Defying the Lycan King

Kira and Kai strolled away from the main mansion, leaving the trickling fountain behind. They had barely taken a few steps when Kira caught sight of Ruby watching them from her balcony on the upper floor. The woman’s arms were folded tightly across her chest, her expression hardening into a scowl the moment their eyes met. Without a word, Ruby turned on her heel and disappeared back inside,

Kai gave a low, knowing chuckle and shook his head.

Kira turned back to him, brows furrowed in genuine curiosity. "Why are you laughing?"

"Can’t you see that the lioness has been caged?" he replied, his voice rich with satisfaction. "Confinement does not suit her at all. I’m sure she never believed a day like this would come where she isn’t the one holding the keys."

Kira’s lips curved into a small, reluctant smile. "So, who is she? And I don’t mean her official title in Dravengard or how long she had worked for this pack."

Kai smiled knowingly. "Ruby, Ruby, Ruby." He shook his head like the name alone carried baggage. "Well, she is Derek’s best friend. They grew up practically in each other’s pockets. Her older brother, Jasper, was one of Dravengard’s finest warriors and Derek’s closest friend. He was meant to become Derek’s beta, actually."

"Was?" Kira echoed softly, picking up on the past tense.

Kai’s gaze dropped to the path. "He died in an ambush. On his last breath, he made Derek swear to protect her. Derek gave his word, and well, he’s a man of his honour. He’s been shielding her ever since."

A strange little pang twisted in Kira’s chest at the prospect of their bond. A twist of something that felt suspiciously like annoyance, and she pressed her lips together to keep the feeling from showing on her face. "I see," she murmured, looking away.

"Everyone assumed Ruby would end up queen," Kai went on, falling back into his stride beside her. "They were that close. For years, she let people treat her like she already wore the crown and performed the duties of a queen. She used that influence to walk over anyone she pleased, especially the other women in the pack. She’s... not exactly known for kindness."

Kira studied his face as they reached his glossy black sports car. "So, I take it you’re not a member of her fan club?"

Mara’s account had been a little different. While the young maid had spoken of Ruby as a hard worker, Kai clearly saw her as something far less pleasant.

Kai shook his head, a shadow crossing his usually easy expression. "She wasn’t very nice to me when we were kids. Whenever Tan, my older brother, and I came around for the holidays, she would always target me. I was the smallest and youngest. She would set me up, accuse me of things I never did, just to watch Derek tell me off. She hated how much attention the older boys gave me. She always called me weak, pathetic, and spineless, over and over until I started believing it."

Kira felt a rush of sympathy. The image of a smaller, uncertain Kai was almost impossible to reconcile with the confident man radiating easy charm beside her. "That’s awful," she said quietly.

"It was," Kai agreed, a flicker of old hurt visible in his eyes before he masked it with a grin. "No one really saw it, they just thought it was childish squabbling. Hard to imagine her as Jasper’s little sister; they’re polar opposites. But that’s exactly why I decided to grow up and become her worst nightmare." His grin turned sharp, almost feral. "I built myself back stronger than she could ever tear down. Now I give her exactly what she used to dish out and then some."

Kira’s smile was small but genuine. "I’m glad you found your way back to yourself, Kai."

"Yeah." He exhaled, then shot her a lighter look, the mischief returning to his eyes. "Ruby still considers herself the queen bee of Dravengard. She’s not planning to relinquish the title anytime soon. My advice? She hasn’t changed; she has just become more subtle about the venom. Watch your back around her."

Kira’s mouth curved into a wry little smile. "Already added that to my daily affirmations."

Kai laughed outright. "See? That’s why we’re going to be best friends forever. Great minds think alike. Get in."

Kira’s brows furrowed in mild confusion. "I thought we were going to watch the sunset from the terrace?"

His grin turned wicked. "Changed my mind. Ever had a proper rush of adrenaline? You look like the sort of girl who’d prefer a bit of trouble to a view."

Her smile stretched wide and reckless. "How do you know me so well already?"

"I’m an excellent judge of character." He tipped his head toward the open passenger door. "Well? You coming?"

"Absolutely," she laughed, sliding into the low leather seat with a delighted little shiver of anticipation. "I could definitely use a bit of a thrill."

Kai raised an eyebrow. "You can drive, yeah?"

"Barely. I picked up the basics from some mates at uni, but my father never let me behind the wheel. Said I was too reckless."

"Perfect." Kai circled to the driver’s side, dropping into the seat with easy grace. "Your fairy godfather is here for as long as you want him. Permission to corrupt you thoroughly, Your Highness?"

"Permission enthusiastically granted."

They dissolved into laughter as he hit the button to drop the roof. a deep, throaty growl that vibrated through the seats and into Kira’s bones. She decided right then that she liked him too much. His energy matched hers perfectly, bright and unapologetic, and she was keeping him as an ally—no question about it.

As the car began to roll, Kira turned to him. "That reminds me, my charity’s first fundraiser is in a week. It’s short notice, but would you come?"

"Sure. Why not?" Kai flashed a dazzling grin and floored the accelerator. The car surged forward like a bullet.

"Let’s get some adventure!" he yelled over the roar of the wind.

From a high window in the east wing, Brian watched the sports car tear away from the palace, leaving a trail of dust in its wake. He flicked his lighter, the flame dancing in his eyes, and lit a thick cigar, dragging in a deep lungful of smoke before exhaling slowly, the rich, earthy scent curling around him.

He had been watching Kira sitting by that fountain for a while, wondering how Derek had been able to beat him at his own game. Kira Thornclaw was like a mystery he wanted to solve; sharp, witty, and carrying that quiet fire that made his blood stir. It made him wonder exactly how Derek had managed to land her, despite his well-known hatred for the werewolves.

The bastard always gets the luck, Brian thought, exhaling another plume of acrid smoke.

Brian couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but there was something about the she-wolf that made him want her so much. Maybe because she was exactly his kind of woman, with all that fire. Or maybe it was that old, unquenchable thirst to own whatever belonged to Derek, to surpass his cousin in every way that mattered. She didn’t know it, but Brian had been watching her for a while now, mostly from the shadows. She was smart, and it was mostly hard to read her body language, but he was a patient man.

One thing was certain: he wanted the throne of Dravengard as much as he wanted her. And he always got what he wanted.

Taking out his phone from his pocket, he started to dial a number when the bedroom door creaked open behind him. His fingers paused as he turned to see his wife, Olivia, walking in. She looked timid, clutching the hem of her blouse as though it might shield her. When her eyes met his, she quickly averted them, shoulders hunching slightly.

"How many times have I told you to knock before entering my bedroom?" he asked, his voice low and edged with irritation.

"I... I’m sorry. Your father is downstairs."

"Come here," he commanded.

Olivia walked timidly towards him until she was standing a few steps away. "I’m here," she said, almost in a whisper.

Brian spun around, his hand shooting out and landing hard across Olivia’s cheek. She yelped, staggering back and clutching her face as tears flooded her eyes.

"Useless bitch!" he hissed, shoving her roughly out of his path. "Does that give you the right to come in here without permission?"

"I’m sorry. I’m sorry," Olivia cried, moving further away to avoid any more of his anger.

Brian stubbed out the cigar in the ashtray by the nightstand, the acrid smell of ash mingling with the mint he popped into his mouth. He squared his shoulders, ready to go and meet his father. He knew it never ended well for him whenever that old man showed up.