Lucas' POV:
It seems like the paperwork is never-ending. There are always more documents that require signatures, and they keep piling up. I have received requests from various packs for assistance, additional funding, and invitations to attend their events - their soon-to-be Alpha's birthday, Luna's oath-taking, their newborn's celebration, etc. Silas, my beta, has been assisting me with managing all of these tasks. Meanwhile, Elias, our second strongest fighter, is responsible for training the rest of the Kingdom. But it is not enough.
I need to take a break! I was about to stand up, but the doors to my office opened. Silas came in, holding more documents. Great! When I saw him walk towards my table, he chuckled.
"Your Highness, these papers need your signature. If you may, kindly sign all of them within the day," he said mockingly. He cannot stop chuckling. So, he finds this funny, huh? Alright, then.
"Silas, my beta, I know you are smart, and you know what should be approved of and what not. So, please take over for hmm," I paused, thinking how many hours I should punish him. "let's say, for 2 hours, while I take a break, and I need to let my wolf out."
He laughed. He actually laughed. "You can't do that. So, Your Highness, please take a seat and sign these."
Let's make him work longer! My wolf, Kali, is now pissed off.
"Oh, Silas, and that is a command. Chop chop! I will be back in 2 hours!" I said, using my Alpha voice. All will comply if I use my Alpha voice on them. However, there is one exception. However, she has not yet appeared in my life. My mate.
At present, I am 21 years of age. Following my father's untimely death, King George Dacre III, in an ambush, I was appointed the Werewolf King. When it happened, my mother, Queen Julianna Dacre, accompanied him. They planned to visit a different pack before heading to Paris for a brief vacation, and they were overpowered. There were too many rogues. I was only 17 at that time. I am grateful that my father could mentor me before he passed away and that Silas' parents, who were Betas, provided guidance throughout my Kingship.
I shifted into my wolf form, Kali, and raced through the forest. Along the way, we encountered both border guards and hikers. I shifted when I was just 16. Meet Kali, a majestic black wolf with stunning hazel eyes. He is three times larger than other typical wolves. If you are the Werewolf King, you are faster, stronger, and more potent than others.
Come on! It's time to go back. Silas would be furious if we took a more extended break. I said to Kali.
As we entered my office, I heard Silas. "Finally! You're back!"
I chuckled at the tiredness of his voice. "It's not so funny anymore, right?"
"Whatever!' He rolled his eyes.
"Alright, alright. I am back, and I think I can finish. Half of this pile." I continued working for another 30 minutes until I heard Silas grunt.
"I can't believe it. The Pack went over their budget for the year. And they are asking for additional financial support. Can you imagine?"
"How much was their budget?"
"Based on the approved budget, it is around 1 million US dollars."
"Why are they requesting additional resources? Have there been any attacks by rogues on their Pack?"
"I read that there are plans to renovate both the school and the hospital and purchase new medical equipment."
Hold on. Why do I feel like I read that somewhere?
"What is the name of the pack again?"
"The Midnight Moon Pack," I checked some of our old and new records. Viola! As expected, they requested extra funding last year and a few years back. According to one of the records, they asked for additional funds for hospital renovations, and the request was made two years ago.
"Silas, look at this." I showed him the old records.
"Something's fishy. It seems suspicious that they must renovate the facilities again after two years. Did they not complete the renovations the first time around? Before that, several projects were underway, including a packhouse renovation, the development of a library, a new playground, and various other initiatives." I agree. They are asking for way too much.
"What kind of materials are they using? And what major renovations are they planning?"
"Do we have members around the area of the Midnight Moon Pack?" I asked.
"I remember sending a few fighters to assist a pack under attack. Their location was approximately 15-20 kilometers toward the east of the Midnight Moon Pack." I need more information because I find this hard to believe. We demonstrate leniency and generosity, particularly towards the packs that the Kingdom safeguards. But, some are abusive and take advantage of the Kingdom to satisfy their needs.
"Have someone check the schools and hospitals. I need proof, and they can disguise themselves or use whatever excuse they need to enter the facilities."
"Got it! I will try to mind link someone from the group."
"Make sure to update me!" I proceeded to review and sign the majority of the documents. After I had done enough, I went outside to check the training grounds.
When I arrived, Elias had just started the sparring session, and he acknowledged my presence by nodding in my direction. I've chosen Elias to head up the physical training sessions for our fighters and anyone interested in learning. We don't discriminate based on gender, race, or age. It is better this way because when an attack comes, they will be able to protect their families, and we will have more resources to fight back.
"Lucas!!" I groaned. I know who owns that high-pitched voice.
"What do you want, Laura?" I said coldly.
"Oh, nothing. I just missed you!" She said as she pressed her chest in my arm.
I don't like her smell. Get her away from us. Kali spoke to me in my head. I attempted to free my arm from her grip, but she tightened her hold.
"Let go, Laura," I said through gritted teeth.
"Don't be so cold! Didn't you miss me?" she got closer and fluttered her eyelashes at me. I might have found it endearing in the past because, whether you believe it or not, I used to date this annoying woman. Well, it is more of a one-night stand. It happened when I was devastated to learn that I hadn't met my mate. I was drunk, and she approached me. We left the bar, went to a motel, and I couldn't remember the rest. The following morning, I woke up next to a naked woman, both of us.
I made a douche move and left the motel without saying a word. Then that afternoon, I discovered she was one of my cousin's friends. My cousin, Renee, introduced me to her and said that her friend, Laura, was visiting while she was looking for a place to stay near her university. This is karma! I shouted in my head.
Ha ha ha, good for you! I told you to stop drinking last night! I know you are sad, but this can't happen again. I will only mate with my mate. If you do this again, I will shift and scare your date. Kali said, annoyed.
Back to reality, I shrugged Laura's hold.
"Let me go. I need to train. And don't make me repeat myself." I growled. That got her to let me go. Who the hell does she think she is being clingy and acting like my lover? When we were introduced to each other, I made it clear that nothing would come out of it. I ran towards Elias and whispered,
"Spar with me. Well, at least pretend to spar with me." he knew the drill. So, we started sparring until Laura left.
A few minutes later, I could feel someone trying to mind-link me.
Lucas, I have an update regarding the Midnight Moon Pack. Silas said.
Alright, be right there.