Beyond A King

Prologue continued

The border of RavenWood pack

A young girl stood making sure no one was around for any signs of the pack warriors. She always came to the outskirts of the pack to practise her magic since no one in the pack was to know she was a witch.

This part of the territory was lightly guarded because of the river, wolves never thought outside the box when defending their territory. If it was difficult for them to cross a river in their form it stood to reason that the area didn’t need such heavy guard. However they never thought about other species' abilities. After all fairies had wings, some witches could teleport and even float, along with various other shifters that were able to cross the river with much more ease than that of a wolf.

The werewolf king seemed equipment to deal with a wolf attack but wasn’t giving much thought to other species that resided in his kingdom. It was easy to see even to her young eyes why others spoke about the king only looking out for his own kind; the evidence was clear in many ways including their defence.

Hell there was a panther shifter pack bordering this one. They weren't as big compared to wolves but they were more agile.

Lyla had been in the pack only a few months after finding out her father was a werewolf, along with the rest of her family. She knew she had not been a werewolf herself but had been welcomed by everyone in the territory. They were nice and didn’t treat her bad but she was still adjusting to pack life after spending her childhood in the human world.

Before becoming part of the pack, lyla had lived with her mother and step father until her mother died, then the evil beast sent her to live with her aunt Mira but life had been no better. Her aunt had many rules that were to be obeyed and when they weren't lyla would feel the pain of her disobedience.

A shiver ran down her spine as she remembered the last time she ever asked aunt Mira for anything. Which was to go to her school dance when one of the boys in her class had asked her to go. Having boys take an interest was never something she was used to, especially since aunt Mira didn’t like her even having friends. She felt that people held you back from education which is what was most important to her.

Her aunt had forbidden her from going, saying she didn’t have time to spend on boys and accused her of being a slut for even entertaining the idea of going to a dance, when lyla asked why, her aunt had made her regret it deeply. Lyla could still feel the bite of the whip against her back where it cut at her flesh. If that hadn’t been enough, Aunt Mira had beaten her for good measure. She remembered how she had cried for hours on her bed while her blood soaked her bedspread deciding there and then she had taken her last beating from that evil witch.

Not a euphemism either, her aunt Mira was a witch just like lyla. Aunt Mira was just pure evil.

Lyla had known what she had to do, she left that night with what few belongings she had also taking what was left of her mothers belongings including an accent spell book she’d had to prise out of aunt Mira’s unconscious hands but inside she had found letters addressed to a man named John Atwood and inside these letters she learned of her father. With nothing left to lose she came to the Ravenwood pack the capital of the wolf kingdom and home to the wolf king. Here she was embraced by the loving pack and new family.

Although her father felt it was for the best that she hid the fact she was a witch from the rest of the pack.

He and the king felt it was necessary after a brutal war between the witches and werewolves over the king's mate that ultimately led the poor female’s demise along with her newborn pup.

It was understandable the pack would not welcome a witch even if she was the royal gamma’s daughter. There wasn’t a household in the pack that hadn’t lost someone during that time, not one family that hadn’t grieved for a loved one.

Pack wars were a common thing between shifters, bears and wolf’s were the worst. There was always some fight over power or territory. Lyla wasn’t sure if it was having to live with two souls in one vassal that made them more hostile creatures or perhaps it was just their nature but she couldn’t understand the justification for the loss of life.

Why would you let people die for some land. It seemed stupid to her.

Either way the war with the witches had ravaged this pack, the resources had been depleted to the point of bankruptcy. To his credit king Magnus had worked tirelessly over the years since to restore the kingdom to its former glory but there were outdated methods and traditions that needed to be changed. That was probably the only negative she had towards the man, he was old fashioned and honestly if we don’t evolve we die.

Despite that she found the king to be very kind, perhaps a little arrogant but what did she expect the man was a king. She had met him a few times, he had grown up with her father so they were close friends and he had been kind to allow her to stay in his pack but she knew he was nervous about having a witch here.

That was why lyla was out here now the only safe place to practise the spells in her mothers book.

It had been the only promise her mother had sworn her to make before she died, to make sure she trained her magic every day. no exceptions. Lyla had never broken her promise.

Lyla was flicking through the pages when she heard a noise behind her she slammed the book shut hiding it behind her back “ should you be alone, little kid?” A male voice called out and lyla spun on her heel quickly to see a young male stood directly behind her leaning casually against a tree watching her.

Her breath caught in her throat as she took in the sight of the boy before her; he was the most handsome boy she had ever seen, he looked to be around her age, late teens possibly early twenties. He still looked young, there was a gentleness to his facial features that you find in young men that haven't quite grown into manhood yet, his blonde hair spiked up on top of his head like so many boy band pictures she had hung in her room.

It was as if one of her posters had jumped off the page and come to life.

His body was lean like young mens are but the outline of the white t.shirt he wore pulled tight enough that she could tell he had muscles beneath. However the most penetrating thing about him was the piercing blue eyes that were like staring into a beautiful ocean of the bluest kind, they shone with such intensity she had to remind herself to breathe before she swooned.

It took a few moments for lyla to realise what the boy had said. She frowned at him “ I’m not a little kid” she yelled a little harshly feeling a little flustered, she took a breath before speaking again more calmly “besides your one to talk your out here all alone” she accused, she was irritated and unable to hide it. Irritated by his use of ‘ little kid’ as a description, unable to help looking down at herself self consciously- sure as a witch she lacked the height other wolves her age had, she knew she was petite but that was common in witch stature, they had bodies much similar to humans but she was more irritated by the fact she was so affected by him yet he seemed to find her an amusing little child.

It was embarrassing. Ok so she was wearing her big brother Theo’s t.shirt that drowned her but she liked it to sleep in, it had been the only thing to calm her nightmares. It had never occurred to her to change this morning since no one was supposed to be out here.

Now she felt foolish, watching this boy seemingly scrutinising her appearance. He was probably used to girls her age in pretty dresses and make up and things. Something she knew nothing about. Aunt Mira would never have let her go near stuff like that.

Her insecurity was now angering her and it was all this stupid boys fault.

Lucas took in the pup with interest as she took a defensive stance at his words but he didn’t understand why.

The girl was small, barley coming up to his chest, at first glance he thought that she had wandered away from her mother. it was an inconvenience because assisting the pup would interfere with his getaway but he couldn’t very well leave her out here alone, not with the rogue attack this morning “ I’m eighteen in three days sweetheart” he watched her as she picked up her back pack lying on the ground, shoving an old leather journal into it, she had hidden it before and obviously didn’t want him to see it now, it was fine he had no interest in a little girls diary.

“I’m plenty grown up kid” he pushed off from the tree and noted how she didn’t seem intimidated by his much larger size, if anything she was more defiant by his comments turning back to face him with irritation and placing her hands on her hips.

“ I’M NOT A KID! “ she yelled through gritted teeth, Lucas frowned realising maybe she wasn’t lost and maybe she wasn’t as young as he originally thought. The girl glared at him, anger rolling off her. He didn’t really understand her anger.

He had seen a pup in the forest and offered to help why was she so mad , perhaps it was the ‘kid’ thing. He noted not to use that word again.

But could she really blame his mistake.

She was tiny for a wolf and her lose clothes that looked borrowed from a much larger person had hidden away any potential curves. Now he could see the mistake. With her hands on her hips her giant t.shirt was pulled into her waist. She was still tiny and looked slightly malnourished but it was clear to see the curve of her hips now. hips that definitely belong on a young woman’s body.

When he had originally come across her she had her back to him, with the baggy clothes and her waist length dark hair she looked no older than ten at first glance.

So maybe he’d been a tad off on her age but she still shouldn’t be out here alone and he couldn’t keep wasting time with her, every minute he wasted was another minute for his father catch up to him.

He held his hands up to her “ ok easy, let’s start over, I’m Lucas” he gestured to himself “ what’s your name?” he offered, trying not to sound patronising since she didn’t like the child references.

“ my name is…..none of your business” lyla shouted back to him regretting it as soon as she saw his face fall, she realised what a jerk she was being, he obviously wasn’t one of the patrol guards, judging by the backpack he was carrying he was heading off territory.

Lucas sighed “ look I saw you out here alone, I thought you might be lost, obviously I made a mistake, I’m sorry” Lucas explained, he pulled his back pack higher on his shoulder and began to walk away irritated he had even offered her assistance, he should have just kept walking but even Ace had insisted they make sure she was safe.

Lyla felt terrible, she had snapped at him for his comment but he hadn’t meant to upset her like some of the other pack boys in her school, this Lucas boy was only to offering her aid.

“ My names lyla and I’m fifteen” she hollered back to Lucas who now had his back to her. He didn’t turn back, now not interested in talking he just wanted to get out of the pack before the search party was sent out.

“ whatever” the irritating handsome jerk muttered over his shoulder, lyla saw the hint of a smirk as he turned back to leave, the seconds ticked by but for some reason lyla couldn’t leave things the way they were, she rolled her eyes, he was doing it on purpose to make her feel bad and it was working for a moment she did felt bad, after all he did make himself known to offer help.

She knew after living with aunt Mira for so many years she had become prickly around others and any show of kindness was met with suspicion. Her aunt had never been kind to her so she never knew what to do with it on the rare occasion it happened.

“ HEY!” she shouted more firmly, Lucas sighed but stopped turning to face her, as soon as he did lyla felt like something lodged in the back of her throat. He was too handsome for his own good, the kind that took a girl's breath away hence her sudden lack of oxygen at that moment.

“ make a wish” she shouted, wanting to offer him something for his gesture. She had been reading about a particular spell in her mother’s book that she had been saving for herself but something inside her felt the need to offer it to this boy instead.

“ what?” Lucas looked at the girl puzzled, stepping back towards her, being this close to her now he noticed the natural beauty of her face, she wasn’t wearing make up like other girls his age who thought the more the better and caked the stuff on. No.This girl looked very beautiful just as she was.

A light dust of freckles ran across her nose on her otherwise flawless skin enhancing her beauty and drawing his gaze to her full pink lips, he had to drag his eyes away from them before he looked like a creeper but he should have run the risk because as soon as he looked into her sparkling grey eyes something in him shifted.

Lucas couldn’t breath, it was like his body stopped functioning completely accepting its fate and drowning his the sea of shinning diamonds that could see into his very soul. Lucas had never felt so bare to anyone before and it terrified him. Even Ace could feel it.

He was almost panting when he realised she was talking but he hadn’t heard her. He squinted but it didn’t help, he tried looking away but found he was trapped. He was at her mercy and she had no idea. Not a clue at what she had just done to him.

Lyla remained oblivious to Lucas situation waiting for his answer. When he didn’t say anything she rolled her eyes and asked again. This time something registered and he shook his head slamming his eyes shut like he had something nasty in them. Lyla waited beginning to worry but eventually he open them again.

“ w..what?” He panted sounding out of breath.

“ for your birthday” lyla said gently removing her hands from her hips. She remembered he said he was turning eighteen in a few days, or maybe that was a lie “ make it a good one, not something stupid” she instructed sternly, lyla was about to suggest something when Lucas laughed like she was joking, the cocky smirk from earlier returning.

“ What? like turn everything I touch into gold?” He chuckled not really believing her but finding he didn’t want to walk away from her all the same.

He raised his eyebrows suggestively“ or have a huge …”

“ EWWWW STOP!! ” lyla screeched but then kicked herself for sounding like such a little girl acting like anything to do with boys was gross. She hated that this boy was making her sound so childish.

“ nah already got that” he winked at lyla giving her his killer smile, enjoying how her cheeks went a beautiful rosey colour that matched her gorgeous mouth.

Despite her forced confidence it was a clear act when it came to his s****l innuendos, it was obvious she had no experience with boys, that thought made his smile widen, it was adorable how innocent she was. He wasn’t sure why it made him so happy that she had no experience but it did.

There was no room for error in guessing what he was talking about. This is what she gets for giving him a birthday wish.

It better be his birthday now. Lyla groaned inwardly to herself but couldn’t help but wonder if Lucas was all talk or telling the truth. She quickly shook away the thought. He obviously had experience with girls he was too comfortable around her and seemed to be enjoying her embarrassment.

“ I’m serious, if you could wish for anything, what would it be?” His expression turned serious and his head turned to the side studying her slightly. Lyla looked down feeling uncomfortable under his intense gaze.

Lucas enjoyed her reaction; she was attracted to him but she didn’t like that she was, it was obviously irritating her. it wasn't something he was used to either, normally girls threw themselves at him even without his title it was as if they could sense the power within him.

It was refreshing to find a girl that didn’t trip all over herself to impress him. Just tripped all over herself because she didn’t want to impress him.

Lyla couldn’t help but wonder why Lucas was affecting her so much, she had been around boys before- ok maybe not like him before, this boy was another level. She didn’t even see him move towards her until his body heat practically engulfed her forcing her back.

“ ok little genie I’ll bite” he whispered, making her involuntarily shiver. Lucas closed his eyes as if making a wish but it was easy to see he wasn’t taking it seriously from the way he scrunched up his face for effect. Lyla watched him and rolled her eyes hoping he really didn't ask for anything gross and used her power to silently cast the wish spell she had memorised from her mothers book.

The spell was pretty simple, the receiver could make any wish they wanted the only drawback was it couldn’t be duplicated which meant it was only one wish per customer, the spell would vanish from her mothers book as soon as she cast it. Lyla thought she should have said that before he made his wish…oh well. She had planned to keep the wish for herself for a rainy day but something in her told her to use it now. She just hoped it wasn’t her teenage hormones at play.

When Lucas opened his eyes they held lyla in place for a moment before going to her lips, he had done that before, her heart beat loudly in her chest as she watched him, waiting. “ What was your wish?” She asked breathlessly, not recognising her own voice.

Even though he had mocked the idea Lucas had actually made a real wish, not that he would tell her, instead a wicked idea came to mind as the urge became too overwhelming “ this” his eyes moved from her lips meeting hers once again before he cupped her face. Lylas eyes fluttered shut just as Lucas dipped his head and his lips captured hers.

Shock tore through lyla like a bullet and her first instinct was to conjure a lightning bolt to hit him with so that he would learn never to touch a girl without her consent. she had been practising them and was confident she could do it but to her surprise she found her hands instead going around his neck and pulling him closer.

Lyla had never been kissed before, it was like falling and everything else in the world ceased to exist.

Lucas' hand went to her waist while the other continued to cup her cheek, he gripped her ever so gently moving her face with ease so he could position her lips to where he wanted and take full control.

When he broke away lyla felt dizzy, if the tree hadn’t been at her back she was sure she would have passed out. Lucas held her in place keeping her wedged between his body and the tree unwilling to release her.

“ I had to make sure I got my wish. '' Lucas murmured against lylas lips making her hum almost as if she was agreeing with his statement. Her eyes fluttered open revealing the beautiful golden flecks that Lucas hadn’t noticed before, sitting amidst the sea of grey.

Her lips were now swollen and red almost matching the pink flush in her cheeks. She looked so beautiful; he couldn't believe he had mistaken her for a pup only moments ago.

When lyla finally found her barings from his kiss she realised what Lucas had done.

He had wasted her wish. “ You i***t!! ” she seethed, finally finding her bearings after that earth shattering kiss. Her change in mood forced Lucas back in surprise “ You could have had anything in the world and you chose a kiss?” What was worse was a kiss from her. Lyla didn’t have a low opinion of herself but she doubted it was anything special since it had been her first kiss.

Lucas didn’t look like he needed any help in the kissing department; she was sure he had many girls eager to kiss those perfect soft lips. She still felt the tingles all the way down to her toes. Much to her irritation he simply smiled down at her ignoring her statement. Lucas wasn’t entirely sure why he had kissed the lyla except in that moment it had been all he had wanted to do and it was perfect.

Everything in him including Ace wanted him to do it again to never stop kissing her. To stay here and forget all this running away stupidity or even more crazy a thought take her with him. Whatever option meant he could keep her with him always.

He couldn’t, he knew he couldn’t. He had to leave to find himself. how could he be a good king if he didn’t even know who he was. There was too much resting on his shoulders to stay for a pretty girl. Even if she had just moved the earth from under him.

He moved towards her again stroking his thumb between her eyes to smooth out the frown on her face, her face softened and lyla found herself instantly relaxing, his proximity was making her feel things she had no understanding of and memories of their kiss flooded her. She no longer remembered why she was cross with him.

Lucas smiled and stroked her blushing cheek with the back of his hand “ worth it” he whispered, making lyla’s heart flutter once again, of course her first kiss and the guy was well….this guy.

She had no idea how to explain her feelings towards him, he had irritated her and thrilled her all at once not to mention the things his look was doing to her insides. It was like butterflies had exploded inside her stomach and that kiss had made her entire body tingle, her heart beat like she had run at full speed, something that was completely foreign to her.

She wondered secretly if all kisses were like that. Dear goddess she hopped so. All these new emotions she was feeling, she was drowning in them and she didn’t care.

Before lyla had a chance to say anything else the boy vanished into the forest never to be seen again. Lyla stood there stunned looking around frantically at the empty forest around her. When she realised he had just left without a goodbye or anything at all she couldn’t help it and began to cry.

All that remained now was the overwhelming silence that lingered, a few creaks of the forest and birds singing but that was it. Lucas was gone, he had moved so quickly she wondered if she had imagined the whole thing. Had her mind played tricks on her? She touched her lips with her fingers, they were still swollen and tingling. No it was defiantly real.

He had been real and now he was just gone. Like nothing ever happened, like she didn’t exist.

She was overwhelmed at the loss she felt. What was worse was how he seemed to have so easily dismissed her, had it all been a game to him, had she been the only one to feel the spark between them when he had kissed her. It was like the earth had moved but then he had just left her.

She couldn’t process how someone she met for only moments could have such an impact on her but he had and now he’s gone.

She sat down on the ground with her back against the tree, bringing her knees up to her chest and let her emotions take over.

She cried for her loss, , she cried for him dismissing her so easily, she cried for being affected by him in the first place but most of all she cried because she wanted him to come back to her. She wanted to be back in his arms where she realised now was the only time in her life she had ever felt safe.

She wasn’t sure how long she sat there but she couldn’t move, continuing to let all her feelings pour out until there were no more tears to shed, with each passing minute she came to the realisation he was not coming back. She would most likely never see him again and it broke her heart.

She eventually resided to the fact that the experience would just become a beautiful memory. She decided that despite how he had left without a word she would cherish the memory of him.

The boy that gave her the most perfect kiss.