Unwanted Mate Of The Lycan Kings (by jessica hall) novel Chapter 27

“How?” I question.

“Because the moment I met you, you were defiant, you were unafraid. My sons don’t need a woman who fears them. Every woman in the four kingdoms already does, which is exactly why I can’t marry them off!” King Theron’s eyes go to his sons, and Zeke scoffs.

“No, what my sons need is a challenge. They’re too competitive. Like all Lycans, they like the hunt. But there is no use hunting something that you can’t chase, and they will chase you, and you will run and fight back, giving them the chase of a lifetime.” My eyebrows raise.

“They like to hunt?” I chuckle. For some reason, I can’t picture the three Kings in hunting gear, not that they would need it, given what they are, but still, I find the imagery in my head funny.

“Something funny?” Malachi asks, coming up beside the King.

“Yes, the King’s sons like to hunt.” I chuckle. Malachi smiles and the King’s lips tug up in the corners, also finding me amusing.

“Care to share?” Zeke sneers. I snort, unable to contain my laughter. I must look like a madwoman, but the King’s words have me in fits of laughter as I try to picture them with pitchforks. There is no doubt in my mind that his sons are predators. That is clear with the fear that reeks off everyone that passes by them.

“I’m sorry, King Theron.” I giggle. “But your sons are clearly used to having everything handed to them. I doubt they would be able to catch a cold if they tried. No wonder they can’t catch a bride. You had me trapped in your maze and still, they caught air.”

“That was because of our wolves!” Lyon growls, stepping forward.

“Wolves! You’re a Lycan, yet couldn’t control your own pet. Sorry to tell you, Lyon, you don’t stand a goddamn chance of controlling me. The only control you’ll receive is what I give you.” I chuckle and so does the King.

“And that is exactly why I wanted you to win. They need some competition, however, I think my sons will find they aren’t the only predators in my Kingdom. One thing they will learn quickly is that there is no one deadlier than the person that holds your heart.”

King Regan scoffs. “What nonsense are you spouting about now, father?”

“You’ll see because something tells me you boys will be running while she hunts. As she said, you three can’t catch a cold to save your lives, so maybe she isn’t your prey after all. Maybe you’re hers. Only time will tell.” King Theron laughs, turning to his men.

“Father!” Zeke calls.

And King Theron stops. He turns his gaze to his son. “Yes, Zeke?” he asks.

“I never agreed!” he growls. The King sighs, then scratches his chin. He nods slowly. “I suppose you’re quite right. What is your answer, son? Let’s hear it then.” he waves to his son to answer. Zeke looks at me, then his wolf, before he grits his teeth.

He growls menacingly. “Set them free,” he growls, his eyes meeting mine.

“I accept!” Zeke snarls before barging past me toward the castle.

“As I suspected, the stubborn boy always has to have the last word!” King Theron shakes his head and I let out a breath. “You already hold their hearts, Zirah. Remember that. It will keep you alive.” King Theron says, stopping beside me. I look at him in confusion.

His eyes flick down to Hunter, and he smiles. “You’re holding Zeke’s right now,” he whispers, giving me a wink. He pats my shoulder and wanders off. Turning around, the guards let the women go, and the King turns to head for the Castle.

“Wait!” I call out to the women as they start running toward their loved ones. I move toward the King who arches an eyebrow at me, but I step past him and take the bag of gold off Shelley. The King smirks but doesn’t say anything until I move down the steps.

“You remind me of my late wife.” he chuckles. I ignore his words stomping down the steps to where the women have stopped. The guards step closer and I stop looking at the King over my shoulder, who raises his hand.

“Leave her. Zirah, King Regan, will escort you back to the castle. I must head in; it’s getting quite chilly and I fear snow is on the way. I can smell it.” He states, and he nods to me as I open the bag.

He was right, the cool night breeze is fast approaching making me wonder if it would snow tonight as he said, the smell of rain in the air yet slightly different, yet Lycans don’t feel the cold, so why is the King? My eyes move to King Regan, who does not look happy about having to play babysitter.

Reaching into the bag, the women shake their heads just thanking me for saving them. I grab young Leila’s hand and force a small handful of coins into her palm and close her fingers around it. Tears spring from the corner of her eyes.

“Thank you,” she whispers. I nod my head and then move to the next, the woman finally accepting the coins.

When I am done I turn, finding the King’s guards gone and only King Regan remains, waiting rather impatiently on the stage.

Climbing the steps, he stomps off ahead of me, and I whistle for Hunter to follow. Hunter obliges, running ahead and nearly knocking King Regan over, who growls at him. Climbing the incline and walking back, it is dark by the time we reach the long driveway heading toward the enormous iron gates when King Regan’s phone rings in his pocket.