Chapter 32

***Jet POV***

Taking control of a mind you share with another is not easy when its only the 3rd time you’ve done it. Nevertheless, I initiated the shift and pushed myself forward while guiding Sam to the back of my mind. It took a bit longer than it normally would. Although, I’m sure that with practice it will become a lot easier.

When I had completed the shift, I stood in front of Knox in all my glory. Feeling self-conscious and Not sure what to do next, I felt relieved when Knox gestured to a mirror that hung on the wall.

Taking hesitant steps past Knox, I soon found myself standing in front of the mirror, but I couldn't bring myself to look. Sam had never been made aware of the Lycans. We both only knew what we had heard other people saying about the creatures. 

Our last wolf-pack had been just that; wolves. There had never been a conversation that we had been involved in, regarding Lycans.

The Lycan end of the werewolf spectrum was not something that had been high up on our priority.

The golden city, as it was known, was so far removed from everyday wolf packs. And besides that, as the Lycans and the golden city were not within this realm, it had always been rumored they had become extinct.

At least that was what Sam had always believed. I summoned some much-needed strength and finally looked at our reflection.

My breath caught in my throat as I looked back at the creature staring out of the mirror.

As a rule, werewolves when in their creature state are usually brown, black, gray or a dirty blond colour.

As we did not know much about Lycans, my only knowledge of their colors was seeing Knox's Lycan, Andras. It had been dark when I had seen him, and the pull of the mate bond had been intensified, so I had not paid too much attention to his colour. I could only remember he was dark. A brown or black maybe?

I just kept staring at myself in the mirror. The colour of the creature in the reflection was a pale golden colour. The area around the shoulders and hips was slightly darker, and it turned into a light caramel colour when it got to my tail. My muzzle was not as long as a typical wolf and, of course, I was standing on two legs and not the standard four.

Shaking my head slightly, I heard Sam, speaking from the back of her mind, "You are absolutely stunning Jet, my goddess. You truly are". I thanked her and reminded her that she was also beautiful. I smiled at the light-hearted laughter coming from my soul sharer.

As I rolled my eyes good-naturedly, they alighted upon Alpha Knox’s face. Our eyes locked and the expression I saw on his face made the breath hitch in my throat. He was looking at me with an expression of awe and something else. Not to sure what the look meant, it nonetheless made a shiver dance over my spine.

***Knox POV***

Stunning, no.

Beautiful, no,

Still not good enough to describe the Lycan that now stood in front of me.

Lost for words for a moment, all I could do was stare at the vision before me. Realising that Jet was now staring intently back at me, I mentally kicked myself and said the first thing that came to my mind….

‘Absolutely stunning’ came the murmur. Our eyes locked again. I actually felt flustered. WTF was going on with me? I again blurted out my thoughts.

 "I've only ever seen a light coloured Lycan within the royal family.’

I saw the faint confusion on Jet’s face, so I quickly explained; ‘Being light in colour is a trait only the royal bloodline carries. The usual colour of their fur is blonde or ash. But I swear, I never saw a golden coat in my life. Not even queen Vasilissa has a coat that colour!’

I could see Jet was taken aback by what I had said, so I started to backtrack, hoping I could get my foot out of my mouth.

Going to speak again, I was halted by Jet.

 "You wanted to talk with me, Alpha Knox?‘ Her voice was so cold now. Almost emotionless.

This snapped me back into my right mind. Motioning to Jet, I asked her to sit down. As Jet obliged, I took the seat opposite her, "I wanted to talk to you, yes. If I may?". Jet inclined her beautiful head once, and waited to see what I would say next.

"As you have just seen for yourself, you are indeed a Lycan. To say that I am surprised you didn't know this yourself would be a huge understatement. I can honestly say I have never known this happen before. Please be assured that my sisters and I will help you anytime you need it. But!’

I hesitated. Not sure my next statement would be as welcome to her.

‘I have to report this to the King. Like I told you before, I think you are the missing princess. And the sooner he knows that you have finally been found, the better it will be for all involved. The royal family have never given up hope. They have always believed they would find you. Would see you again. I hope you understand my reasons for doing it? But before I do anything, I need to know why you don't know what you are?’

***Jet POV***

What I am? Did the jackass actually just say that to me? Patience was clearly not something I possessed, and I could feel my hackles rise.

 "Okay, just back up for a second," I said tersely.

"I accept you were right about me being a Lycan, and I am very sorry I scared the doctors and nurses. BUT!’ I practically shouted to stop him from interrupting me.

‘What I don't accept though, is this idea of reporting Sam and me to the bloody king of the Lycans? Plus. I have a few questions for you. First, how is it that a Lycan, like yourself, is Alpha to a wolf pack? Second, how is it you know so much about the royal family? And last but not least, what makes you think I will meekly go where you say? I'm not sure if you're aware of this little fact, but you can't compel me!’

I had to hide my smirk as Alpha Knox looked like I had slapped him across his face, he looked quite comical. It gave me far too much satisfaction to explain; "You must have known the command you tried to give me before now." I gestured with both hands. Only now noticing the long claws attached to my slender hands.

***Knox POV***

My command hadn't worked on her. Interesting. Very interesting.

Instead of getting into that, I decided to answer her questions. One at a time.

‘I will explain why I am Alpha of this pack". In doing so, it will explain how I know so much about the royal family. I'm afraid I'll have to get back to you on why I couldn't compel you. I will need to speak with the pack, Dr. If it helps, you can be present when I ask him, so you know that I won't change or try to control his answers. How does that sound to you?"

Jet nodded, and conceded it all sounded fine to her, but it wasn't only her I had to please. Standing suddenly and walking out of the room, she called back over her shoulder that she was going to shift back to Sam.

What she didn't realise, was that when she shifted, she would be naked. 

***Sam POV***

I was naked, fuck, fuck, fuck. What do I do now? I had to finish the conversation with Knox, but I couldn't walk in there like this. I know most wolves walk around naked and are quite comfortable with their nudity. But, as I had not long had my Wolf, I mean, Lycan. I wasn't used to it. 

Looking around for something, anything I could use, I saw something white flying through the air towards me. When I looked at it, I realised it was a man's shirt. So thankful for it at this moment in time, I pushed my arms into it as fast as I could. It was huge on me. Stopping mid-thigh, the sleeves were so long my whole arm was covered.

Quickly rolling them up, as I stepped back into the room, I said a hasty "thank you" to Alpha Knox as I took my seat. My smile froze on my face as I looked toward him. He had that funny look on his face again. This time I asked if he was okay?

Nodding back at me, I waited for him to start talking. About a minute ticked by without him saying anything, so I felt I had to prompt him.

This worked as he shook himself out of his mute moment. He cleared his throat, then he started to speak.

"Sorry about that, I was struggling with my beast". 

I gasped out loud at his choice of words, and Knox quickly said "Don't worry, I always call Andras a beast. He doesn't mind".

"Unfortunately, Jet does mind. So please refrain from calling him that when she, as in I, am around".

I had to say this, as Jet was currently calling Knox all the assholes under the sun.

Having the good grace to look abashed at my words, Knox assured me he would refrain in my presence. "Please continue with your explanation. I would like some answers.’

 I tried to sound calm, but the truth was I was shitting myself. I just wish I was a normal werewolf and not the Lycan I am.

"Yes, explanation. Ahh, would you mind wrapping yourself in this shawl? Andras is too distracted by you, and he is giving me hell".

He threw a pretty silk shawl at me. I was not sure what I was supposed to do with it. I draped it over my legs. 

When I heard him sigh, I thought I must have made the right choice.

Knox closed his eyes for a second before beginning to speak.

 Almost as if he were steeling himself against something that was deeply painful. Buried, even.