Chapter 163
RYKER’S POV
Winter had arrived. Standing by the window of my study, with my hands in my pockets, I stared blankly at the bustling pack on the fields. Amidst the weather, the pack was brimming with energy and life. It had been over a month since Lyra left, and every part of me craved her earnestly. Rider would not stop clawing inside me to go get his mate. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to. But I was not just Alpha alone.
There was so much responsibility in structuring the realm after the war and chaos. I knew it was a lot of work, but at this rate, every plan I had made to ensure I met with her in the Lycan Kingdom had been further delayed. I have been calling, and as always, she would not respond to any of my calls or messages.
Lately, I’ve avoided my room totally and moved to hers. Her scent is the only thing that keeps me sane since she left me. The phone on my desk rings and shakes me out of thought.
“Hello,”
I listened patiently, then my knuckles went white, and the muscle in my jaw began to tick dangerously. As soon as the person is done delivering the message from the other end of the line, I do not bother with goodbyes. My fist lands on the table, splitting it in two, causing every file, document, and what not’s on it to scatter all over the place and fall like a heap to the ground.
Lyra was getting married.
How the fuck is she getting married when she has a mate?
Just then, Lief and Ezren walked in with the Alpha council. They all gave a curtsy bow, their wolf recognizing my wolf as king before taking in the mess of my study. Their eyes widen.
“Alpha King, perhaps it’s not a good time. We apologize for intruding. We had confirmed that you were in your study and thought it wise to approach—”
Alpha Maximus, who spoke for the rest, stopped short, sensing my murderous aura.
“The point, Alpha Maximus,” I growled irritably and paced as he spoke.
They wanted to discuss more land. Of course. Why couldn’t they simply move back to their packs like before and let other packs that had come under our wings, including the rogue packs, have the empty lands that had been raided, well portioned and under supervision. They had to be fucking greedy!
“I do not have time for this now. The plan remains as discussed previously. Every other matter would be handled by Lief and Ezren in my absence.”
The men looked surprised, especially Lief and Ezren. I had just dumped something unexpected on them.
“You’re leaving,” Ezren stated. He knew why, just like every other male in the room. My mate was out there.
“She’s getting married. That cannot happen,” I answered, and my gaze locked on the five Alpha council elders.
“My absence from the kingdom shouldn’t be a thing to be publicized. In fact, it should not be known by anyone, except for the seven of you in this room. If there are any issues that require my attention at all costs, then you can reach out to me.” My gaze now is on Lief and Ezren as the last bit was especially for them.
“Yes, Alpha King,” They all bowed and parted for me to go through. I needed to leave immediately.
LYRA’S POV
“Vultures,” I muttered under my breath. “All of them,”
“Did you say something, my lady?” Simone, my personal guard, asked.
Don’t ask me why I have a guard. This has my dad’s handwriting all over it. Ever since we got back, his overprotective side had tripled. I couldn’t possibly take a step out of his sight without him analyzing and getting me lots of security despite knowing I could protect myself. Yes, there were parts of my power I was yet to understand, much less control. But I was a strong hybrid. Part Lycan, and part werewolf with a dose of magic. Powers I had also gotten from my paternal grandmother. And yet, I understood.
The weight of the loss of his mate, my mother, was still like a chain that held him prisoner. He still suffered from the trauma. Even though he hid his feelings so well, I could feel it in the familiar bond between us. Not to mention that I have been having this feeling of being watched, but every time I looked, I couldn’t find anyone in sight. I didn’t want to bother my father about whatever it was. It would only mean more bodyguards and more curfew. Instead, I had decided to focus on the more pressing matter at hand.
Father wants to step down and hand over the throne to me. But the thing is, I must get married as I am a woman and technically cannot rule. Instead, my authority would be transferred to my husband even though I have the power. Can you imagine that?
Now, I’m stuck with tea parties and endless parties where I have to host hungry Alphas who covert the throne clearly. It wasn’t because they truly liked me. Yes, I am beautiful, and all that, but that didn’t mean there were no other beauties in the realm. The allure was the power of the throne and the possibilities of having power Lycan babies. And today, I was to accompany my father to the grand hall where interested suitors that had been meticulously picked by the council after a series of trials would be presenting their cause before the throne. In front of not just my father, but the council, the elders, and other royal blood in the realm.
I didn’t want this. I had been fighting it for a month now, and yet, I had yet to find a way out of this marriage talk.
I had finally arrived at the entrance of the ground hall, flanked by my personal guards. The huge doors were closed. With a deep breath, I finally pushed the doors open. Ignoring the looks from the people in the hall, I walked towards the dais where my father already sat waiting.