The Lycan King’s Hybrid Queen
Chapter 19

Lyric

'Calm yourself, Jagger'

'What do you think you're doing?'

He's angry, but I don't care. I won't sit here while Jagger sentences those girls to death. Execution should be a last resort unless it's during war; then, killing is the only option. I understand what happened to Esme hurt Thane as much as his parents, but he must put that anger aside and look at the bigger picture.

'Jagger, Thane,' I have to speak to both of them. 'I know how hurt you are by what happened to Esme. But you must keep your head and take a moment to think.

'Do those girls deserve to be punished? Without a doubt. Do they deserve to die? Do these people deserve to lose their children? I don't think they do.

'I understand the need for vengeance. Esme didn't deserve what happened to her. That beautiful little girl should never be afraid, nor should she cry. She should be laughing every day, smiling because she's happy.

'Ren and her friends should be punished, and I will stand by your side while that happens. But killing them won't make things better. All you'll be doing is causing four families immense pain. At the moment, killing them will feel good, but once it's all over...' Thane and Jagger keep their eyes on me. I can see they're arguing, but we don't have time for this!

'For Goddess' sake!' I snap. 'This is ridiculous! Get your head out of your a*s, swallow your pride, and do the right thing.

'I'm not telling you to let them go, but let them live. If not for them, for their families. Put the girls through therapy, change their way of thinking, and throw them out of Lykos if that's what you want! But please think of the bigger picture, and don't do anything in anger!'

Everything is silent for a moment. My heart is pounding, and all I want is to get out of here. I need to let Aspen out; it's been years since she was able to run free. I feel awful that I've kept her locked away since we've been here. 'It's okay, Lyric!

'It's not, Aspen. I'm so sorry. But I promise we'll go for that much-needed run once we're done here!'

'Thank you, that would be amazing!

'You're going to be a wonderful Queen.' I hear Thane's voice in my head, cutting Aspen off. 'What you're trying to do shows more compassion than any Queen that came before you!'

I smile because I can't help myself. I didn't say what I did for praise, but it's nice to be acknowledged, nonetheless.

Thane turns to the people staring at us with wide eyes.

"You're daughters will not be executed." Every person lets go of the breath they were holding. "That isn't to say they won't be punished. What they did isn't something I can ignore." "We understand." Harold nods.

"The girls will remain in custody for a month. During that month, they will undergo therapy to help them understand their wrongdoings and hopefully change their thinking. They need to be aware that bullying will only lead to their demise.

"If after a month, they've worked hard enough to change their way of thinking, they've apologized to my sister, and I believe they've changed, they will be released into your care."

The relief those eight people are feeling is evident. I can see their auras have changed from gray to white, showing their happiness.

"I must impress that just one slip, and I won't hesitate to behead whichever one of your kids steps out of line. Publically."

I even swallowed hard at what Thane had just said. I wasn't expecting that.

'He is King, Lyric. Thane has to show he means business. His people need to know there will be consequences for their actions, or they will never take him seriously. Thane would be a laughing stock. Thane is feared throughout our world because he's unwavering, but he relented for you.

'So, I'm the weak link?!' I yell at my wolf because that was what it sounded like!

'Of course not, Lyric. You can only make Thane stronger. There's more to being King than being feared. With you by his side, Thane will be more than the King he is now!

"My King," Susan swallows hard. Her fear is the most potent, and it's a bit nauseating. "Are we going to be able to see our children while they're in custody?"

"I'll leave that decision to your Queen."

What!?!

My eyes snap to Thane. He looks at me; his expression is unreadable.

'You are my equal, Lyric! His voice fills my head. 'I know I told you to leave it to me, but you've proven to me that not only can you talk sense into me and my Lycan,' I smile while trying not to laugh. 'But that you are a fair and just Queen. That is why I will let you decide if those girls deserve to see their parents.

'Thank you.' I whisper.

What Thane said and his faith in me means everything to me.

I turn to the families and take a deep breath through my nose. I've never been given responsibility like this. I like it.

"You will be permitted to see your daughter's once you leave this room." Each woman smiles excitedly while the men sit a little straighter. "However, I can only allow you ten minutes, and you will not tell them what was said in this room.

"The girls are not to know they will be released in a month. I want them to work hard with the therapist, and if they're aware of their release, we might not get the truth from them. They'll tell us what we want to hear, knowing they'll be going home soon." "Of course, Your Majesty." Harold bows.

'Thane, could you have someone take them to their children?'

He clasps my thigh under the desk as his eyes cloud over. He's calling someone to do as I asked, and it isn't a moment before someone knocks and enters. A tall woman, full of muscle and dressed in a warrior uniform of blue and gold, walks in. The warrior bows to Thane and then to me. "Your Majesties."

"Amelia, could you take them to the dungeons?"

"Of course, my King."

"Have the girls taken to the visitor's room, and give them no longer than ten minutes with their parents."

"I'll see to it, King Thane."

The parents thank us before following Amelia out of the room. As soon as the door closes, I jump on Thane. He makes an oof sound as I straddle his waist and slam my mouth against his.

He grabs my waist, guiding me to rub against his obvious erection. My eyes roll behind my lids, and my p.ussy clenches.

I can't help gasping against his mouth. "Thane,"

"I know." He presses his forehead to mine. "It's okay, baby girl."

"It's not. I want to be with you, Thane, and I'm trying to be ready."

I feel awful making him wait to complete the mate bond. It's unusual for wolves to wait, and I doubt it's any different for Lycans.

"No," Thane shakes his head and looks me in the eye. "Don't ever force yourself to be ready for anything, Lyric. The day we complete the mate bond will happen because you were ready. But only when it comes naturally to you. I don't ever want you to regret us, Lyric."

Is it any wonder I'm falling for him when he's so sweet to me?

I smile while cupping his handsome face between my hands. "I will never regret being with you, Thane."

'Lyric, I need to speak with you. It's urgent!

Harmony!