Her running outfit told me I’d never focus in training sessions again when she was there. I wanted to claim her as mine and couldn't stop myself from kissing her. My blood was pounding, and I was painfully hard. I rolled on top of her and ran my hands down her gorgeous, curvy body.
GOD! She was perfect and so responsive to my touch. I could have fun with that throughout our lives. She groaned in annoyance. Shit. Did I go too fast? Then she said someone was coming. Now, I was convinced someone had a death wish.
I stood up but when I looked back at her her eyes were wide staring at my dick. There was wonder, curiosity, and a little fear. Mostly lust. I needed to be buried inside her and my teeth itched to be buried in her neck.
It made me want to consume her and be all she’d ever know. Mine. She was going to torture me with her lustful, innocent eyes. I got rid of Jed because it wouldn’t be good if someone else found out Cassie and I were mates before we told her family and mine.
Jed was in for a world of hurt when I got home because I could be going down on my mate right now if not for him. I could be tasting her delicious juices. This also confirmed for me that she had the same hearing her siblings did. I’d definitely have to keep my army in line. I wouldn’t have her hearing that shit and feeling uncomfortable. Not here. Not in our home.
To calm myself down I had her talk to me. I needed to hear that sweet voice. Hearing her story, I knew Cassandra was VERY lucky I’d missed meeting Cassie until now. I knew why Uncle Bjourn and the others had let some things go; however, I was not inclined to let things that hurt My Duchess slide, ever. We talked about powers. I’d actually 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. Wow. The wind caught her hair. She looked more like an Angel than anything else to me at that moment. I knew everything she told me and then some. I knew that people had been after her since before she was even born. They couldn’t have her. Cassie Conners was MY Duchess. She was mine, and I protected what was mine.
EJ texted her about coming home. I wanted her to stay here where I could keep an eye on her. I needed to talk with her guard and work out a plan to keep her safe. That’s what I did. Action items and planning. I took her phone and added my number in it.
I smiled and put my contact information as ‘My Commander.’ She’d have to look for it which would amuse her Fairy side. Besides, I intended to call her My Duchess. Plus, I was definitely hers. We made our plans. I was absolutely telling her where I was, so she’d come to me. I needed her with me more than I thought I would. Not being around her seemed devastating right now.
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 and not pounce on her. I could do that. I had restraint somewhere in pinky toe. I could steal several kisses. Yup, I could do that.
We made out until she had to leave. She popped away and I groaned and laid back in the grass. I yelled, “Fuck you, Jed.” I’d been so close to tasting her I could practically feel it. I had to smile again because Cassie Conners, Hackura 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, but it was Hendrix.
Hendrix:Hey, Malina left an hour ago. I went by your place and 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:That didn’t answer my question but ok.
I ran back to my place. Several people waved as I ran by. I showered quickly, grabbed a pair of shorts, and ran back out back to the path to the pond. I touched the yellow Adirondack chairs I’d bought. I whispered, “Soon, my Duchess.” I couldn’t wait to bring her out here.
I left and headed to Hendrix’s. 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 warned, “Cora’s looking for you because she heard you were back. You’d think she’d take a hint.” I snorted, “She cheated on me then followed me into the streets to announce she had when I wasn’t going to make a big spectacle. She made it clear she doesn’t care.”
Hendrix laughed, “Well, Malina said she tried the age old trick in a horrible way. My mate said she messed it up. Apparently, when you make a guy jealous you don’t fuck someone else. You flirt.” Isnorted, “We weren’t in love.” Hendrix laughed, “No my friend, you were not in love. She was head over heels.”
I raised an eyebrow, “We talked about our feelings a lot. I liked her well enough, and she liked me. We both knew we weren’t in love though. She said she wasn’t to my face. Beside her words do you know how I know she didn’t love me? She fucked one of my friends during an on period.”
Hendrix asked, “Did I miss a memo? Do you forgive Eagan? You’re friends again? Because Milana has staunchly cut him out of our circle. That will be awkward.” I snorted, “Forgive him? Sure. Trust him? Hell no. I’ll never trust him again. Milana doesn’t need to change her plans. I should’ve said ex-friend.” I couldn’t keep the smile off my face.
Hendrix smiled, “You seem chipper.” I admitted, “I am. I wish I wasn’t leaving.” Hendrix tilted his head, “Oh? That’s new. Why? You are always excited to leave for your next mission.” 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. Us mated men know if we don’t get the pertinent details we get yelled at by our mates. I’ve had classes on what details I MUST have when there’s a story to be told. So, I have to know what’s put that smile on your face. Also, 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 assured him, “It’s fine. Trust me, all is well.” Hendrix raised an eyebrow, “Well unless she’s your ma…” He trailed off.
He shouted, “HOLY SHIT! NO FUCKING WAY! You met your damn mate, and you ran into my house talking about JED!” I pointed out, “You were talking about Jed when I got here, not the other way around. He’s low on my list since maybe I could’ve been tasting things if he hadn’t shown back up.”
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 teased, “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 snorted, “You said nothing about Jed interrupting you tasting things, but you said nothing. Sure. Damn the timing sucks though. You gonna talk to her dad when you get back?”
I tapped my chin, “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.” I shook my head.
He whistled, “Hearts will break all over the realm because you're officially off the market. Not even kind of off the market either. Once you mark her, that’s it man. No off periods because of her wolf side.” I shrugged, “I don’t care. It’s not like I’m some ladies’ man now. Hypothetically, anyway.” Hendrix rolled his eyes, “Hypothetically, my ass! 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 knew he’d tell Milana who would also keep it quiet.
