Chapter 4

FLINT

My chest burned for hours, and I struggled to catch my breath. That damn woman had accepted my rejection. How could she? Why would she?

I thought she would wait longer. I thought she’d give me time to change my mind and take her back. I thought she would beg me to undo it. But no. She accepted it.

I growled at the thought. Anger filled me, but I stayed in my office. The pain was too strong. My wolf whined and howled in sadness. I felt many emotions but couldn’t name them all. One thing was clear—I had to see her. I had to see Amy.

I refused to lose my mate just because I feared what others would say. After I calmed down and the pain lessened, I tried to mind-link the head guard. I wanted him to bring her out of the dungeon. No answer. I couldn’t even sense my men’s wolves. What was going on?

I stormed to the dungeons. At the entrance, the guards were deep in conversation. I growled sharply. They snapped to attention and saluted me.

I went straight to her cell. The silver bars hung loose from their hinges. I snarled. Two men carried the bodies of dead guards. Their bodies looked ripped apart by some beast.

“What happened?” I demanded.

“The Lycan King came. He… he took the girl,” one stammered.

I grabbed him by the collar and growled close to his face. “Took her? What do you mean?”

“Some guards… They assaulted her, and the king killed one of them, sir.” His voice shook, and I grew more furious. What had my guards done to her?

“If you don’t stop stuttering, I’ll snap your neck. Speak clearly.” I threw him against the wall. He grunted in pain.

“The men attacked her. The King killed him, sir,” he repeated. I clenched my teeth and growled.

“Where is she?” “I… don’t know, sir.”

I left the cells and mind-linked some guards. They told me she was taken to the hospital. I rushed there and found her lying peacefully on the bed, eyes closed. Seeing her like that made me shudder. She looked pale and underweight. Her hair was messy, but her soft features stayed the same.

I reached out and touched her cheek. I felt faint tingles under my fingers. I bent down to kiss her forehead but stopped when I sensed someone behind me. I turned to face the intruder.

“What happened to her?” I asked. The doctor snickered and glared at me.

I almost growled at her insolence but took a deep breath to calm down.

I didn’t want to kill anyone today, especially Doctor Baross. She was a kind woman.

AMY

Sure! Here’s the scene with more creative, expressive dialogue but still simple and direct:

I slowly lifted my gaze as the scent of vanilla and honey drifted in. My breath caught, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe. The man walking in front of me was tall and intimidating. He was the most handsome man I had ever seen. Thick jet-black hair, blazing dark blue eyes, sharp high cheekbones, and a muscular body like a Greek god. The moment he stepped inside, the whole room seemed to bow to him. A small wince escaped my lips. He smiled gently as he neared me, and my heart skipped a beat.

My wolf tried to warn me, frantic and loud, but I couldn’t hear her. I was too stunned.

“Hello, Love,” his voice rumbled deep and husky. I just stared at him, frozen, words stuck in my throat.

“Amy,” he whispered my name like it was a secret treasure. His eyes held a tenderness that made my skin tingle. He cupped my face, and a shiver ran down my spine. I swallowed hard.

‘Mate,’ my wolf whispered sharply. Not this again. I buried my face in my hands, shaking my head. This man’s presence screamed Alpha. Would he reject me? The thought crushed me. Tears welled up, and a soft sob slipped out.

His hands brushed my hair gently. I took deep breaths to calm down. He lifted my chin with a firm, kind touch, forcing me to look at him. When he spoke, warmth spread through me. “I’ve waited a long time for you, Mate.”

“Are you… going to reject me?” I asked quietly, bracing myself. He frowned, confused. “Reject you? Why would I? You’re my Luna. My Queen.”

His words sparkled in his eyes. I let a small smile break through.

“What’s… your name?” I stammered.

“Charles Lavista.”

I tested it on my tongue. It fit him perfectly. My wolf purred in approval. He seemed like he wanted to say something else but held back. An awkward silence fell between us.

“Amy,” he said again like my name was the sweetest song. “Hmm,” I replied, mesmerized.

“What happened to you? Why were you locked away?” His expression darkened, and a powerful aura rolled off him. I felt uneasy under it. Seeing that, he took a deep breath and softened his gaze.

“My mate… locked me up.”

“I’m your mate!” he growled sharply. I flinched and tried to back away but had nowhere to go.

He took steady breaths, calming himself. I reached for his hand and rubbed small circles on it. He gave me a small smile that melted my heart.

“Tell me everything. I need to know.” I told him everything. Charles’s anger boiled beneath the surface. Some old scars reopened, and I cried again. He held me close and whispered it would be okay now. That I had him. And somehow, I believed him. My wolf settled in his arms. For once, my pain faded.

The door opened, and another tall man entered. Built like Charles, he smiled warmly.

“Luna! Glad to see you’re safe.”

I looked at Charles, waiting for an explanation. “This is Dan, my Beta and friend,” he said quickly. Then to Dan, “This is Amy, my mate, the new Lycan Queen.”

I almost choked. Did he say Lycan? ‘Yes,’ my wolf confirmed.

How had I not noticed his powerful aura before? Lycans were the most powerful shifters—beautiful, dominant rulers. Charles Lavista was their king. What? I was freaking out inside. I wasn’t a leader. I wasn’t a queen.

Dan sneered. “Hold up. Did you just say ‘friend’? I’m your best friend, damn it!” Charles chuckled and put a hand on my neck.

“Are you okay, love?” he asked softly. I cleared my throat and nodded. My mind raced. What if the Lycan community rejected me? They were elite, wealthy, and powerful. Would he ask me to leave with him?

“Yes. Did you say King?” He nodded. “And you’re my queen.”

“Then when do we leave?” Dan asked before I could even think.

“As soon as the doctors say you can travel. I still have some business here.” While the men talked about the Darksun pack, my stomach growled loudly. I blushed, trying to ignore it. It growled again.

Charles chuckled deeply. “Hungry?” I bit my lip, unsure if I was allowed to eat.

“Dan, bring us some food and my laptop. I need to work on the moonshine project before Marcus starts pestering me.”

Dan bowed and left. Charles sighed and smiled at me, making me almost melt. He was too hot.

Minutes later, an omega brought a tray loaded with fried chicken, salad, chips, and fruit. My stomach growled again.

Charles took the tray without sparing the omega a glance, though she fluttered her lashes at him. “Enjoy,” he said, placing the food in front of me.

He watched me eat with a soft smile. I took small bites, too nervous to eat fast, though my hunger urged me. I didn’t remember the last time I ate this much. When I was done, Charles pushed the tray aside and smiled at me again. I swooned.

‘Drama queen,’ my wolf teased. I wrapped my arms around his waist, and we stayed like that until the door opened. A low, possessive growl filled the room.

“Get away from my mate.”