Chapter 2- Tonight
Lucien Volkov (The Lycan King):
When I got out of the car, the Alpha of the Blackthorn pack was standing at the main entrance of the packhouse.
His Luna was also standing there beside him. They both looked like they were about to be executed.
When Alpha offered me his hand for a handshake, I ignored it completely, "I’m here to collect blood debt," I said in a clipped voice, walking past them.
Luna Ava seemed shaken by my presence.
"Wow!" One of the Omegas whispered in fascination, but I didn’t pay any attention to my surroundings.
I walked straight to the office door to get inside when a faint scent of butter croissants and lime hit my nose.
"Mate!" My beast went feral inside me, "Our mate is nearby, Lucien."
I ignored my beast and headed straight to the head seat that was usually reserved for the alpha.
Alpha Chris and Beta Rick couldn’t say a word and followed me silently.
"Where is your daughter?" I asked Beta Rick, not even trying to mask the bitterness in my voice.
"Sh...she... she’ll be here in a while."
I nodded, checking my wristwatch. The door opened, and several Omegas came inside to place snacks on the table.
I frowned at the Omega who was hurriedly placing the cutlery.
The moment the first tray of food touched the table, my control snapped, "Get out!" I hissed.
The said Omega nearly stumbled over her own feet.
"I said get out!" I roared.
Within seconds, all the maids rushed out in confusion, trembling in fear.
I remained seated for only a second before my beast slammed violently inside my head, "Mate! She was here in the office. I can smell her."
I clenched my jaw in disgust. I would never take a mate from a pack whose future beta was involved in murder. He killed my sweet little sister, and now they had to pay me with their blood.
Suddenly, I shot to my feet. Before anyone could react, my arm swept across the table. The ceramic plates crashed against the marble floor.
Alpha and Beta of the Blackthorn pack flinched in their seats. They weren’t expecting this kind of reaction from a king.
My breathing had turned dangerously heavy, "Do you think I came here all the way to party? To eat your food?" Each word I said dripped with menace, "I came here to collect a debt."
My canines had fully extended, and my beast was struggling to come forward. A monstrous growl rumbled from my chest; I could feel my eyes turning into a fiery golden shade.
My alpha aura was getting out of control, traveling in waves. There was silence in the room. Nobody dared to breathe.
I placed both hands on the table and leaned forward slowly, "Don’t test my patience. Bring the girl so that I can sign the contract and get out of this bullshit pack!" I could feel my veins in my neck stand out as I spoke through clenched teeth.
Alpha Chris whispered in a weak voice, "Sh... she’s coming... I’ve already sent the mindlink."
***
Arabella Toussaint:
I looked at myself in the mirror and couldn’t recognize myself.
Gone were my ragged clothes. In their place, I wore an off-white gown that reached my knees. Vanessa had dyed my snow-white hair black and curled it. Now she was applying the final touch. A soft lip color.
My scar was well hidden behind makeup.
I felt like they were preparing me for slaughter. Only this was worse because being slaughtered would give the pain of only a few minutes.
"Arabella!" Maya came inside and stopped in shock, "Oh, wow. Look at you."
"Doesn’t she look beautiful?" Vanessa asked chirpily, and for a moment, I could sense that Maya wanted to strangle her.
"Here. It’s yours," Vanessa quickly fastened the necklace around my neck, the same one she had snatched from me two years back. It was the only thing I had left that belonged to my mother.
They turned around when my stepmother knocked on the door, "The king is here, Vanessa. Send her quickly."
"Sure, mama!"
"The king is so handsome, Van," My stepmother told Vanessa in a sickeningly sweet voice, "Why go for Alpha’s son when you can become the queen?"
"Mamma! Stop it!" Vanessa giggled, rolling her eyes, "Let’s see how he reacts when he sees me," Vanessa chimed in.
With a sinking heart, I got up and looked at Maya, who could see fear in my eyes.
"Miss Vanessa!" Maya bent her head in respect, "Can I talk to my friend for a little while?" she asked innocently.
Vanessa waved her hand carelessly, "Sure. But make it fast. He-he."
When she left, Maya rushed to me, "Bella!"
"Maya. What will I do now?" I was on the verge of tears.
"Don’t worry, silly. Alpha King is here to have a good look at you and to sign the contract. You’re not going today. Okay? We have one night," she whispered, leaning closer to me.
My fearful eyes snapped up, "What do you mean?"
In response, Maya only spoke one word, "Tonight!" and then nodded, "We don’t have time. We’re leaving tonight."
I felt a shiver running down my spine. I knew what Maya was saying. It was time to leave the pack.