Traded To The Lycan King by MG Wattsons

I feel like I am floating on air, the high from meeting and being accepted so quickly. Even with the very blunt questions about what it's like to be a dog and if I smell like a wet animal after I leave the water, it was nice. It felt a little like maybe I didn't lose everyone. The loss of mom and dad still weighs heavy on my heart, but I swear they were there with me laughing and smiling.

Merikh comes around the corner of the hall, his head down as he rubs the back of his neck, a huge exhale filling the distance between us. I slip into the little cutout next to our bedroom door, waiting for him. "Alpha," someone calls him.

"Yeah?" He asks, then he seems to make a relieved sound. "Ah, good, you were faster than I expected, Thatch."

"When the Lycan king beckons, you don't leave him waiting." He says with a deep chuckle.

My brows pull together as I try to remember who exactly Thatch is. Not that it is saying much. I have so many names to learn and remember, and my grief has sort of left me hiding away the majority of the time.

"I am sure you know by now the condition of Beta Hayes." Merikh says, his voice soft and disappointed.

"Uh, yes. I have been made aware." He says, sounding unsure.

"I need someone to replace him, just for the time being." Merikh says and my eyebrows shoot up.

"Of course, Alpha. Just until Beta Hayes is well enough." Thatch says, a tone of shock in his answer. "But are you sure that I am the right choice? Or that he won't get better in the next week or so?"

I can hear the panic in Thatch's voice. The way he wants this honor, but respects the man who has held the place he is taking over for so many years. Not that it is at all surprising, everyone respects and deeply cares for Merikh and Hayes. Perhaps it's the way they lost their parents or the way they step up to every challenge. Either way, Thatch will have big shoes to fill.

"I spoke with Hayes about this decision, and we both agreed that you were the only option." Merikh pauses and chuckles lightly. "Hell, it is the only thing we seem to agree on these days."

My excitement slowly bleeds away from my meeting and my chest burns for Merikh. He has not only had to help me in my darkest place, but he has battled Hayes and the demons that have attached to him in the form of terrible thoughts and anger.

Merikh has been bleeding from both sides of his heart and though I have seen it, I don't think I've really SEEN him.

I accept, Alpha. Again, just until Beta Hayes is ready to

first thing in my office in the morning. I wish there was more of a learning curve for you, but sadly, this will be a trial by fire for you." Merikh says, a yawn taking

Instead of opting to jump out at him, I wait, leaning on the door. As he steps in front of me, his guard down,

sheer comfort and joy as a smile breaks over his perfect

of his cheek as

He asks and

ask, arching a

my hand dropping

person I trust to protect you. After everything, including Penny, I think moving Percy to beta would almost

fair." I say

was your family meeting?"

in. Before I can say anything squeal in shock as he swoops me up into his arms and walks

Under normal

well, from my office, it looked like you all were getting along." He says, his nose pressing into my hair as he inhales my

smile to myself. "It seems like they want to get to know me. I think it will be

to hear how well it went, Colette. I could feel your joy radiating and it was so refreshing to feel that from you after

off like he is

And somehow it feels like it's been one of our more intimate and raw moments together. His breathing grows steady, and his chest rises and falls as he falls into a

slumber.

a pain that makes me want to cry. But a pain that comes from being overfilled after so long of being overly aching. "Merikh," I whisper, pushing up on

I run my fingers through his hair

you for something?" I

you want, little