Unwanted Mate Of The Lycan Kings

"How?" I question.

“Because the moment I met you, you were defiant, you were unafraid. My sons don't need a woman who fears them. Every woman in the four kingdoms already does, which is exactly why I can’t marry them off!” King Theron’s eyes go to his sons, and Zeke scoffs.

“No, what my sons need is a challenge. They're too competitive. Like all Lycans, they like the hunt. But there is no use hunting something that you can't chase, and they will chase you, and you will run and fight back, giving them the chase of a lifetime.” My eyebrows raise.

“They like to hunt?” I chuckle. For some reason, I can't picture the three Kings in hunting gear, not that they would need it, given what they are, but still, I find the imagery in my head funny. "Something funny?” Malachi asks, coming up beside the King.

"Yes, the King's sons like to hunt.” I chuckle. Malachi smiles and the King's lips tug up in the corners, also finding me amusing.

“Care to share?” Zeke sneers. I snort, unable to contain my laughter. I must look like a madwoman, but the King's words have me in fits of laughter as I try to picture them with pitchforks. There is no doubt in my mind that his sons are predators. That is clear with the fear that reeks off everyone that passes by them.

“I'm sorry, King Theron.” 1 giggle. “But your sons are clearly used to having everything handed to them. I doubt they would be able to catch a cold if they tried. No wonder they can't catch a bride. You had me trapped in your maze and still, they caught air.”

“That was because of our wolves!” Lyon growls, stepping forward.

“Wolves! You're a Lycan, yet couldn't control your own pet. Sorry to tell you, Lyon, you don't stand a goddamn chance of controlling me. The only control you'll receive is what I give you.” I chuckle and so does the King.

“And that is exactly why I wanted you to win. They need some competition, however, I think my sons will find they aren't the only predators in my Kingdom. One thing they will learn quickly is that there is no one deadlier than the person that holds your heart.”

King Regan scoffs. “What nonsense are you spouting about now, father?”

"You'll see because something tells me you boys will be running while she hunts. As she said, you three can't catch a cold to save your lives, so maybe she isn't your prey after all. Maybe you're hers. Only time will tell.” King Theron laughs, turning to his men.

“Father!” Zeke calls.

And King Theron stops. He turns his gaze to his son. “Yes, Zeke?" he asks.

“I never agreed!” he growls. The King sighs, then scratches his chin. He nods slowly. “I suppose you're quite right. What is your answer, son? Let's hear it then.” he waves to his son to answer. Zeke looks at me, then his wolf, before he grits his teeth.

He growls menacingly. “Set them free,” he growls, his eyes meeting mine.

"I accept!” Zeke snarls before barging past me toward the castle.

"As I suspected, the stubborn boy always has to have the last word!” King Theron shakes his head and I let out a breath. “You already hold their hearts, Zirah. Remember that. It will keep you alive.” King Theron says, stopping beside me. I look at him in confusion.

His eyes flick down to Hunter, and he smiles. “You're holding Zeke's right now,” he whispers, giving me a wink. He pats my shoulder and wanders off. Turning around, the guards let the women go, and the King turns to head for the Castle.

"Wait!" I call out to the women as they start running toward their loved ones. I move toward the King who arches an eyebrow at me, but I step past him and take the bag of gold off Shelley. The King smirks but doesn't say anything until I move down the steps.

“You remind me of my late wife.” he chuckles. I ignore his words stomping down the steps to where the women have stopped. The guards step closer and I stop looking at the King over my shoulder, who raises his hand.

“Leave her. Zirah, King Regan, will escort you back to the castle. I must head in; it's getting quite chilly and I fear snow is on the way. I can smell it.” He states, and he nods to me as I open the bag. He was right, the cool night breeze is fast approaching making me wonder if it would snow tonight as he said, the smell of rain in the air yet slightly different, yet Lycans don't feel the cold, so why is the King? My eyes move to King Regan, who does not look happy about having to play babysitter. Reaching into the bag, the women shake their heads just thanking me for saving them. I grab young Leila’s hand and force a small handful of coins into her palm and close her fingers around it. Tears spring from the corner of her eyes.

“Thank you,” she whispers. I nod my head and then move to the next, the woman finally accepting the coins.

When I am done I turn, finding the King's guards gone and only King Regan remains, waiting rather impatiently on the stage.

Climbing the steps, he stomps off ahead of me, and I whistle for Hunter to follow. Hunter obliges, running ahead and nearly knocking King Regan over, who growls at him. Climbing the incline and walking back, it is dark by the time we reach the long driveway heading toward the enormous iron gates when King Regan’s phone rings in his pocket.

He answers it before growling and stopping. I listen for a second before growing bored with waiting for him and wandering ahead. Only when I am about halfway up and the castle lights come into view and I hear rustling. My head turns to the side and I see Hunter's tail wagging in the air between some shrubs before hearing a sickening crunch followed by a whimper.

“Hunter!” I hiss at him, wondering what poor creature he has got in his paws and is trying to eat. He lifts his head, his mouth covered in blood when I hear it take off into the trees separating the Kingdom from the town. Hunter growls darting after it and I huff, chasing after him.

"Hunter, leave it!” I yell at the stupid wolf when I hear a pained yelp, then heavy panting. Walking deeper, I spot him ahead. I stomp through the forest toward him. Finding what he caught and is eating is a badger.

“Hunter, no! Bad boy!" I swat his ass and he whines at me. Pushing him aside; I find it is already dead.

“No, bad wolf! You don't eat-"

“Animals? He's a wolf, wolves hunt!” King Regan says, making me jump, having not heard him coming up behind me. Turning around to face him, he tilts his head to the side, his eyes glowing in the darkness.

"Yeah, but he gets fed in the castle. He doesn't need to kill.”

“All things die; humans especially. Predator and prey, survival of the fittest. Hunter come!” King Regan orders and I am surprised when Hunter listens to him. Hunter drops his head, sulking, and walks over to the King.

“Now hurry up, I may not be able to catch a cold human, but you, you'll catch your death if you stay out once the snow falls.” King Regan growls, turning on his heel and walking back the way I just came. I shake my head and follow.

“Isn't that what you want? My death saves you from having to marry me.”

“I would love nothing more, but if you die on my watch I lose my throne, so if you could save your death for when you're with Zeke or Lyon, it would be much appreciated.”

“I'll see if I can pencil that into my schedule while with them. Do you have a preference for my death that I should add?” King Regan growls.

“No!” he snarls, shooting me a glare.

"Hunter listened to you...why?" the King growls, stomping through the woods and Hunter keeps in line with him.

"Where is Gnash?” I ask, which makes him stop. I run into the back of him, not expecting it. He growls menacingly and reaches for me when Hunter growls in warning at him and he stops.

“Stay the fuck away from my wolf.”

"Answer the question.” His eyes flick to Hunter, then back to mine, and he curses but turns on his heel again and continues walking.

“Hurry up!” he calls when I don’t move.

“Nah, I'm good. I think I'll stay here.” I call out to him and I smirk when I see him stop. He really likes his throne!

“You have been in my care for not even ten minutes and are already pissing me off!” he snarls, stomping back toward me.

"Answer the question then, Regan!”

"What did I say about addressing me by name? I will not be disrespected by the likes of a fucking human!” Hunter launches at him, tearing into his arm and Regan snarls, backhanding him and sending him skidding across the ground. Hunter whines and shakes himself before baring his teeth and growling. Yet King Regan roars a feral growl.

“Try it once more, Hunter, and I will break her fucking neck!” Hunter whimpers and Regan grabs me by the front of my top. Ripping me toward him.

“You're playing games with the wrong brother. You stay away from my wolft And me!” he growls, the sound so menacing it raises the hairs on my arms and sends a cold shiver down my spine. My heart races in my chest with adrenaline, yet I know he won't kill me. He won't risk his throne, and that information is very useful.

King Regan laughs. “You stupid, pathetic girl. You're a fool not to fear me, but you will. My father is wrong about you. You may have him fooled. You may have survived our wolves, but let's see how you fair when they aren't here to protect you.” he growls, shoving me backward.

I stagger, landing on my ass in the dirt. Hunter whimpers, and King Regan calls his name. Hunter, however, waits for me to get up and comes to my side. I brush my fingers through his fur. When clarity washes over me. Hunter listened to him when he found us, yet attacked him when he tried to grab me.

“They can feel you!” I sing out to Regan as I move to catch up. “That's why he didn't attack you when you came close; he knew you weren't here to hurt me!”

“Just hurry up!” I chuckle, knowing I'm right, and I run to catch up to him.