Claimed by the Hero Read online

  “For someone less upstanding than your brother,” their grandfather Carter stated, “but not Caden. He’s beyond reproach.”

  “Let’s toast to Caden running for office.” Camilla lifted her glass. Everyone at the table did the same. “To Caden.”

  Caden clicked his wine goblet against his brother’s and thought about the doubts he’d raised. The mayoral campaign hadn’t been easy. Is he right? Caden wondered. Am I taking on more than I can chew?

  Caden stood, staring out the French doors, which led to the massive terrace of the Mitchell family home. He circled the large tumbler of brandy in his hands, swishing the brown liquid back and forth. He rarely came home to the compound these days because he was always working. Working kept him busy and avoiding thinking about the family he’d like to have someday.

  Ever since he could remember, he’d wanted to be a husband and father. After watching his grandfather and father adore their women, Caden wanted that for himself. But such a life wasn’t in the cards he’d been dealt. Over the years, there had been women, but none had been her—the woman’s name he couldn’t even say out loud let alone think about. So at thirty-four, he was single, with no prospects in sight. He was musing about his lack of a love life when he sensed someone behind him. It was his father.

  Standing at six-foot-four with dark chocolate skin, Cal was a couple of inches taller than Caden, but they favored one another. The main difference: Caden was trim and lean while his father had packed on a few pounds since he’d retired from the Army. But that didn’t make him any less impressive. Caden had always looked to his father for guidance and turned to him now.

  “Is Cameron right? Would my gubernatorial bid be too much for the family?”

  “Of course not, son,” Cal said, slapping his rather large hand on Caden’s shoulder. “Don’t let your brother convince you otherwise. You were born to do this. You’re a natural leader. Everyone gravitates toward you. Leading this state will be a breeze.”

  Caden laughed. “I don’t know about all that. I’m sure there’s a lot to learn.”

  “And we’ll make sure you do,” a stern voice said from behind them.

  Caden watched his grandfather walk forward. Standing side by side, his father and grandfather were the same height with dark brown eyes, but that’s where the similarities ended. His grandfather was strict, impatient, and often overbearing, having ruled his father, Cal, with an iron fist. Cal was the exact opposite. He was quiet, reserved, and had the patience of a saint. Caden could remember his father teaching him how to ride a bike. No matter how many times Caden fell off, Cal was always there to put him back on. His father taught him to never give up, but his grandfather drilled it into him.

  “I already have some thoughts on campaign managers for you,” Carter stated.

  “As long as they’re just thoughts,” Caden responded tightly. Carter’s hard stare wasn’t lost on Caden. He’d learned years ago that he had to stand up to the old man, otherwise his grandfather would walk all over him as he’d done to his father. “I’ll choose my campaign manager.”

  “I’m the one in Washington with the connections,” Carter reminded him. “You would do well to heed my advice.”

  “Dad, Caden knows what he wants.”

  “I wasn’t talking to you,” Carter replied, his gaze narrowing on Caden. “I was talking to my grandson.”

  Caden attempted diplomacy to ease the tension between the men. He’d always hated the sometimes contentious relationship they shared. “Grandfather, I appreciate your concern and I know you have a great many connections, but I’m my own man. Always have been, always will be.” He threw back the rest of his brandy and left the room without another word.

  Caden was on his way out when he ran into his mother in the foyer.

  “Oh good, I caught you,” Camilla said.

  Can’t I even make it out of the house? Apparently not. Caden spun around to face her. “Mother?”

  “I’d like a private word if you have the time. It won’t take long.” She didn’t wait for him. She merely left him in the foyer and expected him to follow.

  He took off after her and found her in her she shed or whatever women were calling their special rooms these days.

  “Please have a seat.” Camilla motioned for him to sit on one of the white sofas adorned with pillows of various shades and sizes. The room was decorated in florals and pastels. Pictures of Caden and his siblings at various stages of their childhood adorned the walls. Caden smiled inwardly. He’d never thought his mother was this sentimental.

  “What’s on your mind?” he said, taking a seat beside her on the sofa.

  “Your future.”

  “How so?”

  “Well, quite frankly, I’m worried about you.” Camilla smoothed the hem of her A-line jersey dress over her knees. She was always perfectly put together, and tonight was no exception. Her hair was cut in a pixie style with wisps of hair down her forehead. Caden had been surprised when she’d cut her shoulder-length hair a few years ago, but Camilla said when one was older, shorter hair was more becoming. As for her makeup, it was flawless yet minimal, making it appear as if she wasn’t wearing any at all.

  “It’s been years since you’ve been seriously involved with anyone, Caden. It’s about time you had someone in your life to share life’s ups and downs.”

  Caden frowned. He didn’t like the topic of discussion. Even though he’d thought the very same thing earlier, his love life or lack thereof was no one’s business but his own. “Your point?”

  “It would be wise to have someone at your side in your quest to become governor.”

  “If this is another one of your attempts to find me the perfect political wife, you can save your breath, Mother.” He’d been there, done that. Camilla’s idea of his perfect match was some uptight society princess who wouldn’t know a day’s hard work if it slapped her in the face.

  “Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water,” his mother protested. “I speak the truth. A married man seeking public office is more palatable than a single man on the prowl, especially when he’s seeking the governor’s mansion. Listen, the young woman I have in mind comes from a great family.”

  Caden sighed and rolled his eyes upward. “Of course she does.”

  “I’m only trying to help. Can’t you at least meet her before jumping to conclusions?”

  “You’re trying to run my life, Mother, and I won’t have it,” Caden responded hotly as he rose to his feet. “I know it’s hard. All your kids are grown up now and you have no one to boss around, except maybe Dad, but I’m not the one.”

  “Caden Mitchell, I will not be spoken to in this manner. I raised you better than this.”

  “You raised me to think for myself, to not follow the crowd. I ran my mayoral campaign as a single man and won. This gubernatorial bid will be no different. You’ll see.”

  Caden was done with the conversation and was in his BMW driving home to his house on Falls Road in Baltimore County within minutes. He allowed his mind to wander as it occasionally did when he reflected back on his life. He supposed his mother was used to him doing the expected.

  He’d gone to a private school in Germany when his father had been stationed there. With his family background in the military and his high marks, Caden earned immediate entry into West Point, where he graduated at the top of his class. He started as a second lieutenant, deploying twice to Iraq and Afghanistan, but he quickly rose up the ranks. While in Afghanistan, his entire company came under attack. Caden helped fifteen men in his platoon get to safety, earning him the Medal of Honor.

  His grandfather had urged him to continue his military career and to one day retire like he and his father had, as a three-star general and lieutenant colonel, respectively. But after years of serving his country, Caden, who did indeed reach the pinnacle of lieutenant colonel, stopped short of becoming
a three-star general because he was ready to move on to the next chapter in his life, a political career.

  He’d come back home with his eyes on the prize, quickly landing a seat on the city council and eventually winning the mayor’s seat when the incumbent retired. But still, Caden craved more. He supposed his career ambition superseded his love life because he’d lost the one woman he ever truly loved. The name trembled from his lips: “Savannah Grace Vasquez.”

  There. He’d been able to say her name.

  Thinking about those idyllic three months they’d shared at West Point made his heart turn over. It had been twelve years since she’d disappeared from his life without a trace. Caden had never truly gotten over it. His last two relationships hadn’t generated near the amount of fire and passion as those few short months with Savannah. That’s probably why the other relationships fizzled—because the women could tell his heart wasn’t in it.

  Deep down, Caden wondered if he’d ever get over her. Was he destined to love only one woman?

  Chapter 2

  “I can’t believe you got into politics,” Caden said as he sat across from Jack Wyatt at a downtown Baltimore watering hole for breakfast on Monday morning.

  Barely six feet, Jack Wyatt was a no-nonsense type of guy. He was dressed in a nondescript blazer, an untucked white button-down shirt, and faded jeans with loafers. His moppy brown hair was in need of a haircut, and he was sporting a five o’clock shadow. Any other person catching up with Caden for a campaign manager meeting would be dressed in a designer suit, but not Jack. That was just fine with Caden. Jack had helped political hopefuls win a couple of highly contested senatorial and congressional campaigns in recent years. If Caden was a betting man, he would put his money on Jack every single time.

  “Why not?” Jack responded to Caden’s surprise about his career path. “Not all of us were cut out for a life in the Army and being a political candidate.” He eyed Caden up and down in his Armani suit, Ferragamo shoes, and Rolex watch, which had been gifted to him by his grandfather when Caden had become a lieutenant colonel. Carter Mitchell had thought his grandson would continue down the same path as he had, and for a while, Caden had been fine traveling on it. Not anymore.

  Caden chuckled. “I was content with life in the military. You know what’s expected of you. Out here …” His voice trailed off.

  “Civilian life comes with its share of challenges,” Jack finished. “It wasn’t an easy transition entering it after eight years of service, but at the end of the day, I was done with serving my country.”

  Caden nodded. He knew the regimented life of the armed services was not right for everyone, but for him, he’d excelled. He’d led the men and women in his command with ease, just as he had his brothers, Cage and Cameron. Since he could remember, Caden had the responsibility of not only looking after his brothers but assuming the mantle of the family’s military heritage. At times, it was a heavy burden. He supposed that’s why he’d decided to leave and try his hand at politics. It seemed like a natural progression.

  “You’re looking very introspective,” Jack said. “Are you sure you’re ready for another campaign? You’ll have even more scrutiny and challenges to face because it’s not just a city you have to convince but an entire state.”

  Caden’s dark eyes bore into Jack’s. “I’m ready.”

  “Of course you are.” Jack smiled. “General Mitchell would have ensured it.”

  “I’m my own man,” Caden stated defensively. “My grandfather doesn’t rule me.”

  “If you say so. He made it perfectly clear to me that I wasn’t his first choice to run your campaign.”

  “What? When did you speak to him?”

  “A couple of days ago. He contacted my office and requested an audience with me.” Jack reached for his Bloody Mary and drank generously.

  “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

  “Nope.” Jack shook his head. “The general quite plainly told me I wasn’t good enough to work on your campaign and there were men more qualified than me. Then he told me I was your choice and that I had better not screw up.”

  “The old man has some nerve,” Caden responded with a wry smile. He’d point-blank told him to butt out, and still Carter Mitchell couldn’t help himself.

  “He’s right. If you’re looking for a more seasoned professional, I’m not the man for you.”

  “I need someone I can trust and who has the cojones not to be afraid of Carter or my parents. I need you.”

  Jack grinned, revealing his perfect straight teeth. “Good, that’s exactly what I wanted to hear. I needed to be sure who I answered to and that you were the man I always thought you to be.”

  “I haven’t changed.”

  Jack leaned back in his chair and regarded him. “I disagree. You’re more guarded than you were the last time I saw you.”

  “How so?”

  “I don’t know,” Jack said. “It’s something in the eyes. Like you lost something important to you.” He paused for several beats and then said, “It couldn’t be …” He stared down into his glass and then back at Caden. “You’re not still hung up on that girl who left you before graduation, are you?”

  Caden snorted. “That’s ridiculous, Jack.” He lied through his teeth. He hadn’t talked about Savannah with anyone in years, and he certainly didn’t intend on doing so now. But was Jack right? Was he using the hurt of losing Savannah as a shield against the world?

  Maybe.

  Jack shrugged. “Hell, I’m just blowing smoke, man. You’re right. That was well over a decade ago. I’m sure there’s been many women since then to make you forget her.”

  Little did he know that was far from the truth.

  Caden and Jack made their way to the storefront Caden was looking to lease for his campaign office. Their intent was to take a look around with a realtor and discuss next steps, but the door was already open.

  As he walked inside, Caden came face-to-face with his mother. “Son,” Camilla said, rushing over to him, “I was just talking about you. Were your ears burning?” She’d just been talking with the realtor, who had dashed out for a few minutes to take a pressing private phone call.

  “Mother, what are you doing here?” Caden tried to keep his voice level even though he was furious with her for interfering.

  “Oh my. I just happened to be coming from one of our charity meetings and thought I might look over the space and get some ideas on how we might best decorate.”

  “Decorate?” Jack said. “It’s going to be a campaign office, ma’am.”

  Camilla quirked an eyebrow. “You must be Jack Wyatt.”

  “Indeed I am.” Jack offered her his hand, which Camilla shook. “Pleasure to meet you.”

  “Likewise. However, it’s important that Caden portrays a certain image.”

  “Which is what?” Jack said. “He’s rich enough to afford an interior decorator?”

  Caden resisted a smirk. That’s why he wanted Jack and not one of his grandfather’s cronies. Jack didn’t hold back any punches. He’d been that way at West Point, which often got him in trouble.

  “Well, you certainly have no problem speaking your mind, Jack Wyatt,” Camilla responded.

  “It’s the only way I know how to be. And our boy here,” he said, glancing at Caden, “needs to show he can relate to the everyman. His opponents will use every weapon in their arsenal to say he doesn’t understand his constituents and that he’s an overprivileged military brat. We need to prove otherwise, to show them there’s more grit to Caden than in their baby fingers.”

  Camilla grinned. “I think I like you, Jack.”

  “Vice versa, ma’am.” Jack nodded.

  “Well, if you won’t let me decorate my son’s office, can I at least help plan a campaign dinner with some of our closest friends?”

  “If by closest, you mean wealthy,
then yes,” Jack replied. “Go right ahead. Help line our coffers.”

  “Excellent.” Camilla rubbed her hands together in excitement. “I know just the venue and who to invite. I’ll leave you two to your musings.”

  Caden bent down for the obligatory kiss she placed on his cheek, and she was gone in a flash. “I know that look,” Caden said. “It means she’s up to her matchmaking again—a woman from the ‘right family’ with the ‘right background’ who would make the perfect political wife. She seems to think I need one.”

  “Wouldn’t be a bad idea.”

  Caden sighed. “Not you too.” He needed someone on his side.

  “Listen, I’m not saying you need a wife to get elected. You showed that with your last campaign. However, your opponent is married with several kids. He has a great family image. That’s not to say a single man with a lifetime of service to his country isn’t a good selling point. It’s just a contrast.”

  “Thank you, because it’s bad enough having my mother trying to hook me up.”

  “Fair enough,” Jack said, then he switched gears, taking advantage of the fact that the realtor was still nowhere in sight. “Now, let’s get down to business. Here’s my thoughts on where we go next.”

  Caden and Jack continued their campaign discussion as they waited for the realtor, but it was never far from Caden’s mind that his mother wasn’t going to stop meddling.

  Later that evening, Caden made a pit stop at Cameron’s bachelor pad. The one-bedroom apartment wasn’t much to speak of since his younger sibling had often been deployed after purchasing the investment property a few years ago, but it was still a refuge.

  Cameron, in shorts and a T-shirt, greeted him with a warm hug at the door. “Caden, bro, c’mon in.”

  “Hey, bro,” Caden said as he stepped inside and saw his brother’s relaxed attire. “I know I’m unannounced. Is now a good time?”

  “You’re family. It’s always a good time. You want a beer?”

  “Would love one,” Caden said, moving into the spacious living room adorned with a large reclining sofa and entertainment center. Cameron headed to the kitchen and returned moments later extending the ice cold beverage. Caden greedily accepted and took a long pull.