The Werewolf King’s Mate
Chapter 37

Content Warning: The chapter contains scenes that may not be suitable for readers below 18. Cory's POV:

When we headed down, I was glad everyone was there. We greeted each other and started chatting. They asked what I thought of Lucas' chateau, how the room was, or if I had met Alfred. I was so preoccupied with our talk that I didn't notice two women talking to Lucas until he asked one of the ladies to move. I turned to all of them and asked quietly who those women were.

"Who are they?"

"The one with long black hair is Lucas' cousin, Renee. The other one is, uhm." Iris looked sideways at Silas and Elias like she was asking for help.

"It's OK, you can tell me. I also prepared myself if I met one of Lucas' exes."

"That one is Laura. And she is not Lucas' ex. She is a friend of Renee's who visited here a few years ago, and she's back. We didn't even know she'd be here, Cory." Silas informed me. "Oh, alright. Why is Lucas..." I got cut off when Lucas pulled me to his side.

"Cory, this is my cousin, Renee, and her friend." I found myself satisfied that he didn't mention her name.

I'm not too fond of how she looks at you or our mate! Hotah pointed out.

And I made a quick look in Laura's direction. Indeed, she was eyeing me from head to toe. There were judgments and criticism from the way she was looking at me. Me too, Hotah.

Let's keep an eye on her. She kept on looking at Lucas like she wanted to pounce on him! Grrr!

"Lovely to meet you, Cory! And who might she be, Lucas? A new friend?"

"Renee, meet my mate and your queen."

Renee was surprised yet looked glad that her cousin had finally found his mate. On the other hand, Laura looked like Lucas poured an ice-cold bucket on her.

"Oh, that's great news, Lucas! Did you replace her when you were visiting the packs?"

"Yes, Renee. I found her in the Midnight Moon pack."

"I want to hear more! Why don't we start dinner? Hm?"

Everyone sat down. Now, I understood why Lucas asked Laura to leave the seat. This seat was reserved for Lucas' mate and the future queen. Therefore, I only have the right to sit here beside Lucas. Silas, the second-in-command, is seated beside Lucas, while Lola, Silas' mate, is beside him. Tommy is seated beside Lola, and Elias is seated next to me. To Elias' right is Iris, with Renee in between Iris and Ellie. Finally, Laura is seated at the far end of the table beside Ellie.

That's right. She should be far away from Lucas.

I am glad, too, Hotah. She keeps on giving me this look.

I could scratch those eyes out if you want.

Hotah, no violence tonight. Let's save that for some other time.

Alfred served us our first dish. My stomach growled from the smell of the meat. The trip was exhausting!

"Thank you, Alfred. The food looks delicious!"

"You're welcome, your Majesty. I will also inform the chef that the taste is to your liking."

Dish after dish came out of the kitchen, and everything was fantastic! I want to see the kitchen soon and get to know the chef behind these wonderful dishes. Maybe they could teach me a couple of things as well! "Lucas, can I meet the chef next time?"

"You must love her cooking for you to ask that-and of course, babe. You can. You can do whatever you want as long as it will not endanger you. Okay?" "Thanks, babe!"

I must have been too excited to call him babe. I have called him that once or twice now. He seemed to like it because his smile was from ear to ear! "Aww! How cute! It's been a while since I've seen him smile like that, Cory." Renee grinned when she spoke to me.

"Glad you found her, cuz! So, I propose a toast to replaceing your mate and our Queen! Cheers!"

Champagne flutes and wine glasses were raised in the air for the toast. Even Alfred, the butlers, and other maids were clapping for us. The dinner went on until everyone had to leave.

"Goodbye, Cory! It was a pleasure to meet you! I live outside the kingdom with my mate, but I visit often. So, let's have tea next time. Ciao!" Renee said goodbye and dragged Laura with her.

Laura didn't say a word after Lucas introduced me as his mate. She quietly ate and observed my movements. Although, she kept stealing glances at Lucas all the time. It's possible that Laura has romantic feelings for Lucas. The thought made my stomach churn. Moments later, Lucas and I went upstairs to get ready for bed. All the while, I did not say anything. And I think that worried Lucas. When he closed the door, he pulled me into a hug. "There's nothing to worry about, babe. I promise!"

"I know, Lucas."

"But you were quiet when everyone left. What's on your mind?"

I sighed. "Well, I asked our friends about you and Laura. They told me to ask you instead."

"So, you want to know?"

"Yes...I think I do want to know, and at the same time, I don't want to know."

"Babe, Cory, look at me. I will tell you whatever you want to know, OK? But remember, all of that was in the past."

I nodded. Lucas told me the story of what happened a few years ago. How they met, and how one thing led to another. I know it happened in the past, but I still feel...jealous.

"I never asked her to be my girlfriend or the queen. And we are nothing like that. What happened that night was one mistake I regret. If I could only turn back time and not do it, I would have."

"I also think Laura likes you."

"And?"

"And she's so beautiful and slender that I bet most guys would turn their heads."

"What else?"

"She's touchy and seems overly friendly to you." I rolled my eyes and pouted.

"Anything else inside your head, babe?"

"She kept looking at you. That's all."

"Okay. First, I don't care if she has a face and body that other guys would like. Second, I'm sorry if I didn't shrug her off fast. I swear to the moon goddess that she will never come near or touch me again. Lastly, I will take her eyes off if she ever looks at me." "You can't do that!"

"I will, babe. If it makes you uncomfortable or hurts you, I will."

"You're crazy!"

"Yup! Crazy about the sexiest, kindest, sweetest, and most beautiful lady in the world. Crazy about you, babe."

"I love you, Lucas." And I mean it with all my heart. I felt a little insecure and anxious when I saw Laura a while ago, but with Lucas' reassurance, I feel better.

"I love you too, babe. I'm glad you told me all of these things."

"Me too. Thank you!"

"Now, why don't we shower and then get some rest?"

"What do you mean we? I'll go by myself."

I squealed in surprise when he lifted me off the ground and carried me to the bathroom. I knew the bathroom would be huge but I gasped at its size. It is as big as his entire room in the Midnight Moon pack's cabin. "Wow! I love your chateau, Lucas."

"It's yours too, babe. Enough looking around, babe. You'll have time tomorrow."

Lucas closed the distance between us, and he slowly undressed me. He stepped backward to remove his clothes. I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing his six-pack abs and that v-cut. I looked lower, and his length stood ready to take me. Lucas sat me on the counter, and we started making out. We explored each other's mouths and bodies. He kissed and smelled my neck. I tilted my head to give him more access.

"I want to mark you so badly!"

I wrapped my legs around his waist as he carried me to the shower cubicle.

He turned on the faucet with one hand while his other supported my weight. Warm water started pouring above us. We continued making out. Lucas pinned me to the wall and started pounding inside me. We continued with the rhythm until both of us released our arousal.

****

We're both in bed right now. I was trying to read a book while Lucas was focused on some documents. But, I am bugged by something.

"Lucas, what happens when you mark me?"

"We will be connected in mind, heart, and soul. And no one or anything can break our bond. I can mind-link you and feel everything you feel. We'll be one, babe."

"Oh, do I need to mark you too?"

"Yes, babe. You have to let your pangs out and bite my neck."

"Wouldn't that hurt?"

"According to some, it will be painful, but only briefly. Afterward, you'll feel pleasure."

"Oh, I understand."

He dropped the papers he was reading and cuddled with me.

"The next full moon will be in three days. I want to mark you on that day."

In three days. We will be one.