Wolf Bait

Three

The Plot In You- Face Me

"I've been so worried about you," Jacob wraps his arms around me. I step back and look up at him as his eyes desperately search for something out of place.

"I'm okay," I reassure him.

"That big ass Lycan guy didn't hurt you, did he?"

"And you would do what if he had?" Silas asks from behind me. I glance back at him growling a warning.

"Go wait outside, Sigh," I glare at him. He tenses up, but then probably remembers I'm just a stupid little wolf and scoffs at me. He bows begrudgingly and leaves this really nice house.

"You can't be doing that to Lycans, Perry. Are you out of your mind?" Jacob scolds.

"I-uh," I look around and pull him into the very contemporary-style living room. "This place is ridiculous,"

"That's what I said," he laughs and sits with me.

"You should see where he's keeping me. It's twelve stories of this can't be real,"

"I believe that. Who is this guy anyway?"

"His name is Jonas Zachary Prince,"

"You're kidding," he grins. "The son of the Lycan King?"

"He's the Lycan King now or fighting to be anyway,"

"Oh, s**t. And what does he want with you?"

"Umm, don't freak out. I already agreed to it and I don't think I can back out anymore. There wasn't a lot of room for a no FYI,"

"f**k, Perry," he growls. "What?"

"His brother killed his mate while she was pregnant and has been trying to sabotage his reign by killing all his potential mates so there is no heir,"

"Don't f*****g tell me you agreed to be said, potential mate. These things are killers. Actual killers, Perry,"

"I know. What else am I supposed to do, Jake? He bought me from the packlands. I didn't know that was still allowed. There isn't a lot I can do. I don't have anyone other than you and because you're not my actual father, there isn't anything you can do either,"

"We can figure something out," he sits back to think it over. "We can take this up with the Alpha King,"

"We could," I nod. "But I don't want to,"

"What do you mean, Perry?"

"I mean I don't want to go to the Alpha King. I mean I don't want to do anything about the situation,"

"Perry," he takes my hand. "I know s**t hasn't been good since Darren was killed. We've both been stumbling around, but this isn't the end we deserve. You deserve to be happy again, Sweetness. You're the most compassionate kid I've ever met. I know. I raised two f*****g pieces of s**t. You were mated to one and the other one left,"

"Then you know I'm going to do this because I want to. I mean it's not the best situation to be caught in, but that man needs help. These people need help. If I can do one last good deed, why wouldn't it be this one?"

His eyes search mine and he sighs. He pulls me in for a hug.

"Perry, I know there's not a lot I can do to change your mind once it's made up. You don't owe anyone anything. If this is what you want right now, then okay. Let's do it. What is the offer on the table?"

"You are seriously the greatest person in the entire world. I mean that," I smile at him. He pats my head rolling his eyes.

"Come on. Tell me what he needs,"

"He needs a Queen. Someone who can play the role anyway,"

"For you to become the Queen you have there has to be a mating ceremony. He'd have to mark you and you'd have to mark him. And the mating will be completed after because his mark will trigger your heat,"

"I didn't know that last part, but yeah. I knew the rest of it,"

"Perry," he sighs. "That is-"

"I know," I nod feeling my chest tighten.

"What do you get in return?"

"If this works, I get to be the Lycan Queen," I laugh. He presses his lips together.

"And if it doesn't?"

"Then I die the Lycan Queen," I shrug. "I get to go home,"

"That doesn't sound great, Perry," he sighs. "You have been the most difficult child I've ever had,"

"I've been the only one that's gotten this far," I whisper.

"True," he nods.

"If anything should happen to me, I'm not leaving you empty handed. And who knows, old man. You might find a Lycan babe of your own. They're gorgeous and big,"

"I've noticed that," he laughs. "You don't need to take care of me,"

"No, but I want to. You're my dad. As much as the one who brought me into the world. I know I don't make things easy, Jake. It makes me feel better knowing that you'll be okay," I take his hand.

"Thank you," he pats my hand.

"Lady Perry. The King requests your audience," Silas interrupts us. Jacob tenses up and stares back at me.

"So, royalty? That's a new one for both of us, Kid,"

"Because Lycans aren't?"

"Not to me," he shakes his head.

"We'll talk about that later. Yes?"

"Yeah. You have a lot of history to learn. A lot is going to be expected of you,"

"Don't I know it," I groan and stand. "I'll see you when I can,"

"Be careful. Watch the way you speak to everyone. These people don't give a f**k about you, Perry. You're an intruder in their home," he reminds me.

"Aye, aye, captain," I salute him. "I'll make sure the ship stays afloat,"

"A sinking ship is a sinking ship, Sweetness. Ask all the bones lying at the bottom of the ocean," he shakes his head.

I laugh and follow behind Silas. The walk back to the castle is quiet. I've never left Redwood City before and being in the countryside is a little scary because it's quiet. The city sounds are nowhere to be heard. The sun is setting and while there's still light out, the darkness is thicker than I've ever seen before.

"You okay?" Silas asks when we get to the steps.

"It's just kind of quiet here," I say as he escorts me to the lift. It's a small platform for maybe six people. The lever makes a cool clicking sound when he turns it to the right.

"Your assignment starts here, Perry. There are people in the courtyard. He's waiting," he says softly.

I take a deep breath, shake my hands out, and nod.

"Do I look okay?" I ask tucking my hair behind my ear.

"Yes, for someone who has been running around all day,"

The lift stops at the top and he pushes the gate open and waits for me to step out. The Lycan King is in fact waiting for me. He's on his phone again, but when he glances up. He smiles. The kind of smile that I've had to plaster on my face a few times myself. It doesn't reach his eyes, but several others are watching.

I smile for him and feeling a little princess-y from everything I did today, I skip over to him and stop just a few inches from him. It catches him by surprise when I laugh at his expression.

"Learn to behave yet?" he reaches out to place his hand on my waist.

"No, but I'm tired and hungry. So, if I have to behave to go back up to my room, shower, and sleep for the rest of my life. I will,"

We stare at each other for a moment before his smile turns genuine and he laughs. It doesn't go unnoticed by the others. It even made those who weren't looking turn to face us.

"You are going to be a pain in my ass, aren't you?"

"Maybe read the fine print before buying a manic depressed she-wolf with a death wish," I shrug.

"I'll remember that for next time, little wolf," he growls digging his fingers into my side. I jump forward laughing. My chest hits his. His arm comes around me to steady me. "You're ticklish,"

"Insanely ticklish. Don't that," I laugh looking up at him in horror. He takes a step back and laughs. His entire body shakes.

"I'm sorry. That was-" he takes a breath to stop himself from laughing. I can feel my face getting hot with embarrassment. "I'm sorry. Your expression was great,"

"I'm glad I amuse you," I roll my eyes.

"Come, Perry. I want you to meet some people," he grins and takes my hand. I glance back at Silas who gives me a thumbs up.

Yes, I agree with this gargantuan man. I am a little wolf compared to all these very big Lycans. The courtyard doesn't look the way it did when we left the castle at noon. The yard is illuminated by old-timey street lamps. The kind that you find in a cute little town where one family owns everything and everyone is forced to love them because without said family they wouldn't be there. There is food setup along the aisles and everyone is dressed in what I believe is their finest clothes, but might just be their casual wear for Wednesday. I think it's Wednesday.

"I feel very underdressed all of a sudden," I whisper.

"You are," he chuckles and pulls me closer.

As long as he doesn't mind, neither do I.

"My King," two men address him as we approach.

Their very electric eyes land on me and I am forced to push my wolf back from the threat. My skin ripples as she pushes me to try and neutralize the threat before me. A growl works its way up my throat and I have no choice but to embrace my little i***t wolf.

"What the f**k are you staring at?" I all but spit at the two of them. They both smile and look up at the King.

"Forgive, my Queen. She's been getting acquainted with the pack and she can be a little hostile when she's hungry," the King laughs.

Their eyes change. Their threat fades when he smiles for them, no. Not for them. His eyes are on me. He's had practice putting on a good show. His movements and smiles are smooth and almost genuine. I can work with that.

"I apologize for my rudeness, My lady," the two of them say at the same time and bow. I roll my eyes and shrug it off. The King clears his throat.

"No harm done," I say as politely as I can. He lets out a breathy laugh.

"Perry, these are the acting alphas scouting the surroundings of your new office," he informs me. "Jonathan and Christopher. They are in charge of keeping you safe,"

"Oh," I nod. "Then I guess I have to apologize myself. I'm sorry for my rudeness. I'm not used to being around real power like this. It has my wolf on edge. My name is Pernicous Phur-uh. Prince,"

"Pernicous?" Christopher asks and I swear there's recognition in his gaze. "You're Darren's former mate. I am so sorry for your loss,"

"What the f**k?" I look up at the King.

"Forgive me, my King. Darren Phurry is the son of Eliza Roman. She was mated to a wolf. I believe his name is-" he sighs scratching the back of his head.

"Jacob," I provide.

"Yes," he nods.

"You were mated to a Lycan?" the King asks me.

"Not to my recoglection. I didn't know Darren's mother was a Lycan," I shrug. Jake could have f*****g warned me. Now look at me. I look like a f*****g i***t. "He didn't shift like one,"

"Common in half breeds," Jonathan nods. "Welcome to Clifton Way, my lady. We hope you enjoy your stay,"

I have to bite back my laughter from the way he says it because there is clearly a hidden meaning behind it. The King acknowledges it and growls at him. The two of them take a step back.

"It was nice meeting you," I wave at them as the King guides me away.

"You are just full of little annoying surprises," he growls as we approach the food. "Eat,"

"f**k yeah," I murmur to myself. "I am starving,"

I snag a grape off one of the trays and flick it up in the air. I open my mouth to catch it but he beats me to it. I growl at him and take another, this time I put it in my mouth and chew it while I glare back at him.

"You're lively," he smirks.

"Well, I got a cool new job where I don't have to deal with a f*****g asshole like Calvin. I am living in a big ass castle that was carved into the side of a mountain nine hundred and twenty-six years ago. There is a s**t ton of food and I get to sleep after this," I take a warm bread roll off another tray. It smells like melted butter and parmesan. I rip it in half and take a bite. "This is so f*****g good," I say and offer him the other piece. "Try it,"

"All right," he says and bends down to take from me with his mouth.

"What the f**k?" I laugh and look around hoping no one is looking but everyone is looking. The light chatter stops as they stare at the two of us. "What the f**k?"

"It's a traditional thing for us," he explains. "You don't feed anyone but your mate,"

"Oh, that's why you're so weird about the food," I thought it was a kink.

"This is a serious matter, Perry. No one else," he warns.

"You got it," I nod.

"My lady," a woman approaches us and offers me a golden plate. I take it from her. This girl has to be at least six-four.

"Perry, this is Andromeda. My little sister," he introduces her casually.

"Umm," I look around and find a napkin to wipe my hands and my i***t face. "Holy s**t, you're a princess," I offer her my hand. She grins and takes it. "Wow, I totally see the resemblance,"

"You've got a lively one this time, brother," she looks up at him.

They have the same pretty lavender-shaded eyes. The same creepy glow in their skin. Her hair is also a dark gray shade, but hers is almost charcoal in this lighting. It sits on her shoulder in a perfect wave. She's wearing a baby blue satin gown that glides flawlessly down her beautiful body. She's got what I think might be a tribal tattoo or rank markings on her right arm. They're the same shade as her hair.

"You are gorgeous. It almost hurts to look at you," I blurt out and she grins.

"You're quite beautiful yourself," she says. Her voice is deep, but at the same time insanely feminine and proper.

"I'm Perry, by the way,"

"Perry. It's cute," she smiles and then looks up at the King. "Mother wants to speak with you. Why don't you go up to your study and I keep an eye on our-" she pauses looking down at me. "Little wolf,"

"If anything happens to her," he growls.

"I've got her," she rolls her eyes at him. He turns his attention to me. His playful demeanor is long gone and I start to feel worried about the gorgeous Amazonian woman behind him.

"Eat. Try not to start anything. Stay with Annie,"

"Yes, my King," I bow. She laughs.

"You don't have to call me that,"

"You haven't formally introduced yourself as anything else," I remind him. His eyes slit as he leans in with a low threatening growl rumbling in his chest. My heart starts to race and I try to take a step back but he grabs me by my shoulders.

"Fine, address me as your king," his lips brush against mine just slightly before he pulls away and storms off.

"Holy s**t, I thought I was going to die," I blurt out placing my hand on my chest. I look up at his hot sister when she laughs.

"You have no idea what it is you've stumbled into, little wolf," she says.

"You're not wrong," I take the place and start grabbing stuff. I decide that it doesn't matter what I eat as long as it's food.

"I heard you were mated to a Roman,"

"I didn't know and it was a while ago," I stuff what I think is a thin slice of chicken in my mouth.

"It was probably for their safety," she says. "It explains why you're so tall for a wolf. Why your aggression is as bad as an alpha's,"

"No way. Really?"

"Mhm," she nods. "A Lycan's bite changes the anatomy of a mate. Not just anyone can survive a bite of a Lycan. Even Lycans themselves. It's why there are very little females,"

That's incredibly sad. Why the f**k didn't Jacob tell me when I went to see him earlier?

"I'm sorry," I find myself sympathizing. "Are you mated?"

"No," she shakes her head. "I'm not old enough,"

"Wait, how old are you?"

"Fifteen,"

"You're fifteen?" I almost shout. She laughs.

"Yeah," she nods. "I'll be sixteen in a couple of days. It's why we're here. My mom is hoping my mate is here,"

"Are you excited?" I ask.

"f**k no," she shakes her head. "Were you?"

"Honestly, I was scared to shift mostly. Darren guided me through it. I didn't know why at first we kind of fought a lot. Then when it was over, I couldn't think of anyone better,"

I've never said that to anyone before. I mean I guess my change spoke for itself, but saying that out loud somehow feels like a weight off my shoulders.

"Not even the Lycan King?" she smirks.

"He's kind of an asshole. He seems a little lost," I admit.

"Very," she sighs. "What was your mate like?"

"An asshole," we both laugh. "But he was the smartest person I knew. He pushed me to be the best version of myself. I'm kind of competitive and I think he liked that about me. We were both betas so there was plenty to compete over and then we found out we were meant to be together,"

I've lost my appetite.

"I'm sorry," she says softly. "I didn't mean to make you sad,"

"It's okay. It's something that never goes away. I've never had to talk about him before. The pack just kind of swept his death under the table and acted like he never existed,"

"That must have been hard," she pats my head the same way the King does. I laugh and force myself to finish my food. A waiter comes over with a tray and on it is champagne. My body wants it. Craves it, but I decline it anyway. "It's kind of rude to say no," Andromeda whispers. "They're here for you,"

"Oh," I say and take the chute when the waiter offers me one.

I stare down at the golden bubbly drink. When I look up I see her looking at me expectantly. I take a sip and my wolf immediately takes comfort in it. I force myself not to down the whole thing at once.

"Is it good?" she asks.

"It's bitter," I shake my head.

"Well, well, well," Andromeda gasps and takes a step back as a man, the spitting image of the King walks out of the castle and into the courtyard. "What is this? A little wolf in Clifton Way? You must be my brother's new squeeze," he laughs. "Allow me to introduce myself, my lady," he tucks his arm over his belly and bows. "My name is James Prince. The second heir to the throne. You might have heard of me already,"