Unwanted Mate Of The Lycan Kings (by jessica hall) novel Chapter 66

Trigger warning Violence---- Sorry guys, I accidentally hit submit before putting a trigger warning on the last chapter. I hope I didn't trigger anyone last chapter; I usually remember, but it slipped my mind last night.

Zirah POV

By the time I see the lights of the castle breaking through the forest, I am moving so slowly from exhaustion that my feet are dragging. Gnash's fur brushes my legs with every step I take. The castle lights glow brightly in the darkness, illuminating the trees and creating a striking contrast of light and shadow. Relief slivers through me, knowing I am nearly home. I am almost there, but I can still feel the exhaustion. It’s weighing me down.

I take a deep breath and keep moving forward when I hear someone running through the forest. I stop knowing it must be the three kings. Hunter and Shadow rush past us, followed a few seconds later by Lyon. He doesn't stop; instead, he keeps heading toward the castle, yet I don't miss the fact that he is drenched in blood.

Gnash's tail wags eagerly, and I know Regan must be close. Turning around, I find him stalking me. His shirt is torn and drenched in blood. Large cuts litter his chest and arms. He also has a cut down one side of his face that I can tell is slowly healing. I move toward him when he growls, making me stop. The look on his face is lethal. He's livid, his eyes are blazing, and his lips are drawn tight in a snarl. His body is tense and stiff, and his hands are clenched into fists. His posture is rigid and threatening, and he looks ready to lash out at me at any given moment.

Gnash pauses in his run to his master, looking back at me. He turns about to come to me when Regan snaps at him. "Sit!" Gnash whimpers and sits on his rump, then whines loudly.

"Enough from you," Regan says, stroking his fingers through his fur when he digs around in his pocket. "Regan, I'm sorry. I didn't think."

"No, you didn't! Now I need to deal with the Vampiric King and explain why we just breached a treaty and killed his damn men!" Regan yells at me when he pulls a collar and chained lead from his rear pocket. He clips the collar around Gnash's neck. Gnash yanks on the chain, trying to get off it, and he shakes his head, tugging on it, trying to slip out of the collar.

"Enough I said, Gnash. You found her. She's safe!" Regan tells him as he stands up and moves toward me.

I take a step back, unsure of what to do. He looks at me up and down, then speaks, his voice hard and unforgiving. "You're lucky we found you. If you run again, I will drop you on the vampiric king's fucking doorstep!" he shakes his head.

With those words, he turns and walks away, leaving me standing alone in the dark. Gnash continues trying to break free as Regan all but drags him back to the castle. "Keep walking, human!" comes Zeke's menacing voice behind me, and I turn to look at him. In his hand, he holds a piece of birch as he casually strolls through the woods. The crunch of leaves and the snap of twigs is extra loud.

When he nears me, he seizes my arm in an unforgiving grip. "I said keep walking!" He sneers, pushing me ahead. Looking at the top of the hill, I see Regan struggling with Gnash while he continues walking. We pass through the gates, and the vampire guards glare at me. Ducking my head, I rub my arms, trying to warm them.

Zeke follows me silently. His presence behind me makes me uneasy. I can feel his aura threatening and pressing down on me. Stepping inside, I hadn't come in through the back entrance before. The walls were adorned with intricately woven tapestries and paintings. The polished marble floors are cold beneath my feet, and this part of the castle is deserted.

Chandeliers hanging from the ceiling glow brightly, and the walls are lit with sconces. The furniture is made of the finest woods and covered in luxurious fabrics, creating a luxurious and calming atmosphere. The windows are tall and let in the moonlight while overlooking the lush garden and grounds of the castle. Yet despite its beauty, it's nearly impossible to forget the man behind me, and as I navigate my way, his aura only grows more menacing.

"Next left!" Zeke says coldly, and I turn in that direction, finally finding the stairs. This castle is as complicated as the maze, making me wonder how the maids remember every room and floor. Thinking of the maids, I notice as I climb the stairs, I don't spot any when I hear Zeke speak again, but to a guard.

There is a heavy, oppressive silence that hangs in the air, making me feel uneasy. I could feel the eyes of the Lycan guards on me as I climb to the first level. I am acutely aware of the tension in the air on this floor.

"It's already set up in your room, my King," the guard replies, glancing back at Zeke. He nods and points toward the huge, heavy doors leading to their sleeping quarters.

“My King, I know you’re angry, but….”

“You don’t question me!” Zeke snarls, making me wonder what is happening. The guard glances at me.