Takoa

The rain continues to pour down hard. I can barely see two steps ahead of me. Yet I push on. 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 runs alongside me. Ryne is like a brother to me. We grew up together. Went to boarding school for special beings together. We trained in the special forces together. He is the one I trust the most. Yet here he is trying to convince me to cut my hunt short because we are needed at the castle.

The last thing I want to think about is my pending schedule. My father wants to step down, but can’t because of my lycan, Fin. He is brutal and loves a good kill.

“I’m hunting Ryne. You can either join me or leave.” I grunt back as I sprint for a large bear several yards ahead.

“I know, Takoa, but your father is calling for you. He demands your arrival.” Ryne walks beside me as I hunt. Ryne has this gift of silence. He can easily sneak up on prey. For me, there is a skill, a finesse, even when your lycan wolf is over seven feet tall. It takes practice to blend into the silence.

“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 and sprint towards the castle. Ryne is right beside me as I shift back. We head into the castle as the many residents give a small bow of respect to their future king and Beta.

“Oh, here is my prodigal son now.” I hear my father speaking with my mother. I walk in and kiss her on the cheek. This is the one woman I would do anything for.

“Hey, Dad. You called?” I sit down next to my mother in the chair across from my father. His massive wooden desk actually makes him look normal in size. He is almost seven feet, and his lycan is much taller.

“Yes, because of you nearly killing several warriors in training, we must act.” My dad begins.

“It was training,” I reply calmly.

“You broke the jaw of one. The second has a skull fracture and broken ribs. You are out of control. The counsel and your mother and I agree you need to search for your mate. We just planned a few more trips for you.” My dad begins and looks at my mother.

“We know you are ready to take over, but Fin is more out of control than ever. He needs his mate. A mate who will help calm both of you down. So we have you scheduled to travel with Ryne and attend a few balls and events. We need you to take this seriously.” My mother explains. She is stunning with her long, dark brown hair in a long braid lying over her shoulder. With her olive skin and crystal blue eyes, she looks no older than her late thirties. Lycan aging is much slower than any other species.

“Mother, I can handle this alone. I don’t want a mate forced on me.” I reply, leaning back in the chair.

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

“…and what if she isn’t out there?” I counter

“Then we will find you a mate of our choosing. And I promise it won’t be that girl you keep around.” My mother smirks. She is speaking of my on-again, off-again girlfriend Katarina. We grew up together. She is a huge part of my life, but she is not my mate. She has stood by my side, waiting for the opportunity. My parents, however, really want my Goddess-given mate. We stay in each other’s lives because we do have amazing sex, and no one understands the pressures we are put under like each other.

“I am not taking a chosen mate. Either I find my mate or I don’t.” I really hope I don’t. The last thing I need is to be responsible for some women who will either be some weak flowers who need constant protection or a spoiled princess. Either way, I have no desire to be tied down to someone like that.

“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. The jet will be ready for you within the hour.” My father pauses. “Son, let me make myself clear. If you do not make this a priority, I will make sure that all your decisions are made for you. Am I making myself clear?”

“Yes, Father. Crystal.” I rise and head to my bedroom. It’s a master suite with a full-on sitting room and bedroom connected. I close the door and breathe. I'm trying to get myself under control. I can feel Fin bubbling at the surface, ready to overflow with red-hot lava of frustration and anger. Suddenly, I hear my door open and shut quietly. I smell her sweet scent, knowing it’s her.