Chapter 174

Chapter 174

Kent’s POV

The damp air in the forest had a musky scent to it, as it flooded my lungs. The green leaves from the oak trees that dominated the forest had turned dry. Their crunches against my boots, a pleasing sound in my ears.

“It's been a while since you let me out for a run, Kent. Still not a good time today?”

“I’m sorry, I keep making these promises, you know what it's like with me these few days.”

“I do, but….”

“Five more minutes, okay, and I'll let you have a go at it.”

I came to this part of the woods, to clear my mind.

But my Lycaon was right, I've been a bit selfish lately with him. I could always feel him whining all day at the back of my mind, and literally begging to stretch his legs.

But tonight I’ll grant his wish.

As I walked deeper into the forest, the night air had a nip to it, it almost felt like it was enough to soothe the dread taking deep hold within me.

My mum’s claws were digging deeper into my spine like accusing fingers.

Will I ever be good enough?

Man enough?

Son enough?

Not in this lifetime. I guess.

I let out an exasperated sigh as I took off my clothes and tucked them under a tree.

“I'm giving you control now,” I muttered mindlessly to my Lycaon, and he sauntered in almost immediately, as though afraid that I would change my mind in split seconds.

My bones turned and twisted.

A pain I had gotten used to.

A pain not powerful enough to numb the insecurities that were planting it roots in me lately.

As my legs and arms morphed into my Lycaon’s form. My black fur caught the moonlight, eyes shimmering an ocean blue. My Lycaon took to his paws and lunged us into a never-ending marathon. My lungs expanded as the sting of the cold air sifted through them.

That's when I heard it.

A twig snapping.

But I brushed it off to be a deer. Or something else.

We ran deeper into the woods, but as soon as we got to a clearing. The hairs on my neck rose in alert. Evidence that someone was following me.

“Stop!” I mind communicated. “We are being followed.”

My Lycaon halted immediately, his ears tipping up to listen to the eerie silence of the forest.

“It's that scent again. The one that has been following you around for the past weeks,” He stated.

I caught it too.

“I’m taking back control.”  I took over immediately, my eyes scanning the forest with my eyes wide.

I took whiffs, occasionally. The woody scent and incense like scent was stronger this time, nothing like the faint ones from the past weeks.

My brows knitted together, annoyance simmering within me as the thought of mum sending her watch dogs to spy on me took over.

“You are either a coward or you have a death wish. Show yourself, I won't be saying it twice.” My voice was a deep baritone that quaked the forest.

A man stepped out, draped in a brown cotton linen, his hair was styled neatly and there were strands of grey in them. His eyes were blue with rings of gold in them. The most unique type of eyes I have ever seen a Lycan have.

“Who the fuck are you old man? And stop smiling at me like that, we are not buddies. It's creepy.” I spat, irritated at the way he was grinning at me and drinking every inch of me in.

He scratched his head, letting out a half laugh. “Uhmm…I'm so sorry. I’m just….just excited.” She shook his head in disbelief, “You’ve grown so tall. I had always imagined you’d end up average height like me.” He scoffed.

My brows arched. What’s that supposed to mean?

He stretched his hands, taking several steps forward. I snapped from my deep thoughts.

“Not another step!” My voice carried a stern warning that froze him instantly.

His face morphed into a sad expression, then he sighed as though he wanted to let something heavy off his chest, but didn't know how.

“It’s my fault you don't recognize me. I want to let you know that I’ve always wanted us to be together, and I wasn't aware till….”

“Man…You picked the wrong day for this bullshit.” My agitation was building in my veins. All I wanted was to have a little me time, not talk to some clueless stranger, who clearly has me mistaken for one of bi chicken.

“Just listen, please,”

“I’m not in the mood, Old man. Though I have just one question.” I paused, “No two actually. Who the fuck are you and why have you been following me around for two weeks?”

“I didn't know how to approach you. I was too ashamed to. But you have to know it’s not my fault. But I failed you, I should have tried harder. When the war broke out, I thought…I thought you died. Cause she told me you did. Apparently, she lied to me.” He cleaned his fists tightly at his sides, “For twenty good years, she kept you away from me.”

I arched my brows in confusion. “Are sure you’ve got the right person?”

“I’m sure, Kentodelia.”

My heart skipped a beat in my chest.

“How do you know that name?” I frowned, taking  threatening steps closer to him. “No one is supposed to.”

Even as I looked into those orbs of his. It didn't mirror fear…but sadness… a sense of longing and genuineness.

Most people would've run the other when I started with the empty dead threats. But he’s been able to stay on his two feet…. Looking at me with an indescribable emotion.

Kentodelia is my full name, my mum said my father, the late king Blackwood, named me after the hybrid God of royalty. I loved the name. It was unique…But Ursula being who she is,.

had me change it. In her words she said it was too “ancient.”

“Tell me you don't feel it, Kentodelia,” His voice was like a blade cutting through layers of my skin, I had no idea existed.

“I don't fucking feel…nothing.” I lied and it tasted bitter, burning my throat like acid.

The way the name formed perfectly out of that mouth of his. The way he pronounced it with precision like he had said a dozen silent prayers with it, couldn't go unnoticed. But I couldn't still connect the dots as to why I feel drawn to man, like a moth to a flame.

He stepped forward again, this time it was less cautiously. As if he was stepping into a lion's den and he knew the wounds of the lion, wouldn't let it hurt him.

My heart hammered against my ribcage for an unknown reason.

I felt his warmth long before I felt his touch against my tight skin. For some reason I let him touch me. Didn't fuss. Didn't cut him down. Like I’d do with a stranger.

Our eyes locked together, his lips parting like sea.

“It's me.” He said softly, brimming from jaw to jaw. “I’m Elias Mordecai. Your father. Your real father and I’m here to take you where you truly belong, the shamda tribe of howling Lycans.”