The Alpha King (Kingdom of Askara #1)(5)
But as soon as he saw the boy’s eyes he recognized him. Luca took another breath, completely lost for words as the most incredible scent surrounded him. He took a step towards the boy. Luca’s wolf reared up and he had to grit his teeth to stop his change. His animal wanted out, and out right now. One of the gammas lunged for Luca as if he thought to stop him touching what was his. Luca merely shot out his left arm in an attempt to block him. He must have pushed him hard though because the gamma went sailing backwards and crashed into one of the tables where the guests sat.
Angry snarls erupted as the other Alphas moved. “Grab him,” Hendrick shouted, gesturing to his guards, and they all rushed at Luca. Luca barely took his eyes from the boy, just dealing with the guards as if they were merely an inconvenience, but in a few seconds all the guards lay unconscious on the ground where Luca had thrown them. Everyone was silent, scared. No one werewolf was strong enough to fight like that, and Luca had barely moved. Sam quickly put his back protectively to Luca and eyed the other Alphas warily.
“I know you,” Luca said quietly, and gently took the boy’s shaky hand, registering the sparks that traveled up his own at the contact. “What’s your name?”
The boy swallowed, and immediately Luca realized he was older than he had thought. It was the fact he was nothing but skin and bone that made him seem small. Luca frowned. He looked exhausted and his face was unnaturally pale.
“It’s Kit, your Highness,” he whispered, and before Luca could stop him he fell to his knees, and bowed his head.
Luca ignored the gasps around him and bent down quickly, reaching for Kit’s arms. “I’m not...” He started in confusion, then Kit looked up.
“I told you once,” he said softly. “You are the true Alpha King.”
“Blasphemy,” shrieked the grand-beta. “Put the slave in shackles.” More guards rushed forward but Luca turned, snarling. His growl rumbled from his chest, getting louder and louder. The ground started shaking, tables wobbled, and goblets fell over and spilled. The gammas all stood frozen until Hendrick in desperation shouted again. “Kill the usurper!” He pulled clumsily at the small knife all Alphas kept in their belt.
Luca whipped around, his cloak swaying around his legs and at the same time he clasped the small knife he kept in his own and threw it...straight at Alpha Hendrick, where it lodged between his eyes. The man was dead before he hit the floor.
The ground was still shaking and an ungodly growl was still coming from Luca’s throat. The servants dropped to their knees first, quickly followed by many of the guards. Luca stared at each wolf in the clearing until finally even the Alphas and the other heirs bowed down. Luca blinked and the shaking stopped. In the silence, Sam turned. He brought his arm across his chest, bent one knee, and bowed his head.
“Sam?” Luca said shakily, staring at his best friend.
“Your Highness,” Sam replied immediately. “I am your servant to command.”
Luca stared in astonishment at all the people on their knees. It was impossible. He wasn’t...
Luca heard a small sound behind him. Kit had stood back up, but his face was drained of color and he swayed. Luca lunged and caught him just as his eyes rolled up and his legs gave way. Luca took a breath and clutched Kit tightly, possessively, stunned at his own reaction and that of his wolf. Werewolves never mated humans, ever. He had no idea what was happening or whatever had just happened but whatever it was Luca was sure of one thing. He wasn’t letting Kit go. Not now. Not ever.
Chapter One
Luca stood cradling Kit protectively.
“Your Highness?”
Luca blinked and glanced to his left. The omega, Tara, had left the procession. “I have some salve for his skin, and it needs bathing first if you would like me to try, or I can send to the kitchens for the slave master.”
There was no way. He’d seen Hendrick’s slave master—a cruel human who walked around in too little clothes to disguise his revolting frame, who had a small whip coiled in his belt that he was very free to use on as many slaves as he wished. The bully would be in the kitchen at present making life as miserable for as many slaves as he could.
“We can go inside,” Gabriel stated determinedly, coming to stand behind her. At twenty-three, Gabriel was Alpha Jace’s younger son. His older brother Gareth, who was taking part in the choosing along with Luca, stood apart from them whispering hurriedly with his father’s gammas.
Sam gestured to three betas who still knelt respectfully at Luca’s feet. “With your permission, I can get everyone ready for you to address when you have seen to the safety of your mate.”
Luca blinked again and looked at Sam. His mate? Sam stood upright and nodded encouragingly. Luca smiled faintly. “I would appreciate your assistance.”
“I would be honored, your Highness,” Sam answered immediately. He turned and started barking orders. Gabriel hurried to assist him.
“Sire?” Tara prompted and Luca was reminded of the precious bundle in his arms. He was hurt, and the ground shook slightly as Luca growled at the thought. Luca followed Tara into the large pack house, glad that she knew the layout. He barely registered the gilded, ornate bannisters alongside the stairs he ran up, since he was being careful not to jostle the boy.
They came to a room at the end of the corridor. Its opulence was nauseating, but he approved of the large bed he laid Kit on. “Please lay him on his side so I can see his back, and then we can manage.” Tara smiled kindly. Two servants rushed in and Luca swallowed. He really, really didn’t want to let go of Kit. “Alpha?” Tara prompted.