Chapter 0005

～Grace～

The Lycan King towered over me, golden eyes piercing through me. I instinctively shrank as the realization of what I had done set in. I had insulted the most feared and unforgiving creature anyone had ever heard of.

Even despite my show of respect, that didn’t erase my offensive act, and the Lycan King wasn’t known to be a forgiving man.

I bowed my head low, fear spreading through me, making my fingertips cold.

“Come,” I heard his voice command, and I stood upright. Despite being shot with nerves, I immediately followed him.

Everywhere we went, guards and pack members parted and bowed respectfully towards us. I couldn’t help but feel amazed–and unsettled at the same time. This was a different kind of respect than the Nightshade pack gives the Alpha King. It was an obedient respect, one formed out of fear.

I stuck close behind the Lycan King, afraid I might insult him if I stayed too far back, despite every instinct in my body screaming at me to get as far away from him as I could.

He led me into a beautiful throne room, lights filtering in through stained glass windows, casting dark red patterns on the floor. The Lycan King walked down the entire length of the dark crimson carpet to the throne, and sat on it.

Rows and rows of chairs sat empty. I assumed that this was where summonings or celebrations took place, but as I took a closer look at the seats, I noticed a thick layer of dust and cobwebs.

I followed him, but stayed at the bottom of the steps, watching him. He looked so relaxed, so… nonchalant. Did he just bring me in here to kill me dramatically?

The Lycan King rested his chin against his fist, looking down on me with the powerful aura none other than a ruthless king could have.

“You don’t belong here,” he started, and his voice echoed around the massive room.

Immediately, I bowed, pulling together my years of political training. “Your highness, I come before your great presence-”

“Alex,” the Lycan King interrupted. I stopped, confused.

“You will address me as Alex from now on,” he continued.

I stayed silent for a moment. Why would he want to be so informal?

Whatever, it didn’t matter. After all, I was here to talk business, not psychoanalyze the Lycan King.

“Alex…” I begin again, the name awkward on my tongue. “I wish to propose a collaboration between you and I. Alpha King Liam, my husband–he betrayed me and cheated on me.”

Alex said nothing. Not even a drop of sympathy, of course. But, perhaps this wasn’t interesting enough to him.

“I have information about his financial discrepancies, as well. I come to you to humbly ask your assistance in exposing the Alpha King for an infidelity and financial scandal. It needs to get out to the media, so I can secure my divorce,” I continued.

I take a deep, nervous breath. Of course, the Lycan King would expect something in return. I didn’t have anything of value to my name at the moment, but I was willing to risk it all.

“If you help me, I’ll give you anything,” I tell him, my voice filled with conviction.

A deep chuckle rumbled through the room. Alex finally spoke. “Bold words. However, I lack nothing. What could you possibly give me that I’d want?”

I watched him with desperate, fear-filled eyes as he stood, sauntering down the steps to come face to face with me. I stood my ground, and he closed the distance between us, our chests brushing together. The overwhelming scent of cinnamon and cedarwood filled my nose.

I couldn’t help the blush that rushed to my face. My nipples hardened shamelessly. I felt vulnerable being this close to a ruthless beast, but if I wanted to have even a chance of getting his help, I had to stick it out.

I thought quickly, my mind running through the things I could offer, but I came up with nothing. I sighed, my hope fading quickly.

“Just as I thought,” Alex said, and I felt his presence leave as he stepped away.

In a panic, I reached out to stop him, grabbing his arm. He froze in place, and shock settled in at what I had just done. I quickly pulled my arm back.

I spilled the words out, “Forgive me-”

“You amuse me,” Alex cut me off. I looked up into his face, and a playful smile danced across his lips. “It’s rare to find a woman so persistent.”

I pursed my lips together, biting back an insult. If I could solve my divorce on my own, I wouldn’t need to bow down to this arrogant man, but I had to play his game.

Quick footsteps pattered into the room, and I felt a push from behind as a small body hugged my legs. Steadying myself, I looked down. It was the little boy I had saved a couple of days ago, Alex’s nephew.

“Please let her stay, uncle Alex, please! I heard you being mean to her, say you’re sorry right now!” The little boy pouted.

I looked at the boy in surprise, then up at Alex, who seemed perturbed.

~Third Person~

Ever since the incident that Leo lost his parents 5 years ago, Leo refused to let any women come near him. He had become a real headache, constantly running away from everyone, including Alexander, despite all the effort he put into earning his nephew’s trust.

He tried giving him treats, playing his favorite games with him, and found him nannies to take care of him, but every time he’d run away, crying. He ran so far that he almost got himself killed by rogues.

Alex let out a frustrated huff. Leo wouldn't allow any women to come within ten feet of him, but now he's begging Grace to stay? He couldn’t understand this child’s brain.

Looking Grace up and down, he paused. Maybe he found suitable compensation after all.

“She can stay if she likes, Leo, but that’s not up to me,” he said, and Grace stared at him in surprise. How uncharacteristic of the Lycan King to give someone a choice. There must be some kind of angle he’s playing here.

Leo looked up at her.

“I-” Grace began, not sure what to say. Stay here? For how long? And why does he want her to stay so badly?

Before she could pull any thoughts together, Alex suddenly reached his big hand out and grabbed her waist, pulling her close to him. She leaned away, but he brought his lips right against her ear. Her heart pounded, face hot.

She could hear the smugness in Alex’s voice as he said, “Since you said you’d give me anything… Can I have you?”