Meeting

“Hello, Beta Carter,” I say, keeping my tone steady but firm. “My name is Lenora, and I believe you’ve successfully traumatized my friends.”

I give him a pointed look, unimpressed by his earlier antics, and extend my hand to greet him properly. His grin widens as he takes my hand, but instead of a simple handshake, he raises it to his lips and kisses it slowly, his bright blue eyes glinting with mischief.

“You have my sincerest apologies,” he murmurs against my skin, his voice smooth. “How can I be of service to you, my lady?”

I raise an eyebrow, not entirely won over by his charm. “How charming,” I reply, pulling my hand back gently. “Perhaps you should teach your guards how to treat visitors with a little more… respect.” I smile, but there’s a sharp edge to it. I gesture toward the seating area I created, inviting him to sit.

Carter chuckles lightly, I take the opportunity to cut to the chase, settling into the chair across from him. “How long is your king expected to be away?” I ask, leaning forward slightly. “I’d like to discuss a matter concerning the werewolves with him.”

His expression shifts, becoming more serious. The playful demeanor gives way to the responsibilities that come with his rank. “I cannot discuss the king’s whereabouts,” he replies, his tone firm yet polite. “But I can inform you that he is expected to return tonight. If you wish, I can arrange a meeting with him tomorrow.”

I smile at his eagerness to assist, appreciating his professionalism despite the earlier theatrics. “Yes, please. That would be perfect, Beta Carter.”

His eyes regain a hint of that earlier sparkle, and he offers another smile, this time less mischievous and more sincere. “Would you and your friends like to enter the lycan kingdom in the meantime? I can arrange a guest house for you and show you around, if you’d like.”

He tousles his sandy hair playfully, clearly trying to charm the group, though his earlier naked entrance hasn’t quite left their minds. I see Arya blush slightly at the offer, but the men remain unimpressed.

“Of course,” I reply, unable to suppress my excitement. “What a lovely proposal.”

Carter stands up, and I snap my fingers to dissolve the seating area. His eyes briefly glaze over. As if on cue, the towering golden gates before us begin to rise with a deep, rumbling sound.

My heart skips a beat, anticipation building as the massive gates reveal the lycan kingdom beyond. We follow Carter inside, and I struggle to contain the gasp that escapes my lips.

The structures ahead are nothing short of breathtaking. Grand stone buildings rise up, adorned with intricate carvings and golden embellishments that shimmer in the sunlight. The architecture feels ancient yet powerful, like it has stood the test of time for centuries, housing generations of Lycans. Towering spires and domes blend seamlessly with the natural landscape, vines creeping up the sides of the stone walls, weaving nature and structure together in perfect harmony.

“This… this is incredible,” I whisper, unable to tear my eyes away from the kingdom that lies before me.

Claude walks beside me, equally captivated.

Carter’s grin returns, clearly pleased with our reactions. “Welcome to the lycan kingdom,” he says, gesturing grandly to the sprawling city ahead of us. “It’s a place of strength, tradition, and unity. We Lycans are proud of what we’ve built here.”

As we walk further in, I can’t help but feel a mix of awe and nerves. This kingdom represents so much—power, history, and something deeper that I can’t quite place. Whatever happens next, I know this is only the beginning.