Chapter 5

High King Ash Ravenhurst pov

Kael and I went hunting with my guards to pass the time until my new tributes were presented to me.

I hated the process, but due to my curse, I needed to find my mate before it consumed me and then turned me into a solid form completely. My rival, Rayne Ashveil, would then try to take my throne.

As we traversed the foliage, my eyes widened at seeing a blue energy beam rise into the sky. I ordered my men to find its source, since it was so close.

“It's coming from the witch coven,” a guard announced.

Kael elbowed me with a cheesy grin on his face.

“Maybe a witch is your fated mate,” he teased.

“A witch cursed me, Smartass, to have one as my mate would be cruel, but then I can see it happening,” I hissed as our group changed course to the witch coven.

When we reached the women's compound, I strolled inside and furrowed my brow at the older man and wolf that rushed past me.

Following the female wolf with my eyes, I watched her shift back into human form, then glance back at me. The air within my lungs escaped as my wolf, Draven, growled, “Mate,” my eyes glued to the glowing sigil on her upper left arm.

“No, wolf, you're mistaken. She carries a witch sigil tattoo, meaning she's a hybrid witch,” I huffed, then turned to Ingrid, who was asking why we were there.

“I apologize for intruding, but we saw the energy and were curious,” I asserted, and she knelt slightly.

“We have found the Supreme Witch, Your Majesty. She is a hybrid and comes from the Crimson Moon pack,” she explained.

Curious about the woman I had passed, I asked for her name.

“She is Lena Novak, daughter of Noreen Novak, a highly respected witch who was very powerful and also the one responsible for your curse,” she answered.

Narrowing my eyes, I asked Kael if a tribute was coming from the Crimson Moon pack.

He hesitated briefly as he thought, then said, “Rosalie Vale was selected. She is the Alpha's daughter,” he said softly.

Pressing my lips together, I thought about it momentarily, then said, "Send word that the tribute shall change to Lena Novak. I want her for my tribute.”

Seeing the old witch grow nervous, I asked what was wrong.

“Highness, she's just found her powers and is unsteady. It's possible that she could harm herself and you,” she said frantically, making me laugh internally.

“But there's a chance of her being the one to cure me, right? That's what the oracle told me. He said a Supreme Witch would heal me of all that ails me. I've been coming here for years, waiting for one to arrive,” I asserted adamantly, and she nodded with a forced grin.

“Good, then I will change the name of the Crimson Moon pack tribute.” I grinned and ordered my men to move out.

“Kael, let's personally go to the Alpha's residence to make the tribute name change,” I huffed.

Chuckling, he nodded and asked me if it was because I wished to see the woman I intended to dominate.

“Damn, Kael, you know me too well,” I grinned.

“Why did her mother put a curse on you?”

My eyes drifted closed with the memory as I stopped walking. No one had cared to ask me how I had been cursed, but I remembered it well.

“I was arguing with Gordon Vale about property lines, and he drew a knife. He had forged the land deed, and I confronted him. He swiped the knife at me, and I clawed him in return; his mate zapped me, then gave me the curse. I still don't know why she would stick up for that crooked bastard.”

Befuddled, Kael sighed disparagingly and said, “You got the land rights, so it was all over nothing.”

Nodding slowly, I exhaled and said, “Of course I did; his deeds were all forgeries, and I proved it to the high council, plus I was to become high king.

“Well, he's going to shit himself seeing you at his front door,” Kael snickered sarcastically, and I nodded, then told him to hurry so we could get an invite to dinner.

“You want to see the woman,” my wolf, Draven, growled in my mind, and I told him I had no interest in her, just her powers, causing him to huff bitterly at me.

“I have Celeste to warm my bed and don't need a mate. The Goddess is highly mistaken,” I asserted adamantly and continued onward after my second in command.

When we arrived at the Crimson Moon Alpha's home, Kael knocked on the front door.

The same man I had seen leaving the coven answered the door.

“How can I help you, gentleman?”

“We would like to speak with Alpha Vale regarding the tribute,” Kael started, and I added, “We want it changed to Lena Novak.”

The man frowned and furrowed his brow.

“I will inform the Alpha of your arrival; please wait here.”

Nodding, I side-eyed my companion and grinned slightly at no one recognizing either of us.

“You're not showing your aura; I should have known,” He snickered before we watched Alpha Gordon Vale heading toward us with wide, shocked eyes.

He tripped over himself as he bowed before us.

“What do I owe this honor? You both must stay for lunch,” he said encouragingly.

Then added, “Please come in and meet my family.”

We were brought into the living room area, and my eyes narrowed at the young female sitting next to a well-dressed man.

“That’s my daughter Lena Novak, her fiancée, and my new wife, Stella,” Gordon stated firmly.

I eyed him incredulously, knowing damn well that was not Lena Novak, but remained quiet as he continued with introductions.

“These two are his highness and his second in command.”

The shock on both women's faces was comical, but I ignored it and asked about Rosalie Vale, the tribute.

“I was under the impression that Rosalie was your daughter,” I commented and awaited his response.

Pursing his lips, he made an odd sound, then rushed out, “She's my adopted daughter and works with the staff to learn domestic duties. Um, stay for lunch, and I can introduce you.”

Curious about what game he was playing, I nodded in agreement.

“We would like that, Gordon. Thanks for the invite,” I said with a smile, which calmed his obvious nervousness.