Page 19 of The Unwanted Mate of the Lycan Kings
“Shadow, go on.Go to Lyon,” I tell him, and he wags his tail, rushing to his master’s side.
“Thank you,” Lyon whispers and nods once.At least he has some manners.
However, looking at Zeke, I don’t want to give his wolf back to him.His aura is menacing, and I know Hunter would be punished.I click my fingers, and Hunter follows me toward King Theron.Zeke steps into my path, his hand reaching for his wolf, and I grip his wrist.
“I don’t know what you’ve done to my wolf, but hand him back!”Zeke snarls, and his entire body trembles, but my grip tightens.No doubt he could break my hold like he broke his wolf’s ribs, but he doesn’t in his father’s presence.He must fear his father’s wrath, another thing to take note of.
“Zeke, if you touch one hair on that girl, you’ll visit the gallows, but you won’t return from them,” the king orders his son.Zeke takes a step back from me.
“First to touch her, right father?”Zeke asks, lifting his hand.My brows furrow.
“She touched you, and none of you were getting close to her unless you were willing to kill your wolves.Now stand down, son, or I will put you down!”the king commands.Zeke growls and shakes my grip off.
“Give him back.”Zeke’s eyes glint with anger as they settle on his wolf at my side.
“He’s mine now,” I tell him.
Zeke laughs and shakes his head.He reaches for the scruff of Hunter’s neck before I can grab him.Hunter backs up, and Gnash growls, stepping forward.
“As I said, he’s mine now,” I tell Zeke before shoving past him.His father lifts his hand, offering it to me.“I won’t bite, Zirah.Unlike my sons, I have manners.”He glares at them behind me, and I sigh, accepting the old man’s hand, thankful he didn’t order me to give Zeke back his wolf.
The walk back to the castle feels impossible as I climb the hill.The lack of sleep and the tormenting night I’ve endured has really settled into my bones.
As I climb the hill, I’m very aware of the kings behind us, watching me.I can feel their angry eyes boring into my back, their auras creeping toward me threateningly.Hunter remains atmy side, his fur brushing my legs as I walk.
Yet as we move through the rear courtyard, past the magnificent gardens, and into the grand castle, I find the curious gazes of King Theron’s staff watching me.However, they scatter when the three kings enter behind us, all but one maid King Theron addresses.
“Shelley, can you take Zirah here to the guest quarters in my sons’ wing, please?Find her something to wear.”
“Yes, My King,” the woman answers, motioning for me to follow her when the king turns to face me.
“Shower and come meet me in the dining room.I’m sure you’re hungry.I will have the chefs make you breakfast,” King Theron says before walking off and leaving me with his maid.As we watch him go, a warm, hard body presses against my back.Moving away, I turn to find Zeke looming over me.Hunter stares up at his master, not so much in fear, just anxiously, like he is waiting for what Zeke will do.
His eyes flicker dangerously when King Regan clamps a hand on his shoulder.“So tense, brother.Imagine the fun we can have breaking her.Let her shower first.If we have to playhouse to appease our father, so be it, but we might as well enjoy her as we do,” King Regan says coldly, as his lips tip into a smirk.“Besides, I give her a week before she kills herself, then you’ll have Hunter back at your side where he belongs.”
The maid touches my arm, forcing my attention to her, and I am thankful.I’d go anywhere with her if it means getting away from these three men.Maybe I can figure out how to escape this place.“Zirah?If you’ll follow me,” she says, nodding toward the stairs.
“Right, come on Hunter,” I call Zeke’s wolf, who instantly obeys.Zeke growls behind me, the sound sending a chill up my spine, and I peer over my shoulder at him and smile.Zeke moves to take a step toward the stairs when King Lyon grabs his arm.
“Forget her.Regan is right.She won’t last a week.”
“Easy for you to say.She hasn’t stolen your wolf,” Zeke snarls.
“Yet!”I offer, listening as I climb the steps, earning growls and snarls from all three men this time.Shelley nudges me, giving me a strange look, and I move to keep up with her.
When we reach the first landing, she turns for the next set of stairs.“You really shouldn’t antagonize them.King Theron may be alright and somewhat humane, but his sons?”Shelley shudders.“Try not to get on their bad side.”
“I think I have already done that,” I murmur, following behind her closely.
Shelley stops and glances around nervously.“I shouldn’t say anything.If King Theron knew, he would kill me for such betrayal.But none of his sons deserve the throne.They are cruel and barbaric.The things they have done...”Shelley shakes her head and bites her lip.
Looking at her aura, I can see she is being genuine.The white light casting off it though, I do find it slightly strange.It flickers with green edges before she clears her throat, and I find her watching me strangely.
“I’m sure he can tell his sons are undeserving of any throne, he simply does not care.”I look away from the maid, not liking the way she is staring at me intently.
“He cares.That is why you’re here, but—” she peers back down the stairs before stepping closer to me and whispering.
“They will kill you.Those men will not be bound to a woman.Your best bet is to run the moment you have a chance,” she whispers, stepping away and casting a nervous glance over her shoulder.She continues walking, not adding anything else to the matter.
