The Call of the Wolf

Cal POV Not an average Sunday

Being a Lycan King should be far more fun than this. I thought this many times over the century. I was more powerful, smarter and faster than any other wolf. I could tip apart s eolf in an instant, even an alpha. I would take a sizable pack to contend with me. I could reign through fear and terror. Don't get me wrong, I fo, but I could do it with far more brutal violence. The blood of mine enemies running down walls and all that.

However, here I was, eating a sophisticated meal with those I despised, making idle chit chat to keep the peace, minding my manners and submitting to Jessica's parents will. A mere Alpha and Luna. I was playing nice to keep the peace. But dinners like these brought out yhe fantasy of being able yo cut through the veiled threats and pressures to mate there daughter by simply tearing their heads off and telling them that one decides the fate of a Lycan King.

Peace was important. I had witnessed the wolf realm on the brink of chaos before. This diplomacy was better for my people. I know this. Yet with every scrape of Alfa Johnsons knife, every fake smile plastered on Luna Johnsons face that did not quite meet her eyes and every squeeze on my thigh by the loathsome Jessica, whom I could smell the presence of another all over, was really testing my resolve.

Kate was on my mind and I needed to work out how to break this commitment. I couldn't rush it as in a week I would see if indeed Kate was a wolf. If she is I would claim her. If not I would have to choose Jessica for the good of the realm. Alpha Johnsons pack was the largest and most influential. I needed to play nice.

For the umpteenth time I pried Jessica's hand from my thigh.

"So when shall we set the date?" Alpha Johnson asked.

"Not for another 3 years," I calmly replied.

Alpha Johnson coughed uncomfortably.

"Why so long. The original agreement was once Jessica turned 18. Have you changed upyr mind? Are you trying yo back out of your commitment?"

I clenched my fists. How dare a mere wolf question my honour? Play nice.

"Actually, I do this yo honour your daughter."

"How so?" Quipped the Luna.

"Well, she is still young. she has not experienced life to its fullest. She us also very clever and I know that she is capable of attending a prestigious university in which she could study anything she pleases. Funded by myself obviously. I would love yo nurture this first so that Jessica has more ti.e to know herself and become an even greater Luna in the future."

Alpha Johnson raised his eyebrows, "That is very...progressive of you. But why can't you mark her before then."

Damn. I thought that would do. obviously Alpha Johnson was eager to reign in his daughter. He must know she was up yo all kinds of things in the pack. Rumours were known but never openly spoken about or dared to be confirmed. He must think I know. Of course I do. But I know this is a marriage of power and not love and beggars could not be chooser by this point.

"Not to be embarrassing, but once I mark her I won't be able to leaver her side. I can't run the realm while distracted so."

"Understood. Has your Family agreed to this?"

"I am the decider of my destiny," I grit out between my teeth. A tone of authority and an issue of my subtle power shift made everyone unsettled and sit straighter in their chairs.

"I think if it what is necessary, we must adjust plans. My love, we need to look at Universities!" Luna Johnson did an impeccable job at diverting the tension.

Jessica looked horrified. I kept my internal smirk to myself. Jessica was cunning but academically she was a dunce. I thought a stupid Luna would be easy to control but when I compare her yo Kates quick wit I knew what a fool I had been. I would have tired quickly. I needed an intellectual equal. The idea had begun to arouse me. Most comparisons I drew between the two made me realise how shallow and without honour I had been acting. Loneliness can make you cruel and uncaring, accepting things you would not normally tolerate. My standards had fallen considerably over the years.

"If you'll excuse me, I need to return to business. Thank you for the meal and your understanding. "

I rose and left without permission and made my way to my car. As I hot in behind the wheel of the car my heart clenched. It felt like I was being stabbed over and over again.

Why was this happening? I was not mated. I should no be affected at all. Something was wrong.

My phone buzzed.

"What!"

"The girl, she is in heat. I have had to leave her. I'm sure you'll understand why."

I grit my teeth. Of course. more proof. I couldn't see her though. If I went near her I'd claim her immediately. I needed to stay away.

Monday it would have to be.