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.

Which she clearly did, otherwise she would not have come for Melody and my child.” He

no mate’s mark on your neck and no crown on her head. So, as far

alert the council

I have to? Hybrids are illegal, and werewolves are not protected.” She shrugs. “I was well within my rights and you all know

things should always be brought to the council

is the leader at the moment. Should I

natural beings speaking as if they can change the past or give Giselle a slap on the wrist. My eyes watch Caspian, who stands silently, looking

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

Caspian’s voice sounds warbling, like he is in a

be playing into her hands.”

you really think you scare me, water sprite?” Giselle giggles. “I have been around for centuries, watching you, studying your kind. You are untouchable in your little

her eyes trained on Merikh’s back. Fear licks up my spine, 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

voice echoing as Giselle glares daggers at

not well. Dragons love treasure, things like gold, gems… silver bars.” she smirks and my

I

hefty statement. She is just simply living in a room of silver. I do wonder, though, how many years it would take

will release her immediately. Her kind is officially under 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 am struggling to comprehend. How much pain has she been in all this

disagree.” She hisses at Caspian. “You tried to trick us into voting for it so your

says with a frown, “Though

fairy.” She groans, rolling

with Elm, Merikh, and me.

“And you all

She asks, looking around. Everyone averts their eyes, including Johannes, who clears his throat and looks at the

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 doing it?