Rise of the Underdogs: KADEN

Building Her Up

As I walked up to Colt’s house, I kept my ears open for the sound of the twins, anticipating their usual energetic presence. After a quick knock on the front door, Daisy appeared, looking slightly confused as I handed her the bag I’d brought along.

“I was on my way to pick up my Mate for a date and thought I’d drop off some things for you and the boys before heading over to the Stone residence,” I explained, hoping to clarify my unexpected visit. “Is Colt sleeping?” I asked, curious about his whereabouts and eager to see how things were going in their busy household.

Daisy grinned warmly. “Oh, Kaden, thank you. Yeah, he’s resting. The school is coming together quite nicely, but he’s been so busy with the construction and planning he hardly has time to himself.” Her tone was a mix of pride and concern, clearly reflecting how much Colt had taken on and how dedicated he was to the project.

As Daisy reached into the bag and pulled out a pack of toddler pants, she clicked her tongue in amusement. “You were talking to him already, I see.” It was obvious she had noticed the thoughtful sizing, a detail that didn’t escape her attention.

I laughed, “Hey, now. I had to know what size and all that jazz. So, how are you enjoying being Beta female?” The light-hearted banter helped ease into a more personal conversation, shifting the focus to Daisy’s new role and her experiences.

Daisy hesitated for a moment before responding, her answer laced with candour. “Oh, it’s… fun.” She commented, offering a brief but telling glimpse into her feelings about her new position.

I couldn’t help but laugh at her understated reply. “That’s one way to put it.” My amusement was clear, acknowledging the complexities behind her simple description.

As Daisy stepped out onto the veranda, she noticed my instinctive retreat and questioned it directly. “Why do you all do that?” The curiosity in her voice highlighted her desire to understand the subtle behaviours that surrounded her new status.

I raised a brow in response, slightly caught off guard by her sudden question. “Pardon?” My reaction reflected both surprise and a willingness to explain the unspoken etiquette that governed interactions within our group.

Daisy gestured between us, indicating the deliberate space I kept. “Why do all Colt’s friends keep so far away from me? Except for my cousin, all of you back away when I come near.”

Her observation highlighted the noticeable distance maintained around her, prompting a conversation about the group’s underlying etiquette for such behaviour. She wasn’t wrong, but there was a real reason behind it.

“That’s easy,” I replied, taking a moment to explain the unspoken rules that guided our behaviour. “Because we respect Colt, and by extension, you, the rest of us make it a point to maintain a non-confrontational distance—usually about three or four feet. It’s considered good judgement not to crowd a she-wolf or a Mated female. This way, unMated pack members or those with incomplete bonds don’t risk misunderstandings or accidental accusations about intentions. The only exception is Neil; since he’s blood-related to you and the Alpha. On one side, the family bond allows him to interact more closely and override the boundaries set by your bond with Colt. On the other, he’s the top dawg, so his word is law… after Izzy approves it.”

“So it’s basically a way to show respect for each other? Even though you’re friends?” she asked, her tone lightened by giggles at the mention of her younger friend and my cousin.

I couldn’t help but grin, appreciating her understanding. “Exactly,” I responded, confirming that the distance maintained was a sign of respect, not a lack of camaraderie. “Think of it in the sense of wild wolves. You don’t approach one with a Mate and without reason. We guard, we protect, we are the defense. Humans like you – not a bad thing, I swear – don’t always have what it takes to keep up with us.”

“I get it. You keep distance to show preferential respect for the Mated female,” she concluded, and I couldn’t help but grin.

“Yeah,” I said. “It also stops unprovoked attacks. I’m on my way to my Mate’s house, but if she scents another female on me, I might not make it home in one piece.”

Daisy’s laughter rang out, quickly followed by another light giggle that drifted to my ears. The woman standing across from me glanced over my shoulder, her lips curved into a small, playful smile. She called out, “Kita.”

Before I could respond, my girl greeted Daisy with a cheerful, “Heya, Daisy!” She sprang onto the veranda railing, crouching carefully so she wouldn’t lose her balance. Turning her gaze to me, she teased, “Kaden, you’re late for our date.”

A brief moment of confusion washed over me. Was I? The question lingered in my mind.

Instinctively, I checked my watch, and the realization struck. I was indeed behind on time. Worry surged through me, and I found myself anxiously glancing between my Mate and the female Beta of the pack. “Um… I…” I stammered, unable to come up with a proper excuse.

Daisy leaned forward, her tone gentle and apologetic as she addressed my Mate. “Oh, Akita, I’m so sorry,” she cooed, acknowledging the delicate situation with sincere empathy.

I turned to Daisy, surprised by her intervention. “D?” I asked, grateful for her timely support and curious about her intentions.

Without missing a beat, Daisy carried on as if my question had gone unheard. “I had some questions about the etiquette between my man and his friends. Kaden here was nice enough to fill me in,” she explained, her words reflecting a genuine desire to understand the group’s unspoken rules.

“Oh?” Akita voiced, blinking as she gazed at me. “Why is that?”

“Sometimes I have to question things because I’m human, but I wouldn’t dare cross the line of connection. Jealousy is such an ugly colour on anyone.” Daisy’s openness highlighted the complexities of blending human intuition with the pack’s traditions. It showed her respect for boundaries and her awareness of the nuances that shape relationships. “I’ve known this sweet boy since he was a scrawny fourteen-year-old trying to survive being the youngest in their friend group.”

‘Can I taste heaven already?’ Malachite asked, his voice wistful.

‘She’s not a McFlurry!’ I snapped back.

He sighed again, ‘No, but she is McDreamy.’

Okay. That was… that was actually good. And he wasn’t wrong.

Akita glanced at me, her curiosity evident. “So, where are we going?” she asked, and I instantly felt a flush rising to my cheeks.

Trying to regain my composure, I cleared my throat and offered her a smile. “Well, now that I’ve dropped off a gift for the pack’s Beta pair, I was thinking I’d take you out to the movies.”

Akita considered my suggestion, her tone thoughtful as she replied, “Movies? That really depends on what’s playing.” Her voice softened as she lowered her head, offering a quiet apology. “Sorry.”

Without thinking about the consequences or the potential trouble I might face, I reached out and gently cupped Akita’s chin, lifting her face so our eyes met. With a deliberate shake of my head, I let out a low, primal snarl. A warning given to my Mate for the first, and hopefully the last, time.

I hoped this would be the only time such a situation would arise.

Her response was immediate and vulnerable, her voice trembling with longing as she whispered, “Kaden?”

Leaning closer, I spoke in a hushed tone. One just loud enough to make sure her brothers who were likely hiding nearby could hear the underlying seriousness. “You are mine. My Mate. My future Princess. You do not, under any circumstances, lower your head for anyone. Including me.”

The words I’d spoken were meant to reinforce Akita’s value and position, making it clear that respect between us was non-negotiable and our connection unbreakable. The intention was to set boundaries rooted in mutual honour.

Suddenly, a low growl resonated from nearby. I glanced up to see Jasper, his expression dark and protective. He demanded, “What was that? She did what?”

I hesitated, uncertain if he had truly overheard our exchange. “You heard?”

Jasper’s voice was sharp as he replied, “No chaperoning tonight. The guys and I have watch duty.” Without warning, he vaulted over the rail, intent on intervening. With one hand, he held his sister firmly against the siding, while his other hand shot out, signalling for me to back away. He fixed Akita with a stern gaze and declared, “You are Alpha-born. You never lower your gaze to anyone but the King and Queen of this pack.”

“But…”

Daisy’s gentle words drifted over us, reinforcing Jasper’s earlier statement. “Your brother is right, Akita. No Alpha ever lowers their gaze for anyone but the ruling party.”

“Akita, you must not fear, little sister,” Jasper whispered, pulling the teen girl close. “You must hold fast, carry yourself with absolution, and have faith that your Mate will defend you when you cannot defend yourself. Kaden?”

“Agreed.” I stated, uncrossing my arms. Holding out my hand to Akita, I smiled, “Shall we? The movie is an old horror flick called The Leprechaun. Totally hilarious if you’re not scared of a little person in a costume killing off people while searching for a single gold coin.”

“Before that?”

‘Don’t answer that. It’s a trap.’ Malachite muttered. ‘Ask instead what she wants. Let her have some say.’

‘Good idea,’ I replied. Then, to Akita, I said, “What would you like to do?”

“Dinner?” Her voice was hopeful, her cheeks colouring slightly red as she bounced on her toes.

I laughed, “Babe, if you want food, I’ll take you to my Uncle Ray’s place in town. Best lambchops on the market.”

She grinned, “Jazzy?”

“Go, and be safe. Kaden,” he pulled me back as she darted for my truck. “Thank you for correcting her.”

“Anytime,” I answered.