Lyric
I can’t sleep. I haven’t been able to sleep for days because nightmares plague me. Thane has barely spoken to me, busy with royal business, so his father told me.
I haven’t seen Harmony since that day in the gym, and the therapy sessions are wearing me out. It’s hard for me to talk about all that happened within Hell Howlers Pack, though Chrissy, my therapist, is patient and understanding.
I attend breakfast with Thane and some of his family members. I still have to meet Tyler, Thorin, Tane, Tristan, and Starr. Thorin and Tane have been away on business, while Starr and Tristan are always out with friends or at school. I don’t know where Tyler is; it has been a while since anyone has mentioned him.
Isla apologized for what she did, and I forgave her. There’s no point in holding grudges; they don’t get you anywhere. Isla also told me that Harmony and Theo were busy with something, but they were still in the castle. I should have gone looking for her, but I don’t have time with everything I have to do each day. I’m not worried about my sister because I don’t feel any fear through our sibling bond.
Thane’s dad still hasn’t let go; of the fact I have the power to heal. He said something didn’t make sense and would look into my family’s history. I didn’t answer him; he can do what he wants. My ability must have come from my mother; there’s no other explanation.
There are many things I can do that I can’t explain. I could never explain because I wasn’t aware for a long time that I could even heal anyone. I doubt I can heal any significant injuries. I would have healed my parents and aunt before they died if I could.
I couldn’t heal Harmony in that attic prison because of the silver choker I wore. I could take away her pain in the beginning. But as soon as that choker was around my neck, all powers and abilities were blocked.
I wasn’t sure I could heal Esme, not knowing if my ability would work so soon after everything. I’m glad it did because that little girl didn’t deserve to be in so much pain.
No one has seen Moira and Esme since the hospital. Ronan said they needed time together, so they’re in Ronan and Moira’s suite, and we should all leave them alone. Moira is fiercely protective of Esme, having almost lost her more than once while pregnant.
Isla said Ronan had forced Moira to stay in their suite with Esme because Moria’s Lycan was filled with rage. If Morag broke free, she’d kill those girls and their whole families. I’m not sure about killing their families, but the girls, I understand that need.
Speaking of those girls, their parents requested a meeting with the King. Thane was furious, but Ronan made him see that those people had a right to plead their case, and as King, Thane needed to listen.
The girls, Ren, Amy, Phillipa, and Kerry, are eighteen and have their whole lives ahead of them. They also have their Lycans, and they injured an eleven-year-old without her Lycan. A princess! Whatever these people say, I don’t think Thane will listen.
I offered to be there, but Thane just grunted and walked away from me. I let him have his little tantrum, but he will not treat me like that and get away with it! I am his mate and won’t stand for him treating me like that!
I grab the orange juice from the enormous black refrigerator and slam the door closed.
“What did that fridge ever do to you?”
I growl at the man smirking at me from the doorway. No, there’s not one but two of them, identical in every way, and both looking at me.
Am I hallucinating?
“Nope, we’re identical twins.” The one on the left tells me as if he read my mind.
I have to admit they’re handsome. Tall, dark, and handsome, and they remind me of – “You must be Thorin and Tane.” Thane’s younger brothers.
It makes me chuckle because all six sons’ names begin with T.
“That’s us. I’m Thorin,” The twin on the left tells me. “This is Tane.”
They’re tall and built like Thane but maybe Theo’s size. Their hair is shorter at the sides and longer on the top, and hazel eyes like Esme's. They’re wearing the same clothes, jeans and a black muscle-hugging shirt with boots on their feet.
I wonder if all the Knight brothers are handsome. I suppose I’ll know once I meet Tyler and Tristan, but I can’t see them looking much different than the others.
I would have met them all by now, even Starr, if I hadn’t missed dinner that first night. I know they were all there, waiting for me.
“Nice to meet you.”
“You too, my Queen.” They answer in unison, making me smile.
“You can call me Lyric. No need for the ‘My Queen’ crap.”
“As you wish,” Tane says with a smirk. “So, what’s got your panties in a knot?”
I shake my head and chuckle. “It’s not important.”
“Our bonehead brother giving you shit?”
A deep growl rumbles from behind the twins, and both turn around and come face-to-face with Thane.
“Brother. We were just...”
“I know what you were doing. Now, leave!” He bellows, and the boys scurry away with their tails between their legs.
“What was that?” I snap while slamming my hands on my jeans-covered hips.
Thane’s nostrils flare, and I gasp when he charges toward me. He grabs my waist and lifts me onto the countertop. My eyes widen as he pushes my legs apart and stands between them. Sitting on this countertop puts us at eye level.
He looks into my eyes, holding my gaze. “You can’t be alone in this castle with unmated males, even if they are my brothers, Lyric.”
“Why? I’m not going to do anything with them, Thane.”
He growls low in his throat. One eye changes to black, and I swallow back my saliva. Jagger is present with Thane right now.
‘You cannot be alone with unmated males, even if they are family.’ Thane and Jagger speak as one, and my heart is pounding. I’m not scared, but it’s uncomfortable. ‘We cannot control the rage when it comes to you. We will never hurt you, but we will not hesitate to kill when it comes to you! You are ours!’
I bite the inside of my lower lip, trying not to laugh. This isn’t funny, but it is a little amusing. Not that I want Thane to be possessive of me, and I won’t have him telling me who to be around. But it makes a girl feel good when her mate is demanding, to a degree, at least. I also know you should never provoke a Lycan, much less the King.
“Thane, Jagger, I have to have friends. It’s unfair for you to expect me to always be alone when you’re not around.”
He growls again, but I press my fingertips to his lips.
“I promise, I won’t deliberately be alone with unmated males. Sometimes it may happen, like if I walk into a room and a male is there. But that can’t be helped, and I swear, I’ll walk away if it will make you feel better. It’s also unrealistic to think it will never happen. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
Jagger retreats, and Thane sighs.
“I get it, Lyric. It’s hard because I don’t want anyone taking you from me.”
I giggle and wrap my arms around his shoulders. “Idiot. No one could do that, Thane. I’m your mate, and there’s no one I’d rather be with.” He smiles, and it’s so beautiful it warms my heart. “Besides, you’re the hottest man I’ve ever seen.”
Without warning, I press my lips to Thane’s and moan as his tongue touches mine. I might not be ready for sex, but I love the way he kisses me, and it’s addictive. I’m beginning to understand why Harmony can’t stay away from Theo for ten seconds.
Thane and I haven’t mated or marked one another yet, and I hate being away from him. Goddess knows what I’ll be like when we complete the bond.
I pull out of the kiss and press my forehead to Thane’s. I can feel his erection pressing against my core, and it feels so good. But I’m not ready, and I don’t want to tease him because that would be cruel.
“I love kissing you.”
“Mm,” I chuckle because Thane seems lost in pleasure, and all we’ve done is kiss. “I’m sorry, baby, but I have to get to this meeting to decide what to do with the girls.”
I smile slightly. “How long will you be there?”
“Hopefully, not long. I’m sorry I keep leaving you alone, but I’ve had so much on the past few days. I promise I’ll be as quick as I can.”
“Can’t I come with you?” I’m going to be Queen once I’m crowned. As Queen of Lykos, I want to be involved.
Shouldn’t I be part of these things?
“I don’t know...”
“Aren’t I Queen? Isn’t that what you keep saying? How will anyone take me seriously if I don’t get involved with these things?”
Thane smiles while stroking the back of his hand down my cheek.
“You’re right. You should be there.” I screech in excitement. Thane holds up his hand to silence me. “But if you come with me, you must leave things to me. Having you by my side is all people need to see you as my equal.”
Me?
Keep my mouth shut?
Now, that might be difficult, especially when it comes to injustice. However, I have to try because Thane is King, and Esme is his sister, so it’s up to him to put this right.
“Okay, I’ll leave it to you. Thank you for letting me be there with you.”
A scream startles me. Not just any scream, one of sheer terror.
What the f.uck was that?”
“Starr!”