The Lycan King’s Claim

Chapter 6

Leaving the house was harder than I’d ever imagined it would be.

Harah—usually the no-nonsense, practical type—was fussing over me like a worried mother hen. It was so unlike her that it made my chest ache. She smoothed a stray lock of hair behind my ear, her eyes soft and a little too bright, as if she were holding back tears.

“Now remember,” she said firmly, “just because you’re moving away doesn’t mean we have to lose contact. You can call anytime, and I’m sure we’ll find a way to visit.”

I swallowed against the tightness in my throat. “I know… we will.” My arms wrapped around her in a hug that I didn’t want to end. I’d miss her more than I could put into words. Harah wasn’t the warm, cuddly sort, but she had been there—really there—for me and my siblings after Mom died. She filled in the gaps, gave us the care my father couldn’t or wouldn’t give, and never once complained.

When I finally stepped back, Jake was already there, grinning, though his smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. He pulled me into a one-armed hug and then ruffled my hair the way he always did.

“I’m going to miss you, kiddo,” he said with a half-smile. “Who’s going to drive me insane with endless chatter now?”

I laughed softly, even as my throat tightened again. I leaned into him, breathing in his familiar scent—woodsy and warm, like home. Jake had always been more than just my father’s Beta. He was like the uncle who teased you mercilessly but would show up without hesitation if you ever needed him. After Mom passed, he’d stepped into a role my father had quietly abandoned.

“I’ll miss you, Jake,” I whispered, my voice breaking a little.

His hand squeezed my shoulder in silent understanding. Then it was time.

I turned toward my father. We stood facing each other, the air between us heavier than it should have been. He was Alpha first, father second—always had been. His embrace was awkward and brief, but his voice was low in my ear.

“You’ll be fine with Kave,” he murmured. “He’s a good man.”

I nodded. I believed he thought this was best for me—best for the pack—but believing it didn’t make it hurt any less.

There was no turning back now. I plastered on a fake smile, climbed into Kave’s truck, and waved at the pack members gathered outside. My eyes searched for Bran one last time, but he wasn’t there. A small part of me ached at the thought of not saying goodbye… though maybe it was better that way.

As we pulled out of the driveway, I kept my gaze locked straight ahead. If I looked back, if I watched my home shrink into the distance, I knew I’d cry. And I would not cry in front of Kave.

It wasn’t that I thought he’d mock me for it—but I had my pride. I would not be the weak, sniveling mate. We might not love each other, but I would at least earn his respect.

At some point, the scenery outside changed. I realized we’d crossed into Kave’s territory. My curiosity got the better of me.

“How big is your pack?” I asked, breaking the silence.

“About the same as yours,” he replied, his eyes flicking to me before returning to the road. “The Alpha house has six bedrooms, four baths, an office, a big dining room, and a kitchen. The basement’s been renovated—media center, pool table, play area for the kids.”

It sounded… lively. “Who lives with you?”

“Besides you?” A grin tugged at his lips. “My Beta, John, and his mate Karrie. They’re expecting their first. Zack’s widow, Helen, still stays there too.”

Three other people in the house. That would help. I still wasn’t comfortable being alone with Kave for long stretches. Having two other women around—especially one close to my age—might make things easier.

Kave’s hand rested lightly on my knee for a moment. “They’re a friendly bunch. They’ll be happy to meet you.”

I forced a small smile, though my stomach was knotted. Meeting an entire new pack meant faces, scents, hierarchies to memorize. It was overwhelming.

Outside the window, the land stretched in endless green. Streams cut through dense woods, and at one point I glimpsed a shimmering waterfall spilling over dark rock. We stopped once for gas, and then Kave pulled into a small strip mall for supplies.

“You want to come in?” he asked.

I shook my head. “I’ll wait here.”

I watched him walk down the sidewalk with his easy, confident stride. People nodded at him in recognition but didn’t stop to chat. It made me wonder—were the townsfolk friendly with the pack? Or did they keep their distance, whispering about the strange group who lived beyond the treeline?

When he returned, there was a subtle shift in him—his shoulders less tense, his expression more at ease. Wolves were always more themselves near home.

By the time we turned onto the long driveway leading to his house, my pulse was racing. I forced myself to sit straighter. No one could smell fear on me—not today.

The house came into view—a sprawling two-story home with a wrap-around porch, nestled in a large clearing with woods on three sides. The front door flew open before we’d even stopped, and people spilled out, calling Kave’s name and pulling him into hugs.

I lingered by the truck until he finally broke away and wrapped an arm around me, drawing me close.

“Everyone, this is Elaine, my mate.”

The words seemed to freeze the air. Every eye turned to me, the sudden silence heavy enough to crush me. I forced my lips into a polite smile, refusing to shrink back against Kave.

A petite redhead, belly round with pregnancy, stepped forward and offered her hand. “Hello, Elaine. I’m Karrie. Welcome to our pack.”

Her voice was calm and warm, and some of the tension in my shoulders eased. Her mate, John, greeted me next, and soon names and faces blurred together as people stepped forward one after another.

We began to move toward the house, Kave carrying two of my bags while others grabbed the rest of my things. But just as I reached the door, a tall blonde stepped in front of me, her hip brushing mine.

“Excuse me,” she said lightly, though her tone dripped with something that was definitely not apology.

John’s voice was a quiet warning. “Carla.”

She glanced at him with feigned innocence. “Am I in your way? Sorry, John.”

And then she was gone—slipping inside with a sway of her hips, sliding right up to Kave and resting her hand possessively on his arm as she smiled up at him.

I didn’t need to be told that this Carla woman wasn’t going to welcome me. Every instinct I had told me she was going to be trouble.

And if there was one thing I knew for certain in that moment… it was that trouble had a way of finding me, whether I wanted it or not.