His Dark Obsession

chapter 25

Now is my chance. Although I don’t know how this shit will work, it is the only plan I have, and something tells me behind my scared Little Mouse’s exterior is someone way more fucking capable. Even if she did the bare minimum, I’d make sure to fucking do everything, so I won. I’d guide her. I am certain we have a chance. That title should be mine.

“I’ve also decided to marry and take a luna,” I remark, the words sounding fucking weird on my tongue. All eyes turn on me, including my Little Mouse’s.

Shock and surprise are on their faces, but it is Danciana who first breaks the silence, laughing mockingly. “Oh, don’t tell me you mean her?”

My eyes flash, and I raise an eyebrow, ignoring Evangeline’s gasp. “And if it is?”

“An omega can never be Queen, let alone a wolf-less one,” she replies scornfully. A menacing growl rips across the room, my aura raging.

“Don’t get mad on my behalf,” her soft voice comes as she places her hand on my arm. I feel the sparks that confuse me and look down at her.

I can see the fear in her eyes again, the confusion and panic, and I realise I should have told her my plan before bringing her down here.

I lean closer. “I’ll explain later. For now, focus,” I murmur into her ear so quietly I wasn’t even fucking sure she’d hear me.

“Mother, I’m sure if Zedkiel is saying it, she must be worthy,” Maryka remarks as Alcazer scoffs.

“You’re a puzzle,” Alcazer spits at me.

One even I fucking don’t get myself.

“This is serious,” Jeremiah murmurs.

“Guess we should all take brides then, soon,” Draven adds.

“Do you think you're worthy of a prince?” Danciana asks, raising an eyebrow as she looks at Evangeline with a fake smirk, sipping her drink.

I was about to speak when Evangeline took a breath and shook her head, gazing at Danciana’s hands. “I don’t personally think so, Your Majesty, b-”

“Exactly!” Danciana scoffs, placing her glass down with a loud thud, making the liquid splash out of it as she looks at Dad, who looks conflicted.

“But…” Evangeline continues, making me look at her sharply.

“But?” Danciana raises an eyebrow at Evangeline, who is once again being watched by all. I don’t know what she is about to say, but I am as curious as the rest.

She now looks up, looking Danciana square in the eye, something Alistair had told her not to do. Is she being defiant? Does my Little Mouse even have it in her?“But, Z-Zedkiel is not a fool, and I trust his judgement,” she says, shocking everyone, and fuck did my name sound good on her lips.

I want her.

She takes a small sip from her glass before smiling at Danciana. I don’t miss the way her hand shakes a little. She is nervous and scared but still holds her ground. Impressive. But she isn’t done, and what she says next doesn’t only shock us all, but it renders us fucking speechless.

“With all due respect… I just want to point something out. All seven princes entered the Chamber of Truth, yet not one was shown the crown. However, before that, it was Zedkiel who was slated to become King. The one who everyone held the most hope for and was thought as the most likely contestant to attain that title. So why wouldn’t I trust his opinion, Your Majesty, when surely, he still holds the most potential?”

I lick my lips, unable to keep the smirk off my face. She has a fucking point, although I don’t think she realises I am no longer the person I was eight years ago. But I can’t deny she looks smoking hot standing her ground. Although I don’t know if I should be offended or impressed that she fears me more than an entire table full of Lycans.

Her eyes hold Danciana’s, and I can’t help but remember the words of the Shadow Wolf. A sliver of unease fits through me. No mere omega could just hold an alpha’s daughter’s gaze like that, one who was mated to a Lycan at that.

Draven lets out a low whistle as Chasyn and Maryka exchange glances.

Danciana lets out a fake laugh, but she is obviously trying to gather herself. Not expecting my Little Mouse to speak up like that. I glance at Dad, who is watching Evangeline with a faint smile and a look of interest in his eyes.

His gaze shifts to meet mine, and he nods slowly. Perhaps this might not be that bad of an idea. She actually stood up to you for the Welhaven boy when no one else had the courage to. Perhaps it was her innocence, and she didn’t know what you were capable of, or she has potential that we do not know of… But she is wolf-less, Zedkiel, perhaps that’s why she didn’t feel the power of your Lycan’s wrath.She doesn’t need a wolf to stand by my side,He seems to be musing over what I said until Danciana speaks, drawing our attention back to the table.

“Then shall we test your knowledge? I mean, my sons deserve no less than an alpha-blooded female. Why should one settle for an omega orphan? Let’s see if you even have the basic knowledge a luna should have?”

My sons? I’m not her fucking son, and she never treated me as one, either. I look at Evangeline, her lush breasts rise and fall, but she still nods to Danciana’s question. My gaze dips to her hands that she has clenched on her lap. They are trembling slightly.

She may be acting confidently, but my Little Mouse is still nervous and probably terrified. “Danciana, let’s not test her right now,” Dad says, chuckling lightly, only for Danciana to shake her head, raising her hand.

“Oh, it’s all in good faith,” she responds, but I don’t miss the glint of challenge in her eyes when she looks at Evangeline once more. I’d entertain her, but if she crosses a line, then I would deal with her. “Tell me, what makes an alpha’s mate a luna, or shall I say an Alpha Prince’s Luna?”

This is bullshit. Standard luna etiquette is something that we were taught, and I have a feeling Evangeline probably does know the answer, if the Welhavens did raise her as it was rumoured. But a future queen? Danciana was fucking pushing it.

“I don’t really-” I am cut off when a shaking hand rests on my thigh for a second, sending a wave of pleasure to my dick.

I wouldn’t mind that hand a few inches higher and to the left.

My eyes flash as I look down at the curvaceous doll beside me, but she is far too busy watching Danciana.

“I was taught that a true luna is a woman who is skilled and strong, physically and mentally. One who stands by her alpha no matter what, his greatest support when he needs it. One who is patient, graceful, and oversees and takes care of the pack, ensuring everything is in order, even when her alpha isn’t there. One who will give him many pups, too." She smiles faintly. “That is what the textbooks say, but I don’t think that comes close enough to what a true luna must do. I believe-”

“Oh, look, she has opinions. Of course, honey, go for it." Danciana chuckles, and Dad shoots her a warning look.

Wise move because if she pisses me off, I won’t hold back from ripping her apart.

“Carry on, dear,” Dad says, as Alcazer refills his glass again.

He is on his second bottle already. I guess the loss of his Luna is hitting him, but she is just a woman, who cares? He could easily replace her.

“I… I believe that a luna's duty, above all, is to guide her alpha when he may not be treading the right path… a woman who is compassionate and caring to all. Yet, one who is ready to take control if her alpha isn’t around, to protect her pack in his stead. A woman who isn’t only her alpha’s greatest support but his greatest advisor and strength. An alpha can’t reach his full position without his luna by his side, and that’s why the High Court wants the future ruler to have a luna by his side,” she finishes.

Ragnar and Draven let out snorts of disbelief. But although I hate that she just fucking said we need a woman by our side to be whole, the remark about the tournament rules made fucking sense.

Dad nods. Surprisingly, he looks pretty impressed. I guess my idea wasn’t too shabby. With a bit of work, she might just surprise us all.

Chasyn smiles slightly, “I think you have actually made a wise choice. Although she may not appear all that she is, this will be interesting. Maryka, take care of her and guide her as best you can.”

No. I might trust his omega, but I do not trust his mate. Fated or not, she isn’t all that she portrays.

She nods at Chasyn, smiling as she looks at Evangeline, “Oh, absolutely. If Zedkiel is to marry her that makes us sisters-in-law.”

“That won’t be necessary. They will be pitched against one another. Let’s not try to sabotage the other’s chances, shall we?” I remark coldly, raising an eyebrow.

“I didn’t mean it as a competition, Zedkiel. You or I, whoever will carry the Vilkas name forward.”

Somehow, he always acts like he doesn’t see me as a monster. If only I believed that. I am not a fool.

“Make that three. I’m entering. By the end of the week, I will have a chosen Luna,” Alcazer says suddenly, his eyes flashing as he slams his fist on the table.

“Fucking hell, do you think you’ll find one?” Ragnar scoffs.

“There will be a ball, Ragnar. Perhaps you yourself can find one, too. On other occasions, Zedkiel, I would say to you to take a look, too. However, with your track record, I don’t think that would help. This is the first time a woman is still alive for this long, after being in your presence. Perhaps this is what is necessary. You may claim her at the ball as yours, and then we will hold the weddings immediately,” Dad says, and I hear my Little Mouse’s breath hitch. Her hands once again fisted in her lap.

I nod. “Perfect,” I say smoothly. Reaching over, I place my hand over hers, stilling the shaking. “Now, if you will excuse us, I think I’m done.”

Standing up, I enclose my hand around her wrist, tugging her from her seat. Her heart is thumping violently, and I know I have to get her out of here before she breaks down. This was enough bravado for one day.

I pull her towards the door, not waiting for approval, when Dad suddenly speaks, “Wait!”

I am at the door, one foot past the threshold. My eyes flash red as I turn, looking at him over my shoulder.