The Queen Within

Chapter 16

Unknown

"We should attack now while we have the element of surprise."

"Element of surprise just means they kill us a little slower."

"They are weak, ruled by a child. The time is now!"

I sat on my throne listening to these old crones bicker between each other, squabbling about what the next line of attack should be. It irritated me to no end. It wasn't them that would be on the battlefield. It wasn't them that would be on the front lines. No. It would be their men. Their soldiers would be the ones taking all the risks. I wish I could slaughter all of them right now. If it wasn't for the support they bring, and the numbers, I would've done it a long time ago.

Our world should be ruled by the strong as nature intended. The weak should cower in fear and bow to those whose strength is greater than theirs. These old washed-up men would all cower in fear before me, but their money and status blind them. Now, I'm just a means to an end for them. They don't like their new ruler and just want to dispose of her.

What's that saying? The enemy of my enemy is my friend? That's basically all this farce of an alliance is. They want to keep living corruptly and I just want to crush her. The one that she would've loved more than anything. This child, only eighteen, who calls herself queen. She is my real enemy.

"You can't just sit there in silence your liege. You must take part in this!"

My eyes narrow on the balding man who just dared to give me orders. The room fell silent as I slowly rose to my nearly full seven-foot height. I towered over the pudgy man who was now searching the faces of his 'comrades', desperate for someone to step in. Of course, no one would. They all suddenly found the floor and ceiling interesting. I let out a menacing growl and wrapped my fingers around his neck, slowly squeezing the sides.

"Exactly, who are you to give me orders?"

"Your... liege... I-"

"Save your pathetic excuses for someone who cares. Dare to order me again and it will be the very last thing you will ever do. Understood?" I dug my nails into his skin, making sure he understood the emphasis.

He nodded feebly and I tossed him to the side like a rag doll. Useless. All of them.

"We are not making a move. The objective is her. I will NOT move unless I can get a clear indication that I will get my hands on her. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes Alpha."

I let out another growl and stormed out of the room. Useless. All of them. So quick to make suicide missions and no real way to achieve victory.

The halls were bustling with weak omegas. Running around doing Goddess knows what. All that I know is that my mansion is kept clean and my kitchen is always full and there's always a w***e in my bed. Nothing else mattered. Well, one thing did matter... one thing use to matter. Now I would do anything to exact my revenge.

I shoved open my office's double doors and plopped down on my chair that overlooks my territory. Warriors were training, kids were playing, and more soldiers were being added to our ranks. Every day we grow in numbers from our victories. The losers having to decide. Us, or death. Of course, very rarely was a soul brave enough to choose death. For those that did, I always gave them a quick clean one. Someone with that much bravery deserved as much.

The others are branded and thrown to our generals. All children were made to be workers at the age of six. They would do anything we bid of them. Once they gained their wolf, the men would become warriors. The woman are put where they belong. Kept as workers or breeders.

I ruled over thousands and I plan to rule over more once I overthrow this child Queen. Well, unless she chooses to be mine. I'll make her give me dozens of pups with her lycan blood in them guaranteeing that my bloodline will remain stronger than the rest. The way it was supposed to be. Before she chose him.

We have to get this one. We sacrificed too much to let her get away.

'Calm yourself Bezel. We will get her. We won't be denied this time.'

Good. I want what's mine.

'As do I.'

A knock at the door irritates my soul as I smell who is on the other side.

"What do you want?"

Black hair and purple eyes peep from the doorway. I motion for her to come in, wanting this to be done with quickly. She couldn't have been more than five foot two. Her curves though made it obvious she was a woman now. Her olive skin shone in the light as a black dress that went down to the floor hugging her in all the right places. Her sleeves hid her hands, a habit of hers from the years of scaring. Cathy.

"I sensed you were troubled Alpha." She said as she sat at the edge of my desk, her dress revealing a slit that went up to her thigh.

"I am not troubled. And keep your magics to yourself." I snapped at her.

She pouted at my tone and looked down. This is why I could never accept her. I would never make her mine. She submitted to easily. She bowed too easily. Weak.

"It wasn't my magic... I just am in tune with you..." She tried to reach out and touch my hand but I recoiled from her. I did not need a witch for a partner. Tears pricked at the corner of her eyes and she stood up to face me.

"What is it now?! Haven't I done all that you asked?!"

"As a good pet should."

She balled her hands into fists as the tears streamed down her face now. Pathetic.

"I want more. I want you! Why can't I have you?!"

Her defiance was making the rage in me boil. Who was she to demand a piece of me? I stood suddenly and in a flash, I was next to her. A growl emanating from deep in my chest rose and she immediately shrunk in fear. I laughed at her pathetic attempts at bravado.

"That is why I will never be yours. You are weak. Pathetic. You could never give me strong pups. Be happy with your collar before I remove it."

Her hand instinctively touched the studded belt around her neck. It had her name engraved into it and a spell I made her cast that let me know her whereabouts at all times. My only gift to her. Panic was now evident in her eyes. She clung to that collar like a lifeline. The only thing connecting us both. I had half a mind to rip it off her neck at this very moment. If it wasn't for her unique skill set, I would've done it.

"Be happy with the crumbs you have before you are left with nothing." I say to her in an emotionless tone. She lowers her head and nods in defeat. Weak. The mate I need would never submit to me. She would defy me to the very end. Just like her. She never allowed me to control her or rule over her. My heart ached at the thought. She was gone and it was all because she put her trust in the wrong man. All because she made the wrong choice. Snubbing me to the sidelines cost her her life.

I shoved the thought to the back of my mind. I couldn't afford to let it overwhelm me. I shed my tears for her already. I raged uncontrollably enough for her already. This was her doing. Now, I will take the second-best thing. I will get what I'm owed one way or another.

"Is there anything I can do for you Master?" Cathy squeaked out.

"Bring me another Adair child. It's time to feed."

Cathy nodded and waved her hand in several motions in the air, opening up a portal. A few moments later, a child was thrown through. This one had strawberry blonde hair, cooper skin, and green eyes. They were cut up and bruised all over, their clothes dirty and bloodied, whimpering in fear as they saw me.

I smirked and stalked over to them, watching as they fumbled to try to get away from me, their screams muffled by the gag in their mouth. I placed my finger to my lips, indicating for them to quiet down. It took them a few moments, but soon they obeyed. Weak.

I squatted down in front of them, staring them in the eyes. "Scream and you won't even notice when I bring my claw across your neck." Their tears streaked their cheeks but they nodded. Smiling, I removed the gag. "Now, what's your name?"

They hesitated and it made my rage inside boil over. I hated repeating myself. I tried to give them a chance and they were wasting it away. I pulled my hand back and brought the back of my hand down hard against their face. "I do not repeat myself."

"A...Agatha."

"Agatha what?"

"Agatha Adair..."

"How old are you Agatha?"

"thirteen..."

"Another non-pure one."

"Wha-"

Her question was interrupted by her screams as I sunk my teeth into her neck. She tried kicking and pulling away, but the silver chains keeping her hands tied didn't give her much of a chance to fight. Her kicks slowed and soon so did her heart. When that last little thud gave way, I released her and watched as her body dropped to the floor.

I wiped my mouth and smiled feeling the lycan blood course through my veins. It wasn't as strong as the one I had yesterday, but it will do. I needed all the strength I could gather if I'm to achieve my goal.

When I stood up, Cathy had her head turned and her eyes closed tight. I gripped her jaw between my fingers and forced her to look at me. That gods awful whimper escaped her lips again and I tossed her to the side. Weak. Useless. She can't handle something as small as this, but wanted to be mine? I scoffed at the idea. She could never be mine.

"Get rid of it."

"Yes Master."

Cathy did her little hand motion thing again and a portal opened up under the girl, swallowing her whole. I watched as Cathy's eyes lingered at the spot, even when the girl was long gone.

"How much longer must we do this?" She asked in a voice so tiny that if I wasn't a wolf, I wouldn't have heard it.

"For as long as I want pet."

She simply nodded and I sighed. "Come pet."

Cathy turned instantly and got on her knees before me, her palms resting on her thighs facing up, her back straight and her head lowered. "Yes Master?"

I stroked her cheek, giving her permission to look up at me. I saw the twinkle in her eyes and I just wanted to crush it. Every fiber of my being wanted to crush her. I reeled it in as best I could, putting on a fake smile. She still had her use to me. I wouldn't dispose of her. Yet.

"How is that little project of ours coming along?"

She perked up. "Wonderfully Master! I finally got the formula down and can summon as many as you need when the time comes. The only thing is... It would cost everything that I have..." Her hesitation was poking at the flames of my rage and I had to grit my teeth to compose myself before I responded.

"Then let it be your last gift to me pet. When the time comes."

Her eyes sparkled and she smiled that dotting smile. "Yes Master! I will be honored to give you such a wonderful gift!"

I smirked and squatted down before her. "Good. There's one more thing I need you to do before then." Phase three of my plan will be set in motion. I will have what's mine.