Chapter 2 The king's curse

In a boxing ring, two males circled each other, each looking for an opening to strike first. One was the Lycan King Julian, while the other was his Beta, Asher.

While both males were tall and muscular, Julian was faster on his feet and his punches, when he dealt them, seemed to have the power of the wind behind them. Sometimes, Asher didn’t see them coming until it was too late. On the other hand, the king always saw any hits coming his way and deflected or avoided them easily. The day anyone beat the Lycan King was yet to be seen. He was simply too good, too powerful. His instincts were just as good in his human form as they were in his wolf form, and that made him invincible.

So, when Asher’s fist met the king’s jaw, he was struck speechless for a moment. Julian shook his head as if coming out of a deep dream. His eyes flashed with something dark, and any sense of accomplishment Asher felt vanished. Had he angered the king?

Stepping forward, he lowered his arms to his side. “I’m sorry, I didn’t–”

“I want to be alone,” Julian said, turning away from him. “You can leave.”

Asher gave a sharp nod and exited the ring and then the room. Julian moved to the ropes around the ring and rested his heavy forearms on them. He ran a hand over his face and heaved a sigh of frustration.

He had been distracted, and that’s why Asher had been able to land a punch. Lately, it was hard to not keep thinking about his predicament, especially since he was running out of time.

Leaving the ring, he went into the bathroom. He stood in front of the mirror and examined his muscular torso. He was everything an Alpha male should be. Strong, powerful, fast. Everywhere he went, he commanded respect and obedience. And yet, despite all that, a strange curse loomed over him, threatening everything.

If he did not find a mate before his thirtieth birthday, his power would diminish and he could even die. Given that he was twenty nine and his thirtieth birthday got closer each day, it became more imperative than ever to find his mate.

He had been looking for her for a long time, combing through packs in the kingdom with no success. Lately, his mind had been preoccupied with the curse and his futile search. He had not found her in so long. Would he be able to find her in the remaining short time?

The door to the bathroom opened and a female Omega slave stepped into the bathroom. She walked daintily, with her hands clasped in front of her body. But, despite her innocent approach, he could feel her eyes roving up and down his body like a laser.

“Your Majesty, I’ll help you undress,” she said, stepping up to him.

He looked at her, and there was no mistaking the desire in her eyes. She did not come to help him undress. She was hoping he would press her to the counter, raise her dress out of the way, and take her right then and there.

“You work out so hard,” she said, lifting her hand to his chest. “I’ll prepare you a herbal bath if you wish. It’s good for the muscles and–”

Julian snapped her hand before she could touch his pecs. “Leave,” he ordered coldly.

Her eyes fell and she took a step back. “Yes. I apologise, Your Majesty.”

Then she turned and fled like a mouse from a house fire. Julian’s mouth twisted in disdain as he watched her leave. Weak, pitiful, absolutely worthless. It sickened him when such Omegas tried to curry favour with him, as if he should enjoy their company. As if they thought there was a chance he would let them stay by his side.

Dropping his shorts, he stepped into the shower. Indulging in sexual desires would not help him at all. He needed to find his mate.

Later, he joined his parents for dinner in the dining hall.

“There you are,” his mother said as he took a seat and a servant rushed to fill his wine glass. “Your father and I were just discussing your inspection tomorrow. You have never been to that pack before, right?”

Julian nodded, taking a sip of his wine. He knew where the conversation was headed. While he inspected packs to keep the Alphas in line, he had another objective–finding his mate. So far, he had been to almost every pack in the kingdom. If he could not find his mate in the few remaining ones…

“We hope you’ll finally meet your mate tomorrow,” his mother continued. “We have been waiting for so long.”

Julian sure hoped so too. He was sick of this never ending search, and he did not want to live another day with the uncertainty of his future looming over him like a guillotine.

The next day, Julian arrived at the Red Moon pack and was welcomed by Alpha Devon. Like every other Alpha, Devon had prepared a huge ceremony to welcome him.

The Alphas were always tripping over themselves to please Julian, wanting to be on his good side. The more they grovelled, the more irritated he felt.

“Where’s your mate?” Julian asked Devon, realising that the Alpha’s mate had not accompanied him. It was protocol for the Alpha and Luna of the pack to welcome the king on his visit.

A flighty expression passed over Devon’s face.

Julian lifted an eyebrow at the Alpha’s hesitation. “You have one, right?”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Devon replied, lowering his head. “But I’m afraid she could not make it. Please excuse us.”

“Why could she not make it?” Julian inquired.

After another moment of hesitance, Devon said, “I did not notice she was missing until you were just about to arrive. I could not go looking for her then, so I received you alone.”

Asher scowled. “How dare she disappear before the king’s visit? Are you trying to insult His Majesty?”

“I would not dare,” Devon claimed. “Something urgent must have happened. She would not refuse to show up on purpose.”

At that moment, Devon’s Beta hurried up to them. “Alpha, we found the Luna!”