The Hunt - Levantus POV

~ Thirteen Years Later ~

“Sire, all preparations for the hunt have been completed. Is there anything else you need?”

My beta, Jasper, bows to me before standing to meet my eyes. He only speaks formally like this when I am in the presence of the council, which unfortunately I am. Otherwise, he is my only family and friend.

“No, Jasper, that will be all.”

He bows again and moves to stand on my right and slightly behind me. My gamma, Dirk, continues with what he had been saying before me and the royal council.

“My king, as I was saying, the rogues attacked the south border and the Golden Crescent pack. We have managed to stop the attack before all was lost, but they destroyed four homes entirely and killed ten wolves. Nine from the pack and one of our own.”

I growl lowly, hating the pain these bastards have put innocents through.

“What of the survivors? What plans do we have set for those affected by these attacks? I want these rogues stopped. How dare they tread on my land and attack my people.”

I practically snarl, it’s been getting more and more difficult to keep my rage from claiming me. Everyone in the room has tensed, sensing my powerful aura. Dirk speaks up.

“My lord, we have set up a camp away from

The border in the neighboring pack, they did not hesitate to help set up the survivors with food and shelter and other necessities. We have stationed soldiers all around the pack for protection and are sending supplies to help as we speak. There is a good couple of healers there, so any wounded are being treated. As for the destruction and damages, we have other packs lending aid in helping to rebuild and repair. Our best scouts are following the scents of the rogues. If we can figure out their patterns, learn why they are doing this, we can make a plan to attack rather than maintain an offensive.”

I appraise my gamma. There is a reason that I chose Dirk as my gamma and Jasper as my beta. Not only are we friends, but I can trust them with my very soul. Their intellect and cunning as a team make upholding my law and winning my battles and strategizing lethal.

“Very well, it seems I hardly have to give too much insight into this. Keep me apprised, Dirk. I want to know when we can begin taking action and I want to know those affected by these attacks are being taken care of.”

Dirk bows and moves to stand on my left and slightly behind me. I look around at the elders of my council. They are my advisors, a team built to bring things to my attention that I may have overlooked and to remind me of old laws and traditions. They’re a group of bores and, most times, I wish I could be free of them.

“What next do we need to discuss?”

Elder Radcliffe stands slowly and bows before speaking.

“My lord, after the hunt, there needs to be actions taken to find you a mate. Chosen or Goddess given. You are thirty-two and we need a queen and an heir-“

I growl loudly and slowly stand.

“Elder Radcliffe, I understand the need for a queen and heir. You make a point of reminding me at every meeting. You will do well, to back off now instead of bringing it to my attention at every turn. I will seek a mate as is needed of me, but you will not push me any further, unless you’d like to feel my claws.”

He shivers and shows his fear a moment, but remains standing.

“Yes, my king, I only bring it up as we are all concerned for your wellbeing as much as we are concerned for the kingdom. You and the rest of us know how being mateless affects a lycan.”

I decide to leave it at that and raise my hand.

“Enough, I have taken it into advisement and am bringing this meeting to a close. I have a hunt to lead.”

As everyone in the room rises and bows, I take my leave. My strides carry me quickly through the door and into the hall. I can hear the steps of gamma and beta on my heel. I growl a little bit as I walk, feeling the weight of needing a mate as well as the need to take care of my people on my shoulders. Jasper speaks up with a chuckle.

“Down boy, leave it for the boars. They’re annoying, but you have everything under control, more so than those idiots know.”

If he was anyone else, I’d have growled at him for speaking to me like he just did. Dirk speaks next.

“They are fools, what’s more important? Ensuring the safety of the people or finding a mate. Pick your poison.”

Jasper laughs and shakes his head.

“Both. A queen stabilizes things and brings a sense of wellbeing to the people and our king. While we also protect the people.”

I growl at this but Jasper speaks up again.

“Now now, I’m only playing devil’s advocate. You know I support you, Lev, neither Dirk or myself would ever doubt or question you.”

I sigh and pause to face them.

“I know. Thank you, my brothers. Let’s focus on the hunt and go from there.”

Once out in the courtyard of my estate, I face my pack and alphas visiting from other packs. I step forward and all turn to face me and bow.

“My people and Alphas from other lands. Welcome! Tonight, we come together to remember what has been lost, what has hurt us as a whole. Many here have felt this more keenly than others, but be assured no one feels it more so than I. I dedicate this hunt to you, my people, to the packs of this kingdom. Tonight, we hunt as one pack, no titles in this forest. We hunt together to bring food to our tables. With the bounty of the forest, we will send food to those suffering and we will celebrate and remember those taken into the goddess’ embrace too soon. We will honor them and we will take care of those left behind. Join me in this remembrance, in honoring our people! Let the hunt begin!”

With that, howls and cheers rise into the air. We shift and take off into the vast forest. The thrill of the hunt guiding our paws and our senses.