The Werewolf King’s Mate
Chapter 74

Lucas POV:

It seems as though dreary weather conditions are once again plaguing the kingdom. The gloomy weather has been like this for straight consecutive days. Is this a premonition of something bad happening? I want to think otherwise, but this is the first time we have experienced rain for weeks. Despite the weather, we continued to train the soldiers and the volunteers. They have been showing improvements and dedication every day - even Cory and Lola were committed to their training with Iris. Also, they resumed attending their classes, but we changed the schedules so as not to strain their minds and bodies, especially Cory's.

Today, we decided to take a break from training. We cannot push our bodies to the limit for them to break once we are attacked. And it will be a good time for me to catch up on the work I left behind - packs requesting assistance, budgets, and other meetings. Silas has also been in the office to assist me with the other tasks.

"Imagine being away for a month or two. We were just out for a couple of days, and look at the stack of papers," Silas said with a weary expression.

"Well, I planned to do just that once my daughter is born." I looked at him with a smirk. From the look on his face and the glare I received, I knew I had hit the spot. And I couldn't hide the laugh that was building

"What? I want to spend some time with my daughter. You can handle the rest."

"I also have a mate, Your Majesty. I have not been a very good one because of the war and the witch." "Don't worry, Silas. Once this ends, I will let you have a two-week day off and spend time with Lola."

"How generous of you, Your Majesty! Although, I would prefer a month's leave." His tone was mixed with sarcasm and irritation. I know I have been overworking everyone, especially Silas. He hasn't stopped working since the situation with Hendrix and now, the war. "You are abusing my generosity, my dear friend. But don't worry. Since I am a very generous and kind leader, I will approve of that."

"Yeah! Now, can we go back to work? Do you think I wouldn't notice that you were trying to distract me so you could take a break?" He said as he placed another stack of documents in front of me. I couldn't ask for a better second-in-command and best friend than Silas.

Time flies when you are...busy. Not fun. It was past noon, and we were not even close to finishing all these. I have more papers on my table than when I started this morning. It was never-ending!

"Don't think of slacking, Your Majesty."

"Give me 15 minutes, Silas. I just need to relax for a moment."

"Ha! Like I have heard that before. Your 15 minutes will be 30 minutes, that I am sure."

"Fine. Fine, but at least get some snacks, Silas.

After a few minutes, the maids came with club sandwiches and juice. I am glad for the refreshments and the added energy. It helped me to continue with the rest of my work.

The rest of the afternoon went rather fast. And soon, we are almost done with the paperwork. We're good to go with a few more documents to sign.

Later that night, we had our usual gathering - dinner and catching up. Our day seemed like the usual peaceful ones that we had. Everyone was here, and I think this is the first time in a while that we are all present. We had the usual banter of the twins, Iris stopping them, and everyone laughing. Even my alone time with Cory was peaceful. She told me about her day - her training, her cravings, how much she ate but still felt hungry, her mood swings, and everything she learned in class.

"It was my pregnancy hormones. AND, I was hangry, OK?

So don't laugh at me!" She was just telling me how she got mad at Alfred for bringing her a sandwich without pickles, two lettuce instead of three, and a slice of tomato instead of two. I felt sorry for the old man. I still don't understand pregnant women's cravings. "OK. OK, I understand, babe. Poor Alfred." She playfully slapped my back.

"So, what else happened on your day? Aside from being hungry?

"Our professors told us we're almost done with our lessons. We just have a couple more lessons to discuss and an exam."

"That's great! If so, we can move on to your graduation by next month."

"We have a lot to celebrate next month! I am looking forward to it."

"Me, too! Now, why don't we get some rest? Especially you.

We still have an early morning training session tomorrow, and you also have classes."

"Alright. Goodnight, Lucas!

I tucked her in, and quickly, she fell asleep. I watched as her breathing got even and more relaxed before I stood up.

From my bag, I reached out a velvety box and went to the walk-in closet to hide it again in the mini vault. A few days after Cory settled in, I asked Silas to retrieve one of my mother's treasures - a piece of jewelry my father gave her.

She told me to use it when I replace my mate. And it has been a few months since I have been holding on to it, waiting for the perfect timing. I thought our walk in the garden would have been the best time, but I thought otherwise. I wanted it to be more special for her, so I kept it in my bag.

I went back to bed and pulled Cory into my arms. As soon as I took in her powdery yet flowery scent, a sense of calmness washed over me. It was as if all my worries and anxieties vanished into thin air, allowing me to peacefully drift off to sleep. The day went rather smoothly. So, who would have thought that we would wake up to the sound of the emergency alarms the next morning?

****

The buzzing sound of the alarms woke me up immediately.

That sound. It could only mean one thing.

"WE ARE UNDER ATTACK!" I mind-linked everyone.

Cory also woke up, and she gathered the emergency kit under our bed. She knows what to do and where to go.

Hurriedly, we went out of the room, and I guided her to the entrance of the tunnel. There, we found the others leading the other women, the elderly, and children to the escape tunnel, leading them to the hideout.

"Be careful out there, Lucas. You have to come and get me,

OK?" She said before walking towards the tunnel.

"I will. Just wait for me. And you have to be careful, too." I watched as her silhouette disappeared. Oh, goddess, please take care of them. While the rest were guided to the tunnel, I left and went to my post. I quickly mind-linked Silas to know the current situation. "Silas? Where are you?"

"I am in position now, Your Majesty. So are Elias and the rest."

"Good. Do you see where the enemies are?"

"From where / stand, they are coming from the mountains...

Then another message came from Elias, Rogues in the east!"

What?! I thought they were coming from the mountains. It should be the west, not the east. Unless...

"Elias, what do you see?"

"Ships! They have ships!"

D*mn! They are attacking us from all directions!

"Everyone, prepare to engage! Defend the forts! They are trying to close in on us via the land and sea. I repeat, prepare to engage! Defend the forts! Do not let your guard down!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Soon, I heard explosions coming from both the east and west sides of the kingdom. I could hear the shouts of the soldiers as they fought and defended the kingdom. Then, I heard another explosion. Our gates have been destroyed, and soon, rogues have emerged. They all looked feral and ready to kill anyone who came their way. And finally, she showed herself. The witch who caused all of these and the one who destroyed the peace I have been trying to protect.

"Your Majesty! What a warm welcome you have here. All these, for me?" "You have finally shown your face, Elisha."

"Of course, I want my face to be the last you see after I kill you."

"Not if I snap your neck first!" I shifted to my wolf as I said those words.

Rogues started to move towards us. These rogues were different from the ones I had encountered before. They were more aggressive, their eyes were hungry for flesh and blood, and they were highly furious. Thus making their moves faster and more unpredictable. Elisha might have cast a spell on them. D*mn this witch! She has a lot of tricks up her sleeve. Two rogues jumped on me, but I was quick to dodge and counter their attacks. I continued to move forward until I reached my target - Elisha. But what I didn't expect was that eight rogues guarded her. They look much stronger than the rest, and they exude a powerful aura compared with the rest. They must be the leaders of the rogues.

"Say hello to my friends, Your Majesty. They helped me put up this army!"

"Tss. I don't care who they are. I will finish them off quickly, and yours will be next."

"Oh no! I am so scared!" But she just smirked. "But surely, your threat is not as scary as it sounds compared to the information I am about to give you."

"What do you mean?"

"Hm. Let's just say that I have ten friends. And I sent the other two somewhere - like a secret base or something." ! don't believe her. She's just playing mind games. They wouldn't know where the hideout is. Elisha seemed to catch my reaction, "You think I'm lying, don't you? We just have to see about that. Why don't you call your lovely mate?"

Calm down, Lucas. They would have alerted us if something happened. For now, focus on defeating them so we can go to Cory as soon as possible. Kali said.

You're right. The sooner we end this, the faster we reunite with them.

Before I attacked, I said a little prayer. Moon goddess, shine your light upon us and protect this kingdom.