0005

The Lycan King's POV

I woke up as the first rays of dawn filtered through the heavy curtains of my chamber.

Stretching out, an uneasy feeling gnawed at the edges of my consciousness, something didn't feel right.

I swung my legs over the side of the bed and stood, running a hand through my tousled hair.

The events of the past few days replayed in my mind, centering around a particular servant girl who had unexpectedly captured my attention.

Kayla.

I couldn't shake the memory of our night together. She was different from any other woman I had known, and despite my better judgment, I found myself drawn to her.

Her vulnerability had awakened a protective instinct within me, a feeling I wasn't accustomed to. But it was more than just that. There was an undeniable connection, a bond that had formed, and I needed to understand it.

I recalled overhearing her stepfamily confronting her about being pregnant.

The possibility of the child being mine was high, as I remembered being the one to take her virginity that night.

The thought unsettled me, stirring up conflicting emotions I couldn't quite understand.

My thoughts were interrupted by a sharp knock on the door.

"Come in," I called out, my voice rough from sleep.

One of the guards stepped in, his expression grave. "Your Majesty, we have a situation. The servant girl, Kayla, has fled the castle grounds."

My heart jumped, and I felt a surge of panic I couldn't explain. "When did this happen? Have you searched the premises?"

The guard shook his head. "Not yet, Your Majesty. We were alerted by her stepfamily, who claim they witnessed her attempting to escape."

Anger flared within me. How dare they let her leave without informing me first?

"Gather a search party immediately," I ordered, my tone brooking no argument. "I want her found and brought back to the castle at once."

The guard bowed and swiftly exited, leaving me to gather my thoughts. I couldn't fathom why Kayla's disappearance affected me so deeply, but I knew I wouldn't rest until she was found and safe within these walls once more.

As the sun rose higher in the sky, the search party fanned out across the castle grounds and into the surrounding forest.

I paced restlessly, my mind conjuring up various scenarios, each more unsettling than the last. Where could she have gone? Was she in danger?

Hours ticked by with no word from the search teams. My frustration mounted, and I was about to join the search myself when a commotion at the castle gates drew my attention.

Striding out, I saw a group of guards escorting a disheveled and frightened Kayla back into the courtyard. Relief washed over me, quickly replaced by a simmering anger at her reckless actions.

"Kayla," I said, my voice sharp. "Care to explain yourself?"

She flinched at my tone, her eyes downcast as she remained silent.

Her stepfamily approached, sneering triumphantly.

"Isn't it obvious, Your Majesty?" her stepsister, Lily, taunted. "The little whore is having a child, and she was trying to run away and hide her shame."

My jaw clenched at her crude words, but before I could respond, Kayla spoke up, her voice trembling but defiant.

"I am pregnant, yes," she admitted, lifting her chin. "But I will not disclose the father's identity. It is my choice whether to keep the child or not."

Lily scoffed. "You have no choice in the matter. You will tell us who the father is, or suffer the consequences."

As they pressed her further, demanding answers, I saw the fear in Kayla's eyes. I wanted to speak up and tell them I was the father but I resisted the urge to do so.

“Let her go and rest up, when day breaks we will have this conversation,” I said to them and turned to leave, making sure Kayla left before I did.

They reluctantly stepped back, allowing Kayla to leave. I watched her retreating figure, my mind racing with thoughts of what was to come.

Once everyone had dispersed, I followed Kayla to her quarters. She looked exhausted and scared, and I knew I needed to speak with her alone.

"Kayla," I said gently, closing the door behind me. "I need to know the truth. Are you truly pregnant?"

She nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. "Yes, Your Majesty. I am."

My heart pounded in my chest. "And the father? Is it... me?"

Kayla looked down, her hands trembling. "Yes, Your Majesty. The child is yours."

A mix of relief and dread washed over me. I had suspected as much, but hearing it confirmed was a different matter entirely.

"Why didn't you tell me?" I asked softly.

"I was scared," she admitted, her voice breaking. "I didn't know what to do. I thought running away might be my only option."

I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions within me. "You should have come to me, instead of running away.

“All right then , you need to rest. Tomorrow, we will confront this head-on."

Kayla nodded, looking slightly reassured. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

I left her quarters with different thoughts running through my head , knowing the storm that awaited us the next day

**************************

THE NEXT MORNING

Tension in the air was palpable as the entire household gathered in the great hall. Kayla stood in the center, her eyes darting around nervously. Her stepfamily was there, their expressions smug and expectant.

"We will now hear the truth," Lily announced, stepping forward. "Kayla, tell us who the father is."

Kayla remained silent, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. The room was silent, every eye trained on her.

"I... I can't," she finally stammered, her voice barely audible.

Lily's eyes narrowed. "You will tell us, or you will face the consequences."

Kayla's silence stretched on, her fear evident. I could no longer stand by and watch her suffer.

"I am the father," I declared, stepping forward.

“What!!” Lily and Josh yelled

Shocked gasps rippled through the crowd as all eyes turned to me. Kayla's gaze met mine, filled with a mix of relief and astonishment. The hall buzzed with murmurs and whispers as the weight of my words settled over everyone.

"Kayla's child is mine," I continued, my voice strong and unwavering.