Beyond A King

Persistent she-wolf

Octavious raised his head to meet my eyes “recently?” He asked and I nodded.

“ mere months ago near silvermoon pack” I added.

“ England?” Octavious eyes went wide realising the power spike was also in England.

The whole thing doesn’t seem like a coincidence. I proceeded to tell him about the rogue werewolf who had been trying to take over Mitchell’s pack and the blood witches seemed to be working for him but had vanished as soon as it seemed the rogue king was going to lose. Blood witches didn’t just leave in the heart of a battle band they certainly didn’t go back on a deal made. Not for anything like morals or their reputation. No, because usually whatever they were given for their services was something they would not easily walk away from. When I was done telling the story Octavious seemed deep in thought for a while before he spoke again.

“ I’ll tell you one thing, if there are still blood witches out there, we are all in deep s**t, because whoever the Rogue king was, he was not thier master” he ran a hand through his untamed hair continuing “ more than likely they were there to keep an eye on this rogue not assist him, they will serve another someone much worse than any rogue”

“ best to leave it alone west, even Julianna wasn’t crazy enough to deal with blood witches and that b***h is hardcore ” he could say that again, Julianna had no regard for her own people’s well-being, she was happy to sacrifice their lives for her cause when she declared war on my fathers kingdom but even she hadn’t been desperate enough to go to blood witches for help.

Octavious pointed his finger at me in warning. “leave it alone” he said firmly, suddenly seeming a lot more sober than he had when I first arrived.

“ you know I can’t do that” he may be happy sitting in his hole smoking away his memories while the world burns but I couldn’t.

“ I’m serious man, they look like people but they are soulless monsters they only care about power and they slaughter for pleasure” his eye glazed over looking haunted for a moment before it disappeared and he focussed on me again but I didn’t budge, the blood witches should have been eradicated years ago under the councils orders and if not who on the council had kept them alive.

Octavious sighed obviously frustrated knowing I wouldn’t let this go, I could be a stubborn bastard sometimes and would be here everyday hounding him for answers and octavius knew that too “ I’ll meditate on it, maybe this witch the hunters are after is their master” he said absently as if deep in thought. It didn’t seem like a coincidence, the power spike happened around the same time the blood witches were in England but there’s no way a white witch would control blood witches only a dark magic could do that.

I folded my arms, sighing deeply as he took another blow from the pipe. “ you need to stop getting high first” he couldn’t bullshit me the only time he could Chanel his gifts was when he was sober which wasn’t often.

I checked the time and realised I was almost out of it. s**t. Ronoldo would be out in force looking for me soon. I said my goodbyes to octavious who was already deep in his bong. He had no idea I was still there.

I growled, running my fingers through my hair feeling like I’d had a wasted journey, I’d have to check in on octavius in a few days.

Racing back through the market I nodded to Giles on my way out before shifting and racing back to the palace before Ronoldo sent out a search party looking for the new king of werewolves.

*********************************

“ I didn’t realise getting s**t faced was a requirement for the summit” I seethed as Ronoldo and I looked on while one of the alphas stumbled in the foyer that led to the throne room set up for the alpha sumit. People were still mingling just outside so there was quite an audience witnessing the alphas intoxication.

The young male was stumbling around and trying to grab hold of another glass of champagne from one of the trays a server was holding close to him. From what I could see so far these summits were merely an excuse for the other leaders to party. It didn’t escape my notice that most of the drinkers were wolves either.

Talk about making us look bad to others. I had invited all the leaders from the kingdom to be here today, there were witches, Fae, vampires as well as shifters and this is the impression the werewolf community gave them. What a joke.

“ They always think they can handle the free booze” Ronoldo muttered, shaking his head as the werewolf stumbled once again, missing the tray of drinks completely and fell flat on his face.

“ Have him removed from the summit. I don't want a drunken alpha making a scene” I didn’t recognise him, he was still young and probably some entitled asshole that had been handed everything from his parents including his pack. Missing one alpha wouldn’t affect the vote, besides the alpha was far too drunk to make any kind of informed decision on the issues raised today. His inebriated state was shocking since shifters had a high tolerance to alcohol, he must have been drinking all night as well.

Ronoldo nodded and moments later two guards emerged and helped the alpha up, hooking their hands under his they helped him to walk out of the room, he was far too drunk to even protest.

Shaking my head I felt embarrassed as other leaders mingled respectfully with council members, some were shaking their heads clearly unimpressed with the show.

I noted the small crowd of onlookers close to the summit doors consisting of several palace elders, one being elder Stephan, my fathers advisor, the man that had insisted my father keep mine and my mothers existence hidden from the world. A man that I had come to find in recent months was my biggest obstacle here in the kingdom.

Elder Stephan was a man of the old ways and had never approved of my parents mating. He, like so many others, believed their mate bond had been a mistake on the goddesses part and like so many others believed that since I was technically half wolf I had no right to the crown.

I held his gaze while he pretended to laugh at something one of the other alphas said but his attention was solely on me. He wore a dark grey suit that looked expensive and I had no doubt he spared no expense on his clothes today. The elders were always shown to be selfless individuals picked for their knowledge and ability to put the pack first. How they had ever come to that conclusion with elder Stephan I’ll never understand. The man enjoyed spending money that was for sure.

His tall but slim frame towered over the other alpha, his hair had greyed from the blonde it was when I was a pup but his cruel smile still remained, as if he heard me his lips turned up slightly into what I assume was a genuine smile. Although it looked more like a sneer, it honestly didn't surprise me the man had forgotten what a smile was. His disdain for me was obvious; he had never tried to hide it but I didn’t care. When the council had given up hope of ever finding my parents Stephan and a few others tried to partition for the crown to be handed off to Joseph, my fathers gamma.

They had used the excuse I was part warlock and it wasn’t appropriate for a non pure blooded wolf to rule over werewolves, saying the people wouldn’t trust me. Thankfully the excuse had been laughable to the council and they had thrown it out.

It had been a risk on stephans part which meant he had been desperate to keep his lackey in charge or more to the point himself. That was the only reason he wanted to keep a man like Joseph Fowler in charge; he was someone who would bend to elder stephans will.

My father had been given no choice on appointing Fowler as his gamma when his old gamma John Atwood had to step down. John was a good man and a great warrior, he had grown up with my father and his beta Benjamin.

Like many high ranking wolves they had enjoyed their adolescence until they had found their mates and the three of them had been well known for their playboy ways, not just in the raven wood pack but also the entire kingdom.

My father himself had an awkward first meeting with my mother and not just because she was a witch and he was a werewolf but because he had been with other females at the time.

I held in the laugh as the memory of my mother telling me the story of when she found out my father was her mate as it flooded my mind.

I remember I had been only six asking about mates over dinner, taking great joy watching my father squirm as mom told me the story of how she and her mother Julianna had come to the pack for the crowning ceremony only to wait three hours for the new king to arrive.

when he finally showed up he was drunk out of his mind and had to have his female companions hold I’m him up right, his father had been furious which had only escalated when my father realised mom was his fated mate.

“ everyone in the room was screaming and shouting, your grandfather and grandmother looked ready to burst into flames, I’d never been more terrified and yet this one” she would point to my father who never blushed was red as a beetroot. “ he couldn’t wipe the sappy lovesick smile off his face, oblivious to the chaos around him, he scooped me up and carried me off” she would say, I loved how she didn’t sugar coat things even when I was a pup.

“ life is perfectly imperfect little wolf.'' She would always say believing it was the imperfections that made life beautiful. It was a good thing too since my father had not been the mate she had expected and not just because he was a werewolf. Everyone knew his reputation as a playboy who didn’t take his title seriously and their initial meeting had only solidified that claim.

Despite it all my father had dedicated himself to both my mother and the kingdom. He changed so quickly and drastically that there were rumours my mother had used a spell on him to do it. While dad put his playboy ways behind him Ben and John carried on until Ben also found his mate, unfortunately she found it too hard to overcome his past and apparently the pack females never let her forget their s****l conquests with the Beta, in the end she couldn’t move on from his past and she decided to leave. Ben was heartbroken but he understood he hated seeing his mate suffer because of his past actions and respected her wishes although he was never the same.

John had been a cut above the rest though, apparently no one had ever told him about birth control and let’s just say he spread his seed far and wide. It wasn’t until pups started appearing on his doorstep he realised his responsibility as a father would outweigh his dedication to the kingdom. Without a mate to hold down the fort and no other family besides the pups he was forced to step down as royal gramma.

My father had been devastated by the decision but he understood and allowed John to keep his rank even though he couldn’t fulfil his duties any more. My father often brought John back in on a consulting level which had angered Fowler to no end.

John was a loving father and found his mate later in life but was otherwise very happy. I felt bad that I hadn’t checked in with him since my return. He had remained close to my parents even after Joseph had tried to fill his shoes as the new gamma.

As if my thoughts were heard, the wiry looking man standing obediently like a dog next to Stephan looked towards me with nothing warming in his eyes. It only made me smile, he had never been a friendly guy even when I was a pup. He was aware of my position yet always looked at me like I was trash brought into the palace, not once did he call me prince Lucas like others who knew the truth had. Growing up in secret gave him the excuse to disrespect me, it seems he still thinks he can do so by the way he held my gaze.

Take his head off and that will show him who is king. Ace growled at me ready for a fight. I pushed him down, refusing to look like a king that had no self control.

Instead I released my aura slightly aiming it all towards Fowler who didn’t even last a minute before he submitted. Yea that’s right asshole you wanna play we will play. I wouldn’t be taking any more disrespect and neither would Ace.

I straightened the tie on my tailor made three piece suit ready to do battle. Something told me today would not be an easy win but I was determined to make my parents proud.

“ Your highness” a soft familiar voice rang out making me smile before I shushed her.

I turned to see the glowing smile of the only two people I was happy to see here today. Alisha and Mitchell, alpha and Luna of silver moon pack walked towards me from the communal area most of the leaders had set up as home base for their drinking and socialising.

I say walk, Alisha mostly waddled now in her heavily pregnant state as Mitchell held her waist to support her. I met them half way in the middle of the foyer taking Alisha from Mitchell and wrapping her in a hug. I didn’t miss the slight growl from my friend at me wrapping arms around his mate. His reaction wasn’t unjustified. I knew his wolf still struggled around me, especially since Alisha had started out as my woman. It wasn’t that long ago I had intended to take her as my chosen mate before she and Mitchell had fallen in love.

When I pulled away I took in Alisha’s beautiful smile rubbing her swollen belly as her unborn pup kicked inside her. She looked every bit as happy as I’d always wanted her to be, again ignoring the slight sting that I’d once had hoped that it would be me that made her this happy, alas that dream was not meant to be but I was still happy Alisha had found her place with a man that was worthy of her.

The man in question smacked me on the shoulder, smiling, his charcoal grey suit barely containing his huge bicep“ you ready for this man?” He asked, Honestly I didn’t have a solid answer. Did I feel ready for this moment? No, did I plan to fulfil my responsibilities to the fullest? absolutely, was I scared shitless, most definitely.

“ You'll do amazing” Alisha said gently and squeezed my shoulders bringing my attention back to her. Her unyielding faith in me was overwhelming sometimes. “ Remember we are in there and we support you one hundred percent” she assured me and Mitchell nodded in agreement. Even after I had run away from their pack like I did the last time we had seen each other face to face she always looked at me as if I was some kind of superhero. For a moment she could make me feel like I could do anything.

We began to notice heads were looking in our direction. I nodded to my friends that I would see them in there, Mitchell shook my hand and then nodded to Ronaldo before we left them to begin heading inside. I didn’t want to start off looking like I was favouring certain packs if I was to make the changes I planned on. I had to come into this as neutral as possible if I was to convince the leaders everything being done was for the benefit of everyone.

With Ronaldo still at my side we entered the throne room, the room was usually used for balls and other big events. My heart sneezed in my throat at the sight of my parents' chairs sitting at the far end on top of the elevated stage. It made me sad every time I thought of them, more than ever I needed their guidance.

The room had been set up for the summit with an enormous round table in the centre to house all the leaders along with rows of chairs further back for the other high ranking officials, council elders that had come and of course the royal elders. There would be more in attendance than usual and I had personally made sure to accommodate everyone.

The room was still empty enough that as I entered I heard voices speaking in hushed tones and just managed to catch the back end of the conversation “ please you can speak with him, make him see I’m the best choice for him” I recognised the female as Vanessa the daughter of alpha Montgomery of the moon fire pack an allying pack that was negotiated by elder Stephan not my father some years back, apparently they were old friends which made sense. Alpha Montgomery was old enough to be my fathers father and apparently his youngest daughter Vanessa was my betrothed.

“ Do not worry little one after what elder stephan has planned today, the boy will come round to our way of thinking” the male voice assured her, I assumed was alpha montgomery but I wasn’t in line of sight, as I moved further into the room my suspicions were confirmed when the male turned just as I spoke.

“ I assume by boy, you are speaking of me?” I said as I entered the room startling both Venessa and her father.

“ prince Lucas…..” monty began and I didn’t miss the disrespect in his voice. He was a shorter gentleman that didn’t even tower over his daughter, his stomach was attempting to pop the fitted brown suit he was wearing and his blonde hair was greased back with so much gel it looked wet. It didn’t stop the vicious look in his eyes as he held my gaze.

“ KING! and I don’t remember being on informal names with either of you, Alpha Montgomery” I declared, staring both of them in the eye. Vanessa dropped her gaze quickly but her father was defiant but soon succumbed under my aura.

“ Your highness please forgive my father he meant no disrespect” Vanessa interjected with her head down I had to hold in a scoff at her words though. “ We merely thought informal greetings would be appropriate for family” her voices sounded hopeful.

As far as I was concerned this betrothal had been put to rest as soon as they had presented themselves to me when I came back to the kingdom several months ago. I hadn’t even come back to rule but to find my parents yet they along with elder Stephan had made their intentions perfectly clear so I had given them the respect by telling them my opinion of the betrothal.

That I’d had no knowledge of it let alone agreed to it. I had shared this opinion countless times in the months since, this routine was becoming tiresome to say the least. It was damn well pissing me off.

“ Miss Thomas, I've already made my feelings to you and your father perfectly clear. I will not be taking you as my queen, I’m sorry if my father made you both believe otherwise” I would not keep having this conversation, apparently my leaving when my father had mentioned finding a chosen mate wasn’t enough of a deterrent for him. My parents had taken it upon themselves to find me a queen, one that now was trying to get her feet firmly under the table.

I had been beside myself with worry for the safety of my parents and had returned to my wing in the palace to find Venessa already making herself at home. I had been furious but had respectfully explained I had no knowledge of any arrangement that she and her father made with my parents and I was under no obligation to hold to the agreement.

I had the advantage that I had signed no contracts binding me to it either, all they had was a letter signed by my father and with him gone the paperwork was now worthless . I made quick work of removing Vanessa from my wing, she was upset and I’ll admit I felt bad but I was confident given time and finding her mate she would move on. I had offered whatever financial aid or land that had no doubt come as part of the deal to Alpha Montgomery as compensation for the inconvenience, yet here we are months later, they still have not returned to their pack and are still hell bent on seeing this betrothal through. “ Why are you here?, you are not part of the summit” for once I was glad that only leaders were allowed to be present during the meetings.

Venessa peeked up at me through her long lashes, her soft features looked like that of a child being scolded. She looked to her father before trying to place her hand on my chest but I stepped out of her reach. The girl actually had the audacity to look hurt but I wasn’t obligated to worry about her feelings. I didn’t want her touching me. I had tried to be diplomatic about this whole arranged marriage. I was still hurt that my parents had gone ahead and agreed to it behind my back but I had to think before unleashing my anger. “Please refrain from touching me in future” I ordered. She seemed stunned by my request, hurt even but I wasn’t sure why, we weren't a couple, nor had we ever been. The first time I met her was when I walked into my room and found her lay on my bed surrounded by all her belongings. Her reaction today was just more evidence that she still thought she would somehow become my queen.

She looked down sadly, her blonde locks framing her face. She looked so much like a doll with her slender frame and porcelain skin. She was a beautiful woman and for all intents and purposes seemed to be a nice person, I got the distinct impression her persistence stemmed from her father's instructions. I had no doubt she would make her fated mate very happy one day but that wasn’t me. It couldn’t be me.

Seeing her upset now made me almost regret my words but then she looked up with newfound determination in her eyes holding her chin high “ My king, we will be married soon” she said the words with so much conviction if it were claims to any other man he would believe them and this alone spelled trouble “ I wanted to show my support for your first alpha summit. I know you have a few projects you're hoping to push through” her father smiled seemingly happy with her response.

I glanced at Ronoldo who was fighting a smile of his own. Knowing what I would do next.

I looked down at her curiously as if to show interest before replying “ Really and what is your take on the new laws that we will vote on today?” I wondered if she had done her homework enough to at least know the proposals. I noticed she had come dressed in a white suit jacket and matching pencil skirt, unlike the usual outfits she’d been sporting around the palace recently. Her taste in fashion seemed to be that of a child, little skirts and stockings paired with a crop top with some childish catch phrase on it and I knew I’d seen her hair in pigtails more than once. It was immature and only highlighted the fact she was not qualified for the responsibility of being queen.

Maybe today she was attempting to show what a good leader she would be. She hadn’t done much whilst she was here from what I’d learnt from the guards I had keeping tabs on them both. I couldn’t kick them out without good reason but I wasn’t about to let them run around my home without eyes on them.

Vanessa was clearly trying to change my opinion of her with the new all business look. So now I wanted to find out how far she had taken her research, the file I had compiled had to be sent out to all the supernatural leaders including the council. No doubt her father had received a copy, so all the facts were at her disposal. I was curious to see how invested she was in getting her crown. One look at her expression though as she tried to grasp at the answer told me all I needed to know. She was fumbling ,having not been prepared for follow up questions.

When her eyes glazed over it was clear she had given up and asked her father so I stopped it.

“You really think I'm so stupid I wouldn’t notice you mindlinking your father for the answers?” her cheeks flushed with embarrassment at realising I’d caught her out. “ Leave now” I growled unwilling to converse with her any longer, she squeeked like a mouse and scurried from the room as other leaders made their way in, some catching the scene and light chuckles could be heard from some of the alphas. Well this was a good start I sighed.

I didn’t bother to look back at alpha Montgomery who was more than likely scowling. Why should I entertain him now? He had said nothing just now and allowed his daughter to make a fool of herself yet did nothing to defend her. Which was a surprise since he was an alpha who preferred his females to be seen not heard.

His play to show me how interested in politics his daughter was had backfired. She wasn’t capable of becoming involved in the politics of pack life. He hadn’t brought her up to rule, her education and life values would have been simple and drilled into her from birth, to serve her powerful mate while he ruled and provide an heir.

These were exactly the simple minded values that I wanted to stop. If the laws were passed today women like Vanessa would not have to bow to their alpha fathers rule anymore.

Her father like so many other alphas with daughters looking to use them as collateral to gain power, wanted Vanessa to be nothing more than arm candy; that was definitely something I didn’t need to rule. I had already detached myself from a mate like that once before. This is exactly why I wanted to rule alone.

Ace picked that moment to whine in my head, I knew he was thinking about her.

our lavender.

It was the nickname I had given her since I had no idea what she looked like or her real name.

Ace was like a love sick puppy lately but he needed to get a grip. My mind was made up. The kingdom was too important to put my hopes on the mate bond and if I was betrayed again I wouldn’t recover. I had barely survived what maddison put me through. The kingdom would be at risk and I couldn’t do that to my people.

For the good of the kingdom I had to stay strong.

Justify it how you like. We both know the real reason is because you're just a scared little boy. Ace growled in my head but I ignored him. He didn’t agree with my decision to run from our second chance mate, it was so easy for him our wolves wanted their mates. End of.

It didn’t matter now anyway, she was a world away back in silver moon pack, nowhere near us and I would make sure we never crossed paths again.

Shaking the thoughts away I proceeded to my seat making sure I was at the head of the table. It wouldn’t be my usual power play but for now I had to assert my dominance as king, thanks to secrets about me I was not a well known name and no one expected much from my rule. I’d had no seat at the summit table before today, I had attended them before but not as the heir to the throne so I had no position, no title through my upbringing like most royals would have. I was coming into this fresh face and they expected nothing from me.