Lycan King’s Captives novel Chapter 4

I didn’t even know who the girl was, but for some reason, she believed she could escape me. Not in my city. Had Mal searched the house properly when I ordered him to, he might still be alive.

Well, he won’t make the same mistake twice, or any mistake for that matter. Making my way back to the house, my Beta Javier is waiting in front of the run-down building where she probably spent her childhood. For some reason, this house feels familiar. I can’t explain the déjà vu I have when I peer up at it.

“My king, what do you want me to do with the body?” he asks as he walks down the stairs and to the car. Javier opens the passenger door while I glance back up at the decrepit old house, the paint flaking from the harsh elements of this city. If it isn’t one extreme, it is another with the weather here. Yet this house is so unkept it looks like a strong gust of wind could knock it over at any given second. Sighing, I peer down at my mate in my arms.

“Find out who she is and bring anything she might want to keep back to the castle. Then burn it.” I order before ducking down and sliding across the seat. Javier peers inside at me.

“Burn it, sir?”

“She won’t be coming back here. I will send the car back for you,” I tell him, and he nods, shutting the door while my driver, Enzo, peers in the back. I nod to him, and he starts the car while I maneuver my mate on my lap to a more comfortable position.

“Is there anywhere you wish to go before home?” Enzo asks, glancing at me in the rearview mirror.

“No, home is all,” I tell him, leaning my head back. Fuck, how do I explain finding her to my mother? She’ll be furious because now she’ll have to turn down King Dresden’s arrangement. Not that I wanted to marry his daughter Carina anyway, but she will still be upset. I’ll have to find a way to explain to her the wedding will be off. I take a deep breath and prepare myself to face her and my mother. Queen Anita Dresden and my mother are quite close. The Dresdens aided her when she required assistance; therefore, I expect her anger, though I believe she will understand the significance of destined connections.

My father couldn’t care less who I marry; he hates King Dresden because the man has no limits. I don’t know what his arrangement with his wife is; he openly hits on my mother and can become a bit too hands-on with her. My mother is oblivious to his advances, and his wife does not appear to mind his wandering hands.

Now my father will finally hand over the crown to me. I’ve been ruling as king anyway; nevertheless, until I married or found a mate, I couldn’t officially take the title.

Lycan law states any future king must have a queen before taking the throne. It was a rule enforced after too many lone kings became cruel dictators. I hold one of the highest rankings, meaning the world and the seven kingdoms constantly watch my family. Two hundred and two years old, I know I’m under the most scrutiny of all. A king can only rule for two hundred years and then must hand the title down; unmated means the kingdom would be at risk in my hands because I am one of the oldest unmated Lycans in the world. Most don’t remain sane past one hundred and fifty years of age without their mate.

The Dresden family offered their daughter to secure a permanent treaty between the kingdoms; I just hope my mate doesn’t ruin the alliances because I can’t marry Princess Carina now. She’ll understand, and my father will be delighted knowing I won’t be marrying a vamp. So our usual agreements will hopefully stay strong. Carina will make a fine queen, and she isn’t required to marry to hold her title; this was only a favor to my mother to strengthen the relations between our two kingdoms.

True mates strengthen us, and once she turns and awakens, my feisty little mate will make one hell of a queen.

My only hope is that we don’t trigger any conflict between our kingdom and the vampire kingdom by turning down the marriage. The newest treaty depended on our marriage. Although even Carina is aware of the importance of mates; she searched for hers for decades before agreeing to this marriage, just as I have. And to think my mate was here all this time.

I haven’t been home for days; I’ve ignored my fiancé and parents while searching for my mate. I was sure she would try to flee the city. We’ve had every seeker out looking for her.

With the sun setting, a deep orange and red light bathes the city’s high buildings, throwing shadows on the walkways and plunging the lanes into a dusky glow.

Along the streets are stores and restaurants, with people strolling and talking or racing to get home. The human store owners barricade and bar their stores, preparing to lock down before our clientele changes. The smell of street food wafts in the air, and there is a sense of energy, excitement, and the potent stench of fear.

This time of day is the most dangerous, and most of the supernatural’s are primarily night creatures. We are stronger at night, almost supercharged, Lycan aren’t restricted to night like the vampires, they can’t handle daylight for too long. We aren’t sure why.

It didn’t harm them; however, I believe that living in the shadows for centuries, evading humans, evolution adapted, thus making them also stronger at night. Lycans can go days without sleeping.

Enzo navigates the windy road leading toward the castle. By the time we reach the tall iron gates, the sun has fallen behind the trees and mountains calling on the night. The lanterns running on either side of the driveway along the hedges illuminate the road.

The castle coming into view makes me antsy despite its beauty. It is made of beautifully patterned sandstone, with tall towers and spires reaching toward the sky. Dark window frames with colored stained glass create an otherworldly feel.

Most humans stare in awe at this place. It is like stepping out of reality and into a picture book. Roses of every color fill the garden beds despite it being winter here. The weather is bizarre, one minute, snow. The next, it’s blistering heat.

Earth truly is a marvelous place, mysterious. I’ve always found humans fascinating. I can only imagine how good it must feel to have such easily influenced minds, never having to decide for themselves when their governments decide for them. Now we do. Now supernaturals run the world, no longer hiding and starving in the shadows.

How good it must feel not to be driven by instincts that will never make sense to you, driven by hunger and desire so strong you can’t refuse it. Pulling into the circular driveway, fountains sit in the middle, filled with orchids and lilies. This place could take your breath away, especially at night, with the fairy lights in the trees turning on, lighting the place up like some winter wonderland. As the car stops, Enzo jumps out, opening the door for me as servants come out to greet me.

I can’t wait for her to see this place. I hope she loves it as much as I do, for this is now her home, too. Peering around, I suck in a deep breath. Finally, I can sleep, then wake up next to my mate. Something I have longed to do, and a true mate, not a chosen or forged mate, instead someone who is truly created for me by the divine.

Taking in my surroundings, knowing I won’t be leaving my room until she shifts. It is evident the groundskeeper did the lawns yesterday because the grounds are well-maintained despite the thin blanket of snow, which gives the appearance the lawns are decorated with glistening diamonds.

Turning, the entrance is grand, with two towering stone pillars and an ornate wooden door. Servants glance between each other and step aside as I move toward the open doors. I nearly turn around and walk out when I spot Carina sauntering down the grand staircase toward me. Fuck! She is back already. My impression was that she wouldn’t be back until tomorrow. No doubt my mother called her to let her know I hadn’t been home.

“Xandros, my love.” she beams happily, her paleness showing she is in need of blood. She smiles and rushes down the steps. Her smile slips off her face, and she halts in her tracks. Her blood-red eyes peer at the woman in my arms.

“And who is that?” she questions.

“My mate,” I answer with a growl, not liking the way she is eyeing her.

Carina tilts her head, eyes trained on my little mate. I cautiously watch my fiancé for a second, gauging her reaction. Her long, dark hair hangs down to her waist, and her blood-red eyes seemed to pierce through her prey. I clutch Sienna closer as if to shield her. Lifting my gaze back to Carina, she clicks her tongue, stepping down a step. Carina always had an air of confidence and power, and her movements are graceful and elegant. But right now, she is furious. I can tell by the way she grasps the handrail, her knuckles white, and her sharp nails scratching into it.

“Excuse me?” she scoffs, placing a hand on her hip. Her tone is mocking, as if she doesn’t believe what she’s just heard. When I don’t repeat myself, she tilts her head to the side and fixes her eyes on me. A challenging glint makes them sparkle as she slowly walks down the stairs toward me.

“I’ll give you a chance to fix that statement, Xandros. We are due to marry next month, and you suddenly decide to bring home a stray?” she snaps at me. I bite back the urge to growl at her tone. Her shock and anger, I expected, but I won’t be challenged, not in my kingdom.

“Who is she?” Carina demands, and I press my lips together.

“My mate, it doesn’t matter who she is. You know the importance of mates,” I tell her, peering down at mine knocked out in my arms, her face relaxed in her sleep.

“I know the importance of this marriage. Treaties depend on us. Kingdoms! And you suddenly claim another!” she yells at me. Clenching my teeth, I peer up at Carina.

“I understand how significant this union is,” I reply firmly, “but I can’t go through with it. Not now that I have my mate!” Hearing rushing footsteps, I curse under my breath. My mother’s voice can be heard as her heels click on the marble floor.

“What in the world is going on out here?” she demands, and I take a deep breath and stand tall, preparing to face her wrath. She enters the room, and her expression says it all—anger which quickly changes to shock when she realizes I have another woman in my arms. Her lips part slightly as she looks at me, and her eyes move from my mate to me, then Carina, who now stands on the second step.

“What is the meaning of this?” my mother demands.

“Ask your son. He’s the one claiming to have found his mate!” Carina sneers, casting a glare at me. She then bunches up her white floor-length gown at the hip before stalking off back up the steps. I feel somewhat guilty, but I’m not about to throw my mate away for a sham of a wedding.

“Is this true?” my mother asks, turning her attention back to me. Her eyes dart down at my mate in my arms. My mother’s expression is one of disbelief. Her eyebrows furrow, and her lips purse as she stares at me. She begins to speak, then stops, her shoulders slumping as if in defeat. “You know what this means, right?” she questions.

I stare at my mother, confused. She has dark black hair curled and pulled into an elegant bun as the crown rests on her head slightly crooked. Her eyes, a deep brown, hold more wisdom than I could ever comprehend.

My mother wipes her hands on her dress, flattening it down as if she spotted a wrinkle. It was something she always did when nervous. She clasps her hands together, peering toward the stairs where Carina ran off. She wears a deep burgundy dress— her favorite color. Her presence fills the space in a way that is both comforting and intimidating.

“Carina has every right to challenge her. Your marriage has already been announced to the kingdoms. Either Carina chooses to step down, or you’re—” My mother’s eyes drop to Sienna in my arms.

“My mate’s name is Sienna,” I say to her, and she nods once before lifting her chin.

“Well, your mate will have to challenge her for her place at your side or become your concubine.”

I growl at her words. “That law is outdated,” I snarl. “I will not marry another when I have my mate right here!” My mother flinches at my anger, then her eyes soften.

“I know, I know the importance of mates; therefore, we must keep up with traditions. It would be the same if Carina found her mate. You would have to challenge him for her hand. You need to get Carina to agree, or we run the risk of starting a war between kingdoms. The marriage is already complete, Xandros. Carina carries our name already.”

“Excuse me?” My mother looks away from me.

“Your father wanted to announce his retirement at the wedding. Hand the kingdom down. We sent the marriage paperwork off already, and it was returned today,” she speaks softly.

“That wasn’t to be done until next week!”

“I’m sorry, son. We didn’t expect you to find your mate. The paperwork is done. The only thing left is the ceremony to make it official in the kingdom.”

“Are you telling me I am already fucking married?”

My grip on her arms tightens, and she winces in pain. I lean closer, and I don’t miss the sound of her gasp. “This is your last warning,” I tell her. She may be my mate, but I am a king, and she’ll learn fast that she won’t get away with challenging me.

However, not fast enough when she headbutts me. A furious growl rips out of me as her head connects with my face, splitting my lip open. She tries in vain to escape me, however, my grip on her doesn’t waiver, only growing tighter as my blood drips onto her chest.

Gripping her arms, I slam her back on the bed, then press my weight between her legs; she struggles against me. I grip both her wrists in one hand, which causes her to buck beneath me as she tries to throw me off.

My hand caresses her side, stopping at her breast, and she screams in frustration. I press my sharp teeth against the hollow of her neck. Her breath is hot against my skin, and I feel her body tremble with what I’ll do next. I slide my hand down her body and back up, palming her breast. Pulling away, she goes to say something, but one growl silences her until I pinch her nipple, making her cry out in pain. I press my face close to hers.

“You try that again, and you won’t like the consequences,” I warn her. When she says nothing, I twist harder, and her lips open with a silent scream. Tears spring in her eyes, and she whimpers.

“Do you understand?” I snarl at her, and she quickly nods, so I let her go. She sucks in a shaky breath, her entire body trembling beneath me when she turns her face away from me. Guilt for hurting her nags at me when I see a mask of pain and humiliation clearly written on her face. I push off her and turn away, knowing I’ve made my point.

Sienna quickly moves away from me. She doesn’t attempt to make another run for the door though. “You can be scared, Sienna. I would be the same in your position. I don’t want to hurt you, but if you run from me again, I will have no choice.” When she says nothing, I peer over at her. Her knees are pressed to her chest while she glares at me, and I grit my teeth.

“For now, you can’t leave this room without me. It is not safe until you shift on the full moon. Until then, you remain by my side.”

“Please, just let me go,” she whispers.

“I can’t do that. And you don’t truly want that. You’re just scared. Once the mate bond kicks in, you’ll see. If you try to run before you shift and mark me, the bond will force you back or kill you!” I warn her. “Trust me, it’s better to accept the mate bond than to fight it. You don’t have to like me, but you will obey me⁠—”

“And if I don’t?” she sneers defiantly.

“Test me and find out,” I growl angrily.

As she jerks her gaze away from me, I clench my teeth. “It’s for your own safety. So get used to it, Sienna; mates are for life. You are mine now.”

I can see the struggle on her face, just as I know she will have no choice and be forced to accept it eventually. I can only hope she will come to accept me as well. I won’t force the issue yet, but I have to make sure she understands that it is for her own good.

This is not how I imagined things going when she woke up. I thought the bond would be in full swing now that I’ve marked her. However, nothing has changed, she still hates me and wants to escape me. I’m about to ask for her last name when I feel my phone vibrate. Digging it out of my pocket, I see it’s Javier and quickly answer it.

“What is it?” I ask, and I can feel her gaze on me when suddenly the bed dips. I instantly get to my feet and turn my attention to her. She only looks around the room before looking behind me at the bathroom. She moves toward it, and as she passes me, I grab her arm.

“The door stays open!” I tell her, and she jerks her arm from my grip. My eyes flicker, and she glares at me continuing to the bathroom.

“We think we have found something,” Javier explains.

“And?” I ask when he falls silent.

“For now, I need to look into a few things. I’m requesting leave until after the full moon.”

“The full moon?”

“As I said, I want to verify rather than give you false information. I need to be sure.”

“Javier!” I snarl.

“Xandros, please. Trust me on this. You want this verified before acting on it.”

“Act on what? Speak now,” I snap at him, angry by his refusal. When he refuses once again, I growl. I would have ordered him if he were in front of me. I sigh, knowing I can’t over the phone.

“One week, not a day later!” I tell him, hanging up the phone when the shower starts. My eyes lift to see her step into the shower. Tossing my phone on the bed, I move toward the bathroom.