Chapter 1 : The Lycan King's Mistress

“A concubine…” My lips parted as I let out a blow of disbelief. “You want me to be his concubine, in exchange for the treaty?”

My left hand curled on the table cloth as I looked at the Alpha eye-to-eye. I remained tightly seated on my chair, seething. The first rank betas, and the Elders were scattered around the room waiting for my answer. So was the Alpha, whom I was sure was expecting me to agree and be the pack’s hero.

Sure, this was an easy way. Offering a peace treaty to the Lycans was the only thing we could resort to, if we truly want to have them as our ally. But I didn’t expect I’d get involved big time.

I didn’t think my father would allow this to happen.

“We need their help, Eve. We have been repeatedly invaded by wolves from the Northern pack. They want to dominate our land. It will soon be the death of us—”

“...and this will be the death of me.” I cut Alfonso, one of the first rank beta, before I turned to him. “Declan Antonio is already married. You want me to be a mistress?”

“This is Declan’s condition, Genevieve. We either abide, or not have a treaty at all.” My father, the Alpha responded in a calm tone. “You don’t have to be with him forever. Just until we gain his trust.”

“When will that be?” My brows puckered. “Declan will never trust wolves, father. Not in a million years.”

“Over the time, he will,” my father said with certainty, before he stood up. “For now, I have to make sure the treaty will happen, Genevieve, and you will be the key.”

My heart contorted at what he said. But more than that, I felt betrayed. Though, he was the Alpha, and he was supposed to make decisions that would benefit not just the present state of the pack, but also the future, I never expected he would agree to a deal in exchange of me, his only daughter.

Perhaps, if Declan wasn’t married. I could still accept it. But a mistress? What was I, a sacrificial lamb? He was willing to lose me to save the pack?

“I know this decision is hard to take, Eve. Believe me, your father tried to offer him something else, but it is Declan who chose you.” My mother, the Luna of the pack, walked towards me to offer her words of comfort, only it wasn’t enough.

I knew long before that a peace between Lycans and Werewolves was what my father wanted. Not only because we’d be protected, but also because he was never a fan of war at all. He wasn’t a leader with pride, but a leader with members to protect and serve. Thus, he did his best to make innovative decisions that benefited the pack until today.

This is probably the biggest of them all. With this, he’d surely make his prime historical. Though his methods were unheard of; it was effective.

And it was probably because I knew it would be for a good cause that even if I wholehearted hated it, I couldn’t disagree.

If only the Northern Pack wasn’t so influencial, we wouldn’t have to do this. But they were the strongest in this continent. Even if we ask for help in the neighborings pack, none of them would dare to stand against the Northern.

I swallowed hard.

Aversion bloomed in my chest as I stood up. I bowed my head down, and with detestation, I accepted what my father proposed. “Five years, father. I’ll only stay with Declan for five years.”

He looked at me sternly for a few seconds, before he nodded his head. “Very well.”

I felt my chest tightened.

My mother, who was beside me, held my hand like she was thankful for the decision I had come to. She even hugged me, but none of her gestures was able to lift the burden I felt from what I heard. I left the room, and went to my chamber.

I knew for a fact that I’d regret it, nevertheless, I didn’t have any choice. Even if I refuse, what they wanted to happen will still happen. And as an important wolf in the pack, I was not allowed to make a shameful action.

Hence, the next day, we visited the Lycans’ territory with my father, and all of our first rank beta. He officially accepted Declan’s condition, and it was there and then they set a schedule for the inauguration of the treaty.

The word spread. The announcement of Declan, the Lycan king from the Canine family engulfed the whole continent like a purge. Our pack’s alliance with the Lycans was made known, excluding the part where they had to give something as a present; me.

Clad in a white long dress, I walked through the narrow pathway towards the man I was forced to be with. Declac Antonio. The Lycan King. The noxious man, who was said to be the strongest. The leader of all the Lycans.

The bastard who asked for me as exchange for something I knew wouldn’t benefit him.

I tried to control every muscle of my face to not give him any hint of what I feel about this. Because though I hated him, and the relationship we’d soon have, I cannot treat him badly. As the Alpha said, we have to gain his trust. And if we were lucky enough, we might get a chance to catch his tail.

“You called for me, Your Majesty?” I politely asked, as I bowed before him the second I closed the gap.

He was alone. Where was his other betas?

‘They’re just around, Eve . I could feel them lurking,’ said my wolf, Lexi.

“Yes, Eve. I came with the doctors this morning to check you.” He was looking at me without any attachment, nor familiarity. He was rather formal, for someone I thought would be arrogant and dangerous. “Since you’ll be living with me, I wanted to make sure you’re not ill.”

Was he concern that I might have a contagious disease?

“I don’t think my body needs a check-up, Your Majesty. I am healthy, and my father could attest to that.” I let out a forced smile. “I appreciate the concern, howbeit.”

“Oh…” A certain emotion crossed his eyes. “I apologize for the confusion. But I was referring to your fertility.”

“Fertility—” My lips pursed. “Pardon, Your Majesty. You meant my what?”