The Royal Lycan

Sorry for the hiatus. I'm back! Enjoy :)

***

Cat wandered into Luca's bedroom. They were teenagers, both going through very different puberty phases. A week ago, Luca tried to kiss Cat and she was forced to give him 'the talk'. He left in a rage. It was terrible and awkward.

"I'm sorry about how I reacted," Luca said heavily. "I was really upset. You might understand, after saying you wanted to be with me, and then..."

"I know," she said hurriedly. "I'm sorry, too, Luca. I was sure it would be you, but I should have listened to my parents. I can't help this change. It's..."

Luca waved an impatient hand. "Let's not go there again."

Relieved, Cat sighed. "I love you, Luca. You know I'd never hurt you on purpose. You're my best friend."

"Good," Luca replied, watching her, ignoring the crushing stab of pain that she called him just a friend. "It was a shock, you know." He paused, watching her knock back a glass of water. "There was something you said the other night. About desire."

His heart thumped when her long lashes went down. She was so freaking sexy.

Luca licked his lips, his dark eyes hopeful. "I can be that guy."

It was such a futile concept, Cat almost laughed. "No, Luca."

"I can. All I have to do is turn you on."

"It's more than that," Cat warned, her chin raised cynically. "It's dangerous and I don't feel that way about you."

"You thought it'd be me, you just said so."

"I thought you were over it," she said impatiently.

"I am," he insisted. "I've figured it all out."

"You don't understand. What..." Cat frowned. Something was wrong.

Luca stood aside and she fell onto his bed.

"Luca," Cat breathed, immobile, staring at him with those gorgeous blue eyes that hurt him so much. "I can't move. What are you doing?"

"It's just a sedative. We can do this," he said, determined, climbing over her. He saw her dismay shift to horror when she realised.

"Oh God, Luca, please don't. Don't do this."

"It's okay," he murmured, pressing his finger to her soft, pouting mouth. That mouth he'd imagined kissing for too long.

"Stop, please. You have to listen-"

"No," he frowned. "You're perfect. We're perfect. I won't throw us away. Just let me try."

Tears filled her eyes when he began to undo her blouse. "Luca, please." It was a last pleading attempt.

Luca ignored it, securing her wrists with rope, kissing down them to her neck. He nibbled the silky skin.

Cat dizzily shook her head when he tried to kiss her.

Irked by her continued rejection, Luca cupped her face forcefully and pressed their lips together, his tongue poking into her mouth. He withdrew quickly, pushing her shirt up and kissing down between her breasts, cupped prettily in a bra, his breathing heavy down her skin.

Cat began to cry when he unbuttoned her pants, pulling them down, his eyes on her pale green panties. He paused and removed something from his jacket, a piece of material.

"What the fuck is that?" Cat slurred. "Luca, don't-"

The cloth was stuffed into her mouth, a suffocating scent.

"Don't be upset. I'll be gentle," he said huskily, pressing his face into her crotch, shivering with arousal as her sweet musk filled his nostrils. It was finally happening. He was so fucking hard.

Cat grit her teeth, rage flooding her body when he pulled the gusset aside and began to lick her, his tongue rubbing her clit. The scent on the cloth, distinctly lycan and male, flooded her senses, triggering her into a lethal rage.

Cat growled, uncomfortably stimulated.

Luca ignored her, ignored everything else, lost in his fantasy. The things he would do to her. Then she'd be proven wrong, wrong about everything, wrong about their future. They could be together, she just needed to see it.

Then Luca was winded, on his back. Cat was straddling him, the cloth gone from her mouth; snarling, her face vicious beyond recognition, her eyes the deepest blue he could imagine. The rope he'd chosen so carefully was torn and hanging from her wrists. Then he saw her nails.

In a slow second, Luca realised his huge mistake. He could have tied her down and raped her, she wouldn't be strong enough to fight him unaroused. But he was entirely fixated on removing her rejection and empowered her in the most dangerous way possible.

"Cat!" he screamed, arching in agony, warm blood splashing up his face before he blacked out.

Luca shook his head, back in the present, smiling as he reminisced the one time he'd had Cat at a temporary disadvantage, though he'd paid a hefty price. He traced the scars down his chest, wondering that the most terrifying experience of his life also happened to arouse him.

Cat never forgave him for breaking her trust like that. Never would. But he had to have her.

Luca checked his phone when it buzzed. Hector wanted to see him, was probably pissed he disappeared to chase Cat. Livid that Jett strolled in and stole their most valued asset.

His phone went again, and he answered. "Yeah, I saw the message."

"Not that," Pavel answered, his tone almost panicked. "The team we sent to scope the border? They're all gone."

"What?"

Luca turned abruptly, buttoning his shirt, looking for his keys. "What happened?"

"Someone, some

thing

. We don't know yet."

"Have you told Hector?"

"Not yet. It's a mess. We don't even know what happened."

"Jett is really surpassing our expectations," Luca muttered.

"It wasn't Jett," Pavel replied. "That's the point. The threat came from outside."

"Outside," Luca repeated. "A new arrival? And you haven't told Hector?"

"Thought you could mention it when you finally return his calls."

Luca hung up. "Fucking smartass."

He wasn't worried about Hector. He had a potential solution lined up, a tip that surfaced in his search for Cat.

***

In the fresh light of day, Hector's property was starkly different to the violent chaos of Jett's visit.

Hector stood at the property entrance, his usual, clean-cut self in a white shirt and black pants. He watched a car turn through the gateway.

Luca joined him; dark circles under his eyes, black hair tousled from sleepless nights. He dressed less casually, suited up but shirt unbuttoned, a gun at his waistline.

"I'm impressed," Hector said, glancing Luca's way then back to the car.

"He knows the territory," Luca said, distracted. "It's a good plan C."

"Plan C?" Hector's chilling, blue gaze darted his way. "Get back on your game, Luca."

Luca sighed harshly. "I'm so close to snagging her, it's killing me."

"Don't forget what she is. Proceed with caution and remember your obligation is to me," Hector drawled, striding forward as the car drew up. "Jesus," he said under his breath as the door opened.

Luca stared. "That's not a wolf. That's a fucking grisly."

A large, hulking man stepped out, taking in the large property, then the men. "Hector?"

Two of Hector's men intercepted the visitor's approach. Satisfied he was unarmed, they gestured him onwards.

Hector extended his hand. "Pleasure to meet you, Bernard."

The man smiled lazily and shook Hector's hand. "Call me, Butcher."

***

Jett and Carl went ahead of the others. They were faster, and a collective approach would warn Tessa's captor. Together they ran, sprinting through the forest, following the scent until it dwindled.

Now and then Jett glanced at Carl. His younger brother ignored him, clearly determined to focus on anything else.

They slowed when they reached a clearing connected to the deeper woods. Surveying the landscape, Jett was done with the silent treatment.

"Carl, I'm sorry I left," he said finally. "It wasn't because I didn't care."

Carl ran a hand through his dark hair. His grey eyes were icy, staring at the forest. "If he's carrying her, they'll be close," he said emotionlessly.

Jett already knew this. He crouched down, frustrated. He needed Tessa more than anything, but the family conflict gnawed at him. This was his only chance alone with his youngest brother. He tried again. "I'm not asking you to forgive me. I'm just saying I'm sorry."

Carl's face tightened. "I told you something and then you disappeared without so much as..." he shook his head. "It doesn't matter anymore."

Jett stared until Carl finally looked at him. "It does matter," he said carefully. "I should have been there, but I wasn't and I'm sorry. I got caught up in my own head and I had to get away."

"What was so much more important than us?"

"You know about the farm." Jett turned away. "I saw things and found out..." he broke off with a sigh. "I should have reached out. But I knew you'd be ok; I knew the family would accept you."

"Accept me?" Carl snarled, pausing to compose himself. When he spoke again his voice was very low and tremored. "I'm not gay, Jett. I came to you for help. Next thing Dad tells me you've fucked off."

"Help?" Jett frowned. "You started talking about feelings, I thought you were coming out."

"That would have been a more pleasant conversation," Carl muttered.

Jet froze as a horrible feeling crawled up his spine. "Were you assaulted? Is that what you were trying to tell me?"

Carl grinned but there were tears in his eyes. "I don't have anything to tell you."

Anger surged through Jett. When he left, Carl was barely a teenager. He hadn't matured in a way he could protect himself. "Why the fuck didn't you start with that?"

"Because I wasn't ready!" Carl shouted, scaring a cluster of birds from a nearby tree. "And you left!" He turned away. "After that, I couldn't bring myself to spit it out for Baz or Pete. I just couldn't."

"Who?" Jett demanded. He killed for money, for his occupation. It went without saying he'd kill for his family, but he never thought it might come to that until now. "Who was it, Carl?"

Carl was grinning again, but his eyes were bright with such pain. "You don't have to worry, I'm not gay."

"Why the

FUCK

would I care about that?" Jett exploded. The anxiety about Tessa was still simmering away, but this cut deep. "I'm sorry. Fuck. Carl, I-"

Carl stepped back warningly. "I don't want your pity. Just stay the fuck away from me. You're good at that."

Jett's jaw clenched. "Tell me."

Carl shook his head. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Jett smiled grimly. "I'll tell the others."

"No, you won't."

"I will," Jett threatened. "You don't want pity? Imagine how angry Dad will be. The things he'll do to find the truth. And Ma; it'd break her heart. Baz and Pete will tread on eggshells around you. And Mimi..."

"You've hurt us enough, asshole," Carl sneered.

Jett paused. "Carl, just tell me who it was."

"What did you find out that made you leave?"

Jett cast his gaze to the sky. It wouldn't help Carl to know what their father was capable of. "I can't. But I swear it wasn't about you."

Carl shook his head, dismissing the conversation. "We have to find your mate so you can leave." He walked forward and pointed at an area of ground. "He sprayed," he muttered, wiping his nose with revulsion.

Jett stood tall, avoiding the scent. "He came prepared."

"Who is it?"

"It's Tessa's blood-relation. His scent is all over my room," Jett said distantly, his eyes sharply scanning the forest. "And they're not headed for the main road."

"Because that's where your enemies are waiting," Carl said curtly. "Trouble really follows you, doesn't it?"

Jett turned to him. "Carl..."

"Forget it." Carl glanced at the sky. "It'll be dark soon. We should wait for Dad, then continue as a pack."

"Carl, you can't hate me and help me," Jett said.

Carl looked him in the eye. For Jett, it was like looking into a mirror of his teenage self.

"I'm doing this for the family, not you," Carl said carefully. "I don't feel anything about you anymore. Not even hate."

"Mm-hm." Jett went to crouch and quickly changed his mind when he caught a whiff of David's deterrent.

"What kind of problem do we have?" Axel said, emerging with Baz and Peter.

Carl gestured. "He sprayed."

"She alive?" Axel asked.

"It's a male relative," Jett said brusquely. "Of course, she is."

Axel's grinned scathingly. "Of course, she is."

Baz and Peter exchanged confused looks, then Baz came forward. "Where is he taking her?"

Jett's jaw was working. He'd already considered it. "Off the grid." He gazed into the wilderness. "They will have to camp at some point. Tessa won't last without a stop."

Jett couldn't believe it. He had Tessa, they'd made such progress. Now she was in the possession of an alpha who probably felt entitled to her. Jett prayed it wasn't a traditionalist. He couldn't let that happen. And he'd asked her to trust him, told her she was safe. And those green eyes softened to him, having confidence in his words. And now...

"Hey."

Jett turned; Peter's hand was on his shoulder. The others were talking quietly.

"It's going to be okay," Peter said, his eyes on Jett's balled fists, fur sprinkled along his fingers. "Stay cool."

Jett almost smiled. "Stay cool?!"

"Don't have a mutt fit and disappear into the forest," Peter clarified. "It won't help her."

"We'll need to spread out," Axel said, waving a hand at the ground. "Shake this shit off. There will be more of it."

"He'll have weaved all directions," Carl nodded.

"I have to find her," Jett muttered to Peter, his voice a low growl. He felt sick, knowing Tessa wouldn't stand a chance. "He could be hurting her."

Peter made a face. "He isn't, Jett. He'd have done it already, and we'd smell it."

***

Tessa curled up against the base of a tree, watching David organise their supplies.

"I know you're cold, but a fire would be a flare to them," he said, handing her a jacket. "I was hoping to overtake you before you reached his pack, but Jett moves fast."

"How can you exist?" Tessa said, not taking the jacket. "I don't understand."

David looked bitter. "I didn't know you'd survived. No one did, except the group who took you. It was blind fate that I'd heard a rumour about Hector and an exiled princess, your description. I busted my ass planning to get you out. I had everything together, but Jett beat me to it."

"Why did the group take me? Who were they?"

"Beats me." David rolled his eyes at the sky. "They weren't even Lycan." His visible contempt softened as he considered it. "I suppose they might have realised the danger you were in. And what a powerful pawn you are, how everyone would fight over you, or perhaps want you dead."

Tessa reflected on her upbringing. "My guardians were more diligent than charitable."

David looked at her, his green eyes grim. "They certainly took their duty to you very seriously."

Tessa watched him, sensing something ominous. "What happened to my mother?"

David took a moment. "I was like your boyfriend," he said shortly. "A mutt-for-hire. I was young and dumb and full of myself, and like him, I'd separated from the pack and debased myself for an occupation."

He sighed, remembering. "I was your mother's personal bodyguard. I was nineteen, going through the heat, but non-lycans have no idea about that." His eyes darted to Tessa's and away. "God, she was the prettiest thing I'd ever seen, and I wanted her. It wasn't normal, but it happens sometimes, Lycans shacking up with ordinary people. She was all I thought about."

Staring into the forest, his green eyes hardened. "Your step-dad was a real piece of shit. He treated her like a prop because that's all she was to him -- a bloodline to reproduce with. I wanted to kill him, a lot." He winced.

"I was in love, and then before I was ready, I was a father." He looked at his hands, the jacket twisting in his grip. "But I couldn't do much about those things. Not openly. I could only watch from a distance and pray you looked more like her, than me. I still don't know how I got her pregnant, but I did."

Tessa wiped tears away, though her voice was steady. "W-Why did you kill her?"

David jerked like she'd hit him, taking the time to choose his words. "I reached a breaking point. I couldn't deal with things as they were. I gave her an ultimatum and she agreed to run away with me. I left to make arrangements for us and he was meant to be on a diplomatic flight, but he must have suspected. He beat her, horrifically. He must have realised you weren't his heir."

His eyes glazed over as his mind went back to that awful night. "I was too late to save her...but I took care of him the way he deserved. There was no time to find you. When I saw her body, my animal side took over. I was frenzied, and so fucking torn because she...her body was there, she was dead..." he broke off, unable to look at Tessa.

When he continued his voice was low and hoarse. "There was so much of her blood around, I couldn't even track your scent." He swallowed, composing himself. "And the fucking irony of being her bodyguard and not protecting her when she needed me..."

David cleared his throat. "I couldn't be caught at the scene. And then on the news, they made out you had been killed. The grief almost finished me. I went dark for a while."

"But how could you have..." Tessa shook her head. "How could they not know it was you?"

"Oh, it was known," David smiled coldly. "But not many knew what I was. How do you think the public would have responded, finding out the person who allegedly murdered your parents was lycan? An employee, no less. Or if they wanted to dig deeper into the actual truth, it wouldn't look any better that your stepfather killed your mother. A PR nightmare on all fronts." He paused.

"I'm good at disappearing, but I don't think they wanted to find me and risk the truth being publicised. Too much to explain." His eyes darted to her, glinting in the dimming light. "Maybe they spirited you away so quickly because they were afraid you might remember something inconvenient."

Tessa was shaking uncontrollably, crying too much to say anything. It was horrible, almost as horrible as the story she'd grown up with. But she had a father, who she wasn't sure she liked. She had a boyfriend who she suddenly needed.

"Theresa." David was next to her, holding her tightly. "I'm sorry I wasn't there."

"I want Jett. I'm in love with Jett," she sobbed into his shoulder.

David was physically familiar, but not in the way she needed. Jett would make it all go away, with his warmth, his touch, his scent on her. That's where she needed to be.

David sighed. "Can't live without a man you just met?"

Tessa shrugged, feeling stupid, because it was stupid. She glanced up at his face, expecting ridicule, then realised he wasn't joking.

"It's normal," he explained. "He's your mate. But you can learn to be without him, I'll take care of you." He sighed. "Being away from him will feel like death sometimes, but you can do it."

Tessa stared at him. "Why should I?"

David smiled gently but his eyes were disturbingly vacant, reminding Tessa of those fanatics who refused to listen to reason and were determined to die for a useless cause. "Because he'll get you killed, like I did your mother."

Tessa awkwardly moved back, wiping her eyes. "I've made up my mind. You can't imprison me."

David raised his eyebrows. "Exactly how much do you know about this man you can't be without?"

Tessa angrily felt her cheeks redden. "I know enough."

"Do you know how he found you?"

"I don't care."

David stood and went to his backpack, retrieving a tablet. "What about those folks who raised you?"

Tessa frowned up at him, confused. "My guardians?"

David held up the tablet. "I found their autopsy reports. The crime scene photos. It was clear they refused to cooperate. Do you want to see what your boyfriend did to try and gain your whereabouts?"

"No," Tessa said immediately, the blood draining from her face.

"He's not at all like his pack, Theresa," David said harshly. "He chose a very different road. He's capable of terrible violence." He raised the tablet. "I think you should see his handiwork."