Caramel Kisses

Chapter 3: Waiting Game

The sun's rays peak through the curtains, causing me to stir. I try to lift my arm, but I'm met with an unfamiliar weight draped across my chest. I bring my other hand over my face to brush the sleep from my eyes. Glancing over to see the blonde that was passed out beside me. I sigh as I roll her off of me, not caring if she wakes up. I stand and make my way to the restroom, curse myself and, recount the reasons why I don't drink, especially with my Beta.

I recall the night before and what led to the now massive headache I am currently having. Usually it's hard for a Lycan to get to this point, but yesterday was one of those days. Sitting across from my father in his office as he lectured me for the hundredth time this week, it seemed. My father, Cassian Knoxx, the current King and CEO, was on my back again about my responsibilities of taking over the family business and kingdom. We own one of the top corporations in the US, if not the world, located in New York, Knoxx Industries was second to none. We dabbled in a lot of different business ventures. If it made money, we most likely had a hand in it.

It's not like I was actively avoiding stepping up, I wanted to, but my father had requirements. He would rant about how he and my mother were ready to retire and how he was ready to abdicate the throne to me, but he would only do it when I settled down and found my mate or took a chosen mate. My parents weren't too fond of my bachelor lifestyle, not that I was out there like that, but I did have my fun.

I make myself comfortable on the leather couch that lines the side of my father's office. My dad leans back in his chair and clears his throat. "Callan, it's about time you settled down and take a chosen mate. There are many fine Lycan women that, will make a suitable match for you. "he states as he pulls out a folder from the top drawers that I'm sure contains his handpicked candidates. I let out a frustrated sigh, throwing my head back, resting it on the couch. Placing my hand on my head, trying not to let my annoyance come out at my father. We've had this conversation back and forth for a while now, he knows where I stand on the matter, and yet here we are again.

"Father, I've told you a million times, and I'll tell you a million more, I do not wish to take a chosen mate. I may not be an angel, but I do believe in the mate bond and I want to wait until I find them", I state as I direct my attention to my father, who is now sporting an emotion of displeasure. We do this every time. He talks about me taking a chosen mate and I turn down the notion. It has become a tiring charade that I'm getting fed up with.

My father repositions himself in his seat as he lets out a grumble of annoyance; it seems as though he is also getting tired of this back and forth between us. Which is good, hopefully he will give up and let me do this at my own pace. My father turned towards me with a look of sincerity written on his face,"I understand, son, but you are thirty years old and this is usually the time you ascend the throne and become the head of the family. You are my firstborn, and by law this is your birth right and responsibility." he lets out a sigh, sitting back in his chair, visibly relaxing as if he'd given up. He lets out a frustrated huff, placing his head into his right hand. I see that this is starting to take a toll on my father and I don't mean for it to seem as though I'm being difficult. I had just always wanted this and even my Lycan had reassured me that we did have someone coming. There just wasn't a set date or time, he stated that the Moon Goddess had told his that we did have a mate and that we needed to be patient until they came to us.

It's always so frustrating thinking about the situation; when you turn eighteen, you're supposed to be able to sense your mate. It just never happened to me, I always believed they were out there, and I held on to that hope for a long time. You could say that I was a lover boy in a sense. I grew up hearing stories about the bond and the connection people shared when they found their mate. It was something I wanted to experience for myself; my father and mother were chosen mates even though they loved each other. I could always tell that there was something missing from their relationship, like a spark that wasn't fully there. Lycans weren't like werewolves. It was rare for us to find our mate, since we tended to live a much longer life than most. Most Lycans just end up coupling to keep their lines going instead of waiting. Nothing against them. I understood that it would be better that way than to be alone for our long lives.

Around the age of twenty-three, I gave up searching and started to indulge in the advances of women. After attending so many mating balls and coming up empty-handed, who could blame me? I had a couple of flings and dated around, but I always made sure they knew that it wasn't a forever thing. One thing I always wanted to make clear was that I wanted my mate. They would say they understood and that they were good with no strings attached, but it always ended the same. With me being called an a-hole and a girl's feelings being hurt. After the fifth time of a drink being thrown in my face, I started to slow down a bit. I started to keep it a bit more casual with a couple of ladies who had the same stance, of just scratching an itch that needed scratching.

My father's voice interrupts my deep thoughts, bringing me back to the current situation," You have to be an example for your younger siblings. As your father, I am proud of everything you have achieved, and I know you will do well. But having your mate, whether chosen or not, makes you stronger and will keep you grounded. I don't know what I would have done without the support of your mother. Me and your mother's marriage was an arrangement, and we have been happily married for over 30 years. It wouldn't be a bad thing to consider", he states a bit softer, not trying to sound like he's attacking me.

I sat up a bit from the couch, directing my full attention to my father," I understand you are only looking out for me and you want the best. But I want you to let me find my own way. Please just trust that it's all going to work out." I stated, sending him a small reassuring smile. I understand that it can be worrisome for him, but I'm putting my faith in the goddess and trusting that everything will fall into place. My father takes another huff and nods his head towards me. Getting up from his chair, he strolled over to me. I stand up, meeting him half way, and he wraps me up in a big bear hug only a father can give. My father is not a small man, standing at a height of 6'4, sporting his salt and pepper hair and beard combo. He is well off into his fifties, but he looks as though he's not a day over thirty. The only thing that gives him a way is the graying hair; the perks of being a Lycan. This is how we always end these discussions. My father always made sure to settle the matter so that we didn't feel as though we were leaving with bad blood. We both understood that we both had different opinions on the matter, and it wasn't anything to hold a grudge over.

He gave me a big pat on the back, stepping away from me. He paused and turned back in my direction. "We will be having family dinner this Sunday. It is non-negotiable. Make sure you're there, your mother will be expecting you." This was actually a warning from my father, letting me know I would be going through the same discussion with my mother just on a more intense level.

I let out a sigh, shaking my head. "Don't worry, I'll be there." He threw a knowing smile my way. Feeling a bit amused since he knows how it is going to turn out. His cell phone rings, as he goes to get the call. I excuse myself from his office.