5. Takoa

My lycan is thirsty for blood, and we won’t calm down until we get it.

I hunt the grounds of my family’s land in search of an animal worthy of my time. We have owned this land for thousands of years. Each lycan king is getting stronger and stronger.

My Beta Ryne catches me and runs alongside me. He and I grew up, trained together.

“I’m hunting Ryne. Either join me or leave.”

“I know, Takoa, but your father is requesting you.”

“Very well. Let’s go.” I pounce on the bear, just letting them know today they get to live another day. I even refrain from snapping its neck. I turn sprinting towards the castle.

“Oh, here is my prodigal son now.” I hear my father speaking to my mother. I walk in and kiss her on the cheek.

“Father. You called?” I sit across from my father. His massive wooden desk perfect for my almost seven feet father.

“Because once again you nearly killed several warriors in training.”

“It was training,” I reply.

“You broke the jaw of one. The second has a skull fracture and broken ribs. You are out of control. The counsel and I agree you need your mate. We have planned a few trips.”

“Sweetheart I know you are ready to rule, but Fin is more out of control than ever. He needs his mate. To help calm both of you down.” My mother explains.

“Mother, I can handle this kingdom alone.”

“Well, if you want your title. You will find your mate. The end.” My dad speaks sternly.

“…and if I can’t?” I counter.

“Then we will find one for you. And I promise it won’t be that Katarina.” My mother smirks. She is speaking of my on-again, off-again girlfriend Katarina. My mom despises her and has never told me why.

“I don’t need a chosen mate.” Some weak damsel who needs constant protection or a spoiled princess.

“It doesn’t matter what you want. You have a duty to this land as the next Lycan king. I’ve just sent word that you will attend the ball scheduled for tomorrow evening. It is near Whitefish, Montana. You leave within the hour.” My father pauses. “Son, if you do not make this a priority, you will return to a chosen mate. Am I making myself clear?”

“Yes, Father. Crystal.” I head to my suite closing the door to breathe. I can feel Fin bubbling at the surface. Suddenly, I hear my door open and shut quietly. I smell her sweet scent, knowing it’s her.

“Are they trying to mate you off again?” Katarina walks in and sits on my bed. I exhale, looking at Kat. She is stunning. Tall, slender body with curves for days. Long strawberry blonde hair down her back with hazel eyes that can always read me like a book. To others she comes across as a bitch but with me she is just Kat. The kid I grew up with.

“Yep.”

“Well, you can’t help how powerful you are.” She backs me. Like she always does make me smile. “If only we claimed each other.”

“You deserve the person who will fall at your feet, Kat. I want that for you.”

“Fine, my king.” She bows dramatically.

“Hopefully this trip will get him off my back.” I plant a kiss on her lips as I exit my suite. I find Ryne coming from his room with his bag.

“Let’s go.” I reply.

Our driver takes us the Silver Moon Pack. We have a second vehicle with six of my best soldiers for safety. Not mine. Theirs.

The air here is so brisk. The pack is set right along the base of a snow-covered mountain. I suddenly feel like someone hit a gong; the radiating waves pulsate through my body.

“Did you feel that?” I ask Ryne. He looks up from his phone, confused.

“Feel what?” He asks, checking our perimeter. I am baffled as to why he didn’t feel it, but I did. I shake off the feeling as my men file out of the second car. Ryne and I join them as the Alpha walks out to greet us.

“Lycan King Takoa, Beta Ryne, it is an honor to have you here.” Alpha Leopold greets us. He shakes my hand. My lycan growls in my head.

‘Chill out, Fin. I need you to use your words.’

‘I hate him. So much darkness covers him.’ Fin replies.

‘Ryne, do a complete background on the Alpha. Fin is on alert.’ I mind-link my Beta.

‘Copy that.’ He replies. We enter the building, there are she-wolves everywhere. I can smell their arousal as clear as day. I am used to women throwing themselves at me. They love the power. Then the alpha’s son walks up to us with a she-wolf.

“My king, this is my son. Alpha Lev and his soon-to-be mate Gemma.”

“It is a pleasure, my king.” Alpha Lev speaks.

“Let me show you to your rooms.” Gemma walks ahead of us and purposely switches her hips down the hallway. I smirk at Ryne, who gives me a raised eyebrow. “This is your room, my king. If you need anything at all, you can request my services.”

“Thank you. That won’t be necessary.” I reply as she tells Ryne his room is across from me. Ryne escorts her to the door and closes it in her face.

We head down for the ball, which is in full swing. There are people everywhere. There is a live band performing. There is a VIP area for me and Ryne. It keeps all the she-wolves away for sure. But it also gives me a break from the talks of what all the Alphas from every pack want and need.

Once again, the feeling hits me. This time, it lasts longer and is stronger. It’s closer. My heart starts to hammer away in my chest. Ryne picks up a bottle of water and hands it to me. I down the entire bottle in one gulp. Something is wrong.

“Ryne. Follow me. Fin is leading me to something or someone.”