4.

Lucian

The coronation ceremony has started. I invited some talented dancers to entertain me and all my pack members. The big hall was filled with Betas, Gammas, and Omegas, who all showed respect to their new leader. My father passed away two days ago, and now it is my turn to take over. There's no point in mourning someone who's already buried. We have important things to focus on, like having Evelyn join the dance floor and show off her moves. I made the right choice by giving her mother, the Alpha of the Silberbrook pack, a choice: give me her daughter or face the consequences.

You might wonder how I found out about Evelyn. Well, I saw her for the first time when she was bathing by the stream. The way she moved in the water caught my attention. How her nipples stood erect as the glistening sun bestowed on her body. How my body reacted just by seeing her naked body. Since that moment, I knew I had to have her. And it happened a few days later. When Lucian wants something, Lucian gets it.

The main reason was for her to give me an heir. I don't care about mate bonding or any of that. I rejected my mate because I found her unattractive and didn't want to deal with mate-related stuff. I just want to enjoy the company of any woman I desire. If the pack leaders want an heir, then I'll make sure to provide one. But as far as I’m concerned, no one will pressure me to settle down with a Luna.

The drums and trumpets continue to play, but Evelyn hasn't appeared yet. I don't know if she understands the consequences of being late despite my warning. She's asking for trouble and will definitely face punishment. I'll make sure to punish her so harshly that she won't dare defy me again. "Harold," I called out to my guard, who will be my Beta later.

"Yes, Master."

"Go check on the girl. If she dares challenge you, drag her out. I don't care," I ordered. Harold nodded and walked away.

Everyone's attention was focused on the performance. I've prepared to announce Evelyn as the one who will bear my child, so everyone can see that I'm not someone to mess with. A few minutes later, Harold returned, looking nervous.

"Master..."

"What? Where's the girl? I told you to bring her here," I snapped, giving Harold an irritated look. Sometimes he acts clueless despite having a strong wolf, but his human form lacks sense.

"Master, I'm sorry to..."

"Sorry for what? Can't you follow simple instructions? Is it that difficult for you to bring her?" This time, my voice was loud enough to attract some attention.

The expression in his eyes grew more anxious. "She's gone," he said quickly.

"Who?" I asked, not sure if I heard him correctly.

"The girl. She's not in her room or anywhere."

"What!" I stood up abruptly. "Stop the drumming right now!" I yelled out. The drummers immediately halted, and the dancers froze in their tracks.

"Do you know what you're saying? She's gone?" I repeated, letting out an annoyed chuckle. "I'm sure she hasn't gone far. Go after her. Guards!" A group of five men in suits rushed up to me.

"I want you to follow Harold and bring Evelyn back. I don't care how you do it. Don't come back to this pack without her. I want her back in the Mooncrest pack, alive or dead!" I declared. Gasps and murmurs began to rise, but I couldn't care less. No one defies me and gets away with it. Not even my own mother has the power to do that. I make the rules and hold the power. And if Evelyn thinks she can try something with me, she'll vanish into thin air.

I left the ceremony hall and made my way back to my room. I headed straight to my mini bar, pouring myself a beer and gulping it down in one go. My cell phone rang with Harold's name. "Master, I think she had gone far. She's not around the pack's premises."

"You're stupid, Harold. Just because you can't find her around the pack premises doesn't mean she had gone far. I've made myself clear. Search everywhere and bring her back to me. If not, consider yourselves demoted. Forget about being the Beta of the Mooncrest pack!" With that, I ended the call and threw the phone aside.

Thirty minutes, nearing an hour, had passed, yet there was no sign of Harold and the men. The rage inside me was about to explode. Only I knew what I would do to her once I got my hands on her. She would never see the light off of outside again. The door burst open, and my mother walked in. "Lucian, what is this that I'm hearing?" she began.

"Please, mother. I'm not in the mood. Let me be," I said, attempting to take the bottle back to my mouth, only to have it snatched away by my mother.

"I'm talking to you, and I want answers right now. Who is that girl?"

"She's nobody. You shouldn't be asking me all these questions, mother. I'm not a child. I can do whatever I want." One thing I despise is being questioned. I dislike it when someone tries to control me.

"I'm your mother, of course I will ask. You're still the same Lucian I gave birth to."

"Mother!"

"Work on your anger. You know very well things are going to be different for you now. As the Alpha of the Mooncrest pack, the first thing you should focus on is controlling your anger. You won't be able to lead a pack if you're too hot-tempered. And as for the girls, you should stop sleeping around."

I fell silent as she continued to lecture me. It wasn't because I had nothing to say, but rather to let her finish her sermon. "I've heard you, mother. Right now, I'm in a bad mood. Just trust me. I know what I'm doing. I won't ruin this pack. As for the girl, I'm punishing her because she chose to defy me."

Her eyes dropped at my statement. I knew she couldn't do anything to stop me. When I set my mind to something, unless I change it, no one can. "Alright then. I trust you. Just don't do something you'll regret," she said, getting up and walking towards the door. Once the door shut in my face, I grabbed the glass cup from the table and smashed it against the wall.

I stood up and began pacing around the room, waiting for Harold and Evelyn to arrive. I had already planned what I would do to her—her body. A knock echoed from the door, causing me to halt in my tracks. "Come in."

Harold walked in with two men. I was waiting for someone else to enter, but no one did. "Where is she?" I asked directly. They lowered their heads. I clenched my jaw.

"I asked you guys a question! Where the hell is she!" I roared.

Harold stepped forward and extended his hand. My gaze traveled from him down to his hand, where a piece of clothing with a bloodstain was held. It was the same material Evelyn had been wearing earlier. "What is this?" I asked, examining the piece of clothing.

"We shot her, but unfortunately, she fell off a cliff before we could capture her," Harold explained. I glanced at each of them as I processed his words.

"She fell off a cliff," I repeated. "Well, this sounds interesting!" I burst out laughing. "She thought defying Lucian wouldn't come with consequences. Look at how her life was wasted because of her arrogance. Good job, all of you."

Harold's mouth slightly opened as if he wanted to say something but held back. "You've saved yourselves. Tell the pack members to continue the celebration."

One of the guards nodded, and they left the room, leaving just me and Harold. "Master," he said.

"What? Are you afraid I'll be sad over her death? I don't feel anything but happiness. She got what she deserved. The world will keep on moving with or without her. Don't worry, you're still the Beta of this pack. Just be smarter next time."

"Yes, Master. See you out there, Master," he replied politely, making his way out. But before he could leave, I spoke up. "I'm not going back out there anymore. Just find me a girl. I need to clear my head." Harold seemed a bit hesitant but nodded his head.

"Okay, Master."

As Harold left, I leaned back and reflected on the news they had brought. It's too bad she didn't have a long life. If she had behaved differently, maybe I would have given her a lesser punishment. Perhaps I would have allowed her to enjoy pleasure while I satisfied my desires. But life goes on.