.”

            Chase looked from TJ to my dad, to my mom, to Lexi several times before he said, “What?” My dad laughed, “Your daughter is TJ’s mate.” TJ gently touched Lexi’s stomach, “Hi, mate.” Lexi jolted, “Holy s**t! I swear I just felt a kick.” Chase sat down, “Oh my god.” Elise laughed, “You could talk to my dad about how weird that is. He knew before I was born too.” Chase snorted, “These twins were conceived in the last few days. Your mother saw Lexi a few days ago. She’d have told her if she was glowing.” My mom snorted, “Of course I f*****g would have.” Lexi clapped, “Oh this is so exciting!” Chase looked pale. Elise bit her lip. They came into the house, and TJ didn’t leave Lexi’s side. Angela clapped, “I knew you’d be so happy TJ!” Lexi laughed, “You sent us the invitation.” Angela nodded, “Yup! I wanted everyone to be here for this moment. I’m so excited!” I laughed. I loved that for TJ. I’d wished that Cayden and I had known each other longer. 

            I stepped outside. Ghiza appeared. I smiled, “Hello Ghiza.” Ghiza frowned, “What’s this I hear about you and Cora?” I smiled, “Umm her name is now Corursula. I need to ask mom why.” Ghiza frowned, “We’ve backed off when you’re in the Hackura realm…..I’m thinking we need to rethink that.” I smiled, “I can handle myself.” I linked my mom, “Why Corursula?” My mom snored, “Because she wants to wrap her tentacles around something that is not hers. That’s why.” I smiled, “You just have to love my mom.” Ghiza said, “You do…..Do I need to talk to the King and the Commander?” I raised an eyebrow, “I can handle crazy bitches that want my man….just like my mom does.” Ghiza sighed, “There was the first crazy b***h that was allowed to carry on FAR too long before her head was put in glass in your dad's office. Do not let it get that far, little Duchess.” I nodded, “I don’t plan to. I plan to put the smack down on her at my tournament.” Ghiza studied me, “You know she cannot plan to fight fair.” I smiled, “Oh...I’m counting on it, but see….I have my Melanie McAlister bracelet. I’ll know if she’s packing anything that can hurt me.” Ghiza sighed, “You won’t tell me if she does, will you?” I smiled, “I’m a big girl now, Ghiza. I fight my own battles.”

            Alexander’s voice came from behind me, “With us, of course.” I turned. Alexander knew all of what Cora had done. I’d had to make him promise not to retaliate before I told him. He’d been in the gym for hours afterwards. He’d also worked out a flex position being a squadron leader for Cayden with EJ. He wanted to be closer to me. He was there enough anyway. He worked out in the Hackura realm often. Cora had tried to get with him after Cayden and I came home from our mission right after we’d met. It did not go well. It never went well for girls that wanted Alexander. He had room in his heart for one girl….Melanie McAlister. 

            An omega who worked in the kitchens walked by. She smiled and held out a plate, “Cookies?” I nodded. EJ and Alexander did too. I ate the cookie then sighed. Melanie was living her dream. She’d meet Alexander, and they’d be happy once she came home. EJ snarled. I frowned, “EJ?” I followed his gaze. Robert from Red Run was getting in his car. He glared back at EJ. I asked, “What is he doing here?” Alexander answered, “He’s dating the omega who just gave us cookies.” EJ linked us both, “He’s using her to stay close to Elise, and I want to RIP HIS HEAD OFF!” I frowned, “Do you know he’s using the omega….or do you think?” EJ snorted, “Oh, I know.” I frowned. I needed to talk to this girl then. She deserved better. I watched her put the cookies down for everyone inside.

            When she stepped back outside I grabbed her. I smiled, “Hi...It’s Karina right?” She nodded, “Yes, Alpha Cassie.” I smiled, “Just Cassie….How long have you been dating Robert from Red Run?” She smiled, “Oh since last year. We met at Luna Elise’s ceremony. Neither of us have met our mate. I really like him. He’s a warrior but he doesn’t mind watching me in the kitchen. He said that he loves watching me work. I usually fix lunch for him while he waits.” I nodded, “Alright….you’re happy though?” She nodded, “He was honest with me. He told me that he used to like Luna Elise, but once she turned eighteen he understood she wasn’t his.” I’d made her tell me the truth. The question was….Was Robert telling the truth? I nodded, “Alright. Let me know if you need anything. Ok, Karina?” She nodded and bounced off.

            EJ waited for her to get out of ear shot then said, “He might have told her that, but it’s a lie.” I frowned, “Time will tell. He can’t date her forever. They aren’t mates. Eventually he will stop coming around here.” Alexander snored, “He stays out of your way EJ….he doesn’t even really approach Elise.” EJ nodded, “And he’d better keep it that way.” I smiled, “Elise is yours EJ. She’s your Luna. No one can take that from you.” Alexander muttered, “Because they let you meet her.” We both looked over at him. EJ said, “Hey...you’ll meet Mel…” Alexander frowned, “She’s living her dream. How can I get in the way of that? I don’t even know if she’s mine.” I rolled my eyes, “That’s bullshit Alexander. Her scent tells you she’s yours.” Alexander shrugged, “People are possessive of her.” I got in his face, “You are not people. You are Alpha Alexander Conners. You are a squad leader of the Hackura army. You are an Alpha and an Enforcer of this pack. Your instincts tell you she’s yours. The other people claim they WANT to make her theirs….there’s a difference.”