Origins: Silver Mountain

Chapter One

Narration

The curtains were drawn as Lukas stared out into the dark of the night. The day hadn’t been very eventful, as always, but it was a good one. His advisor kept pushing him to appoint a royal court. In his own opinion, he had been a perfect King. He knew many weren’t very fond of him; however, he did what no one else would. Silver Mountain needed structure and he gave them that.

In just the few years he had been King, there hadn’t been not one looming threat. There were also omegas who had been chosen to make pack life easier. Additionally, he implemented a program for poor families to work the land in exchange for food, shelter, and other necessities. That hippy wolf, Judeah, failed to do anything to maintain order. It was a good thing he was gone. Most assumed he perished.

Lukas turned to stare at the papers on his desk. He had just purchased a witch from the supernatural realm. If she couldn’t help him, he would have to go to his plan b.

There was much buzz about this purchase. Apparently, his methods to obtain great power were not agreeable. He dared anyone to speak up about it. He didn’t care. It was good enough for him.

He turned back to the window, smirking to himself. Once he followed through with his plans, he could pick up where his late father left off.

“King Lukas, she is here.”

His advisor, Augustus, stepped aside as two guards entered with a small woman. She was like a porcelain doll, with rosy cheeks and caramel brown curls. Her blue eyes had flickers of rage in them. She was clearly very angry, her beautiful round face screwed up as she glared at him. Lukas walked slowly toward the doll-like woman.

“I am King Lukas. It’s a pleasure.” He took one of her small hands, which was shackled, and bent over to kiss it. She grunted.

“What is your name?” She snarled and took a deep breath, spitting into his face.

He calmly wiped her spit away.

“Take her to my quarters.”

The guards roughly grabbed her, dragging her down the hall.

“Feisty. I like it.”

Augustus cringed, turning up his nose.

“I must handle my business, Augustus. I shall see you in the morning.”

Augustus knew that was his cue. He bowed, exiting the office. Lukas was walking in the opposite direction.

***

Lukas entered his room, immediately finding the witch crouching in the corner.

“Oh, you poor thing. Are you frightened?”

She didn’t speak. Her eyes were puffy and red.

“You’re only here for one reason. Once you have fulfilled your purpose, you may leave.”

“What do you want from me?” She spat out venomously, hoping he noticed how much she hated him.

Lukas tapped his chin with his long pointer finger.

“I need you to bear my son.”

She gasped, a look of horror washing over her features.

“You’re out of your mind!” She was furious, jumping to her feet and pressing her back flat against the wall.

“I may be. However, I haven’t found my mate or beloved; whichever.” He waved his hand dismissively.

“The death of my father has instilled in me a desperation to produce a son. Not just any son; a hybrid. With my DNA added to yours, our offspring will be unstoppable. All we need is one.”

“Why me?!” She was visibly upset, tears threatening to fall again, her body tensing with each step he took toward her.

His slow approach made the hairs on her skin stand on end. She took deep breaths to calm herself. He stood too close for her comfort and she thought to lash out. She had tried and tried to use her magic to do anything to get out of this situation. Much to her dismay, she was drawing blanks. Nothing would happen, which meant there must’ve been some kind of spell or block.

“Hmm.” Lukas hummed, making her shudder. He moved closer, pressing his body against hers. His hot, liquor-stenched breath grazed her skin as he answered.

“You are powerful, young, hopeful; all positive traits. If any witch can give me exactly what I desire, it’s you.”

She was silently glaring up at him.

“I have watched you for a long time. I wish you would tell me your name.”

“No.” She gritted her teeth, unable to hold back her tears. She was going to die fighting this creep if she had to. There was no way she was going to give in.

“So stubborn.” Lukas backed away, eventually turning to sit in front of his fireplace. He leaned back against the sofa, speaking loud enough so the witch would hear him.

“If you cooperate, this will be much easier for you. I do not intend to harm you. I just want my son.”

That bought her very little comfort. She was abducted and then sold to some guy. She just wanted to get home to her family. This couldn’t be happening to her.

She remained silent.

His wolf-vampire speed took him right back into her face. He was seething, spit flying from his mouth. His eyes were dark and his voice was a low growl.

“Tell me your name. You do not want to be on my bad side.”

She looked down at the floor, trembling.

“Emmeline.” She managed to choke her name out to encourage him to back off.

He inhaled deeply. She smelled like fresh flowers, but that wasn’t the point. He just needed her to carry the next King.

Lukas didn’t notice the tears falling down her face as he lightly caressed her shoulder.

“You will make an excellent incubator.”

It had to be now.

Emmeline kneed him as hard as she could in his crotch. He hollered and staggered backward as she took off toward the door. She barely got it open, dashing down the hall to get away before he could recover. She paused at the bottom of the stairs, glancing around in a frantic manner. She heard voices and hid in a dark corner.

It became quiet again. Her heart was beating fast. She steadied her breathing and tip toed to a long corridor, trying to remember where she had come in.

She rounded the corner and continued, spotting the portrait of the sad-looking woman. She was close to the exit. She just needed to get down this hallway. She sighed, only partially relieved. This wasn’t even the hard part.

She glanced behind her as she crept slowly down the hall and ran right into a wall of steel. Turning slowly, she was face to face with some big man. He was like a grizzly bear! He easily towered over Emmeline, making her shiver as she stood frozen to that spot.

She swallowed hard.

“You can’t get away from me that easily.”

Emmeline shut her eyes tight.

“I’m a little insulted, Emmeline. Did you not think I would be prepared for an incident like this?”

She looked up slowly at the wall of steel grizzly bear. He stared down at her. A low growl escaped.

“Please. Let me pass by. I will be forever indebted to you.” She whispered.

“I heard that. I hate to break it to you, sweet Emmeline. My men are loyal. They would kill you right now if I asked them to.”

Her eyes widened. The grizzly bear grunted. She finally turned to see Lukas glaring at her menacingly.

“Come now. We have business.”

She didn’t budge. Lukas sighed.

“Scoop.” The grizzly bear grabbed her and followed Lukas back to his floor.

All Emmeline could do was cry.