CHAPTER 4: THE BOLD REQUEST
1518 Words
“You're quite daring, aren't you?” the Beta said with a laugh, leaving Leah feeling uncertain. “Do you really think the King will just do as I say?”
“I'm hoping he holds you high enough regard to grant you this small request,” she ventured, nervously nibbling on her lip. She knew she was treading on dangerous ground and was acutely aware of the risks.
She had no other option, though.
“Alright,” the man muttered under his breath. For the first time since she had reached out, Leah found herself curious on what he was actually doing. “Lily, sweetheart, that's enough. I have to get going.”
He moaned once more, and Leah's cheeks flushed. Was he having s*x with someone? And why would he answer her call in such a situation?
The sound of movement and a woman's voice followed. “Till tonight, Beta.” Then the footsteps faded away.
“Just so we're clear,” the Beta said again, “I'm giving up quite a bit to repay you. So, once you've spoken with him, we're even.”
“Understood,” Leah quickly affirmed, clearing her throat. “Thanks so much.”
He chuckled, and she could hear a door creaking open.
“Hey there, Tyler, you really should speak with someone.” The words were faint, yet she could discern each one.
“Not happening,” the man retorted with a low growl. Leah's heart raced with apprehension. She pondered whether the king had too much on his plate.
“I'm not trying to set you up with another girl,” the Beta chuckled. “She's the Luna of a neighboring pack. I owe her a favor, okay?”
“None of my concern,” he repeated. Leah began to feel restless. This was her only chance. In her past life, she had reached out to Beta Boris, though at a later point, but he hadn't responded. The Lycans were entangled in their issues by year-end. By the time she found the courage to call, he never responded.
“Give her two minutes at least,” the man insisted, trying to hand the phone to his king. Another snarl sounded, and Leah felt her hope slipping away. Then a crisp, deep voice cut through.
“Tyler speaking,” he declared, and she took a sharp breath. He hadn't used his title. Could this be the Lycan King?
“Good day, King Tyler,” she chose a formal greeting, “My name is Leah Sanders, Luna of the Crimson Moon pack.”
His pause was unsettling, but she pressed on, aware of the short time she had to say whatever.
“I need your help,” she stated with urgency. “My husband, Alpha Zev, and I want to get a divorce.”
“That's quite intriguing,” he replied emotionlessly. “But why should that be my problem? You can divorce without my permission.”
“I know that, King Tyler,” she agreed. “My request for your help is different. We are chosen mates, and our packs became one with our marriage. What I need is your influence to take back my people and my land. As Lycan King, your word at the Elder Alpha Council would be decisive. They wouldn't dare oppose it.”
“Wow,” he seemed entertained, “And you believe it will escalate to that level? You're aware the Alpha council is male-dominated. Why would anyone back you?”
“If they know you support me, they will.” Leah's confidence grew.
“This is a complicated issue,” he responded after a moment, “Not something to decide on a call. Sincerely speaking, it doesn't seem pressing enough to be bothered about.”
Leah’s anger began to rise. Was he serious? Did he think she was joking?
“But—”
“We have nothing further to discuss. You married and handed your pack over to your spouse. That was your oversight, and now it's too late.” The Lycan King sounded disinterested. “Our laws would grant you a sizable alimony. You'll maintain your lavish life if that's your concern—”
“That's not the point!” She clenched her teeth. “I can't abandon my people to them!”
“Them?” He scoffed. “So, this is the issue. He's with someone else, and you're upset?”
This was futile. Leah slammed her fist on the desk, nearly breaking it into pieces. She was no stranger to this kind of mocking statement. She had heard it all before, even from those she considered friends.
“I'm not upset,” she declared sharply, “I'm just angry. Now it's crystal clear to me—the shortcomings of our system! The inequality that women face without the backing of a man. The very few chances we're given to showcase our worth.”
“You celebrate a woman as a warrior and preach about equality, but when the topic turns to leadership, a woman must work three times just to be acknowledged. And now, without even grasping the situation, you've passed your judgment. And you call yourself a king!”
With a surge of anger, she ended the call and threw the phone, shattering it against the wall.
What the hell!
Tyler, seated in his grand, exquisite Gold chair behind his desk, gazed at his Beta’s phone. What was that outburst about? Had she just yelled at him before hanging up?
“Alright, I guess that went well,” Boris said cautiously as he collected his phone.
“Remind me, who was that again?” Tyler inquired, his brow furrowed.
"Why do you ask?” Boris chuckled nervously.
“BORIS!” The Lycan’s growl was so thunderous it likely reached the entire pack.
“Alright, Alright!” Boris slumped down in the chair across him, “She's the Luna of the Crimson Moon pack.”
Crimson moon… not too distant from Shadow crest Lake.
“And her name?” Tyler drummed his fingers on his desk, signaling his impatience.
“Leah Sanders,” Boris responded. “She's been Luna for about four or five years, possibly six.”
“You mentioned owing her,” Tyler looked at him with an intense stare. “Is she one of your past flings?”
“Absolutely not!” Boris sounded genuinely offended. “She saved Mia years back during a rogue attack at her school. She wasn't Luna then but was in training.”
“She saved him?” Tyler massaged his temples.
“Yes, she fought off the rogues and shielded her. She was only Nine. Without her timely intervention—”
“Why wasn't I informed?” Tyler complained.
“You didn't give me a moment then, you were very busy!” Boris shrugged. “How could I even have predicted that you'd be so harsh with her?”
“You really need to learn and stop being an asshole to just anyone?” Boris' chuckle only irritated Tyler further.
“I want you to find out how I can meet with her,” Tyler instructed, a hint of curiosity in his voice. “She does seem… highly spirited and feisty.”
“Exactly how you dislike them,” Boris remarked, standing up. But his Lycan king’s stern look quickly wiped the smile off his face. “I'll get…get on it right away.”
___
Tyler leaned back in his chair, already burdened with thoughts, this woman had certainly left an impression with him. A smile crept onto his lips; it had been some time since anyone had dared to speak to him so boldly. Luna Leah was indeed quite amusing.
Given she had saved Kyle, he owed it to her to at least examine her situation.
Meanwhile, Leah readied herself for breakfast, wearing a simple yet sophisticated emerald green dress and letting her hair cascade in gentle waves over her shoulders. Choosing to forget about her makeup, she braced herself for the drama that awaited her at the dining table.
As she approached the door, she nearly collided with Gwen.
“Leah,” Gwen tried to offer a lighthearted smile, though her nervousness was so visible. “How about we eat here, just the two of us, and chat?”
Leah returned the smile, appreciating Gwen's attempt to shield her from the harsh new environment downstairs. But she was prepared for whatever was to come.
“Maybe next time,” she suggested, taking Gwen’s hand, still trying to get over the fact that she was still alive and well. "Right now, there's something I need to do.
“Alright, let's go together then,” Gwen replied.
Upon entering the dining room, the room fell silent. On her first day back, Nina had already taken her spot at the table among the high-ranking wolves, making conversations like she had been there before.
"Luna!" Nina stood up immediately, "Please, don't be offended, I didn't mean to overstep my boundaries."
“Here we go again,” Leah sighed, muttering under her breath.
- Writer
