The Werewolf King’s Mate
Chapter 49

Lucas' POV:

Before the Incident:

We were in the middle of discussing plans for the Nightshade pack. Admittedly, our resources are still limited, and we haven't found more information about Sheila Weber. I told Beta Anderson that we are making arrangements to leave this evening and will keep him updated on the investigation's advancement. The kingdom will also extend its hands to any help. "Thank you, Your Majesty. Your presence and assistance for the past three days immensely helped us to get back on our feet."

"It is my duty to the people. Contact me or Silas if the pack needs anything else."

"Yes, Your Majesty. We will also be..."

Beta Anderson held his thoughts when my phone rang. It was Iris. This afternoon, Cory mentioned that they were heading out for a run in the woods, and I had already agreed for her to go. Did they somehow change their minds?

"Lucas, speaking. What is it, Iris?"

I could perceive the sound of uneven and labored breathing coming from the opposite end. It sounded like she ran a few lapses without a break.

"Huff..Huff...L-Lucas!" She spoke with a sense of urgency and concern in her voice. My senses were instantly heightened. As soon as Silas and Elias laid their eyes on me, they couldn't help but notice the shift in my stance. They were paying close attention to what was happening during my call.

"Iris, speak properly! Is Cory alright?"

"Huff...S-she's nowhere in sight. Huff... hufff... We were with her at first, but we lost sight of her. We cannot track her scent, Your Majesty!"

F*CK! Sh*t!

"How did that happen?! You have guards with you! For sure, she wouldn't be that far! When did you realize she was gone?!"

The news got me worked up! I couldn't help but shout and growl at Iris. The Nightshade pack was looking at me and was intrigued by what was going on. Silas and Elias had already contacted the twins, working together to replace Cory. "About five minutes now, Your Majesty."

"Call more guards to look for her! I will be there soon! Tell the guards if they don't replace her before I arrive, they could kiss their jobs goodbye!"

I dropped the call and informed Silas and Elias that there was a change of plan. They need to call the drivers and pilots right away. We have to go as soon as possible.

"Change of plans. We have to leave. Now!"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

With a sense of urgency, we grabbed our bags and hurried to the airport. Gladly, our drivers got the memo and got us to the airport much earlier. Before we arrived, the pilot informed us that the plane was ready. We will most likely arrive at the Palace in less than two hours. I picked up my phone and dialed Cory's number. It went straight to the voicemail. Damn it! I couldn't mind-link her because we were too far away. Instead, I called Iris.

"Y-Your Majesty...huff...huff..."

"You found her already?!"

"Huff...N-not yet, Your Majesty. But one of the trackers said he could smell the faint scent of Cory. We must be near."

"Do it fast! And make sure to capture the perpetrator alive. I will deal with them when I land."

Without waiting for her to speak, I abruptly ended the call. How could they not get to her faster? And how could they even lose her? I might be getting too soft, and now they're slacking.

Make sure they receive punishment! My mate is in danger because they took their eyes off her! Ever since hearing the news, Kali has been consumed with anger.

You don't have to tell me that. They will be punished. Severely.

I was boiling with rage. If she got lost for more than half an hour, they could have left town already, or she could be...Goddess! This is frustrating! To think that I left her because I thought it would be safer for her! D*Mn it!

"Your Majesty, we will land in about 45 minutes," I was just informed by Elias.

"Any updates from the twins?"

"None yet, Your Majesty. They are searching for the other side of the woods."

"F*CK! Time's running! The longer they couldn't replace her, the more she was in danger!"

"We will replace her soon, Your Majesty."

I need a freaking drink! I'm going insane just sitting here and waiting. I poured myself a glass of smooth, amber-colored scotch from the bottle and savored the rich aroma. I downed the entire drink in one go. I can't seem to get my thoughts in order, and my frustration is boiling over. In a moment of anger, the glass goes flying across the plane. As soon as we touched down, the bottle had already been drained of every last drop. And still no words on her location. As we made our way through the town, my phone rang, and I saw that it was Iris on the line.

"What?"

"We found her! We found her!"

Thank goddess!

"Where did you replace her? Was anyone with her?"

"She was close to the borders, but she was alone. We didn't see anyone with her or leaving the woods."

"Take her back to the chateau. We will arrive in a few minutes."

****

Present:

After I left Cory in the study room, I looked for Iris and the guards. Chloe approached Cory with confidence and ease, without any hesitation whatsoever. With her ability to mask their scents, she had the power to whisk Cory off and keep her at a distance from Iris. I must admit, Chloe seems to be much more of a threat than I initially realized.

I met with Iris and the rest at the palace's hall. All eyes were fixated on the floor, leaving the room in a state of eerie silence. Tss. They lack the courage to confront me whatsoever.

"Your Majesty..." Iris spoke, but I looked at her coldly. It was clear to her that I wouldn't tolerate any excuses from them.

"You all seemed to be slacking, huh? Am I right?"

Silence filled the room as everyone avoided making eye contact or uttering a word. Their fears were palpable, and the pungent scent of anxiety filled the air around us.

"AM I RIGHT?!" I growled at them.

"No, Your Majesty!"

"Then how the f*ck did you lose sight of Your Queen? How come a mad woman cornered her?!"

"Your Majesty, what mad woman?" Iris asked. This information dumbfounded her.

"Apparently, Chloe got close to her. They were alone together in the woods for the whole time! Who knows what could have happened?!"

I allowed them a brief moment to process all that had transpired throughout the day. I hope they realize the gravity of their carelessness.

"Starting tomorrow, all of you will undergo more intensive training! We will extend your training hours by three more hours!"

They looked at each other in surprise, but none said anything. Good! Elias and I discussed this matter during the flight, and he created a new program for them. This had better be a lesson for them. When nothing else had been said, I left the hall and returned to the chateau. I asked Alfred about Cory's whereabouts.

"She's in Madam Lola's room right now."

"Hmm. Did she eat already?"

"Not yet, Your Majesty. I provided them with a tray of food some time ago. However, it seems that she is not feeling like eating."

"Have the chef reheat her food and bring it to our room."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

I made my way to the annex and gave Lola's door a knock. Lola soon answered the door.

"Your Majesty, how can I help you?"

"Tell Cory to come out. Dinner will be served in our room."

"Just a moment, Your Majesty."

She stepped out of the door frame and went back inside. I caught a faint murmur coming from their direction. After a brief moment, Lola reappeared.

"Your Majesty, Cory said that she is not hungry and, uhm, that she will not be sleeping in your room tonight."

Oh, goddess!

"Cory, come out!"

"No! I will stay here."

"You know you can't. So, come out now."

"I said no!"

With a push, I widened the door and stepped into Lola's room. Cory was lying on the bed and was surprised when I scooped her up. She was resisting my advances and pushing herself away. "Put me down!"

"And what? Try to lock yourself in Lola's room. I don't think so!"

"I want to stay with her."

"And why is that?"

"Hmp! Just put me down! I am not hungry and don't want to sleep in our room!"

"No way. No matter how mad or pissed off you are at me, you will stay in our room."

"Fine! I'll sleep on the couch!"

If I say anything else, we'll end up in another argument. As I entered our room, I saw the cart full of food near the small dining table. I heard a loud growl coming from Cory's stomach. I carefully put her down. "Let's eat."

"I'm not hungry."

"Yes, you are. I heard your stomach growl. Let's sit down."

"I don't want to eat. I prefer to sleep now."

With heavy steps, she moved backward and headed toward the couch. It became clear to Kali that we were the ones who caused her to behave in such a manner.

Well, it's partly our fault. We were too harsh on her. She's hurt.

It wasn't my intention to hurt her. We were worried.

I know. But still, we treated her coldly this time.

I couldn't see her face as she lay on the couch, her back turned towards me. My heart started to race as worry crept in. As I looked at her quivering physique, it was evident that tears were streaming down her face. Kali was right. I went too far. "Babe..." I said cuddly.

"Leave me alone."

"I would never do that. Hey, look at me."

"No," she said while shaking her head.

"I apologize for my behavior earlier when I raised my voice and harshly spoke to you. I'm sorry."

Her sobs grew louder, echoing through the room.

"Shhh. I regret what I did. I'm sorry." I pulled her up and placed her on my lap. Her face is on my chest, covering herself from me. I gently stroked her hair and comforted her.

"I really am sorry, Cory. I was extremely worried, especially since I was so far from your side. I felt helpless."

There was a profound silence as she remained quiet. We stayed like that for a while. I cradled and hugged her tightly, hoping to make her feel better.