Traded To The Lycan King

My heart pumps fury through my veins as I enter pack territory, soaring through the trees, waiting for the border warriors to catch my scent. I have looked for six long days and there is nothing of Kyra anywhere. Nothing but the memory of her and the little moments I stole. I shift as I reach the pack house, swooping by the dead stump for a pair of basketball shorts and a shirt. The second I tug them on, I hear the warning from the border about my intrusion and frown to myself. Have things here truly been that bad?

And now I have reached a level of desperation I never knew I would find.

I stride toward the pack house doors, letting myself in as I make my way down the hall and straight to Merikh's office. It's eerie how quiet it is in here, no warriors guarding the door or workers preparing breakfast like they usually would at this time. What has my skin prickling is the lack of noise or movement, especially with the alarm going off informing everyone of an intruder.

I spin around, looking up and down. The floor is clean, and there is no dust, so someone must be keeping the place up. But the question is, where is Merikh if he is not rushing out of the house to protect his pack? When I make it to his office doors, I hesitate, thinking about knocking. I decide against it, though, when I lean forward and smell a hint of coffee.

I shove the double doors open, stepping into the well lit room, Merikh sitting at his desk, his eyes on me expectantly. He looks tired, damn near exhausted really, as he motions to the steaming mug of coffee sitting on the edge of the desk nearer me. It seems he was expecting me. "Brother," I start and he seems shocked to hear the title come from my mouth.

"I felt you enter the territory." He smiles softly, again motioning for me to come and take the mug and have a seat. "I just brewed that cup for you."

"You can still feel when I enter?" I ask, and he chuckles.

"Hayes, you are my brother and my true beta. The pack only feels right when you are in it." He says, then he leans forward and drags his hand down his face.

"I need your help." I whisper.

"I know." He nods as he places his hands on the desk and stands, pacing around the desk and stopping in front of me. "Kyra is missing, yes?"

My brows furrow and I tilt my head to the side, watching my brother's expression as he tries to hide something from me. How the hell could he possibly know that she is missing? Unless...she is here? Or has Teiran made a demand for her return?

"Kyra was kidnapped by Teiran." I say slowly, watching his demeanor as he exhales heavily and looks away from me and out the window. I get the feeling he knew that. Somehow, he knows everything I know and more. I can sense it in the way he tries to avoid me. "But you already know that, Don't you, Merikh?"

He slowly nods his head.

"Yes, I knew that." He admits. "I have been waiting for you since we received word."

It feels like another betrayal, but instead of allowing my anger to take hold of me like I have done for too long, I shove my hands in my pockets and step into his space, making sure he has to look at me.

think I need to know everything you know," I grit out, and he meets my demanding

tired of hurting you, Hayes. All this time, everything I have done has been to

taking

can't break what's

looks at the ground and then looks back up at

like that, you are sure

have to wait for more information. "Kyra is

do you plan to have her experience your

safe." I grind out, unsure of how to answer his questions. Truth be told, I haven't thought about what is next. All I know is I need Kyra, and I need to know she is

eyes narrow as I laugh

will determine if she is safe when I can see her, touch her." I tell him, my voice raising as he

is she is safe.

I roar, no longer able to keep my cool. "He stole her from me. Just as things were getting better, just as

war is over, Hayes." He growls out. "Over. The dragons have retreated and Ezrah was transferred to their

and pacing away from him before I turn on my heels and pinch the bridge

understand. Did Teiran return his

He answers, his head moving side to side

mean?" I ask and Merikh moves past me, plopping down in the tufted

it out, Hayes. I need you to trust that I am doing everything I can

chest rumbles with annoyance and frustration as I throw my hands up in

what?" I

and Colette rushes in, hesitating in her steps

a genuine smile taking over her face.

a curt nod before zeroing in

moves over to Merikh, resting her hand on his and I can see the two of them having a mind link conversation. My body tingles with anger, my fists clenching and unclenching as I try to remain in control of my emotions. "She is my mate, brother." I say, my voice quivering. "I am begging you. It feels like I have not been able to breathe since the moment she was taken. Everything is fucking

says, looking at me with a mixture of pity and

as I swallow roughly. "Please, I am begging. I will come home, and I will be beta again