Origins: Silver Mountain

Chapter Four

Augustus

The witch was escorted to the makeshift prison and thrown into a cage. She looked like she was just a shell of herself. My heart sank as soon as I saw her. I went straight to my office and screamed. The walls were soundproof, so I continued until my voice became hoarse.

This is not how this territory was supposed to be. This was a place of refuge for wolves in dire situations. At some point, I was going to speak to the witch. I just needed to get rid of Scoop. If anyone was loyal to the King, it was him. He probably wouldn’t leave the witch for any reason. But he did owe me a favor. I considered that as I finally sat behind my desk.

A knock pulled me from my work as I glanced up.

“Come in.”

The door opened slowly and an omega poked her head in.

“King Lukas will be in his room for the day. He asked for you to tend to any pack business today.”

I nodded and she left. This was a common occurrence. Things ran smoothly when he stayed to himself all day. I finished typing up my reports and entering the responses to a survey we had sent to every household and went to the King’s office.

I glanced around first, unsure where to begin. He had a mountain of paperwork that was sitting to the side of his desk. I began with the thickest folder, which was full of applications for financial assistance. I shook my head. My anger was rising the more I read the reasons people gave for sending in their applications. I calmed myself and began to approve every single one, making sure to give the maximum to each household. King Lukas rarely looked at pack finances, so I took advantage sometimes. His family had money, so I didn’t think he’d miss it. Approving every application wouldn’t even make a dent.

I sat back, not noticing it was already lunchtime. I went back to my office and sat down to eat. My mind wandered to my pregnant mate. I wanted to give my family a nice life. I wanted them to be happy. I silently prayed to the Moon Goddess about our future.

Renée’s intuition was always right. It was time to leave Silver Mountain.

Lukas

The smoke from my cigarette rose to the ceiling of my room as I sat back against my headboard. The thought of having to f**k that witch again was appalling. I was hoping this first time was enough. Now it was only a waiting game.

An omega barged into my room without knocking. The cart she wheeled in had many delicious smells swirling through the air. My mouth almost watered.

“Rita, what have I told you about knocking?”

She paused and began blushing.

“I’m sorry, Your Highness. I forgot again.”

She finished gathering my breakfast and placed everything on a tray, carrying it to my bed.

“Thank you. You may leave.”

She turned and rolled her cart to the door.

“Rita …”

She stopped and turned to face me.

“Take something downstairs to Emmeline. I need to keep her strong.”

She bowed and left the room.

I enjoyed my sunny-side up eggs and chicken fried steak. Rita returned quickly to retrieve the tray.

“Let Augustus know that I will be in my room today. I need time to think.” I was absentmindedly rolling the pendant around my neck between my fingers.

“Yes, Your Highness.” She hurriedly left the room. I sighed. There was too much to do and seemingly not enough time.

Emmeline was a good start, but there was something missing.

By noon, I was out of bed pacing the from one wall of the room to the opposite side. I thought about calling my kin to visit. I had been contemplating rounding up recruits for a suitable army. If we were going to be strong, we needed warriors; men bred for fighting. My kin could only do so much from their positions in the supernatural realm. Silver Mountain needed its own, built from scratch, with unique techniques that would guarantee victory.

The more my thoughts about my own army took over, the more I realized I needed to meet with my advisor as soon as possible. It made me annoyed that I couldn’t mindlink anyone since this was a mixed population, but it was something I’d have to be patient about. I picked up my cell to call Augustus and let him know to meet me in my office in 20 minutes. I slowly dressed and sipped some red wine to relax me.

Just as I had hoped, Augustus beat me there. No time to waste.

“Augustus, I have something to run by you.”

“What would that be, Your Highness?”

I gestured toward the open door of my office. He entered and took a seat. I remained standing, walking to the side of my desk so we could converse face to face.

“As you know, we have managed to keep this territory safe from attacks and unwanted outsiders. I, however, prefer to go forth with building an army. We should begin recruiting warriors. I already have a highly skilled trainer in mind.”

Augustus sat attentively listening to my plans, so I continued.

“I have seen you fight. You know it is why I chose you to be my advisor. That being said, I would like for you to train our army.”

He shifted in his seat and sighed.

“King—“

“Please, Augustus. You have always been considered a friend. Call me Lukas.”

Augustus cleared his throat.

“Lukas, the timing will conflict with my duties as the head of household. Training an army would require a lot of time. My mate …” He took a sharp inhale and shook his head, looking past me toward the window.

“My mate is expecting.”

“Oh! That is wonderful news! A baby!” I clapped. This was great news. He was already ahead of me. With his skills, his offspring could be a thoroughbred warrior.

He chuckled nervously and rubbed the back of his neck.

“How about I add some incentives? Of course I want you to be able to raise your pup and spend quality time with your little family. So here’s my offer: paid leave after your mate gives birth, a housing upgrade, and an increase in your monthly stipend. How does that sound?”

I could see the conflict on his face. I didn’t need Augustus to train my warriors, but I wanted him to. I couldn’t quite place my finger on it, but he was special. That would be beneficial to our pack.

“I’ll throw in a nanny for your little one.” I raised a brow.

“Ok. I’ll train the army.”

“Augustus, you are a treasure. You are dismissed. We will discuss more about this tomorrow.”

He stood to leave as I sat behind my desk, leaning back in my chair.

“Augustus?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Go home for the day. I’m certain you had a busy morning.”

He nodded and took his leave. It was already evening and I had sent Rita away during lunch, so I was starving. She probably didn’t know I wasn’t in my room. I sighed and got to work.