The Lycan Kings' Bride

~Mara My father's wedding anniversary party went splendidly well until Marcus’ lifeless body landed on the wall, right beside father’s stool. No one expected it and out of shock, everyone halted, father inclusive. Marcus was the head of father’s security and the pack. His lifeless body being thrown simply means we were under attack. Instinctively, everyone diverted their gaze to the entry way where Marcus body had come from. To my greatest surprise, there was no shouts or army. Instead, it was a young man with a towering presence. His golden hair looked disheveled, due to the gust of the wind. “Long life his Majesty!” he started with his big, booming voice which was calm yet scary. He had a menacing aura. “I am sorry for the interruption but …. I could not afford to miss your anniversary even though you are depriving me of mine. Since you decided not to invite me to your ceremony, I decided to invite yourself.” I had no idea whom the stranger was but just a minute into his arrival and I knew his abrasive personality would not make father ever want to associate with him. Father was strong and courageous but this time, he was jittery and scared and so was mom. “We can talk about this…. In private, Eamon.” Father pleaded. I stood right there, staring at them both. I was surprised father wasn’t upset that a stranger had crashed his party but also wanted to speak to him. What was so special about him? “Oh really? I do not mind after all.” He chuckled. Every part of the man was covered in a black coat in addition to black boots and black gloves, save for his face and head. “The party has officially come to an end. You all can leave now.” Father ordered. “No, father.” I walked up to him, my brows arched inward as I still could not understand what was going on. “You cannot end this party because of a total stranger who should be jailed and executed for murder.” I held my father’s hands and eyed the stranger. The stranger, on the other hand, chuckled. Father was quiet as the guests were ushered out. Murmurs grew and dozens of eyes perched on us, probably wondering what was going on. Father let out an exhale and held my hands in his. My heart began to race as I figured something was wrong somewhere. Mother was equally calm and sad although she tried to hide it. “Child….” Father started. “Your mother and I loves you so much and we would never do anything to hurt or harm you. We have always and would always love you. I didn’t want you to return home yet because there was something going on. “ He let out an exhale. “Tell me, father. Is something wrong! You are getting me worried?” I held his hands tight, my heart hammering against my chest. “A couple of years ago, our pack… was constantly troubled and assaulted so… we had to run to him, as a Lycan king to help us. He told us it came with a price and I agreed to pay whatever it was. To cut to the chase, he asked to come pick you up as his bride when you turn eighteen. “ Father explained. My brows arched inwards as I was a little confused about what father was saying. The moment realization hit me, I yanked my father’s hands off mine. A loud high pitched scream travelled up and out of my chest, filled with disappointment, frustration and anger. I had no other way to express my anger or pain. “This is a joke, right?” I questioned, trying to make sense of what Father had just uttered. “That was the sole reason why I did not want you to come home.” Father spoke, his voice barely a whisper. I was shattered and broken as it felt like I had been hit and oxygen had been knocked out of me. My thoughts were jumbled up in my brain and I felt a brain fog. I could not think anymore. “Sole?” My voice broke. “You told me I should not come home because there were projects you were working on. You told me you did not want me to come as you would not be throwing a party. You told me so many things!” I yelled at the top of my voice, unable to lock my anger in anymore. Eamon stood behind me, his hands crossed behind him and he seemed to enjoy what was going on. I could sense scuggery in him and I wished I could send a knife down his throat. “I am still your father! “ My father yelled, his eyes widened. “Don’t you raise your voice at me.” My world came crashing down at that point. I looked at the stranger who still had a smile spread across his face as he went from table to table, admiring everything on it. “I do not know who you are neither do I care. Whatever agreement you have with my father is between you and them and not me. I do not know you and I do not want to have anything to do with you” “Ahh! That’s good. What more can I say? I do not know you so well either so this is a chance for us to become two strangers who are characters in an unwritten story.” He chuckled and almost immediately, his facial expression changed. “I am not here for jokes. I am here to take you just as your father promised but again, I do not have anything to say to you.” He responded and diverted his gaze to Father. “I know this is not what you envisioned. I never imagined this too and I tried to protect you but. . You live for the pack just as we do. We have to put the happiness of the pack first even if it means….” “Even if it means you have to sell me to a total stranger?” I probed and slowly raised my downcast face to meet his and he remained quiet and instead, buried his head in shame. I looked at the stranger and at father. No, I did not choose to be royalty. I did not choose to be the daughter of the Alpha. Of course, I have my own life to leave and I would not allow it to be dictated by anyone. I would find my mate and settle with him rather than a stranger I do not know. I could feel the tension in the air grow as father anticipated my response. “No.” I insisted. Casting a nervous glance back, I sprinted as fast as my legs could carry me, away from them.