Takoa

Her scent was driving us insane. It seemed as if the longer we were in the same room, her scent intensified. Driving Fin and I completely mad.

There was no way I could have such a weak, innocent mate. At the same time, there was no way I would ever let her go to be with anyone but me. Still, I know our world would eat her up and spit her out. It was better for me to find some way to be a selfish asshole and keep her hidden. But I know that would never be fair to her. I remember how that Alpha tried everything not to let me take her. He is lucky she was unconscious and couldn’t point out her attacker. I would have ripped them to shreds then and there.

Sitting in her room, I couldn’t fathom anyone else near her but me. No one can touch her but me. That is why her doctor was a female, for starters. That and Dr. Monroe is one of the best we have here.

Fin and I have been beyond pissed these past three days. Every sound she made or movement had us on high alert. I’ve been working from her hospital room since I carried her off the jet. There is no way in hell I’m leaving her alone.

The last thing I want is for her to wake up in the hospital room alone. So I’ve had my family helping me. My dad has been running things that I can’t do from her bedside. Also, Ryne has been helping run the castle in my direct absence. Only my family, Ryne, and the doctor know who she is to me. Honestly, I don’t know what to do about her being my mate.

Every minute that I sit with her, I notice more things about her. Like the way she crinkles her nose when she is having a calming dream. When she gets worked up while asleep, if I read to her, it calms her. These past three days have been some of the most calming for my wolf and me. I’m beginning to understand why my parents wanted me to find my mate.

That bond has been helping heal her and soothe my beast. Which brings me to my next inner battle, Fin is all in. He doesn't want to ever part with her. He leads with his heart and his dick. Whereas I’m more logical. I have to take into account what could happen to her as my mate. I don’t want to deal with keeping her safe from my enemies. Her life has been hard enough. She deserves to have some happiness.

‘That’s bullshit. Are you willing to fight for your people, but not our goddess-given mate?’ Fin mind-link me with an angry growl.

‘You really think this is easy for me? I have the weight of the Werewolves on my back. I have family obligations. I have enemies to vanquish. The last thing I need is to add a mate who will need around-the-clock protection.’ I mind-link back as my wolf growls.

‘So let her go, and we can watch her with a second chance, mate. Watch how happy she is. Give her refuge here so we can see how loved she is with some other wolf touching her and pleasing her.’ Fin mind-links as a loud growl escapes my lips. ‘See, I rest my case. You'd better get over your issues because I’m claiming her. If you keep me from her, I promise to completely shut down. Try being the lycan king without your lycan.’ Fin threatens and puts up a wall, ending our conversation.

Fuck. He is actually making sense. I know he is, but I fear something is happening to her. Me losing her. I would never recover from that. I would burn this world to the ground.

If I’m being honest, she is the most stunning woman I have ever seen. But she doesn’t have her wolf. Dr. Monroe said her bloodwork shows she is of lycan blood, which I felt the moment I smelled her scent. Leading Fin and I to find her in that fucking pack. The question is, why did no one else notice this? Her parents should surely know. I need all her medical records. That and I may need to speak with her parents on the matter. She doesn’t know she is a lycan.

Speaking with her parents is a whole other problem. Her bruises. Some are old and some are new. They may have caused some of them or at least known. So, what kind of parents would let this happen?

I was livid when I saw her bruises. Her back has healed scars on it. Her thighs have these huge purple bruises on them. Bite marks on her chest, abdomen, and arms. Strangulation marks around her neck. Someone will pay. It will be slow and painful, and if she wants to participate, I’ll save them for her.

“Hey Takoa, how is she doing?” Ryne meets me in the hallway outside of Kemira's hospital room.

“She is speaking a little. But she won’t tell us anything about who did this to her.”

“Give her time. Once she feels she can trust someone, I know she will speak. Dr. Monroe did get a cast of the tooth marks. We just need to compare them against the people in her pack.” Ryne replies. “How is your bond? Did you notice a connection when she woke up? Did she notice?”

“Not really. She seems scared, and I get that. She has been through hell, and we have no idea how long it’s been going on. She is getting released now. We will be moving her to the Alpha wing when she is dressed.” I pause. “Also, I need an investigation into the entire pack. I want everyone to be questioned with a full warrior staff there. We will make a trip there with or without her. If this is the norm, then we will be removing the Alpha and his bloodline from power.”

“Copy that. I’ll begin setting up the manpower to do this.” Ryne is the best person I know. He is perfect as my second in command. He thinks as I do. Always challenging me to see the bigger picture. “Everything in her suite is set up. So what about Katarina? She will be back soon from her visit.” Ryne asks. “What's your plan?”

“Katarina is trained and well-versed in being a high-ranking mate. Yet the moon goddess decided to give me a woman who has been broken so many times.”

“The moon goddess never makes a mistake, though,” Ryne adds as the door opens, and there stands Chelsea and Kemira.