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 seen it,

Alpha. Again, just until Beta Hayes is

tell your family and I 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

coming my way. Instead of opting to jump out at him, I wait, leaning on the door. As he steps in front

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

reach up, my hand gently sliding up the side of his cheek as

all huh?" He asks and I nod, giving

ask, arching a brow,

me, my hand dropping from his face

After everything, including Penny, I think moving

fair." I say

Before I can say anything squeal in shock as he swoops me up into his arms

my heart thudding at what to say. Under normal circumstances, I would

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

get to know me. I think it will be nice to have

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

off like he is falling asleep, and I wiggle into him, looking for more of his touch. The room is dark and silent as we just cuddle. And somehow it feels like it's been one of our more intimate and raw moments together. His breathing grows steady, and his chest rises and falls

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 run my fingers through his hair and he moans

I ask you for something?" I

want, little