Fire Queen

Chapter 1

Stephan POV

“Mother, I have already chosen a queen to rule by my side. It has been fifteen years since I was old enough to find my mate.” Stephan hung his head and sighed. All he had ever wanted was a mate but the Mood Goddess had never blessed him with one. “My kingdom can no longer wait. We must have the Luna Queen. I must produce an heir to succeed me.”

“Your kingdom wants you to be happy and find your mate. You cannot even begin to imagine the love and strength the mate bond will give you.” Alberta reached out for her son's hands. “You deserve every happiness the Moon Goddess offers.”

Stephan snatched his hands away as he jumped to his feet. “The Moon Goddess has forsaken me. I am thirty-three years old. If the Moon Goddess had intended on granting me a mate would she not have done so already. Lilith will make an excellent chosen mate. She is smart and kind. She has been helping us both run the pack for the last ten years. Her mate died a few years ago so I do not have to worry about taking her opportunity away from her.”

“What if you find your mate after you marry her? Will you leave your chosen wife heartbroken or will you break your mate's soul?” Stephan knew his mother was right but he also knew he had no heir. He had given up hope of ever finding her. He was at war too much and knew his luck would run out soon. He needed an heir in case he did not return from war one day.

“Let me plan a ball for you. We can invite all the unmated to attend. Perhaps you can find her that way. If you do not, I will support you in your chosen mate, Lilith.” Alberta knew he would agree. SHe prayed that his mate would be at this ball or she would have to get creative.

Stephan knew his mother would not stop pestering him until he agreed. He rolled his eyes. “Alright. You may have your ball. But once it is over you will no longer oppose my choice of chosen mate.”

“When you find your mate you will thank me.” Alberta bounced on her heels.

“Full moon is tonight. Have it tomorrow. Get planning, mother.”

“Tomorrow is perfect.” Alberta rushed out of the office shouting orders at the staff in the hallway. Stephan knew he had not derailed his mother. She would have everything done by tomorrow night.

“You know she is right. We should wait for mate.” Mateo, his wolf, spoke up.

“I do not think she is out there. I have been forsaken for all the violence I put into the world. Lilith will make a fine wife.”

Mateo growled. “I do not like her and I like Camille even less. She is impertinent and spoiled. I do not wish to be mated to an entitled princess.”

“You will do as I say.” Stephan was getting fed up with Mateos complaints about Lilith and Camille.

“We will see about that.” Mateo laughed and cut their connection.

“Stephan.” His Beta and bestfriend Maximus stepped into the office. “What was all that about?”

“I'm sure you will find out before the night is out.” Stephan laughed. “What’s up?”

“Another kidnapping.” Maximus placed a picture of a young boy on Stephan’s desk. “He was taken early this morning on the way to school.”

“Do we have any leads?” This business of kidnappings was getting well out of control. Ten reported missing in the last month alone. Everyone was taken in broad daylight with no witnesses. So far they had nothing to go on. Not even a decent scent to follow. The kidnappers were careful and covered their tracks well.

“There is some damaged security footage. It's not much but there were two in the vehicle.” Maximus played the footage on his phone. “They were driving a dark four door SUV. I'm sure it is just a burner car but we will trace it as far as we can.”

Another dead end. They needed a new plan for this situation. “Mother had insisted on throwing a party tomorrow night. With all the young weres in our community attending we may be able to set a trap.”

“I will inform the guards. Double patrols.” Maximus cut his eyes at Stephan. “Any particular reason she is throwing a party?”

“She insists on trying to find my mate before I announce my choice of Lilith. She thinks I have given up too soon.” Stephan pulled at his beard. “To be honest I want to wait for my mate but I need an heir for the kingdom.”

“I understand.” Maximus could empathize with the situation. He had not found his mate either. “Perhaps your mother is right. You are still in the prime of your life. The Moon Goddess has made you wait this long for a reason.”

“You sure she has not forsaken me for all the things we did in our youth?” Stephan shuddered at the memories.

“Those are your father’s sins. He forced us to do those things. The Goddess will not forsake you for another’s sins.” Maximus clapped Stephan on the back. “Besides, she granted that brute father a kind and loving mate. She must have one in mind for you.”

“I can’t wait, Maximus. Lilith is an excellent choice of all the women I have been with. She is smart and capable. She works well with me now taking care of the pack. And she is a tiger in the sack.” Stephan was slightly aroused by the thought.

“I agree completely. I'm just not sure I want a Luna that I have bedded much less the Queen.” Maximus laughed.

Stephan growled.

“Look man, it's not my fault. We had a go back in high school. I can only imagine how she is now with experience on her side.” Maximus ducked as Stephan slung a lamp at him.

“Get out.” Stephan growled again. “Get out before I forget that you are my friend.”