"Pathetic,"
Ethan sat on his couch, reviewing the latest status reports of the packs. He sneered at them, his irritation with their failings evident. They weren't doing nearly as well as he had hoped. So much internal fighting and death. It was a wonder to him how they were related to Lycans.
"Alpha King, the she-wolf is awake," Janet's voice flooded Ethan's mind.
He rolled his eyes, muttering under his breath, "Finally." Clearing his throat, he responded, "Bring her to me as long as she is able to move."
"As you wish, Alpha King."
Ethan put down his reports and got up, pacing the room for a moment. He went to his desk and pulled out the file he had on Lily. Ethan researched her on his own as he wanted to ensure that nothing was omitted. He found that the young woman lived a harsh life, and her mother's death was suspicious.
Ethan intended to reveal the truth of the matter immediately, but the Elder Council asked him to wait until the trial. He didn't like waiting, but he also didn't like dealing with the Elder Council when they were upset.
The sweet scent of cinnamon filled his nose, and he knew that Lily was close. He straightened his office slightly before sitting on his couch again to wait for Lily to enter.
As she entered, Lily's heart pounded in her chest. The room was grand, adorned with rich tapestries and ornate furnishings. Sitting on a regal-looking couch was the Alpha King himself, an imposing figure with a presence that demanded respect.
"Ah, Lily," he greeted with a warm smile. "I'm glad to see you awake and well."
Lily curtsied, feeling a mix of nervousness and curiosity. "Your Majesty, thank you for bringing me here. I am honored."
Ethan nodded, his gaze steady upon her. "You don't need to be that formal with me. We have talked enough during the Winter Moon celebration that formalities can be forgotten now. Please, make yourself comfortable."
"You were that voice in my head that night," Lily said as some of the memory of that night returned.
Ethan chuckled and said, "Yes. I like seeing the responses of those that have yet to meet me."
Lily frowned slightly, and Ethan said, "Speak your mind. You will not be punished as I respect honesty over everything."
"I don't like being played with," Lily said.
"I was not playing with you. I was only interested in getting your natural reactions to things. Knowing who I was would have changed how you acted toward me," Ethan explained.
'He has a point,' Dina said to Lily.
"Indeed, I do, Dina." Ethan stated, surprising Lily.
"You heard my wolf? How did you hear her?" Lily asked.
"Lycans have that ability," Ethan said.
"But how?"
"Do you ask a cat why it meows? We just do," Ethan responded, earning another frown from Lily.
Janet discreetly slipped away as Lily sat across from him, her eyes still on Ethan suspiciously. She wondered if he could read her mind. When he didn't confirm, Lily figured the answer was no before asking, "May I ask why you brought me here?"
Ethan leaned forward, his expression thoughtful. "I am sure Janet already told you about your lineage. I am unsure why the Moon Goddess made you a werewolf instead of a Lycan."
"You don't like werewolves," Lily said.
"I don't dislike them, but they haven't shown me any reason to respect them until now," Ethan retorted, a touch of snark in his voice.
"Until now?" Lily asked.
"You don't remember much and I don't expect you to as your body needed all its strength to recover from the poisoning. You..."
"Poisoning? I was poisoned?" Lily interrupted Ethan.
"Wolfsbane. It seems that your dear sister had intentions of killing you," Ethan explained. "You almost killed her yourself when some of your powers activated until your stepmother intervened."
Lily vaguely remembered the challenge and the random pain she felt when Brandy struck her. "Where are they now?" Lily asked.
"In a dungeon, awaiting trial," Ethan replied.
"Then, that is settled. I appreciate you taking care of me. I should go home," Lily said.
"That I cannot do. Do you not understand how valuable you are?"
"I am an Omega. I'm not that valuable. I think you are mistaken. I am not some noble Lycan," Lily retorted.
"That's where you are wrong. You are of noble blood. Hunters hunted down your ancestors because your blood is the continuation of our species. You have potential yet to be revealed. With how much wolfsbane was in your blood, you should be dead now and you're not. You should really think more highly of yourself, Lily," Ethan remarked, a hint of irritation in his tone.
Lily's heart raced as she absorbed his words. "I...my father...he... I never knew of any noble lineage. I thought I was just an ordinary Omega. That's how I was treated."
"Your pack members were fools, all of them. Any werewolf or Lycan, for that matter that believes rank is what determines worth are idiots. I've seen many Omegas fight valiantly against rogues, vampires, and hunters more than I have snobby Alphas and Betas," Ethan countered.
"Why would the Moon Goddess curse and bless me at the same time?" Lily argued. "If I was so special, why would she have me live in a pack that any moment I could've died?"
"Obviously, to make sure that you're worthy of her blessing. You can't just give power like this to an Alpha or a Beta. They'd abuse it from the very beginning or get themselves killed," Ethan answered. "So, that is why you can't leave."
"You can't hold me here," Lily said firmly.
"And why not? Whom do you have to go home to?" Ethan asked.
"Because I have a home, and there is someone," Lily replied confidently.
"With Garrett Hunter?" Ethan scoffed, a smirk forming on his lips. "You wish to be with him?"
"We are engaged," Lily replied, her voice resolute.
"That is not what I asked you," Ethan said, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "There is no claim on you. Your heat cycle has subsided, so you can think clearly now. Why be with an Alpha when you can be with an Alpha King?"
"Excuse me?"
"Why be with Garrett Hunter when you can have me? I wouldn't hesitate to mark you as mine," Ethan stated.
"You barely know me," Lily protested.
"And why does that matter? Before the war with the hunters, this is how we would settle these matters if the Moon Goddess didn't bless us with a chosen mate. Being with me, you would be doted on and protected. You would never have to want for anything," Ethan said, challenging her with a sly grin.
"I... No. I am not like that," Lily retorted. "Garrett and I are engaged."
Ethan smirked and nodded. "I know that, but I had to try. It would be best if you made your decision soon, though. The Elder Council will not want you to remain mate less for long."
"Why would the Elder Council care?"
"Were you not listening? You are the last remaining female of an ancient bloodline. You will need to begin bearing pups. They will force a mate bond with one of the sons of the strongest packs. Garrett Hunter is a good option, but there are better options. If he is who you want, you need to make that happen before they force your hand."