Lycan King's Nemesis

Ash??

"There is no other way, my elders," My authoritative voice rang in the room as I addressed my elders. "We shall take war to the humans." I declared with an air of finality.

We were in a meeting, a normal routine every Friday to talk about the general welfare of the pack.

The only difference today is that we have matters of urgent attention. One is the attack and the other being the games.

"I think we should think this one through, my King," Ebenezer, the oldest of the elders advised. "I know this might be the only way, considering their condition, yet, like your father will always say, tough times don't always require tough

measures."

I snorted derisively, waving away the comment from Ebenezer. "That is my father and this is me. I am the King now and unless you are still loyal to my father, this is what we are going to do." The elder lifted his hands up to demonstrate his submission. "For long I have been ignoring the caprices of the humans as they keep trying to step on the foot of our people," my eyes skidded about, "but not anymore." "But your mo_"

"My mother has nothing to do with this. And will never have." I added the last part as a warning. Everywhere went quiet, the elders merely exchanging glances. They knew I can be strong-headed, which is why they dare not try to challenge my decision.

We talked about the games and also deliberated on other things that concerned our pack before I released them to go about their day, except my Beta that stayed behind.

"Don't you think we should sleep through this decision?" Williams asked me, standing up from his chair to make his way to the mini-bar where he grabbed a bottle of Maltec and two glasses, coming to drop them in front of me. He uncorked the bottle and deposited the red content in the two glasses, handing the first one to me.

"You can't change my mind, Williams."

"Like I haven't succeeded in doing these days." He sipped from his glass. "Perhaps there is something I might have done wrong that you are keeping from me and it will do well if you will enlighten me because the Ashton I know listens to my guidance."

For some reason, I had to grin at his silly comment. It wasn't a lost knowledge that Williams sulked like a pup when things don't go his way. However, as we grew older I thought he has outgrown it. It seemed I was wrong. "We are no longer pups," I reminded him, picked my glass and swirled the content.

"Still, that doesn't mean you will not listen to me. Then, what is my use as your Beta?"

"Exactly, Will. As my Beta you should know that for the good of this pack, the entire Lycan Kingdom, we have to teach the humans a powerful lesson. If not for anything, to preserve our decaying reputation. If they fear us, they won't dare show their stupid faces anywhere near our borders."

William seem to weigh my opinion heavily. Then when he opened his mouth, it was to say, "I never for once thought you will be egotistic to this point, Ash. Nonetheless," he dropped his glass, rose and wiped his hands on his denim jean trouser, his eyes not wavering from me. "We have to still think this one through. If the Quee-ex-Queen finds out we are planning a war, I can't imagine what will be the outcome."

I scoffed and downed the remaining of my drink. He was right. My mother will be mad if she found out about my plans which is the reason it must be kept a secret from her.

This is my reign, theirs were over and now things must go my way. To prove a point, she made me marry Gwen hoping to indirectly keep me in shackles. Well, the laugh is on her. The poor girl is paying the price for her rash decision. Yesterday's make-out session flashed in my mind and my cock swelled. With the reminder, came the realization that my mate was sneaking around with that rogue called Tyler. He is lucky that I am in the middle of a dilemma. If not, I will make sure I make her watch me take off every one of his fingers before I finally shred him apart for daring to touch what is mine.

The effrontery of them to sneak around in the night and then she lied to me. I shook my head and focused on what Willins was saying presently.

"I have to go now, Ash, to the training ground." He said. "Are you coming?"

"No, help me guide the boys. I have a few things I need to handle." I stood and we left the conference room, my next destination being the study.

As Williams headed outside the palace and I veered in the direction of my study, I almost collided with Gwen. She seemed in a haste. "Ashton," she said, out of breath. "Is the meeting over?"

I eyed her. "So, let's say you are actually invited to the meeting, this is the time you will come for it?"

"I wasn't informed about it, Ashton. Kora just notified me as I was preparing to leave for the arena and I had to cancel that to come."

I shook my head, tucked in my lips and bypassed her, continuing my walk.

"Ashton, is the meeting over?" She asked again.

"It is over, woman, let me be."

"You should have told me this morning."

"And I told you to stay away from matters that concern my pack." She didn't reply.

We reached the door of my study and I halted, twisting to face her. "Go away, I need private time."

Her brow arched to the top of her head. "Do you even listen to the words that come out of your mouth, Ashton? I am your Queen for moon's sake. I should be in the meetings with you." "And I said I need my privacy."

"Fine!" She shouted in my face. "You are so insufferable."

"And you too."

Our eyes latched in a tight-fist combat which was broken by steady footfalls that ambled in our direction. We both turned at the same time to see Merit approaching. Gwen hissed, her right hands going to her forehead to touch tentatively as if to quell a migraine.

Merit stopped in front of me. "Are you in any form of discomfort, my King?"

"It may appear I will be needing my privacy for a few hours, Merit, I believe you can handle it." I said through my teeth, making sure my eyes were pinned on my mate to relay the message.

"You two are just so stupid!" Gwen hissed and shot Merit a condescending look before she stomped away.

At the end of the hall, she veered around and shrilled, "You better stay away from my room tonight for your own good, cockface. Or better still, sleep in her damn room!" She disappeared down the hall out of our sight.

How come she is becoming so mouthy? I shared a look with Merit and as she opened her mouth to say something I raised a finger to stop her. "Just stand outside the door. Don't come in."

...