Chapter 1
Cash POV
Now that Cassian was gone, it all fell on me.
Leading the family, holding everything together—it wasn’t just a title, it was a responsibility that stretched farther than I ever wanted.
His kids were mine now. Their kids? Mine too. And it would keep going like that.
Generations stacked on my shoulders.
We were still healing… trying not to dwell on the absence Cassian and Rox left behind. Some days were easier than others.
But fate, in all its twisted humor, handed us something else to deal with.
A bigger problem.
Or maybe a worse one.
Damian.
The worst Blaylock kid we’d ever seen.
My poor favorite niece and Gage didn’t stand a chance with that boy.
From the moment he came into this world, it was like he brought chaos with him. And not the fun kind—the kind that tested patience, strength, and sanity all at once.
“WAAAAAAAH!”
A scream echoed from the other room.
I didn’t even flinch. I already knew who it was.
Ryder.
Cyelle and the twins’ kid.
“What now…” Tristan sighed, dragging a hand down his face.
“I don’t want to go,” Trent muttered, already leaning back like he could disappear into the couch.
“They’ve been awake ten minutes,” Gage said, deadpan.
I smirked. “Well, we can’t disturb the ladies today. Rock, paper, scissors it is.”
“Fuck,” Gage groaned.
We all burst out laughing.
“Good luck,” I added, already knowing how this would end.
Seconds later, Gage lost. Of course he did.
We sat back like spectators, watching the inevitable unfold outside.
And there he was.
Damian.
Platinum blond hair catching the light as he pinned Ryder into the floor like it was just another normal activity.
No hesitation. No remorse. Just pure, unfiltered dominance… for absolutely no reason.
Ryder? Crying like the world was ending.
“DON’T JUST LET HIM GRAB YOU—DO SOMETHING, RYDER!” Gage barked as he stormed out.
Then his attention snapped to Damian.
“And YOU—start doing laps before I change my mind!”
Damian didn’t even look fazed. Just shoved off Ryder and started running like it was nothing.
Like he didn’t just start a war five minutes into the day.
I leaned back, exhaling slowly.
“And so it begins…” I muttered.
The stressful days of that kid had only just started.
