Traded To The Lycan King by MG Wattsons

*Merikh*

There is a small knock before my office door pushes open and Colette peeks her head in. A smile replaces the frown I had been dawning since receiving the news that other packs throughout the kingdom are being attacked at random.

War has rules, or at least it used to, but now, nothing and no one is off limits to the dragons who seem keen on wiping us from the face of the earth.

"Has Zale arrived yet?" She asks, sashaying across the carpet. My heart leaps with the way she gives me a soft smile, her eyes glittering. Colette is still in deep mourning but to see her smile, of her own accord and without prompting, is so refreshing.

"Not yet." I say, looking down at the small clock on my desk. "But I expect he will be here soon."

"Then you have time to talk about something with me?" Her tone grows serious as she stops beside my desk, placing her hand down instead of continuing over to me. I arch a brow, turning in my chair to face her as I lean back.

"I always have time to talk with you about things, Colette." I say warily. It almost feels like a trap and by the way she looks away and clears her throat, I can only assume it is something she is worried about. Or afraid of the answer.

The thought enters my mind that maybe she wants to go back to the ocean. To either train or meet her other family in the depths of the ocean. My chest grows heavy and I wait anxiously for her to find the words she seems to struggle with.

"It's about Hayes." She mutters, her gaze meeting mine, as it feels like I can breathe again.

"Hayes?" I ask.

"Yes."

"Okay, what about Hayes?" I tilt my head, clasping my hands together in front of me.

"He seems to be doing better." She offers and I narrow my eyes, catching on immediately to what is going on.

"That sounds suspiciously like you are going to try to convince me he can go hunting for a villain." I say, my tone flat and my lips pressing together.

She chuckles and tucks a hair behind her ear. Such a simple and innocent motion as she looks up and quicks a wry smile. Fucking Hayes and his stupid ability to know how to play me. Using my mate against

me.

"Maybe." She shrugs. "But he doesn't have to go alone."

I ask, intrigued again. "And who will want to go on this suicide mission of his? Hayes is respected, but to ask this task is asking a lot of

hands going to her waist as I lean forward and look at her.

could ask those who lost their mates to join him? Ones who want revenge like he does." She

place a group of depressed, angry male lycans together

could send Hayes out to do what he wanted that ensured he and his group wouldn't try to not come back, I would do it. But right now, Hayes is too delicate. He is

same man standing there looking back at him. He will see the reminder of

give him time to prove he is willing to do this not just for revenge, but because our kind needs this too? What if we look at it as finding the cause of all of this so we can stop the war? Wouldn't that be a mission any warrior would want to sign up for?"

point. Wolves find happiness in their honor. To prove their worth, to save their loved ones from future pain and suffering, they would do anything. But before I will allow any of that, I need to know that

I can answer Colette, and Percy's voice calls through the

here

will discuss this later," I assure Colette, rising to my full height. Then I lean down and press a gentle kiss to her soft lips. "But you

hand on my chest before

on in." I call

and Zale walks in, his hair slicked back and his eyes a honey

him into the room.

frowns, moving to the seat in front of my desk. He looks up and meets Colette's gaze for a moment before she looks away, her eyes filled with tears. A wave of her grief washes over me and I move to her,

stroking her

you." I offer, but she clears her throat and

smiles, though it doesn't reach her

from our kingdom, the rest of your family," Zale

one more

she gives me a quick

my way to

a seat.

int

if it looks strange or unprofessional.

that above all else.

in a stunning jar." He says, indicating he received the ashes

of the dragon king missing, he has

not?" He asks, confused, as his brows