Let Me Live

Chapter 2: King Titan's POV

I reviewed the files on my tablet again. I liked to be thorough before arriving for investigations. The anonymous tip had come in a few weeks ago about a pack in my kingdom that had been under suspicion for years. Seems there is reason to believe they are conducting themselves in an undignified manner and possibly illegal trafficking. 17 years prior the former alpha of the Iron Tooth pack had attacked the neighboring Divine Moon pack with the reason being alleged theft. Wars among packs are not illegal but the initiating pack must prove justification beyond acquisition of land or goods. If the opposing pack can offer no proof of innocence or resolution of offenses then the pack may declare war. However all women and children must be spared and sent to other packs or be accepted into the victorious pack. They must also be compensated for any death of a spouse and/or father. Only men who were captured in battle were allowed to be taken prisoner and sold into slavery. These have been the laws of battle since the beginning of the 6 lycan kingdoms, thousands of years ago. It is rumored that the former Alpha did not abide by these laws. After securing victory, he was to provide documentation of the relocation and reconciliation of the women and children of the defeated pack, which he did. However years later, it has been coming to light that many of these documents had been false. Many of the women and children had gone missing, including the former Luna and their 2 year old daughter. We had reached out to the former alpha’s son who was now in charge. He denied any and all knowledge of such happenings and with no actual proof that he or the former alpha had actually harmed the women and children or had done anything to them at all, there were no charges to seek. So the case had been suspended for the past 4 years. Now with the new tip that the pack was engaging in the training and trafficking of slaves (which was the first thing I abolished 11 years ago when I turned 17 and took the crown) I had enough cause to reopen the case and investigate. Although my abolishment of slavery had been openly welcomed by most packs in my kingdom, there were still a few who resented it but they were quickly forced into submission. Well at least on the surface. I knew that, as with anything, there were still black markets and illegal auctions being held and I was making it my mission to shut them down as I found them. Luckily the council was very supportive of my actions. Although most were far older than me, they viewed slavery as a barbaric leftover of forgotten times and saw the disgrace it brought to our species. My plane finally landed at the local airport and my men and I began the long drive to the Iron Tooth territory. 

As soon as we entered the territory, my wolf began to stir. Something about this place was putting me on edge and my wolf could sense it as well. The place looked humble enough. A small town in decent condition, though mild disrepair was evident on some of the buildings. Modest but modern houses dotted the outskirts. What one would think of as the all American small town. However one thing did seem somewhat off. Where was everyone? Normally a visit from the royal court, especially the King himself would elicit great fanfare and commotion. With people gawking and clamoring to get a glimpse. This had the appearance of a ghost town. Not that I minded it, as that usual reception had always annoyed me but it was strange how quiet everything seemed. We pulled up to the pack house and as humble as the town had looked, the pack house was a stark contradiction. Opulent and grand with sandstone bricks and floor length windows at the front of all 3 stories. Built on a large hill overlooking the town. It appeared more as a 5 star hotel in the middle of nowhere. Obviously an Alpha who invested in his needs above his pack. Already off to a ‘fantastic’ start. I exited the car and was greeted by Alpha Drake Carson and his Beta, Derek. Alpha Drake was the typical blonde hair, blue eyed, tan skinned, clean shaven, athletic build, trust fund looking douche found in frat houses and daddy’s Ferrari's all over America. The beta was pretty much the same except his hair was slightly darker and he had brown eyes. Both dressed in casual black slacks and button downs. 

“Welcome to the Iron Tooth Pack, your Highness. I trust your flight and drive were comfortable?” Alpha Drake asked as he shook my hand and gave a slight bow. I could tell how much that small show of respect had irked him and quite frankly, it amused me. I met his firm grip and made sure to stand just a hair too close and to my full 7 ft. height so that I looked down at him and held his gaze. My own subtle way of establishing dominance without displaying outright disrespect on an alpha’s territory. It worked as always, as I heard the slight increase in his pulse rate and noted the uneasiness of his stance. 

“Fine. Thank you.” I replied. Releasing his hand. 

“My Beta, Derek Asters.” He introduced, gesturing to his beta. 

“Your Highness.” He bowed slightly as well.

“This is my younger brother and 2nd in command, Prince Ryker.” Gesturing to my brother on my right. “And councilman Forester.” Gesturing to the man on my left.

“They along with my men will be assisting me in the investigation. I expect nothing short of you and your pack’s full cooperation to deduce and resolve the matters at hand.” I said firmly and bore my coal black eyes into his blue ones.   

“But of course, your Majesty. We have nothing to hide and wish this to be rectified as much as you.” He stated and I already knew it was a lie but I would let it go for now to gain more information. 

“Please let us offer you some dinner after such a long day and show you and your men to your rooms.” He said and we walked into the foyer of the expansive mansion. The floors were a deep red marble that complemented the black walls. A grand chandelir hung in the middle, coming about half way down between the ceiling and floor. Golden sconces in the wall gave off faint glows causing the whole place to have an eerie feeling. Two women greeted us with silent nods and went to stand beside the Alpha and Beta respectively.

“My wife and Luna, Anna Carson and Beta Derek’s wife, Amelia Asters.” Both women bowed their heads and kept them down. Neither spoke. The Luna was slight, tall and pale with blonde hair pulled into a bun. She wore a red, high neck and long sleeve gown. Interesting choice for the middle of summer. The Beta female had black hair with light brown skin and dressed in a green dress of the same style. I glanced at Ryker who also seemed to take notice. 

“Ladies.” I greeted. We followed them into the equally overtly grand dining hall with Alpha Derek rambling on and on about the history of the mansion and all the lavish furnishings. We were seated and our food was served promptly. My first move was to get under the Alpha’s skin just a little. I could already tell that the best way to do that with this alpha was to remain quiet and observe. His staff, I noticed, were all nervous wrecks. More than should be expected, even with royalty visiting, I had known many alphas to rule with an iron fist and tight reigns, I myself did. However I expected respect, not fear and these people were terrified. My wolf had grown more agitated, making it difficult to focus. There was most definitely something amiss here and I hoped I would be able to find proof of it. 

After dinner we were shown to our rooms and agreed to start at 0600 sharp. As we passed Alpha Drake’s office, I informed him that councilman Forester would be starting in there tonight and would be sleeping there with one of my men to ensure the credibility of any findings or lack thereof. To my surprise and suspicion, he commended the idea and ordered 2 cots to be brought up and placed in his office. With that settled we retired for the night. Once alone in my room, I mind linked my brother to come to my room. I stripped out of my silk button up and jeans and threw on a pair of gym shorts. My wolf was still too anxious  to sleep so I decided to try some exercise to see if he would calm down. Ryker entered the room as I began with one armed push-ups. He fell in right beside me.

“You know this bastard is lying through his f*****g teeth about a lot of s**t around here right?’ He said, voicing what I was already thinking. 

“I’m aware. Now we just have to catch him in it.” I said back. After 20 sets on each arm. We both went into a plank position. 

“Where do you want to start? He had a few days' notice of our arrival. Plenty of time to destroy evidence.” He said.

“Hopefully not enough and trust me that whole giving proper notice before an on sight investigation clause is one I am working to get rid of but the council is resisting. Stating it gives the alpha’s proper time to prepare their evidence so we’re not wasting time on irrelevant matters.” I rolled my eyes then jumped up and took a sparing position. Ryker immediately jumped up with a smile in his black eyes. He was the only person who could almost get the best of me in hand to hand combat and was, by far and wide, the greatest fighter in the 6 lycan kingdoms, in both human and wolf form! Second only to me. 

“Yes but that also gives them time to hide and destroy crucial evidence and bribe or scare witnesses into silence.” He said as we paced around, watching for the others’ tell-tale signs that he would strike. 

“Exactly my argument.” I said as I swung a right hook, just missing his face! He tried to quickly go for a left jab but not before I could bring my left to his abdomen! He barely flinched from the strike but did step back. We went 2 more rounds, both landing and receiving our fair share of blows. 

“We’ll start in the alpha’s files just to see what we can turn up. You turn on that charm and charisma and start seeing what you can get out of the female staff.” I said, shaking out my arms. 

“I must say brother, you know exactly where my strengths are.” He smiled with an impish grin. My little brother had the classic pretty boy looks with his sandy brown hair swept back, tan skin, perfect smile and well chiseled body. However the black eyes, multiple tattoos, and a few battle scars gave him the bad boy edge. The total package. I don’t think he had met an unmated female yet who he hadn’t charmed right out of her panties. 

“Yes and until you’re mated I fully intend to utilize it.” I replied back. Ryker made a face like I had grown 3 heads! He had no interest at all in finding his mate. More than content to be a professional male slut. 

“I have plenty of time to find my mate. You, on the other hand, are the one who’s supposed to be looking. The council is nearly ready to blow a collective gasket if you don’t find her and produce an heir soon. Scared shitless that I may have to take the throne!” He smirked. Knowing full well he was just as scared of that prospect and all the responsibilities it would saddle him with as much as anyone. I sighed and gazed out the window. At 28 yrs old I have almost given up on finding her. Mates were able to sense each other at 18. I have been to all six kingdoms. Literally all over the world since taking the crown and had yet to find her. With each passing year, I lost a little more hope. Werewolves were sometimes able to breed with someone besides their destined mates. It was rare but could happen. However, for lycans, it was impossible. Our blood was too powerful to pass on in anyone that we didn’t share the mate bond with. My father had sired my brother and I by the time he was 20 and the council and the royal court were breathing down my neck. I pushed the thought from my head. I had enough to deal with right now. I said goodnight to Ryker and took a quick shower. Ready to get this s**t show rolling the next day.