Traded To The Lycan King

I feel like I am floating on air, the high from meeting and being accepted so quickly. Even with the very blunt questions about what it's like to be a dog and if I smell like a wet animal after I leave the water, it was nice. It felt a little like maybe I didn't lose everyone. The loss of mom and dad still weighs heavy on my heart, but I swear they were there with me laughing and smiling.

Merikh comes around the corner of the hall, his head down as he rubs the back of his neck, a huge exhale filling the distance between us. I slip into the little cutout next to our bedroom door, waiting for him. "Alpha," someone calls him.

"Yeah?" He asks, then he seems to make a relieved sound. "Ah, good, you were faster than I expected, Thatch."

"When the Lycan king beckons, you don't leave him waiting." He says with a deep chuckle.

My brows pull together as I try to remember who exactly Thatch is. Not that it is saying much. I have so many names to learn and remember, and my grief has sort of left me hiding away the majority of the time.

"I am sure you know by now the condition of Beta Hayes." Merikh says, his voice soft and disappointed.

"Uh, yes. I have been made aware." He says, sounding unsure.

"I need someone to replace him, just for the time being." Merikh says and my eyebrows shoot up.

"Of course, Alpha. Just until Beta Hayes is well enough." Thatch says, a tone of shock in his answer. "But are you sure that I am the right choice? Or that he won't get better in the next week or so?"

I can hear the panic in Thatch's voice. The way he wants this honor, but respects the man who has held the place he is taking over for so many years. Not that it is at all surprising, everyone respects and deeply cares for Merikh and Hayes. Perhaps it's the way they lost their parents or the way they step up to every challenge. Either way, Thatch will have big shoes to fill.

"I spoke with Hayes about this decision, and we both agreed that you were the only option." Merikh pauses and chuckles lightly. "Hell, it is the only thing we seem to agree on these days."

My excitement slowly bleeds away from my meeting and my chest burns for Merikh. He has not only had to help me in my darkest place, but he has battled Hayes and the demons that have attached to him in the form of terrible thoughts and anger.

his heart and though I have

Alpha. Again, just until Beta Hayes is ready to step

will see you first thing in my office in the morning. I wish there was more of a learning curve for you, but sadly, this will be a trial by fire for you." Merikh says, a yawn taking over. "Try to get some rest for yourself as well, Alpha Merikh," Thatch says with

leaning on the

look surprised when they meet mine, going from tired to sheer comfort and joy as a smile breaks over his perfect lips, one

gently sliding up the side of his cheek as he shudders a soft sigh

and I

I ask, arching a brow, and he

and well liked and respected." He murmurs, his eyes blinking slowly as he steps into me, my hand dropping from his face as I wrap

including Penny, I think

I say into

he swoops me up into his arms and walks over to the couch, laying

at what to say. Under normal circumstances, I would beam and tell him every

well, from my office, it looked like you all were getting along." He says, his nose pressing into my hair as he inhales my

smile to myself. "It seems like they want to get to know me. I think it will be nice to have that tie to

squeeze. "It makes me happy to hear how well it went, Colette. I could feel your joy radiating and it was so refreshing to feel that from you after so

just cuddle. And somehow it feels like it's been one of our more intimate and raw moments

arms; the couch creaking as I turn to face him. Even in the tiny amount of light, I can see how at peace he is and my heart hurts. Not a pain that makes me want to cry. But a pain that comes from being overfilled after so long of being overly aching. "Merikh," I whisper, pushing

as I run my fingers

I ask you for something?" I

you want,