Aunt Astrid squealed, “Seriously? You and Cayden are mates? Bless Aesir above. Titus is GOING to throw a parade.” My mom gasped, “Um exfuckingcuse me! I throw the parades! Me. I have a title and everything.” Given by Aunt Astrid actually but it did make me laugh. Astrid said, “True. Go ahead and start to prepare for your dad to ask to you plan a parade because one of his granddaughters is mated to a Hackura.”
Uncle Bjourn smiled, “The future Commander of the Hackura Army.” My mom said, “Right now we should REALLY go make sure we can calm Cayden down. We probably don’t have enough Fairies for him to kill. So Cass, let’s go calm your mate down so we can all talk with your dad. I’m already convinced a confusing shit show is ensuing in the dungeons because, while all those men are smart, when it comes to females of this family, they stick their fucking hands over their eyes and see nothing.”
I gulped, “You want us all to talk to daddy? Good thing Cayden’s the future Commander then.” Aaron and Uncle Bjourn started laughing. Eventually Uncle Bjourn said, “If it matters I was worried about your mate, but now I’m happy.” I smirked, “Can you tell my dad that?”
My mom snorted, “Your dad will be happy, or I’ll hit him in the back of head with a sexist stick. Cayden is a good man who happens to be the future Commander of the Hackura army. You couldn’t be more protected by your mate if you tried.”
I smiled, “I know. Let’s go find Cayden.” Astrid snorted, “We do know where he is. Just so you know, I’ve never felt him this mad before.” Aaron replied, “Because he has never been this mad before.” My mom linked, “Next time, let’s try communication before making date plans. I know it hurt your feelings and that’s really fucking hard. I made a similar mistake with your dad when Claudzilla stormed into our lives. I didn’t go on a date but I did shut him out thinking it would hurt less. It didn’t. It fucking hurt not talking to him. Just learn from this moment and move on.” I nodded.
Ethan took the IV out my hand and linked, “Go get your man little Alpha Luna. The Alpha will be fine.” I smirked, “What about the rest of them?” Ethan smiled, “It’s fifty fifty if we are being honest.” I laughed out loud and started out the door to go find My Commander.
My Duchess
Cayden is Twenty 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 Conners.
Me:I’m back. If you can spar later I’m free.
Alexander:I’ll be there in thirty minutes.
He was quite the motivator for the troops here since he could beat them all. He was almost as intense as I was. Plus, I really liked him. I liked all the Conners kids I’d met. I sighed heavily because I wanted to meet the Duchess. I just hadn’t. I kept missing Cassie Conners and it killed me every time.
Some of my friends, besides Hendrix and Milana, thought I was crazy. I thought they were pansy ass cowards who couldn’t talk to or ask a beautiful girl out. I hadn’t seen her, but I knew she was beautiful. 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 one bit.
I didn’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 definitely it. I don’t have a hard on for a girl I’d still 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 to make sure 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 came out of her room.
She hugged me, “We didn’t expect you today.” I smiled teasing her, “That’s what makes it a surprise, mom.” I winked at Tenley as 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 motioned for him to open up, “Let’s see.” He opened his mouth. I saw the missing tooth in question. I agreed, “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…” He trailed off then yelled, “Cayden?!” My dad walked over and hugged me. He laughed, “You’re home.” I replied, “You gotta check the bond every so often dad. I had a few days of down time, so I 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 chimed in, “We are. Since you’re here I have a question.” I nodded, “Go ahead.” She crossed her arms, “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 pointed out, “I have to be picky. Your friends’ kids are not the future Commander of the Hackura Army. I am. I need a certain type to be the mother of my children.”
I added, “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 and she babysat me mom. I know the stories aboutwhat 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 if it’s not the way they should be being treated.”
My mom sighed, “I raised such a good man. I blame myself, but I agree I would have to beat the shit 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 assuring her, “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 before then.” My mom laughed, “They all look up to you, so I know they’ll follow your lead. They could meet their mates when they turn sixteen though. 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 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 that I was playing. Eventually I’d meet her.
I got to the training facility. Jed smiled when he saw me, “Cayden! Hey 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 years ago when she fucked 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. 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…” I trailed off and he winced.
I added, “Well, I’m not a fool.” Jed sighed, “Yeah, I know you’re not. She’s just my little sister, you know?” I nodded, “I do know.” Hendrix walked in and came over to me giving me a hug. He said, “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 denied that, “Never man.” I heard two pops and several groans. I looked at Hendrix who blinked twice letting me know she wasn’t here with our signal. 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 winked, “You are in a rare group that can tell us apart.” I replied, “My men should be able to tell you apart on sight as well. We are to be observant in the field.” Several straightened while Alexander smirked at me.
