Lycan King’s Nemesis

“How come you don’t talk about your wolf?” Abby inquired as we meandered around the pack’s vast arena with raised platforms on the four sides of it. That’s supposed to be where the spectators would watch from.

Early this morning, Abby had sent her maid to inform me to prepare before coming down for breakfast as we are supposed to leave from there to survey the ground where the games would be held.

It was a relief to me as I didn’t look forward to being cooped up in the palace doing nothing but noticing the grumpy old face of Ashton or being an object of his transferred aggression.

I had quickly gone to inform Tyler of my absence for the day, and met his quarters empty. So, I left.

“I-I…” I scratched the nape of my neck in embarrassment as I didn’t know how she would take the news of my wolflessness as I haven’t confided in anyone about it here. “I haven’t shifted yet.”

“What!”

I was expecting that. What will she do now? Report me to her brother or call me a freak show? “That’s… strange.”

“I know, Abby. Do you think I don’t know?”

Her brows knitted together as that familiar look of pity smeared her lovely face. “Well, that means you are not far from being one of us. I mean, here, we shift to our Lycae at twenty. Nevertheless, I know that won’t make you feel better as a werewolf who is expected to shift anytime from fifteen.”

“I know…” I chewed on my nail. “It was part of the reason I came here.” I strolled towards a podium holding a dumbell that was suspended and touched it. “I was lost after I found out and several other things that happened that night that all I needed was to die. So, I came here.”

“And you found my brother.”

I turned to meet her gaze, looked down and nodded, sucking my lips in. “It’s as if the goddess has something against me and just wants to keep punishing me.”

“You can never tell what are her plans for you. This is your home now and Wolf or not, I like you, Gwen.”

My eyes watered. “Why, though? I can’t still wrap my head around it. You hated me the first time.”

“As I said before, I was a fool. I realized later what a bitch I was and no one deserved that.”

“Thank you, Abby.” I let a tear fall. “You gave me a ray of hope and I pray I don’t disappoint you.”

She snorted and waved me forth as she boosted her step towards the stairs that led to where I fathom to be the throne for the King and his entourage. “We all have our skeletons, Gwen. You already know mine, I will like to think this is my turn to return the favour.”

I let a chuckle leave my mouth as my eyes hovered over the throne. “What kind of a man was your father?”

Her similar sharp blue eyes she shared with Ashton flashed at me and crinkled with subdued delight. “My father was the best father anyone would have. I miss him so much.”

“How did he die?” I know their Kind had the longest life more than us werewolves. They were the goddess’s favourites, after all.

“He was poisoned. And to date, no one knows how.”

“Hmmm…” That was strange.

“You guys didn’t bother investigating?”

“My mother was torn in grief and demolished every ongoing investigation. She wanted to mourn him in peace and forget about him. She feared keeping him and all that investigation would make his soul restless and by that, he won’t rest in peace and our family won’t find peace too.”

I felt bad for her. For them. Perhaps, that’s the reason Ashton is the way he is.

As if reading my mind, she said. “My brother has always been like that.” She went to sit down on the throne and her eyes became glassy. She was linking with someone. Soon, they turned to normal. “He is carefree and wasn’t ready before the throne was plunged into his arm. Plus, his heartbreak. Everything made him detached.”

“Can you tell me about her?”

“I hardly knew many things about her myself. I was still a pup when she came to visit and my brother would parade her about. I have never seen him laugh as much as he laughed then. He was often happy. She took all that away.”

My heart hollowed in bitterness on his behalf. He must have passed through a lot. I can relate too as I felt the same way that night I saw Julian with Theresa.

“That’s why I always tell you to be patient with him. He is a very good person. He is just… still grieving.”

I nodded, sniffing as I felt something sticky gush down my nose. I didn’t even know I was crying.

We heard a noise down the platform and Abby stood and rushed forward, demanding I follow. It was a group of people all in the same pink uniform.

She chuckled. “That asshat. I asked him to send a few salutary and he sent the entire palace maids.”

I already knew who she talked about. Williams.

“Let’s go. It’s time to do Queen duties.” She grabbed my hand and tugged me along. “Gwen, these games are one of the best things that happen in this pack. It is the duty of the Queen to make sure that everything is carried out orderly if not in perfection.”

“I don’t know anything about organizing big parties, Abby,” My voice was shaky.

“This is no party, Gwen.” She chuckled. “There are five mighty games and it’s inter-pack. This means every pack in this Kingdom will send representatives except people this pack.”

“Why?”

“We are the hosting pack and of course, being the King’s pack, they are at an advantage. It would be cheating to let them participate.”

“Oh…”

“So, as the hosting pack, we are to make sure that everything works out perfectly. Also, my brother said he is introducing a new game this year.” We stopped in front of the people who instantly began gathering in front of us.

“Address them.” Her mouth hovered over my left ear.

“What!” My eyes widened.

She massaged my wrist softly. “You have to do it, Gwen. You are their Queen.”

“But, I don’t know how.”

“You know.” She moved away, leaving me alone. I started perspiring.

I cleared my throat. “H-hello, everyone.” I commenced, shooting a lethal look at Abby who was smirking from the back. “Today, we are going to begin the formal set up for uhm… the games.” I balled my fist. Goddess, I have to do this. Never fret in front of your subjects. “All hands must be on deck as everyone will look up to us for nothing less than perfection, being as we are at the top.” Abby gave me a thumbs-up. It boosted my morale. “I need you all to work with us to make this work. And I promise to do my best to make sure we are comfortable through it all.”

To my surprise, they all started clapping. My face turned beet red. I started smiling too. Abby joined in. I mouthed ‘I will kill you.’ and she flipped me the bird.

…