Page 10 of The Unwanted Mate of the Lycan Kings
“Goddess help the kingdom if that fool wins,” my father mutters.
Zeke curses at our father under his breath, and seconds later Father’s fist comes down on the small table beside his chair.The wood smashes to pieces from the force, making Zeke jump to his feet.
“You listen here, boy.I am sick of your snide comments.I am the ruling monarch, and all of you will compete.I’m unable to decide if any of you are worthy of my throne.This is the only way I can choose.You do not have to like it, but you will acceptthese terms or forfeit your rights!”my father bellows.
This is ridiculous.I shake my head, downing the rest of my drink.“So, what are the rules?”I ask him, wanting to get this over with already.
Father calms down and leans back in his chair.“Since you all lack humanity, when the women enter the maze, the sole winner will be offered a prize.One that has never been offered before,” my father states, looking at us.
The sliding door opens, and Shelley doesn’t shriek as our wolves proudly step onto the balcony.We have had them since they were pups.There were originally four, but when my mother died, hers died protecting her.
We accidentally stumbled across a den, and the mother wolf attacked.We killed her before finding her four pups inside.My father forced us to raise them as a punishment for sneaking into the woods.Now the four pure white wolves have become our pets—amazing creatures, intelligent, and just as savage as we are.
Lyon whistles and Shadow rushes over to him, dropping at his feet.Hunter, Zeke’s wolf, strolls over casually, taking his spot by Zeke, and I click my fingers, pointing to the floor for Gnash to come to me.He follows directions obediently and rests his head on my lap.
“If only you cared for your kingdom as much as you did your pets, this wouldn’t be an issue,” Father states, and I roll my eyes.
“The maze?”I demand, watching him.
“Once the winner is announced, you three will enter the maze.The first to hunt their bride wins the throne.”
My brothers and I jump to our feet in outrage.“Bride?”I roar furiously.Has he lost his mind?Does he seriously expect us to go along with his shenanigans?
“This is your grand plan, Father?We marry a fucking human to save our humanity!”Lyon yells, finally coming to his fucking senses and understanding the gravity of this situation.
“I’m not fucking marrying anyone.You’ve lost your damnmind, old man,” Zeke snaps.Father, unperturbed by our anger, listens to us rant and rave at him about the ridiculousness.He almost seems tired, though how I hadn’t noticed before is beyond me.Looking at my father now, he doesn’t seem so full of life.
Granted, it has been months since I last saw him.I usually run my kingdom and his remotely, thanks to the advancement of technology.That’s probably the only good thing about humans; their curiosity brings constant advancement—when it doesn’t get them killed.The humans are mere worker bees.They live to serve, hoping for recognition and social status.
“If you tamper with the games, you’ll be disqualified,” Father states.
This explains why only women were competing this year.I curse, shaking my head.“And if no one survives?”I ask.
“Then we start again until one does, and I can hand the throne down.”
“So what, it’s a foot race?”Lyon asks, showing a little more interest than usual in kingdom politics.He has never shown an interest in the throne before.
“Yes, but there are conditions.I know you boys will do anything to get out of marrying.So I have placed rules.One is that you cannot kill the bride the day after the wedding.Two, the woman who wins the games will survive and rule aside you.Three, no harm will come to your future bride.If she meets an untimely demise, you will relinquish both your kingdom and the main kingdom’s throne!”
I scoff.I can’t believe this shit.
“So you are not only forcing us to compete but to marry and stay fucking married?And to a human!”Zeke says, disgusted.
“Yes, the human part is a slight fault that can be changed.You may not be able to change her, but your blood will make her immortal like your wolves.The woman who wins The Maze Games will be rewarded by being made queen, ensuring her future within the kingdom.”
“Exactly what is the point of marrying when no woman can carry pure lycan children?”I demand.
“For a king to rule, he needs a queen.You three failed to take mates, so I am forcing your hand.Now I am done with this conversation and growing tired.I will watch the games from my quarters.In the morning, you all will enter the maze,” my father says, rising from his chair and dismissing us.
“If you want us to compete, I have a request,” I call after him, and my father stops.
“No, you will participate.You have no choice,” he snarls, clearly over this discussion.
“And if all three of us refuse, who will you choose then, Father?”
“What is it you want, Regan?”he demands, turning slowly and leveling me with a heated glare.
“What are their tests?”I ask.
