Chapter 2

Cade was up at first light washed, dressed and sitting on the front steps waiting for Eli when Jaz and Cord came down for breakfast. He’d always liked mornings, watching the world come alive and it was no different here watching as people began moving about going towards their respective jobs.

 Cade closed his eyes and listened as his father had taught him. He knew he’d hear more this way and also get a better sense of the place. He felt something touch his mind and immediately brought up his protective shields. Whoever it was that was trying to gain access to his mind backed off, leaving Cade grateful but wary.

A few minutes later Cord came to get him, “Can… umm I mean Cade,” he sighed as if he’d muffed things and was trying to get it right, “Jaz said to come in to breakfast. It smells good too!” he exclaimed.

“Okay squirt, let’s go taste test it huh?”

Breakfast was most enjoyable and both ate their fill. This put a smile on Jaz’s face, she liked that they had a healthy appetite. When they were done eating both Cade and Cord cleared the table and did the dishes.

Jaz protested to no avail, “You cooked so we clean,” stated Cade so she sat sipping her coffee while they did indeed clean.

When they’d finished Cade checked Cord over to make sure he looked presentable then they both returned to the front steps to wait. Cord leaned against Cade and asked questions about where they were and what would happen next.

Cade shushed him softly, “That’s what this meeting is about squirt. I want you to be on your best behaviour okay and don’t speak unless you are asked a question.”

“Okay I promise,” he all but whispered.

Jaz could see that they were both a little nervous, “My brother is a good Alpha. He’s a fair man Cade; just answer his questions as best you can. Eli will be with you both and he’ll help if you need it.”

Cade looked at Jaz with pleading eyes, “Do I have to take Cord with me? He’s so young and I don’t want to frighten him.”

Jaz had a feeling there was more to his concerns “Is that really why you don’t want him to go?” She saw Cade tense up at her words; she waited patiently hoping he’d trust her enough to tell her what was worrying him.

Cade turned and looked Jaz in the eye, “I felt someone try to touch my mind. Whoever it was is strong. I thought we’d be safe here, that we might be accepted at face value. I have a strong mind and an even stronger will. I was able to block the person.”

Cade looked to Cord then back at Jaz, “My brother is a child and a long way from being able to protect himself. I’d feel better if he were to remain here with you.”

Jaz had a fair idea who had touched Cade’s mind and was none too happy about it. She sighed and hoped Cade would be alright with what she said next.

“You and your brother are new here, you’re not Pack so will both need to meet with my brother,” she held up a hand to stop Cade from interrupting her, “I’ll come with you and will stay close to Cord. No one will gain access to his mind. I won’t allow it!”

Cade heard authority and also a little anger in her voice and believed her, “You know who it was don’t you?”

“Yes but I don’t believe what you sensed was meant as a threat. Please Cade trust me on this?”

Cade had a good feeling about Jaz and could see how responsive Cord was with her. It would take a leap of faith, but it was a risk Cade had to take. “Alright, I think Cord will feel more at ease if you’re there too. He already likes you.”

“Good, it’s settled then and if it’s alright with you, I’d like to request that you both remain with me, it’s nice having you around.” She smiled and Cade could see that she at least enjoyed her brother’s company.

Jaz pulled Cord into her side and wrapped an arm around him protectively. She was about to speak when Cade abruptly stood and descended the steps before he stood rigidly looking towards the training centre. A moment later Eli appeared and walked towards them.

Strange? Thought Jaz, but kept her thoughts to herself.

Eli stopped a few feet away from them, “Ready?” he asked.

“Ready!” returned Cade then held out his hand for his brother. Cord took it and reached out for Jaz with his other hand.

Eli noted that Cade nodded slightly to Jaz regarding what his brother did and thought that perhaps these three would fit well.

It only took a few minutes to get to the main house. Cade held himself well, but Eli sensed his apprehension.

“Braedon has already given permission for you both to stay. If he hadn’t you would have been escorted to our border at first light.” He paused to let his words sink in before continuing.

“This is a cursory meeting Cade, to show him and his mate respect. He’ll have questions for you; I’d suggest you answer him honestly. Untruths have a way of coming back and hitting you in the face.”

Cade took in a deep breath and released it before nodding to acknowledge he understood. Eli stopped outside the door way, “It would also be respectful if you were to both take your caps off when we go inside.”

Cade stiffened and sent a silent message to his brother through their sibling bond. Cord leave your cap on that way it won’t look weird when I don’t take mine off.

Okay. Cord replied.

Eli moved into the house Cade a step behind him and Jaz and Cord holding hands close behind. This was how they entered Braedon’s office.

Cade’s heart was beating rapidly and Eli picked up on it. He found this somewhat disconcerting; it was as if they were linked in a way that he’d never been with anyone else. His heart missed a beat with the thought that this boy could be his… he couldn’t not even consider finishing the sentence, it was after all a possibility that had never to his memory taken place!

Are you alright Eli, you look a little pale? At first Cade didn’t realised he hadn’t spoken out loud, that is until he saw shock written across Eli’s face.

Cade had an uncomfortable feeling in his gut and tried not to think about the consequences of what had just happened. Thankfully there was no time because they were now standing in front of the Alpha and several other Were’s.

Cade straightened his back and pulled Cord to his side. He remained outwardly calm and bowed his head to the Alpha before nudging Cord to do the same. Braedon looked them over noting that while the younger boy seemed to defer to his brother, neither were in anyway submissive.

He nodded acknowledgement to Cade then stretched his hand out to the only female in the room. She came to him, his mate Cade rightly assumed. Their eyes met and Cade knew instinctively that this was the person who had tried to gain access to his mind. He narrowed his eyes, but remained calm.

“Jaz,” began Cade never taking his eyes off the female, “now that you’re Alpha has as you said met us both, I would ask that you take Cord back to your home.”

Braedon growled, “You are a guest in my home, you and your brother have also been given leave to stay here and yet you show me disrespect before we have even exchanged a single word!”

Cade remained silent watching the female, her eyes fluttered and she turned to the Alpha, “Brae I’m afraid this is my doing. I was doing a sweep this morning, checking on everyone as I usually do.” She sighed, “I touched Cades mind and he naturally thought I was trying to read him.”

Kasey stepped forward and Cade pulled Cord behind him protectively gaining another growl from the Alpha. “I apologise for what I did Cade. In my defence, this is what I do every morning as I need to know that all is well with each member of the Pack.

When you shut me out I realised my mistake and bypassed your brother. It was not my intention to make you uncomfortable or have you believe that I was trying to gain information from you without your knowledge.”

Kasey looked to her mate and saw understanding in his eyes before she turned back to Cade. “You have a strong mind Cade, not many your age would have sensed me and that you were able to block me so quickly shows a great strength of will.”

Cade nodded to Kasey, “It is an Alpha with the best interest of the Pack that will admit to a mistake.” He bowed his head then turned to Braedon and waited.

“I am Braedon Romanoff Pack Alpha,” he indicated his mate, “this is my mate Kasey,” then he nodded to each of the men in turn, “this is my second Jacob and my brother Nicolas. Nicolas is head of Security and also in charge of our Enforcers. If you and your brother are to stay, he will be responsible for your training.”

Cade acknowledged Jacob then turned to Nicolas, “My father spoke highly of you and your family. He also shared many stories of your… adventures.” Cade gave him a knowing smile and Nicolas raised a brow in confusion trying to think who would have such stories to tell.

Cade returned his gaze to Braedon, “Our Sire was Nairn Randell Aidenholm. I am his first born.” Cade paused, waiting for the Alpha to respond, when he didn’t he continued.

“My father fell in love with a human and exiled himself so he could take her as his mate. He did not believe his Pack or others would approve or accept her. But she was his true mate and he would not leave her.

They lived in relative isolation for years and when my brother and I were born we became our own Pack. A small Pack yes, but strong and protective of each other.”

Braedon was unable to hide his surprise, “You speak of your Sire as if he has passed and what of your mother?”

“My mother died two years after my brother Cordelle was born. My Sire passed on three months ago.” Braedon raised a brow in question. “I disposed of his body as he requested. I build a funeral pyre close to my mother and when it burnt out I turned his ashes into her grave.”

The room was silent Cade figured everyone was either in shock or wondering at the truth of his words. Cade turned back to Nicolas pulling something out of his pocket as he did so.

“He asked me to return this to you Nicolas,” then he moved towards him and held out his hand to show a coin like object. “He said it was now your turn to hold on to it and pass on to the next worthy Warrior.”

Nicolas took the object from Cade examining it closely. “Nairn and I were close when we were young. We were always competitive with each other, so my father designed a training exercise, an obstacle course if you will. He hoped it would put an end to our constantly trying to outdo each other. It didn’t of course. This coin was the prize.”

He paused as if reflecting on the past then looked intently at Cade, “Your father beat me by seconds the first time and the coin was won back and forth between us for years before he left to establish his own Pack.”

Nicolas pocketed the coin and looked to his brother, “Nairn would not have parted with this unless it was necessary.”

Braedon considered what he’d heard, “Cade son of Nairn, as your Sires heir you would now be considered Pack Alpha. While this is true, you are yet a boy with a great deal to learn. I assume your father told you to seek out this Pack?”

“Yes sir, my father told me the house of Romanoff was both honourable and caring. It was one of his final wishes that I brought my brother here in the hope that it would be a safe haven for him.”

Eli spoke for the first time, “And what of you Cade, did your father wish for us to care for you also?”

“No. He trained me to be a Warrior; I can take care of myself. He did however make me swear I’d get Cord here and that I’d train him as he trained me. Once I have done that…” he paused to take a breath, “I asked him, he said it was of little concern to him.”

Eli growled deep inside and Jaz stepped up to place a hand on Cades arm. “Brae the children are comfortable with me and I enjoy their company. I would welcome them both?”

Braedon watched as Cord reached out from behind his brother to take Jaz’s hand. He smiled at the boy, “So it would seem my sister,” then he moved to were Cord stood and knelt down in front of him. “Would you like to stay with Jaz?”

Cord immediately straightened up, “Yes Alpha, it’s nice there and Can… Cade won’t have to worry about me so much.”

Braedon noted that Cord corrected himself when referring to his brother but let it slide. “Then it is settled, that is of course if Cade is agreeable?”

“I’m agreeable sir. It will be good for Cord to have a female influence. He has no memory of our mother and I am a poor replacement.”

“I’m sure you did wonderfully Cade, right Cord?” Jaz smiled warmly and Cord nodded affirming what she’d said.

A hint of a smile showed on Cade’s face and he relaxed knowing that Cord was well placed and in safe hands. Braedon stood up and looked at Cade all serious, “Nicolas and Eli will see you settled into a training schedule. How old are you son?”

Cade swallowed, “I’m seven… I’m sixteen. I’ll be seventeen in a few of months.”

“Hmm, you are small for sixteen almost seventeen, but I dare say you will fill out soon enough. Both you and your brother will need to have a medical check up. You will have the freedom of the Compound, but you will not be permitted to begin training until you have clearance from Jaz. We can arrange for someone to show you around and if you lose your way there is always someone you can ask for directions.”

“Thank you sir.” Cade paused then, “I know my father’s name carries weight, but I’m not my father and neither is Cord. I would prefer to keep our heritage close, at least until we are settled and I’ve decided if we are to stay here.”

“I think we can do that for now,” said Braedon trying to keep a straight face and letting all there but Cade and Cord know that these two would not be leaving anytime soon.

Nairn had entrusted him with his youngest son and in doing so had also entrusted him with his eldest. He would do right by them both and if Cade wished to leave… he’d cross that bridge when and if.

Jaz and Eli led the boys out of the office and in turn the house. About halfway back to Jaz’s house Cade stopped to speak with Eli. “When will I be able to start training?”

“When you are given clearance by Jaz, but for the next day or so I’d suggest you rest and get a sense of your new home.”

“This is not our home. It’s somewhere to assess what to do next.” when Eli scowled at him Cade rolled his eyes, “okay, so it might end up being our home, but that hasn’t been decided yet!”

Eli smiled and Cade had the feeling what he’d said had fallen on deaf ears. He kept his thoughts to himself though and they continued on to catch up with Cord and Jaz. Eli left them at the house but said he’d be back later in the day to show Cade the training centre and the area out back of it where he’d be doing most of his training.

Jaz ushered them both inside but Cade stopped in the doorway and watched until Eli was out of sight before closing the door. He found Cord in a small room off the kitchen. It looked to be a makeshift doctor’s office, probably used for emergencies. Cade watched as Jaz got Cord up onto the bed before getting him to strip off his clothing from the waist up.

He waited quietly as Jaz examined Cord and asked him questions as she poked and prodded him. She finished up by taking some blood then gave Cord a lollipop for being so good. Jaz helped Cord off the bed then turned to Cade, “Okay it’s your turn.” She smiled but it faded quickly when she saw the expression on Cade’s face.

Cade stiffened, “Cord go take a seat in the kitchen and wait for us.” He waited till Cord had gone then closed the door before turning to Jaz. “I’m not stripping down. If you have questions I’ll answer them, but you’re not touching me except to take blood like you did with my brother. If that’s not good enough, then maybe we should leave.”

“Blood is fine for now Cade. I may have a some questions for you after I run a few tests, but it’s plain to see you’re fit enough. I’ll assess you for clearance based on the test results.

Cade sat on the bed and didn’t even flinch when Jaz stuck him with the needle to extract blood. Jaz saw several scars on Cade’s arm and wondered if this was why he always wore long sleeves. She thought better of asking questions about them deciding it could wait for now.

When she was done Jaz told Cade he could have a lollipop too. He decline with a roll of his eyes and joined Cord in the kitchen.

Cord looked up fearfully and Cade ruffled his hair, “It’s all good squirt, don’t worry okay… that’s my job.”

Cord smiled and Cade was relieved to see him relax. Cord had been through enough and Cade would make sure he now experienced as little hurt as possible.

Eli came back in the afternoon as promised to show Cade where he would be training. Cord looked at him hopefully and Eli knew he wasn’t going anywhere without the little guy. “Okay Cord you can come but stay close, do whatever you’re told and don’t touch anything.”

“No problem Eli!” Cord replied as he fell into step with them both.

Eli enjoyed showing the boys around the training centre. He pointed out the areas Cade would be doing most of his training as well as the gym equipment he’d likely be utilising. He stipulated that no juvenile was to be in the centre using the equipment without adult supervision.

“There are rules you will need to follow, they are to keep everyone safe. All trainees need to follow what their trainers tell them to do, if you don’t follow the rules there will be consequences.”

Cade seemed fine with this which surprised Eli somewhat, after all he was a kid, a teenager and at that age kids always seems to believe they knew it all. Eli wasn’t one to judge the unknown, so resigned himself to waiting to see how Cade did.