Queen of the Lycan

by Karina Espinosa

  I knew I looked wide eyed and bewildered as I stared at Lucian and then back at the journal.

  This was my mother’s. It was Adaline’s. These are her thoughts. Everything I ever wanted to know is probably in this journal. The thought made me nervous. What if I didn’t like her? What if I did? That would almost be worse because it would mean I missed out on something great. And from the bit Lucian and Alexander said about her, she was pretty amazing.

  “Thank you,” I muttered, avoiding eye contact with Lucian. I put the lid back on the box again and held it close to my body. I wasn’t going to read its contents now, in front of everyone. This was something I needed to do in private.

  “Of course, Pet. Let me know what she says, if you’re comfortable sharing. I’m curious, myself.” He smiled softly and gave a low bow before excusing himself.

  “You okay?” Bash whispered.

  I nodded. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

  “You want me to hold on to it?” Bash reached for it, but I shook my head and tightened my grip.

  “No. I’ll hold on to it.” I didn’t want it to get mixed in with the mountain of other gifts and get lost.

  I started to get up to grab some water when the crowd parted like the Red Sea and the room quieted, save for the escalating murmurs that could be heard as a small group of fae approached the throne. While we were technically at peace with the fae since the Freedom War, they still weren’t very popular among the Lycan and were still looked upon with unease and suspicion.

  “Angus.” I greeted the fae who stood front and center in the group. With long, silky white hair and lavender eyes, one didn’t need to see his pointy ears to mark him as fae. He was dressed up for the occasion in the traditional fae style, which meant a lot of loose linen and flowers.

  “Queen Mackenzie MacCoinnich,” he declared as he and his companions gave a deep, respectful bow. “It is a pleasure to see you again in your new position.”

  “Thank you. I didn’t know you were invited,” I replied honestly.

  His smile looked awkward and forced. “Until we find a new leader for our people, I am the current representative. And since you and I have a sort of … history, I thought it would only be logical if I came in person to congratulate you.”

  “Right …” I looked around the ballroom, noticing everyone’s attention riveted on our exchange. “In that case, welcome to Sheunta Village. I hope you enjoy your evening here.” I made sure to word my greeting carefully.

  Angus bowed again. “We will, Your Majesty. Please accept this gift on behalf of the fae.” As he stepped aside, one of his companions moved forward to present a dark mahogany box carved with swirls all around its perimeter.

  When the lid was lifted, I saw a bounty of jewels glistening within—rubies, diamonds, emeralds, along with gold and silver pieces that looked like they would be more at home in a treasure chest. Not bothering to disguise my awe, my mouth hung open in a very unladylike manner.

  “Angus … I can’t accept that.” I involuntarily leaned forward to look at all the sparkling gems and metals.

  “It would be an insult if you didn’t, Your Majesty,” he said as his companion closed the lid, the sharp snap a loud thud in the quiet of the ballroom.

  Without waiting for my response, the fae holding the box handed it to one of my guards. With that movement, the exchange was complete. I couldn’t reject it if I wanted to now—decorum wouldn’t allow it.

  “I hope to see you soon, Queen Mackenzie MacCoinnich.” Angus winked. Without waiting for my response, he walked away with his companions.

  I was left sitting there wondering what the hell his gift and words meant. I knew it had something to do with the little blood donation I made in exchange for a couple favors back home, but I didn’t know the specifics. All I knew was that they found fae magic in my blood. Okay, now what? What did it mean? Was Angus planning to keep me in suspense for the rest of my damned life? Damnit, I hated the fae. Nothing was ever straightforward with them.

  I slouched on my throne in a very un-Queen-like fashion and grumbled about how unfair life could be. Soon after the spectacle of our fae visitors diminished, others began to approach the throne to offer their well wishes. I held on to that box for dear life. Once the night finally started to wind down, Alexander made his first appearance of the evening. I hadn’t seen him in hours, and I’d been a nervous wreck the whole time. I felt like I’d stolen his crown from him.

  “Darling,” he offered with a slight bow. “How are ye feeling?”

  I blew out a breath in the most unrefined manner. “Overwhelmed is a good place to start.”

  Alexander smiled. “That’s normal. Ye did well today.”

  “Thanks,” I mumbled. “Do I have to wear this crown every day?” I groused as I scratched my scalp around the edges of the crown.

  Alexander laughed. “No, dear. Ye didn’t see me wearing it every day. Only for special occasions.”

  I gave a contented sigh. “Good.” I bit my lip and decided to plunge ahead and ask the question I’d been dying to ask. “Hey, so … about the coronation … what was that thing with the ribbon?”

  He grinned and his gray eyes sparkled. “Ah, the transfer of power. I should have warned ye about it, but I did nae think ye would go through with it if I told ye what it was.”

  I gulped. “What did I take?” I whispered.

  “Yer an Alpha now, Mackenzie. A true Alpha. Ye’ve always been one, against all odds, but now ye have the power of all the Lycan Kings of old. Yer one of a kind.”

  He smiled at me like a proud father and not like someone who stole his Alpha powers. I was so confused! Seeing my perplexed expression, he laughed.

  “Don fret, darling, I’m nae useless. I’m still strong on my own. I always have been. It must be in our blood.” When he smirked, I rolled my eyes. I didn’t understand how he could be so nonchalant about this. “What do ye have there?” He smoothly changed the subject and motioned to the box in my lap.

  I tightened my grip. “A gift from Lucian.”

  “Oh, really?” Alexander’s smile brightened. “And what did he bring ye?”

  I bit my lip again, uncomfortable and strangely reticent to tell him. “It’s nothing …”

  His brows furrowed for a split second before a light bulb went off in his head. “Oh.” He cleared his throat and smiled again, but this time I could tell it was forced. “I bet it was nice seeing the Council take a knee, those old bastards,” he grumbled low enough so he couldn’t be heard outside of me and Bash.

  I chuckled. It was nice seeing the King’s Council pledge their loyalty to me, but it was even more satisfying to see Charles Cadwell do it. The whole time it looked like he had a sour lemon in his mouth. It took a lot for me not to laugh outright at the spectacle.

  I glanced away from Alexander to scan the ballroom for Charles, but couldn’t find him. I knew he was here somewhere—already plotting my demise, most likely. Both the American and European Summits were in attendance, so he had plenty of takers to join him in his conspiracy.

  “Charles was even better,” I whispered. Bash snorted beside me, covering his mouth and coughing to disguise the sound.

  Alexander couldn’t control his roar of laughter and threw his head back in delight. “Ye’ll do just fine, darling.”

  I could tell he truly believed it, and in that moment, something unfurled in my chest and I knew I needed to start believing it, too. I had a good support system. With them behind me, I could do this.

  “Where’s Helena?” I asked Alexander as I searched the large room for my granny.

  “She’s mingling,” he replied breezily. “I’m sure she’ll stop by soon.” As soon as the words left his mouth, I spotted her standing with a group of older lunas. I smiled at the sight. She looked happy.

  “Your Majesty.” As Alexander stepped aside for the newcomer, I saw a dark-haired man. He took a knee and put his fisted hand over his heart.

  “Rise,” I said, not recognizing him. He
didn’t have a Scottish accent, which meant he wasn’t local.

  He stood and approached my throne, standing beside Alexander, who I noticed bristled and tensed at the sight of him.

  “My name is Lucas. I’m the leader of the European Summit.” He offered me a hand.

  I placed my hand in his and he kissed the back of it. Lucas is young; I would place him around Bash’s age, which meant he was in his thirties. He had black hair as dark as night, but his eyes were like bright emeralds glittering against his olive skin. He was long and lean where Bash was bulky and muscular, but he looked strong, especially from the firm grip he maintained on my hand. Since he was part of the Summit, it meant he’s a Lycan. An Alpha, no less. I couldn’t pinpoint his accent, though. It wasn’t British, that was for sure.

  “A pleasure, I’m sure.” I snatched my hand back. “And where might you be from, Lucas?”

  “Italia.” He smirked proudly as if he thought I would be impressed. Did all Europeans think Americans found Europe to be super fascinating and exotic? I wanted to roll my eyes but Alexander’s stern look stopped me.

  So Lucas was from Italy. But that wasn’t the most interesting part in his little greeting. What I found interesting was that there were wolves in Italy. Now that little tidbit was mind-blowing.

  “The European Summit looks forward to working side by side with Your Majesty,” Lucas declared. “We’re all very impressed by you and your capabilities. I mean, I’ll never forget your fight with the Wendigo.” He chuckled at the memory.

  I gave a tight smile. Contrary to popular belief, that wasn’t exactly a fond memory of mine. I mean, I nearly died. “Right,” I murmured carefully and observed Lucas.

  “If you remember her trial, then you know how ruthless she can be,” Bash growled.

  Instead of overreacting like I usually did, I decided to analyze my enemy – because that was what he was. I already knew what the Summits and Council were planning. Alexander told me months ago, and we were as prepared as we could be. I knew they wanted Alexander out and me on the throne because they thought they could easily get rid of me and finally eliminate the MacCoinnich line from the throne. I had no clue who they planned to supplant us with, but it didn’t matter because it wasn’t going to happen. Not only did they have me to deal with, but Fenrir was after the crown as well.

  Funny how everything boiled down to a fight for the throne. A regular battle royale. Everyone wanted to come out on top and they thought the MacCoinnichs would just lay down and take it. Little did they know what we had in store for them. I might not have known politics, but I was a scrappy little thing who wouldn’t go down without a fight.

  I fought dirty and would take them all down with me when I went.

  Lucas seemed like the conniving type. With the way he looked at me, I could tell he was grossly overconfident. Seeing me in action during that Wendigo fight didn’t sway him in the slightest. Whatever he had up his sleeve, he was one-hundred percent sure it would work. I could see it in his sparkling viridian eyes that held more than a note of mischief. All I could do now was let it play out … and put as many kinks in their plans as we went. Day one of my reign would be interesting … they just didn’t know it yet.

  “Could I possibly trouble you with a request, Your Majesty?” Lucas simpered, placing a perfectly manicured hand to his chest.

  I raised a brow, unimpressed. “Oh?”

  Lucas smiled innocently. “The Summit would like to meet with you while we’re here in preparation for your mating ceremony. We’d like to discuss the future of the Lycan.”

  I tilted my head and narrowed my eyes. “I’m sure you do,” I muttered, though I was sure he heard my meaning loud and clear. “Contact Ranulf and set up a meeting.”

  “Wonderful!” Lucas clapped his hands together. “Once again, I look forward to working with you, Your Majesty.”

  “Likewise,” I replied slyly, to which he jerked back a little in surprise, making Bash chuckle.

  Suddenly, there was a commotion outside the ballroom doors that was loud enough to attract our attention. Lucas and I tore our attention away from our staring contest and glanced at the top of the grand staircase to the closed doors. Seconds later, they burst open with enough force to knock dents in the walls, followed by the bodies of two guards being tossed down the stairs.

  “Protect the Queen!” Ranulf yelled from somewhere in the crowd. I tensed in my seat for a moment before bolting to my feet and trying to get a better view. Bash stood beside me and gripped my hand.

  Gasps echoed throughout the ballroom and guards who were scattered throughout the mass of people rushed to surround me and meet the incoming threat.

  Unfortunately, I didn’t need a better view. I could easily see what was happening from my throne. Fenrir stood at the top of the stairs with a couple Valkyries poised behind him. He looked smashing in a tuxedo, dressed to impress for the occasion. The Valkyries were wearing their battle armor, which was a sight to behold. Each warrior wore glinting breastplates, gilded skirts, and brilliant boots that reached to their knees.

  A surprised hush fell over the ballroom and the musicians stopped with a screech of violin strings as everyone stared, transfixed at the spectacle unfolding before them.

  The first thing that flitted through my head was, The nerve of this asshole to show up the day of my coronation! Quickly followed by, How did he even get into the castle?

  “I’m assuming my invitation got lost in the mail, little wolf!” Fenrir yelled from the top of the stairs, his sonorous voice booming through the room. To my knowledge, this was the first time he had shown himself in front of anyone else besides Bash.

  Fenrir strolled down the steps without a care in the world. Royal guards approached, their swords raised and ready to attack, but they were no match for the winged women or the first wolf. Not even close.

  “Stop!” I shouted, and the guards halted without hesitation. “Everyone stand down!”

  Fenrir grinned. “Good call, little wolf.”

  I started to move away from the throne, but Alexander gripped my arm to stop me. “Mackenzie, no!” His gray eyes flashed silver and he turned to Fenrir in anger. I placed my hand over Alexander’s and lifted his hand from mine.

  “Let me handle this,” I whispered. Reluctantly, Alexander nodded his head stiffly. I pushed past Lucas and the guards who had swarmed to our side, pausing for a moment to look over my shoulder at Bash, who was just inches behind me, following me. His blue eyes glowed with his wolf and his jaw ticked in anger. I looked to Liam and the other guards standing off to the side and yelled, “Restrain him!” as I pointed to Bash. The growl that erupted from him made the room shake, but I ignored it as I turned my back on Bash. It hurt to do it, but I couldn’t let Fenrir hurt my mate or use him to get to me. Without looking, I heard the commotion of guards trying to restrain Bash.

  He may not have understood it, but this was something I had to do for myself. For my people.

  I turned my attention back toward Fenrir, who now stood in the middle of the ballroom floor in a wide-legged stance. The crowd inched away from him and darted terrified glances at the warrior women standing sentinel beside him. I approached him slowly, stopping about ten feet away. I felt the royal guards hovering just behind me.

  I stared him down. “What do you want, Fenrir?”

  He clasped his hands in front of him and shrugged nonchalantly. “Easy. I want my people. They worship a false messiah.”

  I snorted derisively. “And let me guess – you’re the true one?”

  He gave a jaunty smirk. “Well … I am a god.”

  I heard a chorus of startled gasps and a low buzz of chatter from the mass of people in the room.

  Lucas suddenly charged forward from the crowd. “What’s going on? What is he talking about?”

  This time, I did roll my eyes. I ignored Lucas and the curious gazes of both the American and European Summits. They didn’t have a clue what we’d been dealing with, and frankly I knew they
didn’t care.

  “We don’t worship anyone,” I corrected. “Especially not you.”

  Fenrir chuckled and started to circle me. “I’ve done my homework on you, little wolf, and I must disagree. The lunas worship you. That is no secret.”

  “So what? You’re jealous? Boo-hoo, dude. Go cry to your daddy.” I said as I looked over my shoulder at the circling wolf.

  Fenrir growled but didn’t attack; he just kept walking in a steady circle around me. “I don’t get jealous.”

  I snorted. “Sure sounds like you are. It also sounds like you want to rule over a people who have no idea who you are. Never have. It doesn’t work that way, Fenrir. You might be Lycan, but you’re not one of us.”

  He stopped before me and glared. The teasing glint in his eyes from earlier completely disappeared.

  “Let me just end her, Fen,” Raven pleaded from behind him.

  I didn’t even recognize her in all that armor. This time, I growled. I had my own score to settle with her. That bitch almost killed me in the forest.

  My intentions must have been written all over my face because Fenrir smiled and shook his head. “No, Raven. The little wolf is mine.” He stepped back and gave me space.

  I supposed he wanted to fight.

  There was no way I could win a fight against Fenrir – I knew that. But I also couldn’t shy away from this challenge in front of the Lycan on the day of my freakin’ coronation. If I was truly their Queen, I had to prove to them why.

  I carefully removed the crown from my head and held it out for someone to take, not paying attention to who it was. I kicked off my heels, leaned down and picked up the hem of my dress, and ripped a slit up to my thigh for better maneuverability. I stood up straight and released my claws and canines, going into a half shift and letting out a loud growl that rumbled the foundations of the castle.