Rise of the Lycan Queen

Chapter 7

-Micah-

I reached Vanessa’s house shortly after my father. "Nathan", I greeted him. I had no interest in being here tonight. He rang the bell and a young woman answered, "Evening, Mister Huntley and Mister Huntley, my name is Sheri Cross." I lifted my eyebrows before I spoke, "Evening, Miss Cross." She gave a chuckle, stating, “No need to be formal, you may call me Sheri.” Very well Sheri, I thought to myself while I nodded my head.

I entered the room, "Vanessa." I greeted her as I moved around the table. I knew this was one of her setups to get me married off to some sort of influential, stuck-up family. I don’t know why I was stubborn. Some of the women I met were really attractive and smart, but my heart had no interest. "I heard you go on a lot of missions by yourself, Mister Huntley." I stated and watched how Vanessa gave me a warning look due to not giving Sheri permission to call me Micah. I am sure I am going to piss off Vanessa tonight.

“What brings you to the Huntley mansion, Sheri?” I noticed as she gave Vanessa a side glance, not knowing how to answer the question.

"I invited her, Micah. She is traveling around the hunter communities. She is turning twenty soon and is on the lookout for a suitor." "Ohhh… so she is basically hunting for a husband?" I say, watching her cheeks burn from embarrassment.

“MICAH!” Vanessa reprimanded.

"Vanessa?" I returned with my eyebrows lifted and a huge smirk on my face. I saw my father's head tilt as he laid back, crossing his arms as if watching a movie, amazed at what was unfolding around the table tonight.

"Nathan, I recommend you get your son in line," she ordered. With a sly smile, he lifted his hands in the air, staring at Vanessa.

"I don’t understand what you want me to do, Vanessa, he’s a full-grown man."

With a gentle smile, I apologized to Sheri for my behavior, explaining that I have always been a straightforward guy, and I am unfortunately not looking to be wedded anytime soon and should Vanessa have implied otherwise, I apologized for her misplaced behavior. "You are a truly beautiful and exceptional lady and I believe you will find your romantic partner soon, but unfortunately I am not him." Sheri nodded her head in understanding,

“Well, let’s not waste a good supper, shall we?” Sheri stated with a kind smile, which I found odd. My interest piqued. Usually they become sour and excuse themselves, but it was as if relief washed over her. I kept an eye on her during the night and, just as we were on our way, I could not help myself wanting to know more about her odd actions. “Sheri, please join me for a stroll in the garden before I leave,” noticing Vanessa’s shift in attitude as excitement danced in her eyes.

"It would be my honor, thank you," she replied nervously. I led her to the back garden to a secluded and private spot. That was when I dropped the bomb.

"Is your father forcing you to get married?" Her eyes bulged wide open,

“How, how do you know?”

"Your behavior is different to the others. Do you already have a romantic partner?"

“No, Yes, No,” she said, bewildered.

"I’m confused, Sheri. Is it yes or no?" Her eyes looked downward to her feet as she spoke softly.

"I have met someone, but he is not human nor a hunter. When my father found out, he started scouting for a partner on my behalf to be wedded."

"So the one you love is supernatural, which is against the code?"

“Yes,” she answered cautiously.

"Is he held captive?" I asked with interest.

"No, when the time is right he will come fetch me. He promised I would not be wedded, so I believe it will be soon," she said innocently.

"Are you sure he will be coming?" Her head snapped up to mine.

“Of course he will, I belong to him.” she almost snapped to defend him. Interesting, I thought to myself.

“Please, Mister Huntley…” I did not let her finish her question, "Are you good at playing pretend?" She tilted her head slightly, her eyebrows knitted together, "What do you mean, Mister Huntley?"

"I don’t want to wed, you don’t want me."

"If we wait long enough, it should give him enough time to reach you."

"You could tell him about our arrangement, and we could find a secluded place where you can see each other once in a while, but we'll have to pretend to be interested in each other. We will lay our grounds as follows: you'll move here where we will date for one to two years, and we will announce a two-year engagement if need be ... .what do you think?" I watched as her smile broadened.

"You’ll do that for me?"

"Sure, I really don’t want to get married…"

“I accept,” she blurted out. I could see the excitement in her eyes. How could they keep couples away from each other if their love was that strong? I was starting to resent the code more with each passing day.

"Sheri, your pretending will start now. Just follow my lead. It will all work out." We stepped back into the house towards the front door. I took her hand and gave it a light kiss. "I will see you tomorrow, Sheri."

“I look forward to it, Mister….”

“Micah, please call me Micah.”

“I look forward to it, Micah,” she said with a relieved smile.

Watching Vanessa from the corner of my eye as she almost jumped from excitement… I gave an inward smile. She has no idea what will be going down soon. How did the hunters become so tunnel-visioned? At least she will leave me in peace for some time. I got in the car with a sly grin on my face and left.

-Nathan-

I watched my son courting this girl. I was happy for him, but I unfortunately did not believe his actions one bit. My mischievous son was up to something… I just hope it does not blow up in his face. I regret my decisions in the past. Either way, I would have sat where I am now, with no say in the family business due to my son’s impulsiveness. But I did not blame him. I should have stood by his side, but we can’t change the past. No one knew Micah the way I did. I had the council to thank for that, since they stripped me from my position. I had all the time in the world to study Micah and his behavior and tonight his behavior was out of place. The council could not deny him his position as he was the top hunter in the village. No one dared to challenge him and he knew it. This time I will make the right decision…