The Lycan King's Forbidden Mate

20

The great hall of the castle instantly filled with murmurs as the council members settled into their seats. The towering pillars cast long shadows under the glow of the light coming from the eligant chandelier hanging from the ceiling.

I sat quietly sat at the head of the massive table, my piercing golden eyes scanned the room with quiet authority. My trusted beta, Serio, stood beside me, his muscular frame seemed to tense with anticipation.

The tension in the air was thick, it was late aftenoon when I summoned the court council for a matter of grave importance.

A deep growl resonated through the chamber as I finally spoke.

"I did not call you all here to waste time. An enemy threatens our kingdom."

I said without expression, my voice, laced with power, and it was more than enought to silence all whispers.

Lord Stanis, a seasoned warrior with streaks of gray in his beard, leaned forward.

"My King, we have heard rumors, but nothing confirmed. Do you mean the Alpha of the Shadow Walker Pack?"

My jaw tightened.

"Yes. Alpha Alaric Barlowe of Shadow Walker Pack has declared his intentions to attack us, all because he wishes to take back a woman he once threw away."

Another warrior, Baron who also seat with the council scoffed.

"A fool's move. He rejected her, yet now, upon seeing her under the King's protection, he desires to reclaim her?"

Lady Ayane, folded her arms.

"A Lycan King sheltering a wolfless woman was bound to stir conflict. But why risk war over it?"

My eyes darkened.

"Because his pride is more valuable to him than reason. He never expected her to rise, to find safety within my kingdom. To him, she is nothing more than a possession he lost."

I said, my voice was a controlled storm.

There was a murmur of discontent among the council. Some casted knowing glances, while others looked at me for guidance.

"We cannot allow his arrogance to lead to bloodshed."

Said Lord Stanis, his hands clasped together.

"How do you propose we respond, King Marcus?"

I leaned forward and my fingers tapped against the table.

"First, we prepare our warriors. I want double patrols along our borders. If he dares step foot into our land, he will find it well-defended."

Satanis nodded.

"We should also send a message. A final warning."

Ayane smirked.

"A letter, then? Telling him to back down or face the wrath of the Lycans?"

My lips curled into a cold smile.

"Not just any letter. A challenge. If Alaric wants her, let him come and take her himself."

The council stirred, and Baron frowned.

"You mean to duel him?"

"Not necessarily."

I said, my voice barely abover a whisper.

"He will not expect us to call his bluff. His rebellion is built on pride and fear, not loyalty. His warriors fight for his ambition, not their survival. If we shake that foundation, he will crumble before the battle even begins."

The council nodded in understanding.

"You intend to expose his weakness."

I grinned.

"Clever. A public challenge forces him to fight with honor, which he lacks. If he refuses, he loses face before his pack."

Ayane tapped her chin.

"And if he accepts?"

My golden eyes gleamed with lethal intent.

"Then I will put him down myself."

Silence fell over the room. The weight of my words was absolute.

Stanis once again spoke.

"And the woman? What if Alaric's pack demands her return?"

"The Kingdom should stop any bloodshed. Alpha Alaric's main reason to even foolishly plan for rebellion against you was to take a wolfless woman he rejected back, that means we can avoid all this. Give him what he wants, the woman still belongs to them afterall."

Ayane suggested. Her expression unreadable.

My expression hardened.

"She is under my protection. She will remain here, untouched. Alaric had his chance, and he cast her aside like nothing. I do not allow cowards to claim what they have forsaken."

Baron inclined his head.

"Then we have our course. We fortify, send the chalenge, and await his response."

I stood, my presence alone filled the room.

"This kingdom stands unshaken. We will show Alaric and any who dare challenge us what it means to cross the Lycan King."

As the council rose in unison, a single truth settled in my chest.

War or not, Alaric had already lost. And I would make certain he understood it.

The room was filled with tension. I remained seated as the heavy oak doors creaked as they shut, my golden eyes burning with unspoken authority.

"Stay."

I ordered Ayane and Baron, together with Serio after the last of the meeting attendees had left.

"There is more to discuss."

I crossed my arms, my dark brows furrowed.

"I think this rebellion will grow, King Marcus. The Alpha, Alaric, already gathered his forces, and his wolves grow restless beyond our borders."

Serio said, Ayane's piercing silver eyes scaned the room and nodded.

"Then. We must be swift. The woman he rejected is now under your protection, as you said, you refuse to give her back, which to me is the only way we can stop this nonesense.

What if this foolish Alpha seeks Brielle Fox's return only as an excuse to challenge your rule."

My jaw tightened.

"She is not a bargaining piece. She was discarded by him, cast aside without mercy. Now that she is under my care, I will not give her back to a monster."

Serio, who remained standing by my side spoke with caution.

"Alaric will not stop. He wanted the woman back, to use her to gain more power. The Shadow Walker Pack's council demanded her return as they believe she holds more power to claim the pack than the Alaric. Though taking the woman back was their only goal, I am sure he will use any reason to wage war now."

I leaned forward and restied my elbows on my knees.

"We will ensure the castle stands untouchable. Baron, you will oversee the outer defenses. Double the sentries. Anyone suspicious is to be captured, no exceptions."

Baron bowed his head.

"Consider it done, King Marcus."

I turned to Ayane.

"You will ensure our warriors are ready at all times. We may need to strike first if Alaric moves too close."

Ayane smirked.

"I look forward to it."

Finally, I faced Serio, my gaze darkened.

"You, my friend, will go back to Alaric's pack. You may bring some of your trusted warriors."

Serio stiffened.

"You want me to spy on them again?"

"Yes. You will everything, learn their plans, and report back to me."

Serio took a deep breath, his expression grim.

"It is dangerous."

"You are the only one who can do it."

I said firmly.

"And I trust no one else."

Serio was no longer able to answer when a sharp knock on the door interrupted us. The scent of fresh pine and iron instantly filled the room when the door swung open, revealing Lucas, my closest friend and commander of the castle warriors. Behind him stood three of his best men, their arms gripping a struggling wolf, one look of him I knew he was one of Alaric's.

Lucas grinned.

"Looks like we caught one before Darius even left."

The captured wolf, a young male with wild eyes, growled low.

"Alpha Alaric will not rest until the woman is returned."

He said, his eyes burning with pure anger.

I rose from my seat and stared at him, my expression blank.

"Then let him try."

I said, my voice low, but dangerous.

The cold afternoon air prickled agains my skin as I crouched outside the grand hall of the Lycan Court.

My eyes flickered toward the massive oak doors that stood between me and the Kingdom's court council.

I had a feeling the meeting inside concerned something, or someone I wished to never see again.

Alaric...

I still haven't forgotten my belief that he was the one behind Alpha Aric's death, nor have I ever forgotten how he casted me aside.

My heart clenched at the thought.

Alaric did not only casted me aside, he humiliated me in front of the entire pack for being wolfless, made me believe that I am worthy of nothing, and now...

A heavy sigh rumbled in my chest.

After everything that happened he wanted me back? It was laughable.

King Marcus had summoned the Court, I am not sure what was it about but I have a strong feeling that it was about the trouble Alaric had caused, what can I say? Growing up with his pressence, I can tell trouble is the only thing he's good at.

I was deep in thoughts when a sudden commotion from the courtyard stole my attention.

Heavy footfalls and muffled growls carried through quiete afternoon and when I crept closer, my breath hitched.

I saw Lucas strode toward the Court doors, his warriors flanking him. And in their grasp, dragged through the dirt like the traitor he was, lay a wolf I knew all too well, Ronan, Miya's brother.

Also one of the few people I chose to trust back then.

A chill ran down my spine. If Ronan was here, then the situation was worse than I had suspected.

I swallowed the lump in my throat, my heart thudded painfully against my chest.

I had been content to stay hidden, to merely observe, but now I could no longer remain hidded like a thief.

I let out a heavy sigh as I stepped out from my hiding spot and into the council's closed door.

Ayane's gaze snapped to mine, but she did not seem surprised.

"Brielle Fox."

Her voice was deep, a mixture of curiosity and understanding. She had known my story, known the suffering I had endured under my old pack.

I mentioned it to her not long ago.

I swallowed hard.

"W-What is happening?"

Ayane smirked slightly before gesturing to Ronan, who was barely able to lift his head.

"It appears your former Alpha is desperate. He sent his men to spy, perhaps even to steal you away. But we caught this one before he could slink away into the night."

Lucas answered, as usual, he was still smiling from ear to ear like it was a very pleasing news.

I clenched my fists.

The audacity.

Even after all this time, Alaric still believed he could dictate my fate. i stepped forward, my gaze locking onto Ronan's as he struggled in the warriors' grip.

"You don't belong here."

I said coldly.

Ronan let out a ragged laugh, though it lacked any real humor.

"And you do? What are you now, Foxy? A pet to the King? Or are you still the worthless wolfless girl we left behind?"

A growl rumbled from King Marcus who remained seated on his chair, and even the warriors holding Ronan tensed. But I didn't flinch. I had spent too many sleepless nights thinking about what had happened that night to even let the words from someone like Rona haunt me.

Not anymore.

"I may have been wolfless..."

I said, my voice steady.

"But here you are, wanting me back. Where is Alaric?"

"You are a fool to even think I will tell you."

"What do you want from me then? Why do you need me back?"

Before Ronan could answer again, King Marcus finally stepped forward, his golden eyes sharp as they fell onto Ronan. Then his gaze lingered on mine, something unreadable flashed across his features before settling again on Ronan.

"Bring him outside."

The King commanded, his voice like thunder.

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes as I heard Ronan's growls and screams when Lucas's men dragged him outside the court room and into the training ground.