Mysterious mate to the lycan prince (Addison and Max) novel Chapter 20

**The Crimson Oath — Bryan Foster**
**Chapter 20**

**Addison**

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As I made my way into Red Valley and climbed the familiar hill, a rush of nostalgia washed over me. There, in the distance, stood the house that had been my home for the first fifteen years of my life. I had often fantasized about this moment—my grand entrance, the element of surprise that would leave my family speechless. But deep down, I knew that was merely a dream. This was my family; they had an uncanny ability to sense my presence long before I reached their doorstep.

Dylan and Cole were the first to emerge, their expressions lighting up like the sun breaking through the clouds. They sprinted toward me, and despite the space that separated us, I could see the joy radiating from their faces.

“Well, well, what do we have here? A little girl has come to visit!” Cole teased as he reached me, playfully ruffling my hair.

“I’m not a little girl!” I protested, my frown deepening.

“Take a good look and say that again,” he replied, mockingly measuring the height difference between us as he towered over me. “Come here, kiddo.”

His arms opened wide, inviting me in for a hug. I stepped forward, my pout still intact. “Don’t call me that. I’ll be eighteen soon!”

“You’ll always be our little sister,” Dylan chimed in from behind me, his voice warm and welcoming. “We really weren’t expecting you today.”

I chuckled as I released Cole from the hug. “I guess Aunt Nora didn’t spill the beans.”

“Let’s go,” Dylan said, throwing an arm over my shoulder. “Mom and Dad are waiting for us.”

“Of course they are. I can see them right now,” I replied, pointing towards the figures standing by the door, anticipation etched on their faces.

“So, how’s the competition going so far?” Dylan asked, his curiosity piqued.

“It just started. There’s really not much to report,” I replied, trying to keep my tone light.

“You qualified for the next round, right?” Cole’s tone shifted to one of seriousness.

“Of course I did,” I assured him, my confidence unwavering.

His expression softened a bit. “Good. I wouldn’t expect anything less from you. And how’s it going with that freaking Ruby?”

I huffed, feeling the weight of my thoughts. “That’s actually what I’m here to discuss.”

“What?” Both Cole and Dylan halted in their tracks, their eyes wide with curiosity.

“You’ll find out soon enough,” I promised them, wanting to build a little suspense.

No matter how much they pressed, I was determined to keep the details under wraps until we were safely inside the house.

After exchanging warm hugs with my parents, we settled into the living room, and I began to recount the chaotic events involving Ruby and Principal Murphy.

“As much as I’d love to break someone’s legs for what happened, I’m just glad it backfired,” Cole said, his fists clenching in frustration.

“That’s not the only reason I’m here,” I said, locking eyes with my parents. “There’s something else.”

“What’s going on, my child?” My mother’s voice was laced with concern, her intuition already sensing the gravity of the situation.

“Despite everything I’ve told you about Ruby, I haven’t mentioned her father’s name yet. I was saving it for the end. His first name is Jeffrey.”

In an instant, my parents exchanged glances, their hearts visibly racing.

“Before you try to deny it, Aunt Nora already filled me in,” I stated, my voice firm.

“What? She told you?” they echoed in unison, their surprise palpable.

“Actually, she didn’t tell me everything. Just that he was once part of the Moon Frost Pack.”

“No way. That can’t be right,” Dylan replied, shaking his head in disbelief.

“It is,” I insisted, meeting Dylan’s gaze with unwavering determination. “That’s all Aunt Nora revealed. She didn’t explain why he left, but she seemed upset about it. She said you two are the only ones who can give me the full story. That’s why I’m here; I can’t sleep tonight with all these questions swirling in my mind.”

“Mom, Dad, what’s this all about?” Cole pressed, urgency in his tone.

My parents exchanged another look, and my father took a deep breath, his voice steady yet authoritative.

“You must promise that nothing will change after what I’m about to share with you.”

I forced a chuckle, though it felt hollow. “That’s exactly what Aunt Nora said, and it scared me. But I still want to know.”

“Please, just tell us,” Dylan and Cole urged in unison, their faces painted with curiosity and concern.

With a heavy sigh, my father began, “In the past, Warrick, the Lycan King, was far more ruthless than he is now. As one of the most established packs sworn to protect his kingdom, we were sometimes ordered to carry out assassinations.”

“Hey, watch it,” Dylan warned, his voice firm yet understanding. “This isn’t easy for any of us, but it’s not easy for our parents either. They’ve carried this burden for so long, and I’m sure they would have taken it to their graves if they could. But now we have to face it together. As much as I hate to say it, we should go back inside and let Dad finish.”

“No. I’m not doing it,” Cole said firmly, shaking his head. “I’ve heard enough.”

“Come on. Do it for Addison’s sake. That’s why she came all the way here,” Dylan urged, his voice pleading.

With a heavy sigh, Cole finally relented.

Dylan cupped my face in his hands, gently wiping away my tears, and Cole joined him, both of them focused on comforting me.

“Hey,” I sniffled, trying to regain my composure. “I’m not a baby.”

“Shut up,” they replied in unison, a hint of amusement breaking through the tension.

Once we had calmed down, we made our way back to the living room. I could sense the turmoil still churning inside my father, and when he saw us, there was no relief in his expression—only a weight of sorrow.

Dylan, usually the voice of reason, sat in silence, and I knew Cole would remain quiet as well. It fell upon me to break the silence.

“We want to know the rest,” I said, my voice steady despite the turmoil within.

My father nodded, clearing his throat as he straightened in his seat. “It didn’t matter who Warrick wanted dead; Jeffrey and I executed those orders without a second thought. This continued for years until one day, I decided I had enough. I told Jeffrey we should stop, and to my surprise, he agreed.”

“Did Aunt Nora know about this?” I asked, my curiosity piqued.

“No. Only your mother was aware. When we informed Warrick of our decision to cease our killings, he felt disrespected. He ordered us to leave his kingdom, but because of our past service, he left the door open for our return. That’s when we moved to Red Valley.”

“And when was that?”

“We established ourselves here right before Dylan was born. Life wasn’t easy, and Jeffrey began to show a different side. He wanted things to change for the better, but I couldn’t provide what he desired. One day, he just left. I lost contact with him for a while, and when he returned, he was dressed in fine clothing. He told me he had gone back to work for Warrick.”

“The Lycan King really took him back just like that?” My eyes widened in disbelief.

“Of course he did. Jeffrey was one of the best. It was easy for Warrick to welcome him back because he willingly offered his services. He rejoined the kingdom and even established his own pack there. That was the last time I ever saw him.”

Even though the story had reached its conclusion, the room was enveloped in a heavy silence, and I could feel the simmering rage within Dylan and Cole. Just as I thought the moment might pass, a burning question surged to the forefront of my mind.

“Dad, despite knowing what the Lycan King is capable of and your history with him, you allowed me to participate in the Warrior Selection Competition. Have you considered what awaits me if I advance?”