The Lycan King's Fate Calling (Shawn Gibson and Sylvia)

Rufus' POV:

I paused, a little surprised by what I was seeing.

As far as I knew, I didn't have a mole like that. Had I simply never noticed? I thought about it long and hard, but I couldn't get a definite answer.

I seldom had to look at my back, I didn't have any reason to. But I was pretty sure I didn't bear this mole whatsoever.

I scowled. If it weren't for the burning sensation that came along with it, I wouldn't have cared for a second that a mole had magically appeared on my skin.

But just as suddenly as it had come, the burning pain vanished. If I didn't know any better, I would have thought that I was just imagining things.

I peered at the mole for a while more, but since I couldn't come up with any explanation, I dismissed it and put my shirt back on.

Then, as I was doing the second button of my shirt, I heard a commotion from outside.

I was in no mood to see anyone at the moment. My men were stationed outside, anyway, so I ignored the noise and continued to dress myself. Just then, however, Arron's sweet, childish voice flitted through the door.

I paused. Was it yet another illusion? I waited for a couple more seconds, only to hear Arron call out to his mommy.

I quickly donned my coat, straightened my sleeves, and strode out.

I opened the door to find Arron surrounded by the guards, who were coaxing him patiently. "Little boy,"

one of them said in a gentle voice, "I'm really sorry, but you cannot go in unless the king grants his permission."

Arron looked up, his wide eyes brimming with tears. "But Mommy is inside. I want to see her."

It was then that he spotted me. He raised his stubby little arms and reached for me, sobbing now. "Sir, where is my mommy? Is she inside?"

The guards moved, and I crouched in front of the boy. I gathered him in my arms and wiped his tears. "Yes, your mommy is inside. She is safe, just like I promised."

Arron scrunched up his face in confusion. "Then why am I not allowed to see her? You're lying to me, aren't you? Mommy isn't back. You're just saying that to make me quiet."

The little guy was rambling now, his

words coming out of him in rapid succession until he choked and stumbled with his sentences. Amused, I stroked his back and picked him up. As I turned toward the door, it didn't escape me how the guards gaped and gasped.

Crystal was in a crucial state, and she was still hanging in limbo. I didn't want anyone to come and disturb her before she fully

recovered, but I didn't have the heart

to deny Arron.

I always felt that the boy was much smarter and more sensible than most children. Seeing him heartbroken just broke something in me.

I patted his head, my voice soft as I

said, "It's not what you think. I did save your mommy. But she is still

sleeping right now. I will take you t

inside, but you have to promise me be quiet, okay? And don't cry, or you will wake her up. You can cry all you want later, and I will hold you while you do, is that okay?"

"Yes, I understand." Arron bobbed his head in earnest. He wiped his tears with the back of his hand and squared his shoulders. "Please let me see

Mommy. I'll just take a peek and leave after I make sure that she is all right. I won't wake her up."

"Good boy," I smiled and tapped his nose. Then I pushed the door open and carried him inside.