The Lycan King’s Warrior Mate

3.

*

Detective Bradley sat alone at his cluttered desk, surrounded by stacks of case files and dimly lit by a solitary desk lamp. The room was filled with an air of tension and frustration, mirroring the detective's own inner turmoil. His gaze shifted from the files to the computer screen, where news articles about the recent injury of Aiden Lambert, "the renowned football player", flashed before his eyes.

As he read the details of Aiden's misfortune on the field, a faint smile formed on Detective Bradley's lips. It was a rare moment of satisfaction, a fleeting sense of triumph amidst the chaos that Aiden Lambert had brought into his life. The detective relished in the news, a small victory in his ongoing battle against the man who had caused him so much trouble.

The injury, an unfortunate twist of fate, would result in Aiden's absence from the team for a while. It was a setback that delighted Detective Bradley, for it meant that Aiden would be momentarily out of the picture, unable to continue his reckless pursuits that had repeatedly entangled the detective in a web of complications.

A wave of bitterness washed over Detective Bradley as memories of their past encounters flooded his mind. Aiden Lambert had always been a thorn in his side, a constant reminder of his own failures and shortcomings. The detective blamed him for the difficulties he had faced, for the sleepless nights and the never-ending pursuit of justice.

As he read through the article, the detective's eyes gleamed with a mix of vindication and a deep-seated hatred. It was a hatred born out of frustration, a culmination of the countless times Aiden had screwed up his life, evading capture and leaving Bradley to clean up the mess.

The detective's fingers tightened around the file in his hands, crumpling it slightly, as if physically channeling his anger. He relished in the knowledge that Aiden Lambert's injury meant a temporary respite from the chaos that had consumed his life. It was a momentary reprieve, a taste of sweet victory that fueled his determination to bring Aiden to justice once and for all.

With a sardonic smile and a renewed sense of purpose, Detective Bradley pushed the news articles aside and reached for another case file, his focus shifting back to the task at hand. As the room grew darker and the evening grew older, he vowed to use this newfound motivation to propel him forward, to ensure that Aiden Lambert's recklessness would never haunt him again.

As he delved deeper into his work, his concentration was interrupted by a knock on the door. Slightly annoyed, he looked up to find his secretary, Karen, standing in the doorway.

"Detective Bradley, sorry to disturb you, but there's someone here to see you," Karen informed him with a hint of urgency in her voice.

Bradley raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued by the unexpected visitor. "Who is it?"

Karen hesitated for a moment before responding. "He didn't give me his name, but he insisted that it was important. He mentioned something about a meeting in Calabasas."

Detective Bradley's interest was immediately piqued. Calabasas was not a location that frequently came up in his line of work, and the mention of a meeting there intrigued him. With a nod, he dismissed Karen and instructed her to show the visitor in.

Moments later, the door creaked open again, revealing a tall, enigmatic figure. Dressed in a meticulously tailored suit, the visitor exuded an air of authority and intrigue.

"Detective Bradley, it's a pleasure to finally meet you," the visitor spoke with a deep, resonant voice, laced with a sense of mystery.

Detective Bradley sized up the stranger, his detective instincts kicking into high gear. "Who are you, and what can I do for you?"

The visitor's lips curled into a faint smile, as if he knew something Bradley didn't. "I represent a certain influential individual who has taken an interest in your work. They have requested your presence at a meeting in Calabasas."

Detective Bradley's curiosity deepened. He had become accustomed to working independently, and such invitations were rare. Yet, the prospect of meeting someone who recognized his efforts intrigued him.

"Tell me more," Bradley urged, his skepticism tinged with a glimmer of excitement.

The visitor leaned closer, his voice dropping to a confidential tone. "This meeting offers an opportunity to pursue justice on a larger scale, Detective. The person who wishes to meet you has valuable information that could aid in your ongoing pursuits of a certain individual."

Bradley's analytical mind raced, weighing the risks and potential rewards. He had grown weary of chasing shadows alone, and the chance to collaborate with someone who shared his pursuit of justice was tempting.

"Alright," Bradley finally acquiesced. "I will attend this meeting in Calabasas. But make it clear to your employer that I won't tolerate any games or deceit."

The visitor nodded, a glimmer of satisfaction crossing his eyes. "Rest assured, Detective Bradley, this is an earnest proposition. Meet me outside your building in ten minutes if you're interested."

With that, the enigmatic figure turned and exited the room, leaving Detective Bradley with a whirlwind of thoughts and anticipation. He had no idea who this person could be, but instinct told him that it would definitely be a good idea to follow him.

Detective Bradley followed the mysterious man's instructions, and they rendezvoused outside Bradley's office building, where a sleek black sedan awaited them, its engine humming softly. The detective slid into the passenger seat, the leather upholstery enveloping him like a second skin, as the man settled behind the wheel.

As they cruised down the highway, the vibrant hues of the late evening sky painted the world with a warm palette. The sprawling landscape of Calabasas soon unfolded before them, a picturesque tableau of rolling hills and lush greenery. Fading sunlight filtered through the leaves of towering oak trees, casting playful shadows upon the pavement.

As they approached their destination, the car glided through an ornate wrought-iron gate, revealing a grand driveway that wound its way through meticulously manicured gardens. The mansion stood proudly at the end of the path, an architectural marvel bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun.

The mansion was a testament to opulence and refinement, boasting a perfect fusion of classical elegance and modern sophistication. Its exterior featured a symphony of white stone columns, tall arched windows, and intricate carvings adorning the façade. Vines and blossoming flowers clung delicately to the walls, adding a touch of natural beauty to the stately structure.

The car came to a halt, and Detective Bradley stepped out, his eyes widening in awe as he took in the magnificence of his surroundings. The front entrance beckoned, a set of grand double doors made of rich mahogany, framed by delicate stained glass panels that bathed the foyer in a kaleidoscope of colors.

As they ventured inside, Bradley found himself standing in a grand hallway adorned with marble floors and crystal chandeliers, their prismatic light cascading down upon him. The walls were adorned with priceless artworks, each piece a testament to refined taste and artistic mastery. A sweeping staircase curved elegantly upwards, leading to upper levels shrouded in an air of mystery.

The mysterious man, who had brought Bradley here, gestured towards a luxurious sitting area, where plush velvet chairs and a marble coffee table beckoned for conversation. Sunlight filtered through floor-to-ceiling windows, offering a breathtaking view of the meticulously landscaped gardens that stretched beyond.

The detective couldn't help but feel a mix of intrigue and trepidation, surrounded by the grandeur of this mansion and the enigmatic nature of his invitation. He awaited further instructions, his senses heightened by the palpable anticipation that lingered in the air.

As Detective Bradley settled into the lavish sitting area, the atmosphere became charged with anticipation. The sound of his own breath seemed to echo in the opulent space, punctuated only by the soft murmur of the surrounding gardens. Suddenly, the heavy silence was broken by the arrival of a figure, shrouded in an aura of darkness.

The man who emerged exuded an undeniable power, his presence commanding attention. His eyes held a glimmer of ancient wisdom, and his voice resonated with a chilling depth.

"Greetings, Detective Bradley," the man intoned, his voice laced with a mysterious authority. "I trust you have arrived safely, and your journey was uneventful."

Detective Bradley eyed the man warily, his instincts on high alert. "Who are you? What do you want?"

The man's lips curled into a sly smile, revealing a glint of amusement. "Names hold little significance in our realm, but you may refer to me as Lucian. It has been recently brought to my attention that you are trying to bring a certain Aiden Lambert to justice. I must confess that I also wish to see him brought to justice, and I wish to offer you my assistance in your endeavours."

Bradley was stunned by this revelation. He hadn't spoken about his intention to bring Aiden to justice with anyone else. Did the women have something to do with this?

"Why are you after him?" he asked.

"I have my own private reasons for wanting to see Aiden Lambert brought to justice, and I believe we share a common goal."

Bradley's interest was piqued, but skepticism still lingered. "Why would you seek to help me in this endeavor? What is it that you gain?"

Lucian chuckled softly, his eyes piercing through the shadows. "Detective Bradley, our motivations need not align entirely for us to find mutual benefit. You see, Aiden Lambert and I share a connection that transcends mere humanity."

Confusion clouded Bradley's face as he struggled to comprehend Lucian's enigmatic words. "What connection? What are you implying?"

Lucian's voice dropped to a hushed tone, his words carrying a weight of revelation. "Detective, Aiden Lambert is not the man he appears to be. As I'm sure you're aware, he is not a mere man, but a werewolf as well. And some misguided souls will even label him as the strongest one there is. And for a while now, I have turned a blind eye to his reckless activities. But it is time the puppy was brought to heel."

Detective Bradley remained silent, giving nothing away. He had faced enough shady characters in his life to know that he wasn't supposed to trust everything he heard. And while he was eager to see Aiden behind bars, he wasn't about to lose his head in his eagerness to bring him to justice.

Lucian continued, his voice tinged with both bitterness and determination. "Aiden has strayed from our ancient ways, indulging in his primal instincts without restraint. His actions have consequences that extend beyond the realm of humans, and it is my duty to set things right."

The detective's mind raced, grappling with the enormity of the revelation. The weight of his vendetta against Aiden now carried an entirely new significance. If there was another party after him, then perhaps it would be good to ally himself with them. It would certainly make things easier for him.

"I offer you my assistance, Detective Bradley," Lucian stated, his voice resonating with conviction. "Together, we can expose the truth and bring down Aiden Lambert. But remember, darkness and power reside within me as well. I am a wolf of the night, just as he is. And if you chose not to work with me, I will consider you an enemy as well. And you wouldn't want to know how I treat my enemies."

As the words settled, Detective Bradley felt an unexpected surge of conflicted emotions. A sense of reluctant camaraderie began to emerge, born from the realization that they both shared a secret world beyond the boundaries of ordinary existence. As far as he could tell, there wasn't any downside to this deal.

He smirked as he leaned back into his seat, tilting his head towards the man as a sign of respect.

"There are two codes I live by, Mr Lucian," he said.

"Just Lucian is fine," he replied. "And what, pray tell, are these codes you live by?"

"Tueri et Servire."

"To protect and serve," Lucian translated. "Quite reasonable, given your line of work. And the second?"

"The enemy of my enemy is my friend," detective Bradley said cynically.

*