The Alpha's Daughter and Her Commander

A Ring Pt. 1

Cayden is Twenty-Three Years Old

            Cayden woke up at dawn. I quickly showered and got ready to leave. I paused to look at Cassie’s form in our bed. She looked stunningly beautiful. It took everything in me to keep moving. I could watch her for hours. I kissed her forehead not wanting to wake her up and left. I went to the gym. I ran a few laps before lifting some weights. I heard someone laugh, “Why did you bother to shower this morning if you were going to work out? You’re just going to have to shower again.” I turned around, “Good morning Hendrix.” Hendrix nodded, “I came to warn you to get moving….A certain someone was at the coffee shop saying they just HAD to talk to you before you left.” I groaned, “Why does Cora keep insisting we need to talk? We have nothing to talk about.” Hendrix laughed, “No, you my friend have nothing to talk about. She’s been wanting you to be on an off period since well… several years but mostly….like yesterday.” I stiffened, “That’s ridiculous. Everyone knows Cass and I don’t have off periods. She’s part wolf. That would hurt her.” Hendrix raised an eyebrow, “You know that I know that….Hell everyone knows that….but a certain someone doesn’t care.” I rolled my eyes, “Anyone who thinks I would disrespect Cassie that way….or even hurt her in the way that would...doesn’t know me. Thanks for the warning. Tell Cora I only want Cassie.” Hendrix snorted, “I HAVE done that. Everyone has….nothing get through that thick little Cayden obsessed skull of hers.” I glared at him, “She’s not obsessed with me. She’ll meet her mate, and this will be done.” 

            Hendrix muttered, “I wouldn’t give that psycho a mate.” I raised an eyebrow, “You think Aesir didn’t give her a mate?” Hendrix said, “I think unlike the goddesses who refuse to admit some of their children are just crazy and would drag their mate down…..Aesir...I believe anyway…. hopes they will correct themselves before we have to kill them. He could always give them a mate if they steer away from the crazy path….but Cora hasn’t found her mate….those three dudes obsessed with Haley never found their mate….We police our own, but I think Aesir is up there waiting to see if the crazy subsides before giving people mates to drag down and hurt in their messes of complete chaos that they bring. Who wants their child to go through a rejection? Because that’s exactly what Cora would do if she found her mate. Reject them for a man who doesn't even like her. Aesir would never do that to his people.” I frowned, “You can’t really think that. You know what the mate bond is. You know how strong it is.” Hendrix nodded, “And I truly hope I’m not right, but I think I am. Cora is crazy, Cayden. I know you don’t believe it, but she is. Even Jed started to see it. He’s tried, you know? To get her help. She’s in therapy now…..ever since she disappeared for a few weeks. I see them arguing all the time. She avoids him if she can. My sources say...they argue about you and Cassie. Jed tells her to give up before she dies. See….I have to wonder what the actual f**k that means because as far as I know….She’s done nothing to deserve death. Are you keeping things from me? Or….Is Cassie?” 

            I was astonished, “Cass…” I was about to say that Cass would tell me about something like that. I knew that wasn’t true though. Cassie wanted to do things on her own. It had to be bad though for Jed to say his sister was inching towards dying. Cass would tell me something that serious. I shook myself, “If there are little things sure….but big things that could lead to Cora’s death….Cass would tell me.” Hendrix raised an eyebrow, “Cayden, when Cassie used to mention Cora to you….You’d brush it off and say that you two dated a long time ago. That it was the past. Your fiery redhead has a plan, Cayden….get moving before she kills Cora on this gym floor for bringing you coffee.” I raised an eyebrow, “I stopped drinking coffee after high school.” Hendrix said, “See...I know that, and you know that. Cass would never bring you coffee. Your stalker refuses to let go of it since it was your guy's thing. She’s buying you a coffee.” I took off for the showers then paused. I grabbed my bag from my office and texted Micah to meet at my parents’ house instead of the training facility. 

            I jogged to my parents’ house and opened the window to my old room. I quickly showered. I grabbed my bag and was about to climb back out when my dad cleared his throat. I turned, “Good morning dad.” My dad raised an eyebrow, “If you fought with my beautiful daughter in law….I’ll kick your ass son. It can’t be that your water isn’t working….She could just snap your water back on.” I sighed, “She’s sleeping. We didn’t fight. I was getting in a workout before Micah, and I left.  Hendrix warned me Cora was on the way with coffee…” My dad interrupted, “You don’t drink coffee anymore.” I sighed, “I know that. I didn’t want to get hung up with her, so I just decided to shower here. Sorry if I woke you up.”

         My dad said, “No, I was up. About to go for a run myself. I’m glad I caught you though. I have a question and a few statements.” I sighed, “I’ll stick around for them if you promise to keep an eye on Cass and Cora while I’m gone. I’ve heard rumors there might be more going down there than I even thought would ever be.” My dad nodded, “I’ll watch over Cassie. I always do when you leave, and there is absolutely more going on than you know about.” I frowned, “You know?” My dad smiled, “A lot of things happen when you leave, son. You do remember when Cassie tattooed the word lying b***h across her chest with magic, right? Cora started a rumor which Cassie shut down. Cassie is handling it, but I’m wearing thin on patience for her way.”

            I sighed, “Well, if you have to….do what you have to do.” My dad laughed, “Me and her family just might. Logan’s children have been cursing her for years.” I winced. How had I been so blind. My dad said, “Anyway….my question.” He pulled out the engagement ring I’d bought for Cassie last year. He opened it. I smiled. I’d seen it on a mission. It was a golden yellow, her favorite color. It reminded me of the sun, and she had sunlight hands. It was a square cut diamond that sparkled, and direction light hit it with a platinum band with diamonds down the sides. I shrugged, “That’s not a question dad.” My dad laughed, “Son, I was looking for a tie. Your mother said none of mine were appropriate. I came in here to look at yours you’d left behind, and I found this.” I sighed, “Are you disappointed?” My dad snorted, “That you bought an engagement ring? No. Judging by the dust on the box….you’ve had it for a while. I want to know if our traditions are holding you back from doing what you want.” I frowned, “Huh?”

             My dad said, “I know you Cayden. You would not have bought this ring if you didn’t want Cassie to at least be your fiancée. Why haven’t you proposed?” I sighed, “Our people usually don’t get married so fast. You and mom were together eleven years before you got married.” My dad frowned, “What people do is not what you have to do, Cayden. Your mate is not a full blooded Hackura. You’ve always marched to the beat of your own drum. If you want to get married tomorrow….your mother and I...Along with the royal family would support you. I don’t care about tradition; I care about my son being happy. If you want to propose and get married, Cayden….Then do that. Marriage was not on your mom and I’s minds for a while. That’s not because we didn’t want to get married, we just knew we would eventually. It’s a beautiful ring, son. Cassie will love it.” I frowned, “She might want to wait….” My dad laughed, “Do you actually believe that Cayden?” I sighed, “She loves her parents' love story. She’s spent a month in Faerie. I just...need to talk to her about it.” My dad hugged me, “There you go, son. Congratulations Cayden.” I laughed, “She hasn’t said yes yet. I haven’t even asked.” My dad smiled, “Make a plan then son, because she will say yes.” I smiled, “Keep that safe for me, would you?” My dad nodded. I started to go out the window. My dad scoffed, “Oh you the damn front door Cayden.” I laughed and took off.

            Micah was waiting out front. He smirked, “A certain blonde  is crying over the fact you aren’t in the gym.” I rolled my eyes, “Did Hendrix tell you that?” Micah laughed, “No, Max did. He was ready to kill her. He’s getting a workout in here since he wanted to stay with me as long as possible.” I nodded, “Those Conners kids’ man.” Micah laughed, “They’ve got stamina.” I laughed, “They do.” Max jogged up. He winked, “Like you wouldn’t believe, and don’t answer that Cayden because you screw my sister.” He slammed his lips on Micah’s. Micah turned crimson red. Max pulled back, “You stay safe.” He walked away muttering how he wished I was going with him. I raised an eyebrow, “Max doesn’t know that I’m going with you?” Micah frowned, “I thought since I kept saying….maybe he just assumed you were giving me mission details. I didn’t mean to let him think I was going alone. I know we can’t tell him where I’m going…..so I might have just left out too many details.” I nodded. It was hard. Max was more involved with the Conners pack than Cassie was. Cass was still involved. Hell, I was even part of the pact, but Cassie wanted to know everything so she could have my back. Max knew I had Micah’s. I’m sure it ate at him though.

            I opened a portal and we stepped through. Micah sighed, “Good old Franklin, Tennessee.” We went to the apartment we’d set up for him. He’d wanted to stick to his real first name, so we’d just given him an alias for his last name. I ran over mission specifics with him several times. I peppered him with questions. I nodded, “You’re ready.” Micah smiled, “I am. I’ve studied all this information backwards and forwards.” I gave him the contacts we wore on missions. I’d be in a car with tinted windows. Vans were too obvious for things like this. His contacts were actually transmitters. I would see everything he did with these contacts. He was literally my eyes and ears. I would be monitoring everything. I told Micah, “I’ll be watching everything. If you need me….I’ll be there.” Micah nodded, “My dad is here...somewhere….which means my other dad is too.” I smiled, “I figured Harper and Gunner would be around. You know that Cali probably tried to talk them out of it.” Micah laughed, “I’m sure my other two moms did too. I’ve got this Cayden.” I nodded, “Them being here is not an indication that you don’t. You know that right?” Micah nodded, “They worry. It’s fine. They do it to all my siblings. Let’s get moving.” He left first then I left fading into the background. I jogged a lap and spotted where Gunner and Harper were. I tapped the car’s window for fun and went to my own car. 

            I called Harper. He answered, “Cayden…” I laughed, “Do I need to send you the feed or….” Gunner snorted, “Don’t insult me Cayden.” I laughed, “Right. What was I thinking?” Micah was inside with the hunters now. The two he’d been cozying up to welcomed him in. He said, “Wow...this pace is intense.” The one guy said, “Oh yeah. We are serious about removing werewolves from existence. They are dangerous.” I felt Micah push his anger down. He nodded, “Sure.” They showed him around. They were armed to the teeth with weapons. All their bullets were silver. I was trying to keep my own anger at bay thinking of Cassie. The two guys wanted him to meet the leader. I pumped my first. YES! This is what we wanted. To get someone embedded inside with them. We’d have to be careful on what information we acted on….but to have inside knowledge. We needed to know who was behind this. 

            Micah was taken down to a basement where far too many kids were hanging out. I hit the dashboard, “Fuckers! Recruiting these kids. How could they do that?” My eyes narrowed. I called Harper and Gunner back. Harper said, “Yes Cayden. Those two girls are exactly who you think they are. Gunner just pulled up our surveillance on Bath Path. That’s Addison and Sierra...the beta and Alpha’s daughters.” I asked, “What the HELL are two werewolves doing with hunters?” Gunner said, “They don’t have their wolves yet….they could send them to spy on the hunters.” I said, “That’s….incredibly dangerous. Even if they don’t have wolves...they are still werewolves...and that’s a house with weapons designed to kill all of them.” Harper snorted, “Yes, it is.” Everyone got quiet. A man stood. He crossed his arms, “I am Dante. You must be Micah.” Micah nodded, “Yes sir.” Dante nodded, “My recruits seem to think you could help us with our cause.” Micah nodded, “I would be honored.” Dante said, “Sure. We will accept you….if you take off your shirt.” Micah tensed, “I didn’t come here for some weird s**t. I’m out.” He turned to leave. People blocked his path. Micah snorted and easily took two of them down. He turned around, “You can’t keep me here if I don’t want to be here….let’s keep that straight.” 

        Dante laughed, “No one is going to harm you or mark your skin with a hunter's mark at this time. That’s a personal choice. I just want you to take off your shirt.” I was getting ready to bolt out of the car. I was one second away from shutting the laptop when I heard a girl say, “Micah? Is that you? Oh my god!” A beautiful girl...she had to be fifteen…. with black hair bounced into frame. She had the most interesting shade of green eyes I’d ever seen with red lipstick on. ran over and touched Micah’s arm. She squealed, “Oh my god it IS you! How are you?” Dante frowned, “You know this man Ashley?” Ashley nodded, “Oh yeah! Micah’s fierce. What’s your kill count up to Micah? I feel like it’s got to be in the thirties. He’s impressive you guys...and you KNOW I'm not often impressed. He could ALL your asses….so easily. What are you doing here Micah?” Micah said, “Hey Ashley…” I prayed Dante had given the right name for this girl. Micah continued, “I was thinking about joining your cause, then s**t got weird.” Ashley crossed her arms and sighed, “Dante….what did you do? Why are you even here? Where’s Nate?” Dante frowned, “I heard we had a new recruit. I wanted to see him myself, personally. Especially when I heard his name was Micah. There’s a Micah mated to one of the Conners brothers.” Everyone stiffened.

            Ashley rolled her eyes, “Yeah, sure Dante….. like a mate of the Conners would just stroll on up in here. That’s like the WORST idea of all time. Seriously, Dante….You are paranoid. Go back to Nashville into whatever hole you crawled out of. No one here likes seeing your rat face.” I raised an eyebrow. She had some balls. Dante hissed, “You can’t speak to me like that.” Ashley snorted, “I think I just did...so I’m pretty sure that I can. What are you going to do about it? Oh yeah….that’s right...nothing.” I gaped at my screen. Harper said, “Damn….that girls got some serious attitude.” I’d honestly forgotten we were still on the phone. Dante was turning purple. He said, “I’m not leaving until he takes off his shirt.” Ashley rolled her eyes and looked directly in Micah’s eyes. She blinked twice. Harper said, “WHAT THE f**k?! How does she know we do that?!” I answered, “I have no idea.” She said, “Go on Micah. If he tries to make a move on you...I swear we can both kick his ass. Easily. Lord knows I’ve had to. He’s a bit of a pervert. Though….most guys are. I mean I swear….what’s up with the grabby be my girlfriend or let me f**k you crap? Honestly. It’s like people forget women have standards. I’ve had to ask a few of these guys if their pick up lines actually work for them. I mean obviously...they have some reason to think that it would. It’s not like any of them are god’s gift to women or anything so…” Dante said, “ASHLEY GRIFFEN WILL YOU STOP RAMBLING FOR ONCE IN YOUR LIFE!” 

            I said, “Gunner….” He said, “All over it. Running a quick background….holy shit.” I asked, “What?” Gunner said, “She’s a werewolf too. She’s fifteen. Her parents died...she’s from Missouri. She has one surviving brother. She was sent to an Aunt in Black Path after her parents were killed….A Stephanie McCann. I had to dig for that though.” I asked, “How did the family die?” Gunner sighed, “Break in. Ashley was shot too. She woke up in the hospital and was already in Nashville. That’s how I found her aunt. She signed Ashley out into her custody.” I asked, “Why did the pack keep the brother and not her?” Gunner said, “I don’t know that. He was old enough to keep her though. If I had to guess…..he blames his sister.” I sighed, “Looks like we need to look into that. Grief can cloud your judgement….but damn that’s cold. I’d never let anyone take Aubrielle or Tenley from me.” 

        Micah had decided to cooperate. He took off his shirt. Two guys said, “See….I told you he was cool, Dante.” Ashley snorted, “I believe I said he was cool. He’s killed more werewolves than you’ve ever thought about killing. He could also snap you all like twigs. Seriously….you all want to fight werewolves and you can’t life twenty pounds...it’s sad...honestly...” Harper said, “She knows him. How does she know him?” I snorted, “Is she a fairy? Because those are some evasive truths she is throwing out. Micah has killed werewolves, but they are rogues.” Harper said, “Micah will know.” That was true. Dante stood and walked over to Micah. He studded his neck. 

            Harper said, “How do they not see his mark?” I answered, “I have no idea.” Ashley stepped in front of Micah. She said, “I’ll kick your f*****g ass if you try anything weird Dante….I just told Micah you wouldn’t. You don’t even like guys.” Dante looked at her, “You rarely stick up for anyone. You barely have guys who are friends. You hate most of the guys here. We have a pool about whether or not you're a lesbian.” Ashley snorted, “As far as you can be concerned….. Let’s go with that. It’s simpler. There’s one man I’d ever let touch me in the way, you all want to….. so keep on dreaming. You all with your grabby hands have NOTHING that I want. I don’t want to be touched by ANY of you jerks, and you INSIST on trying. Micah here does swing the other way, so I don’t have to worry he’s going to try and cop a feel. He’s actually a good guy. Unlike you tools. Come on Micah. Let’s go get some food and catch up.” She paused, “Samantha, Cindy… Do you guys want to join?” They nodded. Both glared at Dante. Addison answered her, “Yeah….You know if you keep treating the new people like this they won’t join.” Micah put his shirt back on. Dante spoke, “We’d welcome you Micah. I don’t lead this group. Nate does and he will be back tonight.” Micah said, “I was prepared to join….but after whatever the hell this was….I’ll have to think about it.” I smiled. That was good. He didn’t want to appear over eager. Dante even seemed to relax at his response.

            Dante yelled, “Ashley, do tell him he could work with you if he joined since you two know each other..” Ashley snidely said, “Because he doesn’t have ears and can’t hear you himself? This isn’t kindergarten. Tell him your damn self Dante. I swear you all are a bunch of children with grabby hands.” She was still ranting as they walked outside. Micah said, “Uhh….have we met?” Ashley ignored his question and led him to a car. I raised an eyebrow. She was fifteen. Was she going to drive? She got in the driver's seat and took off. Harper asked, “Did the law change here?” I sighed, “Nope. She’s not supposed to be driving.” I followed them at a distance. It must not have been far enough because Ashley was trying to shake me. She was good too. In a few years with more experience she might have managed to lose me. Micah said, “That’s my backup you keep trying to shake. How do you even know to look for a tail?” Ashley sighed, “Fine, I’ll stop trying to lose him. Even though we are obviously not going to hurt you. I just saved you. There is no logical conclusion in which I hurt you after I save you. It’s not my style.” Sierra spoke, “Ashley...you’re ranting.” She sighed and stopped talking.

            She drove to the edge of Nashville and Franklin. Ashley took Micah to a restaurant called King’s Diner. No one was here except them and another car. She got out and called to the guy in the kitchen, “Hey Mason. We’ll be at the back booth.” Mason laughed, “Four burgers and fries coming up.” Ashley said, “Better make it five, Mace. There’s an extra party who is likely to join. Whoever it has followed us all over the place….it would be a waste for them to sit in the car and miss out on your burgers.” Mason nodded. Oh really? Well...if she knew I was joining might as well go in.

            I walked inside. Ashley’s eyes widened for a minute then she seemed to nod to herself. I raised an eyebrow. She knew me too. I walked over and sat down as Mason came over with five burgers and fries. Ashley smiled, “Thanks Mace.” He smiled at her, “Anything for you. You know that. Hendrick and I are just waiting for you to move out of your aunt’s and in with us. We love you Ash.” She blushed. He walked off. I took a bite of my burger. It was good. 

            Eventually Addison asked me, “Who are you?” I raised an eyebrow, “Who are you two?” Addison said, “I’m Cindy Blake and this is Samantha McLean.” I nodded, “Sure….and I’m Santa Claus.” Addison frowned “Who are you again? Ashley snorted, “He’s Cayden Crawford, Commander of the Hackura army. He’s Cassie Conners mate.” I raised an eyebrow, “And how would you know that?” She blushed, “Lot of people know that…I mean everyone knows the Hackura army commander is Cassie Conners mate...everyone knows Cayden Crawford is the commander of the armies….Well, everyone paying attention anyway...Do you like the burgers? They are the best around.” 

            I laughed, “You talk a lot.” Sierra said, “She does.” I smiled, “You’re also quite evasive….I’m guessing that’s because you are a bad liar, but you don’t have fairy blood. I’ve been around enough partial fairies to spot even the smallest speck of it. Since you appear to know my mate...I’ll call her and have her join us.” Ashley’s eyes panicked. She shook her head, “No...I’m a werewolf. Lots of people think the fairy thing though. I just know a lot about fairies. I studied them a lot in my old pack. There are some partial fairies around here that I talk to too….I teach them how to fight. I hold classes for those who haven’t been taught. It’s sad….they just want people to be defenses around here…I’ve never met your mate….no need to meet her now….We….well...I’ll just go….probably I mean ....”

            I cut her off, “No wait… Cassie doesn’t have to come join us. I thought you might know her. If you don’t…...How do you know who I am? How did you know who Micah was? You knew he’d killed rogues.” Ashley snorted, “Of course he has. He’s Max Conners mate. Logic dictates he’s been around Black Mountain when there’s been a rogue attack. Or fought in an allied attack. He’s killed a werewolf. That’s just basic logic. By the way...having someone who people KNOW is a Conners mate just waltz into a hunter’s den….bad call dudes. Very bad call.” I raised an eyebrow, “Dante suspected. You were the only one who knew….which brings us back to how you know me and Micah. I’ve never met you. We did surveillance on Black Pack two years ago...You didn’t live there at the time.” She frowned, “I do now. I was sent packing after my parents died. My brother blames me for their deaths. It's a lovely pack full of wonderful people.”