Page 22 of Prey of the Lycan Queen
“It’s not me I’m worried about, it’s the people here,” I tell him.
“And that, my girl, is the least of your worries.” We all turn to see James moving toward us. “I take it you’ve decided?”
“Well, I can hardly leave now,” I tell him.
“Nonsense, this is just more reason to,” James replies, and I glance over at Zeke and Lyon, who stare at me, waiting to hear my decision.
“You’ve decided?” Zeke asks eagerly with a sly smile. I purse my lips, not having forgotten about last night quite yet. He seems to know where my thoughts go because he smirks and licks his lips. My eyes go to them, remembering the feel of his tongue on my body as the mate bond reared its slutty head.
I take a step toward him before shaking my head, having no idea what I was planning to do. My sudden awkwardness only makes Zeke’s smile broaden. “Zeke!” Lyon elbows him in the stomach, making him grunt and double over.
“What?” Zeke growls.
“You know what!” Lyon growls back, and I glance at him, but he shakes his head.
“So you’ve decided?” Lyon asks.
“I have,” I begin, my voice cutting through the tense air, my words aimed at Zeke and Lyon. “I’m willing to give you both one chance to prove yourselves.” My gaze flits between them, a silent challenge suspended between us.
Zeke’s eyes flare with anger. “So, you’ll give us a proper chance?” he asks, crossing his arms over his chest defiantly. Lyon and Zeke exchange a look of eagerness and uncertainty. “Whose kingdom are you visiting first?” Zeke arches a brow as he looks between me and Regan. He doesn’t flinch under my scrutinizing gaze, instead, his stance exudes a reckless confidence.
“We’ll start with Lyon’s,” I reply, my voice crisp and clear despite the apprehension that bubbles in my guts. I’m no longer here to play the victim in their dumb games, and I hope my response emphasizes that I am not to be messed with.
Zeke’s thick lips pull into a smirk. “Why not start with Regan’s?” His voice is mockingly sweet as he glances at his brother standing behind me. I peer over my shoulder to see Regan’s jaw tighten. Why does he seem so angry?
“Regan’s kingdom is the furthest away,” I reply, brushing his mockery aside. “But he will be my escort through both of your kingdoms.”
“Really, is that right?” Lyon chimes in, his voice dripping with sarcasm, and my skin prickles as he takes a step toward me. His comment seems odd. He’s usually pretty passive when it comes to Regan, but he’s eyeing him sharply. Is he trying to avoid me visiting his kingdom first? Whatever he’s trying to pull, it isn’t going to work.
Before I can probe further into Lyon’s intentions, James interrupts my thoughts. “Zirah,” he begins gently, drawing our attention away from each other. “Zirah, perhaps you should spend some time with each of them alone.”
James’s suggestion catches me off guard, and I eye him skeptically before turning my attention back to the brothers. The air in the room shifts as they exchange a look, and Zeke’s smirk fades as though he knows something that I don’t.
“What do you mean?” I ask James cautiously, keeping my gaze on the brothers.
“I think it would be wise for you to go on your own and spend time alone with each of them,” he repeats calmly. “That way you can get to know them better, understand who they are as people.”
My eyes narrow, but I remain silent, weighing his words carefully. After a few moments of contemplation, I reluctantly agree to James’s suggestion, drawing a deep breath to steady my nerves as I turn back to Zeke and Lyon. Their eyes are still trained on me intently as if reading through my thoughts.
“Very well,” I say, finally nodding at both Lyon and Zeke before addressing James. “When should we go then?”
He nods back, a faint smile playing on his lips. “You can leave at first light tomorrow morning,” he says.
“Fine,” I agree, drawing a deep breath to steady my nerves. “But what about the Vampire Kingdom?”
“Leave that to me, Regan, and Zeke to figure out for now.” Without further explanation, he spins on his heel and takes off, leaving us in the throne room.
I’ve stepped into a world far removed from my own, but I won’t be deterred. I’m here for a reason. I have a purpose that goes beyond the power plays of the lycan world. I’m here to see whether the lycan species will continue to exist.
I turn to face Zeke and Lyon again, a newfound determination in my gaze. “You’ve got your chance. Don’t waste it,” I tell them firmly, though my voice has taken on a gentler note.
The brothers exchange a look and then both nod in understanding. “We won’t,” Zeke finally speaks up, his eyes meeting mine in an unspoken promise. I can see the calculating glint in his gaze, but I also see his conviction beneath the surface, and I know he means what he says.
My lips twitch into a faint smile as I turn toward Lyon. He’s standing with his hands clenched into fists at his sides, looking off into the distance as if lost in thought. His expression is hard to read, but I can sense the tension radiating off him in waves.
“I will see you first thing in the morning,” I tell him, and he nods once before turning and leaving. As my words linger in the air, a silent vow wraps itself around me. I will navigate through their worlds, dissect their truths and lies alike, and I won’t rest until I’ve attained justice for my mother and a reign over this world that is rightfully mine.
Despite my lingering doubts about what’s to come, I know one thing with crystal clarity; it’s checkmate for the lycan kings.
