Taming the Rogue King

Breaking the Engagement

Chapter 73

Liam

He headed towards the hospital, leaving Ira behind at the French window in their library. He was happy with the way the house had turned out. It was more permanent now.

He enjoyed the feel of the words ‘my house’ whenever he thought about it.

Ira’s words rang in his head, and his Lycan howled in excitement. ‘She has a surprise for us! What is it going to be?’

‘Don’t get ahead of yourself. It could just be some special witchy tea or a new trick that she learned from Sarena!’ Liam tried to control his own wayward thoughts.

He had a task to accomplish.

Monike had to be told, an engagement had to be broken with minimum damage. He wasn’t sure if that was possible.

No matter how much distance he kept from her, she always tried to cling. Reminding him about their good time together. Thankfully, she had calmed down a little and was rowdy or foul mouthed anymore.

In fact even the nursing stuff felt that her disposition had improved a lot, as they were the ones who worked with her closely.

Her brain hemorrhage had completely cleared up and the neuro surgeon had give a go ahead to close the Burr holes today.

Even right now she must have been in the surgery getting those titanium plates fitted to close the spaces left by the holes.

It had been an expensive affair, but money did not matter. Her life did. He was glad that he had access to such an expert team.

Collaborating with the Silver Moon had been one of the best decisions.

In the hospital, as expected, Monike was still under anaesthesia. The surgery had been a success, but she hadn’t woken up yet. So he called Co Ma and informed him about the success of the procedure. The prime minister asked him to give an update on Monike’s travel plans once she was ready to move.

Thanking him for his understanding and patience, Liam disconnected the call and went for his regular patrol check point rounds. Everything had been in control. There were no more breaches or deaths. Their security still remained on high alert as they had got no leads on the last murder.

They had been working with the local cops on this case.

Then he visited the IT department which had some interesting news. They had spotted Jack and Alex in Melbourne again in the circle of junkies. Even after serving a term for their addiction, they hadn’t got their act straight.

The IT had also noted a large sum coming into Jack and Alex’s account from an unknown source. They had flagged it and were investigating, but the paper trail ran cold. It was a little disturbing news, but he did not worry. The two a*holes were in Melnourne while Ira was with him well protected.

His guards at the house, maintained their post round the clock and it wasn’t easy to sneak into their pack land. Tremendous pride settled in his chest remembering how he had finished signing the treaty with the alliance.

This was officially his pack land now. Although it was still called no man’s land, now all the werewolf clans knew that it was inhabited by rogues who weren’t savage.

Some clans were shunning them openly, while some being diplomatic but not creating any bilateral ties with the rogues. It was beneath them. But some clans like the Blood Moon and the Silver Moon had welcomed them with open arms and had signed further agreements to support each other and engage in trade and commerce.

That had started bringing in additional income.

Ben had also come over to his tiny cabin at the IT department. After signing all the relevant documents brought in by Ben, he decided to go to the hospital again.

It had been over twelve hours. Monike should have woken up by now. He had started to worry as he had received no mind link from the hospital.

Sprinting towards the hospital, he greeted and waved to everyone he met on the way.

His pack had been happier lately. He believed it was because of the breakthrough with their inter clan ties. Little did he know, it was because of Ira.

Ira had a way with people. She instantly made them forget all worries. Even she wasn’t aware that she could alter moods so easily.

In addition, Liam’s jovial mood was rubbing off on his pack members. They were working with more vigour and enjoying their lives. Most of them were happy that they weren’t packless rogues any more. Their living standard had also improved.

Suddenly his Lycan started whimpering. ‘What is wrong?’

‘I don’t feel good.’

‘What do you mean? Is it Ira?’

‘No. It’s just a hunch. Let me mull over it.’

‘The last time you did this, it was in Ben's engagement ceremony. Bella had been visiting with Ira’s shoes. Are you sure it isn’t Ira?’ Liam jumped over a puddle and continued his brisk walk.

‘Positive!’ His Lycan went silent as he entered the hospital.

Monike was up and all chirpy. It was an odd scene. He had gotten used to seeing Monike morose and moping.

“Hi!” He cleared his throat and walked into the Critical Care Unit. The two nurses headed out and Liam asked, “How are you feeling?”

“A lot better than the last few days. Dr Maggie said that I can leave in an hour. I am finally alright!” She hopped out of the bed and almost did a pirouette. “Look! I am all good now!” Her short dress rode up as she wiggled her hips seductively.

She had already changed into her own clothes, discarding the patient gown.

It must have been traumatic to wear something that did not appeal to her fashion senses for so long. He smiled, looking at the spring in her step.

She pulled Liam into an embrace. “Can I get a kiss at least now? It has been such a long time!”

Without being harsh or rude, Liam gently pushed her away from himself. “About that!” He gulped, seeing that he had her full attention. I should probably just tell her in one sentence! But the last time she had almost died when I sprang this up.

She smiled, “let me guess?”

“Aaah… Okay!” May be this little guessing game would give him enough time to process how he was going to break the terrible news. At least it was terrible for her, if not for him.

“You have found a mate, and you have been living with her!” She blurted out. Her huge, doleful eyes peered at his own as he stared at her, completely shocked.

“How do you know?”

“It is true, isn’t it? Ira has moved in with you!” Her eyes welled up, and she turned around to hide her tears.

“Monike, I… I.” As he tried to talk to her, she turned to face him again. She had controlled her tears and was smiling through her pain now.

“Kumah told me. The entire pack knows! You should have told me. I even know that Ira was the one who pushed me. All this happened because of her!” She touched the dressed wounds of her head. “I wasn’t being unfair when I was with you. We were going to get engaged the next day. How would I have known that you had already moved on to someone else?” She said in a sad tone and Liam felt terrible.

“Monike! It’s not like that. It is not moving on! A mate bond works differently in werewolves. It isn’t the run of the mill dating like the humans.” Liam rested his hands on her shoulders and she continued to stare into his eyes.

His Lycan paced in his head in agitation. What is upsetting him now? Liam thought, but diverted her attention to Monike again.

“I kind of know! Although I can not understand it, I do know that it is the most sacred law of the werewolves. I just wish I had a mate. Then I wouldn’t have to deal with being lonely.” She pouted. Thankfully, her eyes had dried up. “You must go now! Ira must be waiting for you. Kumah is going to pick me up.”

“Are you sure?”

“Totally. I had decided this even before my surgery.” She gave a peck on his cheek and continued, “One more thing. Please don’t tell my dad. I want to live here on your pack land and not with dad.”

Liam’s shoulders drooped. “Sorry Monike, you can’t stay here for long. Our lands don’t allow humans to stay with us.”

“Oh! But I don’t want to go to my dad.”

“I am sorry. I can’t help you with it. You may stay for a few more weeks, but ultimately, you will need to return.”

“Hmm… Okay.” She turned around. “I will do the necessary arrangements. You must leave now.” She said sternly with her back to his face.

She must have been crying again! So Liam turned and headed back to his house.

This was the happiest news! Monike had taken the news well!

Now off to Ira and her surprise. His Lycan danced in glee.

*****