Rise of the Underdogs: KADEN

Family Bonds

The outside gave nothing away as to what the inside looked like, but it was gorgeous.

The interior unfolded with an air of understated elegance. High-vaulted ceilings, adorned with intricate crown mouldings, rose overhead. The lower walls were clad in rustic wood panelling, lending warmth and texture to the space. The upper portions were transformed into a mural of climbing briars and blooming roses in a riot of colours that created a lush, enchanting tapestry.

Woven seamlessly into the very walls were spells and protective patterns, silent guardians ensuring the safety and comfort of every patron. The dance floor, crafted from polished, fitted wood, was set upon a slightly elevated dais. Overhead, fairy lights shimmered and twinkled, casting gentle illumination that reflected off the surface, inviting guests to move and mingle.

The lighting was deliberately subdued, striking a balance between romance and privacy. For some, it lent a dreamy, intimate quality to the surroundings. For others, it provided the seclusion needed for quiet conversation. Seating was thoughtfully arranged, likely by Aunt Vanessa. Rounded tables and cozy corner booths, each with seats upholstered in luxurious fabric woven with subtle spells for added comfort. The woodwork gleamed softly whenever the light touched it, enhancing the inviting ambiance.

On each table, a polished veneer surface was left mostly bare, save for elegant touches. Shimmering white cloth placemats adorned pristine eggshell white tablecloths. Pine wreaths encircled white candles, each candle nestled in a frosted glass tumbler to create a natural centerpiece. These accents caught the light and added a touch of seasonal charm without overwhelming the refined setting.

Walking into the building, I immediately caught the eye of the maître d’. “Good evening, Simon,” I greeted him, my voice carrying a note of familiarity.

My cousin, Uncle Ray’s oldest child, had worked at the restaurant since he was old enough to legally hold a paying, on-the-books job. He laughed warmly as he reached out to shake my hand. “When did you find your Mate?” he asked, his tone playful and his smile full of knowing amusement.

“Back in October,” I replied, meeting his gaze. Without missing a beat, I continued, “I booked the VIP room with the adjoining dining room. Paid in advance to hold the reservation.” My tone left no room for doubt—I expected the arrangements to be properly honoured.

He scowled at the page in front of him. A darkness settled behind his eyes as he glanced over his shoulder at the manager. “Son of a… He gave the reservation away, man. You know what? We got the rooftop dining room open tonight. I’ll upgrade you for nothing because this is bullshit.”

“Party of four, Simon.” I said, keeping my voice calm as I typed a message to Uncle Ray. One of the few men in the family who actually liked me and enjoyed having me around. “We’re being chaperoned by her brothers because of the teensy-tiny age gap.”

Simon’s phone dinged, and he gave me a sly grin of understanding. “Oh, you devil. Dad said to refund the whole thing and let you have whatever you and your party want for the night. He’s been looking for a reason to fire the manager, Jace, but can’t do it without pushing legal boundaries. Have I told you recently I’d kill for a fraction of your persuasive ability? Damn family needs someone like you in charge, honestly.”

If only Simon understood just how deeply his words resonated, he might not have thought it was simply a joke. Beneath his playful tone, there was an unexpected sting. A truth that struck closer than he could ever guess. The casual banter masked realities simmering beneath the surface, and though he meant no harm, the weight of his comment lingered, silent and sharp.

No one, save for myself and Dreson, knew about the talk to transfer the Crown Prince title to me.

“Ah, yeah,” I replied. Then, just for show, I added, “Dre’s going to have his hands full.”

Simon laughed again, his amusement genuine and familiar. “With you? Totally,” he said, his tone light. Then, shifting the focus, he asked, “So, how’s Izaria?” He began leading our small group—myself, Akita, Carson, and Quinton—towards the staircase. The stairs led up to the rooftop garden dining area, where the evening air awaited us.

As we walked, Simon continued. “Grandmother talks about how poised and precious Izzy is,” clearly recalling family conversations filled with admiration for Izaria.

Quietly, I muttered, “She can talk all she wants.” Then, raising my voice so Simon could hear, I continued, “Our cousin doesn’t need to be in the middle of family politics. She’s got enough to handle as the Mate of the Werewolf King and learning how to manage a pack.” My words aimed to shield Izaria from the complexities of our family’s internal affairs, acknowledging the challenges she already faced in her new role.

“The Werewolf King? When did Neil take the crown?”

“He didn’t,” I commented, guiding Akita to the door that led to the outside. “Not yet. Not until he and Izzy tie the knot.”

As we stepped into the rooftop garden dining area, three distinct gasps echoed behind me, signalling the awe and appreciation of my companions. The space was enclosed by reinforced glass, offering both security and an uninterrupted panoramic view of the surroundings.

The rooftop itself was a harmonious blend of simplicity and nature. A small herb and spice patch added a burst of greenery, while fruit trees with low-hanging branches offered splashes of colour and the promise of fresh produce. Flowers bloomed throughout, their delicate petals contributing to the tranquil atmosphere.

What truly set the scene apart were the scents that filled the air. The comforting aroma of wood mingled with the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers, complemented by the sharp, fresh notes of herbs. Together, these scents created a backdrop that was both rustic and homey. A perfect setting for our evening gathering.

“Please, sit,” Simon said, gesturing to a table. “It’s the only one, but it’s long enough that the brothers, I’m assuming, can sit on one end while you and your Mate occupy the other. Order anything you wish. It’s on the house for the discriminate loss of the reservation you bought and paid for, Cousin. I’ll send Alice up as your personal server this evening.”

He held out Akita’s chair, his blue eyes sparkling.

She glanced at me, a hint of confusion in her gaze as Simon exited the rooftop dining room. “Kaden, what happened to the reservation?”

“The same damn thing that happens when I walk into a building where people from all walks of life are pompous bastards with an axe to grind against minorities. Simon and his family are my family. He’s legit my cousin – fourth, I think.”

Carson (I think) hummed over the menu. His twin was staring out at the mountains we had a clear view of. Below, a waterfall separated the river and the lake it flowed into.

“It’s our first time in a place so… pricy.” Was that Quinton?

“Confused?” Akita asked, her grin mischievous and knowing. “The one with the scar is Carson. They’re mirror twins.”

“Interesting,” I commented. Looking at them, I noticed that I’d gotten it right without relying on tells.

The door swung open abruptly, and the manager, clearly irritated, stomped over with a demanding tone. “Who the hell...” he began, his words trailing off as his attention was drawn to something unexpected.

At that moment, he saw what I had summoned. It was not a weapon. As a living weapon, I had no use for trivialities. Rather, it was something I had intentionally kept hidden until now. Its presence immediately commanded attention.

Resting on my brow was a circlet of silver laurels. The unmistakable mark of the Prince of Peace within the Druid nation. This symbol changed the atmosphere, lending a sense of gravity and significance to the situation.

Jace paled, turning only to run into Simon, who was on his way up with the female server. “Sir?!”

Simon smiled. Not a nice one, but one that said he’d gotten to the bottom of the issue and was about to deliver justice – family style. “Jace, my father is not pleased that my cousin’s reservation was handed off to someone else. If I’m not mistaken, you’re daughter and her friends are downstairs ordering the most expensive things on the menu. I’ll be billing your pay to cover the cost of the VIP room and all associated service.”

“Cousin?”

“I understand that you think that I couldn’t possibly be related to a black man, but his Mama is Druid Queen Celestia. A black Werewolf who wouldn’t think twice about serving you to the family on a silver platter with an apple in your mouth.” Simon’s dark blues twinkled. The darkness in them causing even me to back off slightly. “This establishment does not discriminate, and you would do well to remember that your job is entirely dependant on the reports from the patrons.”

“But… but…”

“Get your brat out of my father’s building and stop wasting my time.” Simon snapped. “The only reason you still work here is because my father insisted on one last chance to let you make the right choices. This is the absolute last time you will be lectured on the proper etiquette of the service industry.”

When everyone but me and my three companions were left, I heard the twins let out the breath they were holding. The one with the scar, Carson, grinned.

“Dude, that was epic!” He laughed. “Is that crown real?”

“It’s my official one, yes.” I replied. Signalling Alice, I said, “Chef’s menu, please. My future brother’s-in-law deserve to at least try everything this place offers. Pair it with appropriate drinks, preferably non-alcoholic. I don’t want a reason to have Commissioner Dane breathing down my neck.”

“As you wish, my Lord.”

Another hour and a half later, I walked Akita to the front door of the house she and her brothers shared. “Had fun?”

“Yeah,” she murmured. “It was fun. Especially when I got to watch you take down a racist.”

I laughed, “Maybe next week I can introduce you to my parents?”

Her eyes brightened, “I would love that!”