Page 26 of The Unwanted Mate of the Lycan Kings
“Not me.I was happy enough in my cave away from the kingdoms.Do you think we lived there because we wanted to be part of this elite society?What makes you think I would marry into it?I may have survived the maze, but that doesn’t mean I want the winning prize, King Theron.And I would hardly call your sons a prize.They are more of a punishment in my eyes.”
My father glares at us.“Do you see the reputation you three have?I can’t even give you away.Offer a woman a chance to be queen, and she still turns you down.The women who agreed to marry you in the past, you all killed!”
“We don’t need a bride to rule,” I tell him.
“None of you are worthy.”
“And what, she will suddenly make us worthy?”I deadpan.My father rubs his temples in annoyance.
“No, but...It doesn’t matter.My word is law, and this marriage is going ahead.”
“And if we refuse?”
“Then you refuse my throne and forfeit your kingdoms.”
“And if I refuse?”Zirah speaks up, and my father gapes at her.
“You would honestly refuse a position of power, a position humans have spent decades longing for?”he questions.
“Yes, so if you would show me the door, I will gladly leave and find my own way back home.”My father’s fist comes down on the table, making everyone jump.
“This wedding will go ahead.”
“If death is the only thing you are holding over my head, forget it, Theron.I want nothing to do with your kingdom’s politics or your sons.I was not born into your world, therefore I care very little forit.Nothing holds me here, not even death.So your threats are empty because I don’t fear that option either.”
My father’s jaw clenches as he turns in his seat to look at her.Seconds pass, and we all hold our breath as they stare each other down.
“Sons, give me a moment with your bride,” he says without taking his gaze from her.Zeke scoffs.
“You are seriously dismissing us?”Lyon asks.
“Out!”my father orders, and I grit my teeth, snatching my drink off the table and walking out, only to stop at the door when he speaks again.
“Don’t wander far.I will send Shelley for you in a few moments.I just need to speak to Zirah here for a moment,” he says.
This is ridiculous.His plan is falling apart in his hands.She doesn’t even want us, and we certainly don’t want her, so why is he so insistent to force our hand?
Chapter 17
The three kings leave, and once they are gone, I feel like I canbreathe a little easier.The king watches me, then turns sideways in his seat, giving me his full, unwanted attention while leaving one elbow on the table.His fingers drum against the mahogany wood.
“What is it you want?”King Theron asks, tilting his head to the side.
“Nothing you can give me unless you know how to raise the dead,” I tell him, and his eyes flicker black, his lips pursing as he raises his chin slightly.
“Think of something else.I will give you whatever you want.I’m offering you the four kingdoms, a lavish life full of riches and anything you could possibly desire.”The king’s calm demeanor fades quickly, and his canines elongate.Shelley clears her throat awkwardly next to the king, and he turns his gaze to her and sighs.
“Shelley dear, fetch me a glass of water, my throat is feeling a little dry and it is making me crabby,” the king orders.Shelley shoots me a worried look but quickly obeys, and I wonder if this is the king’s unstable side she mentioned earlier.
The king turns his calculating gaze back to me.“I will ask once more, what do you want?”
“Nothing, I just want to leave,” I tell him, and he grits his teeth as I continue.“I don’t care for your riches or your sons.I can’t bebought.You had me ripped out of my bed, killed my Granny, and you think I would just agree to marry your sons?”I laugh.This man is insane.What person would agree to such terms, and who in their right mind would marry one of those insufferable men?
“Fine, have it your way.You want your freedom, I’ll grant it, but on one condition.”I lift my chin, wondering what this condition is, yet by the darkening flicker of his blue-gray aura, I can tell his condition is quite sinister.
“Malachi!”The king yells, and Malachi jumps in the room’s corner where he stands.He takes a step forward, and I watch the two exchange in some silent conversation.
Malachi clenches his teeth.“But My King—”
