Traded To The Lycan King

I fly from my seat, a roar of rage tearing from my once composed lips. She just openly admitted to killing my mother, to trying to kill me. My chest feels like it is cracking open and the anger in my body seems to supersede my size. I want revenge and answers. Merikh’s hand wraps around my shaking body as I glare at her, words failing me as I try to keep myself from breaking down.

“Woah, easy there little luna.” Merikh whispers in my ear. “Now is not the time,”

“Of course it is,” I growl at him and he hugs me to him tighter. “She killed my mother, Merikh.”

My voice breaks, making me sound young and broken as my lip quivers, my anger morphing into an aching sadness in my chest.

Caspian frowns, his eyes skirting over me as I allow Merikh to calm my nerves. Then he turns a wild gaze to Giselle, staring her down with a ferocity that should be reserved for a battlefield.

“Giselle, I will ask you plainly, and you will answer me.” Caspian grits out the words and she gives him an amused smile. “Did you kill Melody?”

The room falls silent, the tension palpable, almost as intense as the urge for me to sink my teeth into her dragon flesh and tear until I make my way to her stony heart.

Giselle sighs heavily, rolling her eyes before she waves her hand in the air as if shooing a fly from her presence.

“It doesn’t really make a difference, does it?” She asks, “I mean, Johannes killed a wolf and yet there was no punishment. That woman was not protected under the council, so she was fair game.”

“She was my mate!” Caspian roars, “So you will answer the f u k i n g question, or I will drown the fire from your very core!”

“Mate?” Johannes asks, his eyes growing wide as I look at him, his shocked expression surprising me.

“Did you claim her as your mate? Was she the queen of the sirens and in your many years with her, did you ever acknowledge her as a mate to anyone? Or did you hide her because you were embarrassed? Too afraid of what everyone would say?” Giselle asks with a grin.

My chest feels like it is going to explode as I look at my father, who stares at Giselle, blinking like he has been bested in a duel. His guilt-ridden eyes drift over to me and he looks away, ashamed of himself. My mouth runs dry and Merikh tugs me closer to him.

“She makes a fair point, Caspian.” Brent says, and Caspian shakes his head.

she clearly did, otherwise she would not have come for Melody and my

no crown on her head. So, as far as I could tell, you were using her to create a hybrid.” Giselle shrugs like her point is the most nonchalant thing

alert the council of any of this,”

are illegal, and werewolves are not protected.” She shrugs. “I was well within my rights

always be brought to the council first.” Florence

moment. Should I have brought it to

speaking as if they can change the past or give Giselle a slap on the wrist. My eyes watch Caspian, who stands silently, looking like he has m n t a

as his fists clench. Giselle stops talking, training her eyes on him with a pleased smirk. This is what she wants. For him to snap and attack another council member. I look up at Merikh in desperation, knowing he can feel me, and he gently moves me to the side and rushes to

Caspian’s voice sounds warbling, like he is in a sea of water, his voice

is not the time or place, Caspian. You would just be playing into her hands.” Merikh warns him, trying to

water sprite?” Giselle giggles. “I have been around for centuries, watching you, studying your kind. You are untouchable in your little ocean city, but here, you are

warning me she will try to hurt him. Brent rushes in front of Giselle, standing before her with his shoulders squared and ready to take whatever she was planning to deliver to Caspian

mother?” Brent asks, his voice echoing as

finally grits out, looking right at me. “She is alive, but not well. Dragons love treasure, things

torturing her…” I whisper and she

living in a room of silver. I do wonder, though, how many years it would take to make

the protection of the council now.” Caspian says, but I can see the pain in his eyes, the way he doesn’t know how to process what he is hearing, the same way I

for it so your precious hybrid would be safe. I say the

“Though

you fairy.” She

stand with Elm, Merikh, and me. “Colette is protected. She is mated to a member of

“And you all

including Johannes, who clears his throat and looks at the ground. “This is b u l l s h

i t is you manipulating other kinds for your own purpose and pretending you didn’t break council laws yourself,” I accuse. “How are you