Triumph of the Lycan mate

Chapter 5

Sheldon

The atmosphere in the clearing was electric with anticipation as the pack members gathered. They were eager to witness the arrival of the Lycan King, Jahaerys. I stood in the center, a sense of detachment washing over me. Jahaerys's presence didn't stir any deep emotions within me; I neither felt a burning loyalty nor an inherent animosity towards him.

"Pack, today, we have a distinguished guest among us. The Lycan King, Jahaerys, has graced our territory with his presence," I boomed out.

The crowd erupted into cheers. I gave a brief nod in acknowledgment of the excitement that coursed through them.

"He's here to discuss matters of the utmost importance to the kingdom. More importantly, he is here to make a selection," I continued.

My gaze scanned the expectant faces of the pack, but it lingered on Kahlan, who stood in the forefront. Her presence triggered a strange mix of emotions within me… memories of the day when she had been chosen as my mate resurfaced. My face twisted involuntarily, displaying a tumultuous blend of disdain and a twisted sense of satisfaction.

"Get yourself together, Sheldon," I chided myself.

"The Lycan King will personally choose a mate from our pack today."

I gave a brief pause to look all around the eager faces before I proceeded.

"Step forward, your grace."

Jahaerys stepped forward. He was a commanding figure with dark, penetrating eyes. His regal presence captivated the attention of everyone present. His voice carried authority as he addressed the pack.

"Greetings, esteemed members of the Luigi pack. I appreciate your warm welcome and am very grateful for all you've put in to prepare this welcome for me."

His words were met with respectful silence. It was almost as if every member of the pack hung on to his every word.

"He'll be making the selection himself. I implore all of you to show him the respect he deserves," I said pleadingly.

Jahaerys's eyes moved from one pack member to another, his gaze seemingly assessing their worth. The tension in the clearing was palpable while we all waited for his decision.

"May the Moon Goddess guide your choice, Lycan King," I concluded.

After my speech, I stepped back to allow Jahaerys to proceed with his selection process. As I watched him move among the pack, my mind slowly drifted back to that fateful day when Kahlan had been chosen as my mate.

Kahlan

Shota and I arrived late at the gathering — as usual. We pushed our way through the bustling crowd to try to find a comfortable spot. As we attempted to secure a place with a better view, I was shoved aside by someone. As I turned to look, the person who had shoved me pretended not to notice me standing there.

"What do you think you're doing here, b***h? Think the Lycan King picks rejects?" She asked sarcastically.

Laughter erupted from the surrounding werewolves, their mocking words cutting deep. But I clenched my jaw so hard I thought it would snap. Then, after a brief second, we pressed forward.

We finally found a relatively comfortable spot in front of the crowd just as Sheldon began his speech.

"Pack, today, we have a distinguished guest among us. The Lycan King, Jahaerys, has graced our territory with his presence."

The crowd all around me erupted into resounding cheers. The excitement in the air was palpable.

I felt differently, though. My mind occasionally drifted towards memories of the day when he was chosen as my mate. Nostalgia is tugging at my heart.

"He's here to discuss matters of the utmost importance to the kingdom. More importantly, he is here to make a selection," Sheldon continued authoritatively.

"The Lycan King will personally choose a mate from our pack today."

I looked around me to see the reaction of the pack. The place was so silent you could hear a pin drop.

"Step forward, your grace," Sheldon implored.

The Lycan King stepped forward. Jahaerys was a commanding figure with dark, indigo-colored, penetrating eyes. His entire entourage was behind him. The scents that wafted from the chariots behind him could only be that befitting of a person like Jahaerys.

His brooding eyes and deep, baritone voice captivated the attention of everyone present. His voice carried authority as he addressed the pack. Jahaerys was the perfect combination of charisma and royalty.

"Greetings, esteemed members of the Luigi pack. I appreciate your warm welcome and am very grateful for all you've put in to prepare this welcome for me."

Alpha's words were met with respectful silence all around. Every single member of the pack hung on to his every word like their lives depended on it.

"He'll make the selection himself, so I expect you all to show him the respect he deserves," Sheldon had added solemnly. Sheldon had always been a good orator. He knew exactly how to stir emotions.

As Jahaerys began to circle the pack, my heart raced. The anticipation was palpable. Who would capture his attention in the end? Minutes stretched into what felt like hours. After what seemed like forever, I saw him coming in our direction.

The Lycan King stopped right in front of us, his gaze focused on me. His voice was firm yet gentle as he asked for my name.

"What's your name?"

I was taken aback for a moment but quickly regained my composure.

"My… My… My name is Kahlan," I stammered.

Jahaerys took my hand in his. Without a second thought, he turned back to face the crowd. His steps were measured, very well calculated. I followed closely in tow, my heart in my mouth. What have I done this time?

"I have chosen this werewolf, Kahlan, as my mate," he declared.

A stunned silence fell over the entire assembly, and even I was left in shock. The unexpected turn of events had taken us all by surprise. I was stunned, shocked, enthralled, and bewildered — all at once. I was to become the mate of King Jahaerys. Was this a bad dream?

What in the world was happening?