The Alpha's Daughter and Her Commander

A Ring Pt. 3

        Cassie walked back out. It was honestly more of a saunter honestly. She was anticipating this fight. Cora told her she was going down. I looked at Hendrix, “We have been around the same group of people right? Cora has never been able to even land a single hit on Cassie in training.” Hendrix frowned, “I know that….so does everyone else.” Cassie looked directly into Cora’s eyes. I sat forward in my seat. Cassie was using her truth-seeking power. Cora said I should be hers.

            I was out of my seat. I was furious. Hendrix grabbed me, “Sit down Cayden.” I hissed, “f**k sitting down!” Cora lunged at Cassie sloppily saying I was supposed to be hers, and Cassie didn’t take her hints to leave me alone. I hissed, “HINTS?! SHE TRIED TO TAKE MY MATE FROM ME?!” Cora was going on about how she and I were supposed to have kids. I felt arms grip around me. My dad said, “Son….sit down. You can’t go down there right now.” I whirled around and yelled at everyone, “IF ANYONE thinks I’ll have children with anyone besides Cassie allow me to dispel those thoughts right now. I WON’T. ANYONE who tries to separate me from my mate dies. ARE WE CLEAR?!” Everyone nodded. A few looked scared. I hissed, “If you think you’ve seen a tough schedule before. You have seen nothing. Alexander and I will announce the new training schedule. It will remain that way until I think you all have learned how I feel about ANYONE trying to make my mate leave me! ARE WE CLEAR?” Several people winced but nodded. 

            I refused to sit down. Cassie had cut Cora several times. I hated seeing Cora anywhere near her. It filled me with fury. My head stepped to Aiylee when she called Cora, Corursula. I raised an eyebrow. That meant Haley knew about this. MOTHER FUCKER! I was supposed to protect my Duchess. I wasn’t supposed to have to protect her from our own damn people though. Sure….I’d put my fair share of fighters in the hospital for staring at her or making a lewd remark, but no one was trying to hurt her. I told Hendrix, “Cora will be taken to the dungeons after this Hendrix. She can be treated there. I’ll get around to dealing with her.” Hendrix nodded, “Of course Cayden.” Cassie knocked Cora unconscious. I could tell she hadn’t meant to. I didn’t care. I was gone. I hopped over the barrier and was running to Cassie. I put her behind me needing space between her and Cora. I was tempted to kill Cora right here and now. I was angry enough to do so. Cassie was leading our people in a chant. 

            My blood was pounding in my ears. I threw her over my shoulder and ran to my office. I could barely focus. I wanted to know why she didn’t tell me about this. She said I didn’t see Cora for who she was. Making her tell the truth did that just fine. Cassie felt she needed to prove she was mine. She had nothing to prove to anyone. She was mine. Forever. I went about proving that. I needed to claim her. She was mine. I couldn’t stop myself from telling her the second she wanted me to change her name…I would. She was stunned. I told her whenever she was ready...I’d propose. I could feel her happiness about that. I went down on her. I could never get enough of her taste. When her legs were trembling, I whirled her around and bent her over my desk. Nothing could be more beautiful than this sight. I slid into her. It was like coming home. She was mine. No one else’s but mine. All those eyes on her...they wanted her but….she was MINE! No one would mentally or physically hurt what was mine and get away with it. Cora was in for it. She’d hurt my Duchess mentally. She made her feel like she needed to prove I was hers. Nothing could be further from the truth. 

            When we’d finished I told Cass she needed to tell me things like this. She told me that she wanted to prove I was hers for a reason. Oh...Cora was beyond in trouble. Cass told me all the girls except two signed up because they wanted me to be with them. For god’s sake. Training was going to be brutal. I was going to tell Alexander to come up with his most brutal plan he could…. Then I was going to double it. I told Cass the amount of men that wanted her was not a small number. She didn’t believe me. She was just like her mom. I didn't know who Angela’s mate was….but the poor sap could join Eric and I’s club about the Conners women not seeing their own appeal. Cassie teased me saying I wanted her to have a different last name. I did. I told her whenever she wanted. I was all in. She blushed and told me I had to propose first. I would put together a plan then. She’d have my ring on her finger shortly. Cassie snapped my clothes back on. I told her she was going to have to change, or we’d be marching right back in here. Especially if she walked in front of me. Her ass… GOD! She snapped herself into the outfit she’d walked over in. f**k me….she looked mouthwatering in everything. I’d kept my hands off her this morning because I’d had to. I pulled her to me and arched my hips into her. I smirked. She was into it. 

            Of course someone knocked. It would be one of her brothers. To my astonishment….it was my dad. He told me her family was about to pass out. I rolled my eyes. It had been three years. They all would’ve reacted the same way I did. Eric would have had Haley in a different realm….or on her island releasing magic by now. I begrudgingly walked outside my office. Cassie’s family instantly hugged her. My dad nudged me. We walked back into my office. He asked, “Are you ok?” I sighed, “I’m pissed. How is it….some girl who cheated on me thinks I’d prefer her to my mate?” My dad shrugged, “I don’t know Cayden...you mom is with Cora in the dungeons.” I snorted, “Of course she is.” We walked back out and I took Cass home. 

            The next day I’d posted the new training schedule. No one was happy, but I could care less. I glared at all of them, “I don’t want to hear a damn word. Next time maybe someone will say gee….do you think we should tell the commander that some crazy psychos are giving his mate a hard time….I do believe we should. START RUNNING!”  I walked out and over to the dungeons. When I found Cora….she looked terrible. She cried, “Are you going to torture me too?” I snorted, “I’m not going to touch you. I think you’d take it wrong. I’ll just send my mom back here every so often. I want the answer to one thing, Cora.” Cora nodded, “Ok.” I said, “Did you come into my and Cassie’s home?” Cora snorted, “Goodie two shoes didn’t tell you?” I grabbed a chain and whipped it around her wrist and yanked her against the bars. She hit her head pretty hard. I hissed, “If you speak about her like that again….I’ll kill you with my bare hands. Answer my question.” Cora said, “Yes….I just wanted her to think we were an off period fling! She didn’t. She hurt me!” I frowned, “As you are not dead she was kind. Do not go near her again. I don’t want to hear anything like this s**t continuing when you get out of here in two weeks. Are we clear?” She cried begging me to reconsider. I walked out. I told my mom to go see Cora every so often. She was more than happy about it.

            I spend my time planning the perfect proposal for Cass. I closed my office door and portaled to Black Mountain. I had an appointment to see Eric. I walked into his office and sat down. He nodded, “Cayden.” I nodded, “Eric. I want your blessing to ask Cassie to marry me.” If he was surprised he didn’t show it. He sat back, “I never thought I could part with her. Of course the moon goddess gave my princess a mate….who was already a man I respected. You make her happy. You don’t keep her away from us. I deeply appreciate you letting her carve her own path in a bit of a hybrid style between here and the Hackura realm. Just as you’ve done for Alexander. You have my blessing to propose to my Princess. Make sure she remains happy with you, Cayden. If you ever hurt my baby….I don’t care who you are...I’ll kill you.” I smiled, “I intend to make her very happy for centuries to come.” Eric nodded, “Good. Thank you for asking.” I nodded, “In all honesty...I was still asking her even if you said no. I just respect that she was raised in this realm where a man asks for a father’s blessing.” Eric snorted, “It’s permission. They ask for permission” I smiled, “I know. I was going for your blessing. Permission is silly as I have Cassie’s and her opinion is who matters most to me.” Eric laughed, “I noticed the difference. I still appreciate you coming as it is not a custom with the Hackura.” I nodded quickly left not wanting Cass to realize I was gone.

            The next week passed by quickly. My plans had all come together. Aiylee was even helping. She was beyond excited. Cassie was going on a mission today to meet with a source, but when she came back….I was proposing. I was in the gym in my office. I had a meeting with Micah later, but after that I was in proposal planning mode. My dad was going to bring me the ring later. I was about to head over and see Cass when she walked into my office. She told me she was just saying goodbye before she left. I told her I was just about to head her way anyway. She told me she’d see me in a few hours. I smiled. I did a few more pieces of paperwork. 

            Micah came in and sat down. My office door burst back open. Jed looked disheveled. I frowned, “Jed?” He closed the door, “I don’t….I think….god...I don’t know what to think anymore….but I….” I raised an eyebrow, “Jed...spill it.” Jed frowned, “Where’s Cass? I went by your house, but I couldn't find her.” Micah frowned, “Do you live under a rock? She’s meeting with a source today.” Jed’s eyes widened, “What source?” I raised an eyebrow, “Yours, Jed. You emailed that you didn’t feel good and couldn’t make it. I can see why. You clearly aren’t sleeping.” Jed paled, “I didn’t email you Cayden. I think…..” Micah’s phone rang. He smiled and flipped it around so I could see it. It was Ashley. I said, “Jed, give us a second. Cass feels fine in our connection.” Jed frowned, “Ok….I still didn’t email you.” I frowned, “It clearly came from your email address, Jed.” He walked outside. 

            Micah answered the call, “Hello little source of mine.” I heard wheezing. I was standing in a split second. Ashley was hurt. Micah frowned, “Ashley….are you hurt?” She gasped for breath, “Not….important….Cassie…..trap….Cora…..ring….save...her….” My heart stopped in my chest. We heard, “HEY! Where did you get a phone?!” The line went dead. 

            Micah looked at me wide eyed. I said, “Call Max NOW!” Micah said, “Cayden….Ashley…” I nodded, “Call your dad. Have him track her phone. See if he can get to her. You can go to him once we have the Conners aware of this situation with Cass. I’d come but I have to go save Cass.” I ripped the door open off my office. My dad had just walked into the gym. Everyone stared at me in shock as I threw my door away. I spotted Cora. I ran over to her and slammed her into the wall, “DID YOU SELL CASSIE OUT TO THE f*****g RING?!” She looked to her left. She screamed, “NO! I didn’t.” I slammed her down onto the ground, “I know you Cora. I know when you are lying. I’ll kill you for this. If she’s not ok…She HAS to be ok.” I left it unsaid what I was going to do to Cora. Cassie had to be ok.

             Max ran out of my offices, “The Conners are aware. I’m tracking Cassie’s phone right now.” I said, “I don’t need it. I know where she is.” I opened a portal. I ordered my people, “EVERYONE ON ME! DAD GET THAT PIECE OF s**t TO THE GODDAMN DUNGEONS!” My connection with Cassie opened and she pulled me to her with everything. My dad already had Cora. He said, “Go get my daughter in law, Cayden.” I ran through the portal. I saw Cassie fighting with her swords. She was seriously outnumbered but holding her own. I yelled her name. She kept on killing. Pops sounded. Eric, Alexander, EJ, Elise, Haley, Wesley, and Max popped in. Multiple shots rang out. Some from a distance but several up close. I felt pain. I looked across the field in horror. I screamed her name again. Cassie had been shot. She was bleeding. I nearly threw up.

            A sniper shot the man who’d shot Cassie. Right in the heart. I told Hendrix, “If he doesn't die… I WANT HIM!” Hendrix nodded. Haley popped to Cassie. Cassie’s eyes told me she desperately wanted me. Her eyes closed. My heart broke. She was trying to pop. She must have taken on iron. Haley gently touched Cassie’s back. She popped her into my arms. Haley popped us to the Hackura realm. Cassie started to cry. I did too. I told her, “Your mom’s going to fix you Cass….just hang on.” Alexander popped in. He took out a syringe of Laxenread out of his pocket. He quickly administered it to Cass then he and mom healed her. I couldn’t relax. I just waited for her to open her beautiful eyes. Haley and Alexander stepped back, but her eyes were still closed. I panicked and asked, “Why? Why isn’t she awake?” Alexander said, “It will take her a second. She was probably delirious. She was poisoned with both silver and iron. They were prepared for her.” Haley was petting Cassie’s hair. I was gripping her hand, staring at her waiting for her beautiful eyes to open.

            Alexander said, “How did you get snipers there so fast?” I looked at him, “I didn't.” Alexander cursed, “Mother fucker! The circle group.” He got out his phone to call his brothers. I focused back on Cassie. Her eyes fluttered open. I held her tight, “Cass…” She whispered, “I knew you’d come got me.” I told her, “I’ll always come for you Cass.” She frowned, “What happened? The source said that she said something then he began to seize. I think someone poisoned him.” My jaw tightened, “Cora sold you out. She’s going to pay Cass.” Cassie said, “She’s mine. You all can do your thing, but I WILL kill her ass.” Haley smiled, “That’s my girl.” Alexander hung up the phone and announced, “The sniper left a blue circle with a line through it on a tree.” That wasn't proof...but it was circumstantial evidence that Ashley was a part of the circle group. I texted Micah. 

Me: Anything on Ashley?

Micah: Meeting her in an hour.

Well that was something. The doctor came in. The Cambridge's filtered through. Cassie wanted to leave. The doctor was running all kinds of tests because he knew if anything was wrong with her, and he didn’t catch it...he’d be in a world of pain. 

            Micah showed up. He motioned me outside. I kissed Cassie’s hand, “I’ll be right back.” She nodded. I walked out and we walked into an office that was soundproofed. I said, “Well?” Micah frowned, “She got in a serious fight, Cayden. She was hurt pretty bad. She told me I should see the other guy. I checked local hospitals….I’m pretty sure I found the other guy in a supernatural hospital. He’s in a coma. I asked around….most wouldn’t say much...but he did get in a fight with someone. He was twice her size, Cayden.” I frowned, “How did she know about Cass and Cora?” Micah sighed, “She said she overheard it after the fight. I have people watching the guy….I don’t think he’s going to wake up though.” I frowned, “I owe her. We need to protect her.” Micah sighed, “I don’t think she wants our protection.” I shrugged, “I don’t care. Keep tabs on her.” Micah nodded. 

            I walked back into Cassie’s room. Her color had returned. The doctor said she could go. My dad subtly handed me the ring. I nodded to him. Her dad held her tightly. She was passed around her whole family before I got her back. I took a shaky breath. She linked me, “I’m ok Cayden.” I linked back, “I panicked, Cass.” Her being shot was playing on repeat in my mind. We left the hospital and returned home. Cass frowned, “We had plans.” I nodded. She raised an eyebrow, “Well… what should I wear for said plans?” I frowned, “We can just stay in Cass...we can do what I had planned another night.” Cassie raised an eyebrow, “Uh no. Corursula and the ring are NOT changing our plans. What should I wear?” I snorted, “There’s an outfit in a garment bag in our closet for you.” Haley had conjured it for me. She said it was just perfect. Cassie walked back out with her hair curled and in a light yellow dress that was floor length. It was spaghetti straps. It was tied around her boobs where there was a cutout below it. It had white polka dots on it. I smiled. Cassie tilted her head, “You had my mom conjure me a dress?” I laughed, “She insisted.” Cassie smiled. 

            I took her hand and led her to the car. We were driving about thirty minutes away. Aiylee had created a sanctuary for us. When we got there. I helped Cassie out of the car. I led her to the barrier. She smiled. I led her inside. She immediately gasped. The sun was shining inside. There was a beautiful waterfall. To the left the moon was out. I wanted to honor all sides of her with this place. I led us to the water’s edge where there was a table with food. She smiled and I helped her into her seat. She picked the tray off the top. She laughed, “Language and cheesy garlic bread. Cayden….this is so sweet.” I smiled, “Eat up.” Once we were finished I led her to the side where the moon was out. I told her, “I thought Rain would enjoy a moonlit run whenever she wanted.” I led her further inside. I led her to the edge and back out the other side. Cassie giggled, “Our sanctuary is by the ocean?” I smiled, “You love it here.” She jumped into my arms. She said, “I love you Cayden.” i set her down and she began to twirl on the sand. I watched her and reached into my pocket. 

            She turned back around, and I was already on one knee. She gasped, “Cayden?” I grabbed her hand, “I love you. You came popping down from that tree, and from that moment….My whole world turned upside down in the best way. You are my everything. I love every part of you. All sides. Your Hackura side, your fairy side, and your wolf side. You are my whole world Cassie. You are my Duchess. One day….we will sit on our front porch with our children. I want you to be my wife on that day. I want all of you. I want every part of you. You are mine. I have been and will always be yours Cassie. Even before I knew I was yours….I was crazy about you. Calling you Cassie Conners just feels wrong because I know it should be Crawford. I know this isn’t traditional here, but I don’t care. I’ve had this ring for a long time now, and all I want is to see it on your finger. I want to call you my fiancée, and then one day I want to call you my wife. Wherever that day is….I’ll be there. In whatever you want me to wear.  Whatever day. It doesn't matter. I’ll give you everything in my power to give you Cassie. I love you.” She had tears running down her face. I opened the ring box, “Cassie Veronica Shayla Conners….Will you marry me?” She nodded, “Yes, Cayden!” I slid the ring on her finger and spun her around and kissed her slowly. I pulled back, “Let’s go tell everyone that you are now the future Mrs. Crawford. We can even pop to your family afterwards. They knew...but after today...they might have left.” Cassie snorted, “Angela ABSOLUTELY has them all waiting at the castle.” She kissed me again. She whispered, “You’re perfect Cayden Crawford.” No, she was. I picked her up and ran to the castle to announce our news. I knew everyone would be excited. Soon...Cassie would be my wife.