Caspian's POV
I was sleeping when I heard the annoying sound of knocking on my door. I tried ignoring it, but it only became louder. When I didn't answer and covered my face with a pillow, the person came in anyway. It was none other than my Royal Beta and best friend, Jace Vincent. He dragged the pillow off my face and I growled lowly in annoyance. I haven't really slept much in months, and just when I thought I could have a good night's rest, Jace comes to disturb my peace.
"Cas, get up now, or do you want me to drag you out of bed?" The moment I heard Jace's voice, I sat up.
"Jace, why are you here so early? Do you even know what time it is?" I asked, while he just stared at me.
"I know it's been hard on you lately and you haven't been getting enough sleep, but this is an emergency. I wanted you to know about it immediately."
As soon as he said that, the sleep vanished from my eyes. I asked him what the problem was, but he told me to take a shower first so we could meet in my office. It was a good idea; I needed to feel fresh before starting any business. I'm a bit of a neat freak.
After my shower, I put on a black t-shirt and trousers. I combed my hair, which is as black as the night, then checked myself in the mirror. I made sure I'd shaved well; I don't like leaving my beard, as it makes me feel uncomfortable. I shave at least twice a week—call me a neat freak, I don't care. I just love being clean and keeping myself in order.
I may not be perfect, but I know I'm close to it. Just kidding... or maybe not. I looked at my gold eyes, bright as sunlight, and smiled, showing the dimples on both my cheeks. I know I'm handsome. I'm 30 years old, though I stopped aging at 28. All supernatural creatures stop aging at 28. I still haven't found my mate yet. It's been 12 years, but I don't mind if I have to wait for centuries—I will never take a chosen mate. Never.
Even though my three best friends—Jace, Nolan my Gamma, and Abel my Delta—and my five younger siblings have all found their mates, I refuse to settle. People say that as the Lycan King I have to pick a chosen mate, but I won't do it. Those power-hungry wolves, faes, and vampires are just looking for ways to make their daughters the Queen of Lycans. I will wait for my mate no matter how long it takes. I'll find her and treat her like the queen and angel she is. She is my better half. Whether she is weak or strong, ugly or beautiful, supernatural or not, I will love, cherish, and protect her. She's mine.
After I was finished, I headed to my office. On my way, the warriors and maids all stopped to bow. I responded with a nod and a wave of my hand. As I opened the door to my office, my Beta, Gamma, and Delta were already waiting. They rose to their feet and bowed. With another wave, I signaled for them to sit. "Tell me what emergency we have."
Jace started talking. He told me the spies we planted in one of the werewolf packs reported an Alpha selling and abusing Omegas. When I asked which pack, he replied, "The Red Mist Pack. Alpha John."
My blood boiled. How dare he? An Alpha is supposed to protect the weak, not prey on them. I had been suspecting that tricky bastard was up to no good. I told the spies to keep a close eye on him, and it seemed the pompous fool had finally messed up.
I asked Jace if he had evidence. Even as the King of Lycans and Werewolves, I like to go by the rules. I want to deal with that proud bastard in front of his own pack. Nolan, my Gamma, replied that the spies had sent evidence of all his shady business. He also mentioned that Alpha John has his eyes on a human slave girl in the pack. She is still underage but turns 18 in two weeks. He plans to make his move then.
For a reason unknown to me, the moment I heard that, a murderous growl left my mouth, shaking the entire office. My Beta, Gamma, and Delta all bowed their heads in submission. My Lycan, Kaelos, was boiling with rage. He wanted to tear Alpha John apart. I had to keep him in check.
I noticed the others looking at me, worried. "Cas, is there a problem?"
"It's okay. Keep talking."
They explained there is an upcoming celebration in two weeks. "We will be attending," I said firmly. They looked at each other in shock.
"Your Majesty," Nolan replied, "you normally send one of us or the warriors. Why do you insist on going?"
I stared at him until he lowered his gaze. Before I could respond, Abel said, "Cas, we don't mean to pry, but we want to help. This is the first time you've reacted so strongly to anything."
I sat at my desk, resting my chin on my hands. "We will be going to the celebration at the Red Mist Pack in two weeks. Nolan, Abel, prepare the warriors. Jace, you'll stay here to take care of urgent matters at the palace while I'm away."
They chorused together, "Yes, Your Majesty."