The Werewolf King’s Mate
Chapter 43

Lucas'

POV:

As I eagerly awaited a response from Cory, a strange sensation started tingling in my mind, leaving me with a sense of curiosity and anticipation. I bet she was trying to connect with me.

"I'm in the kitchen! I'm helping Chef Linguini prepare dinner."

"Alright. But, can you go upstairs and meet me in my office?" "Yeah, sure. I'll be there in a minute."

"Thanks, babe!"

I headed to our room first to change and went to the adjacent room to talk to Cory. She would know who attacked Lola and what really happened that day. I placed the documents I brought home to review when Cory knocked. "Come on, babe!"

"Hey! How was your day?"

I sat on the couch and asked her to sit on my lap. She quickly obeyed. I hugged her tight and pressed a kiss on my mark.

"I'm good, babe. Just a little tired. How about you?"

"It was great! We talked about the story of the first wolf for our History class. Then, the politics of the kingdom. For our traditions class, we enumerate well-known ones. Our physical class was also fun! Elias made us run around the woods so we could memorize it." "Was he with you?"

"Yes! And he called a couple more guards to join us."

"Alright. If he made you run on your own, I would've knocked him out."

"Chill out! So, is this why you called me?"

"Well, I missed you. And I want to know how your day went."

"Okay..."

"But there is also something I want to ask. You knew Chloe was here, right?"

She nodded and let me continue.

"So, in order for us to start the hearing, we have to gather new evidence and witnesses. And I thought it would be a good start for Lola..." "Why Lola?"

"Well, we never knew exactly what happened and who hurt her."

"Hmm. Good point."

"By any chance, do you know or have she shared with you who hurt her?"

"Unfortunately, she kept a tight lip on this. I also asked her about that last time, but she didn't answer. So, I have no clue."

"Alright. Thanks, babe. Hopefully, we'll replace enough proof to put Chloe in jail or banish her."

"Oh! Oh! I do remember that on the day I bumped into Chloe. I tried asking Lola if it was Chloe, but she turned pale when I looked at her."

"There's a possibility that seeing her perpetrator made her motionless and scared. We'll have to look into it more. Thank you!"

"No problem! I will try to get something out of her. I'll let you know if I replace out anything."

"Got it, babe. Well, that's all. Let's head down for dinner, shall we?"

"We shall."

It's wonderful to have a day off today! With Lola and Ellie, Cory took off after breakfast to join Renee in planning the celebration. I summoned Ellie to my study and advised her to exercise caution. "Be alert, Ellie. Please tell me if you sense something is wrong. I don't trust Laura."

"Yes, Your Majesty. I will also keep an eye on her."

"And try to avoid going out of the palace's territory. If needed, alert me so I can put on a team to be your guards. Chloe is still roaming around. I am still unsure of the level of threat she would be there for Cory." "I understand, Your Majesty. I will update you and will protect Her Majesty at all costs."

"Thank you, Ellie. You're dismissed."

After they left, I went to the arena. I would usually join the sessions whenever I am free. I also think this would be a good stress reliever for all that is happening.

"Everyone, halt! Your Majesty, we're glad you can join us." Elias bowed his head.

"Everyone, halt! Your Majesty, we're glad you can join us." Elias bowed his head.

"I have some time on my hands. What's the lesson for today?"

"Today, we're doing 3-on-3 combat. Do you want to join us?"

"Definitely."

After training with the fighters for two hours, it was evident that some of them could keep up with the level of Elias and me, which pleased me.

"You did well in training them, Elias. Keep it up!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty! Oh, and Her Majesty and Madam Lola were also improving."

"Glad to hear that from you. Thank you!"

I moved away from the trainers and noticed someone on the bench. I didn't smell or sense her presence.

What the hell is she doing here?? Kali was on high alert and irritated.

I thought she was part of the planning group?!

Why on earth is Laura here? Before I sparred with the fighters, I mind-linked Cory and asked her what she was doing and if everything was good. Everything was fine, she said. So, I was assured that she was safe. What is she doing here? I'm not pleased to see her. "What are you doing here?" I asked as I approached the bench and collected my towel and water bottle.

"Nothing. I took a little break. It was a bit suffocating there. And I missed you. Didn't you miss me?"

She gave me a coy look, her eyes twinkling with playful energy. And really? For someone who's going to plan the anniversary celebration of my uncle and aunt, she wore a tight black dress and a pair of heels.

Tss. Disgusting. I can't believe how shameless this woman is!

I would suggest that you get her locked up in the dungeon. Oh, Kali, if only I could.

"Get the hell out of here. My cousin, who is also your friend, needs you."

"They can do it without me. Let's go somewhere else. You know, just the two of us."

"No. And if I wasn't clear enough the last time, I found my mate and your queen. I suggest you show her respect before I throw you in the dungeon."

She stood up and flirtatiously ran her hand on my arm. I shrugged her off instantly. I quietly snarled at her to make her retreat and back away. She did. But it didn't stop her from throwing herself at me.

"No one will know. We'll keep it our little secret. We had fun last time, right?"

"Like I care. I have someone important now. The past was a mistake. That day fills me with deep regret. I wouldn't have done it if I knew I would meet Cory."

"Don't say that. It's hurting me, Lucas."

"ENOUGH! That's Your Majesty for you. You will address me as such and your queen. Understood?" I growled at her, making her flinch.

I departed from the arena and went back to the chateau. Before heading upstairs, I asked Alfred to prepare snacks for Cory and the others. After refreshing myself with a nice shower, I switched my outfit to a more pristine one. After that, I plan on making my way to see Cory. That interaction with Laura made me want to feel and be in Cory's presence. I took the basket and went down to the garage. I opted for the sleek black BMW convertible I typically use for my personal trips.

"Babe, where are you?"

"Oh, hi! We're in the great hall. Why?"

"Alright. I'm on my way."

The staff greeted me as I entered the palace. I marveled at the grandeur of the great hall as I ascended to the second floor, eager to locate Cory. Kali and I have been frantic about seeing her. As soon as I opened the door, my eyes were immediately drawn to her. "Hi, Lucas! I was surprised when you said..."

With a rush of emotion, I pulled her into my embrace, holding her close to my heart with all the love I could muster. I placed my head in the crook of her neck and breathed in her scent. That's better. "What's wrong, Lucas? Are you OK?"

"Yes, babe. Better now." I planted a sweet and tender kiss on her delicate cheeks.

"You can tell me later, Lucas. I know something is bothering you."

"I will, babe. I brought food for everyone. Have a break."

She quickly called everyone. I am glad I brought something to eat. They all looked hungry. As expected, Laura did not return here. It's better that way. She'll not be near Cory.

"How was the planning?"

"So far, so good! We have already contacted some of the suppliers. Before you arrived, we talked about how to style the great hall." Renee informed me of the progress.

"I wonder if everything should be in silver? Since it's the 25th anniversary," Cory asked.

"Oh, my dear, unless you want everyone to have a heart attack from all the silver. But seeing the look on their faces when they entered the hall would be funny!" Renee couldn't help but giggle at the thought.

"Then, everyone should wear silver! And we'll make sure to include that in our lovely silver invitation!" Ellie's remark was so funny that it sparked a wave of laughter from everyone present.

"Wow, what a fantastic idea. I'm sure everyone will be thrilled to wear silver in a kingdom full of wolves." Aston, Renee's mate, joked.

Everyone was thinking of all the other things they could turn into silver. They even considered including some silver food coloring in the beverages, which would undoubtedly scare everyone! We were all having a great time telling jokes, and laughter filled the room. Things were going well until Laura had to come in and ruin it.

"Hey everyone, I'm back! Sorry, things got heated up." Then she looked at me. Obviously, she was trying to insinuate something from her words and actions.

"Where have you been?" Renee curiously asked.

"Just somewhere. A little rendezvous." A sly grin spread across her face as she implied something. Again, Laura took a glance at me.

Glancing over at Cory, I noticed her eyes darting back and forth between myself and Laura. She knew I was in the arena. F*ck! Please don't get the wrong idea. Please don't get the wrong idea. Please don't get the wrong idea. I will straighten things out. I need to erase all doubts from her mind.

"Shall we head home, babe?" I suggested to Cory.

"Oh, but Lucas, I think we're not done here yet."

"No worries, Cory. You've already accomplished so much! Perhaps we could pick up where we left off next week." Renee, seeming to understand the tension, helped me with convincing Cory.

"Alright. Thank you, Renee! See you next week! Let's go, babe!"

I gently took her hand and lifted her. We left the palace, but instead of heading straight to the chateau, I decided to take a little detour and drive into town.

"We have some free time. Why not go on a date with me, babe?"