Chapter 15: The Royal Summons~

The Lycan Enforcer~

~KAEL’S POV ~

I couldn't sleep all night.

My mind kept drifting back to the room where my little mate resided.

I was tempted too many times to go back into that room and take her, but I couldn't.

I decided to be gentle with her and respect her wishes from now on, but I couldn't grant her the wish of leaving this mansion.

And all night, I remembered the way Annabeth looked during dinner. Wrapped up in my cardigan.

That was enough to keep me in the training hall until my knuckles split open.

Dawn found me there, surrounded by broken dummies and my own blood on the stone.

“You’re going to crack the foundation, boy.”

Mrs. Halloway. Only she called over a 100-year-old Lycan Enforcer, a boy.

“Then I’ll build a new one,” I said, not turning.

She clicked her tongue. “With what? That temper? You’ll crush that little girl before you ever court her.”

I finally looked. She held out chamomile for me. Gods, I hated chamomile.

“I'd rather you gave Annabeth those and while at it, maybe show her around the house.”

“Oh.” Halloway’s eyes went soft. “I'm sure the poor girl would love some early morning fresh air.”

“I'm sure she would.” I said.

“Well okay then,” Halloway agreed. “ She's going to love the Roses here.”

She left me with that. And left my training room.

~~

After I had my share of training, I decided I needed to see her.

I knew she was in the garden with Mrs Halloway and I stalked.

Standing so still at the garden entrance, I looked upon the most beautiful creature my eyes has ever beheld.

Annabeth was staring lovingly at the roses, smiling.

I couldn't believe it. She was actually smiling. For the first time since I'd met her, this was the first time I've seen her smile.

And goddess it was breathtaking.

Seeing her this way, I knew one thing for sure. I always want her to look like this, to be like this. Happy.

~~

Annabeth had said words to me that clung deep to my brain and heart. She didn't hate me today. And even though she didn't give me an answer last night, she gave me everything I needed to know just now by her words.

I knew it would take some time to fully have all her affection, but I swore I was going to wait, wait for when she'll finally surrender to me, to our bond.

~~

Later on during the day, I found Annabeth in the east parlor.

She was curled in the window seat with one of my books,

'Lycan Wars: The First Betrayals.'

Her curly hair fell like ink across the page. There was a smudge of it on her cheek.

She didn’t hear me come in. Didn’t scent me. Humans didn't have those sharp sensory abilities.

I could’ve stood there all day. Watching her and she wouldn't know.

In the old, Lycans don’t watch when they see what they liked. We claim and We take.

But for her, I was learning to wait. I was learning patience.

“You’re staring again,” she said without looking up.

“I was not. Lycans don't usually stare. I was just calculating.”

“Calculating what? How to weaponize your library?” She finally glanced at me. No fear. Just that sharp, measuring look. “Are you going to lock me in here with the books?”

“Would you stay if I did?”

She tilted her head. “Would you stop me if I tried to leave?”

“Yes.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Then why even ask?”

I crossed the room. Stopped two feet away. Close enough that she’d feel the cold coming off me. Lycans run colder than werewolves. Always. Though I wonder what I feel like to her.

“Because I want you to know you could try and run,” I said. “And I’d still hunt you down.”

She swallowed. “That’s not romantic or funny.”

“I’m not romantic.” I nodded at the book. “I’m a Lycan. We don’t court. We simply claim.”

“And if I refused to be claimed?”

I leaned down. Just close enough that my breath stirred her hair. “Then I’ll wait until you come to me yourself begging to be claimed by me.”

She stared at me. Then a slight chuckle escaped her lips.

“Come on,” I said, straightening before I did something stupid. Like touch that ink smudge on her cheeks. “If you’re staying in the mansion, you should learn the grounds. In case you need to run.”

“From you?” she asked, sliding off the seat.

“From me I hope not. But From my enemies, From any werewolf who thinks a Lycan’s mate is a prize to be stolen.”

She froze. “I thought you said you wouldn't tell anyone what you think I am to you. Have you forgotten all about that?”

I smiled a small smile.

"I don't think I have the power to hide what you truly are to me. I'm sure everyone living in this premises knows by now what you are to me." I said to her.

"I don't know if I'm comfortable with that." She said looking down.

"I know."

~~

~~

Mrs. Halloway found us later with flour on Annabeth’s nose and murder in my eyes.

“You’re doing it wrong,” I told Annabeth, watching her attack the dough.

She had requested to make cupcakes when she saw the ingredients in the kitchen cabinets out of curiosity.

I kept cussing at myself why I even offered to show her around the house. I didn't realize she could be this childish.

“I am not!” She slapped it. “See? This is Kneading!”

“You’re not doing it right.” I moved behind her. Covered her hands with mine. “Like this. Don’t fight it. Ask it.”

She stilled. “Ask… dough? What does that mean?”

“It means you should be gentle and knead as if you're asking for it, not attacking it.” My mouth was at her ear. “Don't fight the dough, Just ask.”

She turned her head. Our noses almost brushed. But she moved herself out from my reach.

“Okay,” she whispered. “Kael?”

She called my name. A sweet melody from her lips.

“Yeah?”

“Why are you being… so gentle today?”

Because I saw you smile for the first time today.

Because I’m over a hundred years old and nothing’s ever felt like this.

Because you’re a human, and I’m a Lycan, and You are the only reason I have now to live or even have a chance at happiness.

“Because I choose to,” I said.

Mrs. Halloway cleared her throat. “If you two are done courting the bread, I already have honey cakes prepared for you.”

I stepped back. Too fast. Away from Her.

We ate quietly in the kitchen and I noticed Annabeth licking honey off her fingers.

I couldn't help but smile.

I carved a vow into my heart : Always make her happy. Always keep her safe. Whatever it may cost.

~~

Late in the evening, I received a call from my guards informing me about a royal visit from the palace.

I quickly checked on Annabeth and saw her sleeping soundly and gently closed her door.

Downstairs there were Royal Guards. Four of them. Black and Gold uniform embroidered with the royal crest.

“Enforcer Kael,” the captain barked. “By order of the King. Your presence is required. Immediately.”

When Lycans were still at great numbers, No one dared summon Lycans. They requested. With gifts. With fear.

But now we're almost extinct, The fear seemed to lessen with time.

“Why?” I said.

“Not for us to say sir.” He said.

I've been avoiding the Palace for some time now, majorly because of the persistent Armea. The werewolf princess who had been throwing herself at me for years. Whispering about “joining our bloodlines.” As if a werewolf could hold a Lycan.

“Mrs. Halloway,” I called.

She appeared. Saw the guards and Her face went stone.

“Take Care of things while I'm out, I'll be back before you know it,” I said, giving her a knowing look and she quickly understood and nodded once. Her eyes saying I could trust her with Annabeth.

I followed the guards out with my cold resolve, and of course I had to bring my personal guards with me as well.

Just Incase.

~~