Queen of the Lycan by Karina Espinosa (trending books to read txt) 📕

I shrugged. “If it wasn’t you, then what does it matter?”

“I’ll find out either way, little wolf. You might as well tell me what you know.” He gave a playful smirk, confident I would fall victim to his wolfish charms.

I grinned back just as saucily. “Then find out on your own. Good luck with that.”

Fenrir growled and took a step toward me but Bobby grabbed his arm and stopped him. “Not here,” he muttered. I didn’t know if the warlock was protecting me, but I kind of hoped Fenrir would attack me outright. I wanted to get this over and done with and stop playing these cat-and-mouse games.

“Luck is on your side today, little wolf,” Fenrir rumbled. “Stay out of the forest if you know what’s good for you.”

I furrowed my brows at his vague attempt to protect me when just a moment ago he was contemplating killing me. “Why not send me to the forest and get rid of your problem once and for all?” I taunted.

Fenrir’s face took on a dark expression before he replied, “I wouldn’t wish this death on my worst enemy.” He peered over his shoulder at Bobby. “Let’s go.”

With one hand, Bobby released a torrent of golden and orange swirls from his hand, opening a portal in my closet. I guess that explained how they got in there to begin with. My clothes flattened around my body from the force of the portal as it expanded.

“Until next time, little wolf … expect to see me soon.” Fenrir winked and jumped into the portal, disappearing in a flash.

Bobby paused before following. “Watch out for yourself, Princess. These are dark times with unknown entities. You’re not as safe as you think you are.”

“What’s going on, Bobby?” I asked before he stepped into the portal.

With his back to me, he glanced over his shoulder and gave a sad smile before jumping into the portal and disappearing.

I took just a second to pause and process it all before running out of my closet, through my bedroom, and into the common room where my guards were stationed.

“Get me Alexander, Ranulf, and Sebastian! The wards have been breached!” I shouted, my shirt hanging open as I stood there, wide eyed and panting.

The Queen’s Guard galvanized into action immediately, calling for Ranulf on their radios and sending guards out to fetch Alexander and Bash. I ran a hand through my hair in frustration as I paced the common room, waiting for their arrival.

“Is there anything ye need, Yer Majesty?” Liam approached my side. “I think we should move ye to a more secure location.”

I shook my head. “No, it’s okay. I’m fine.”

Just then, Ranulf stormed into the room and headed straight for me. “What happened?” He sized me up and down for injury.

“Fenrir and Bobby Wu, a warlock, were waiting for me in my room when I arrived,” I stated. “The wards around the castle are penetrable.”

“Fuck!” Ranulf shouted. I was surprised to hear that word fly out of his mouth; it was the first time I’d ever heard him curse. “Liam, contact the warlocks and witches. I want them in the council room in fifteen minutes!”

“Aye.” Liam nodded and exited the room just as Alexander and Bash rushed in.

“What’s going on?” Bash asked as he approached, taking in my unbuttoned shirt and frown. I buttoned up my shirt quickly, noticing my crooked buttons but not really caring.

While Ranulf informed them what happened, Alexander and Bash whipped their heads to me and inspected me as if I’d been physically hurt. They all expected the same thing I did—that if Fenrir made the effort to breach the castle’s security, it would have been done with the intention of killing me. But if that was the case, what the hell was he waiting for?

“Bobby is a powerful warlock,” Bash admitted. “He dabbles in dark magic; it’s probably why he was able to take down the wards without us noticing. That’s probably how they got into the village. Mackenzie isn’t safe here.”

“The castle is supposed to be the safest place in the world,” Alexander marveled. “Where else can we take her?”

“I’m not going anywhere,” I cut in. “He didn’t kill me just now, and I don’t think he intends to kill me at all.” At least I hoped not.

“You don know that for sure, darling.” Alexander’s brows furrowed. “Yer nae safe—”

“So increase the number of guards and make sure they sweep my bedroom before I enter. Take the appropriate safety measures, but know I’m not leaving my home. I’m not running from Fenrir,” I declared, my voice loud and clear. Maybe this was a too stupid to live moment, but I refused to run. I’d tried it before and it didn’t really work out for me.

“Yer so bloody stubborn. Will ye nae be satisfied until yer dead?” Alexander roared.

I knew what the real problem was, and the reason he was so adamant that I stop acting like a headstrong Lycan. There was no heir to the throne. If something happened to me, if God forbid I freakin’ died, the MacCoinnich line would end with me. This worried Alexander more than he cared to admit. For the moment, at least, his bloodline ended with me. Our bloodline.

“All right, let’s all calm down for a moment,” Bash intercepted smoothly. “We’ll increase security and get the warlocks and witches to reinforce the wards, and I’ll stay by Mackenzie’s side from now on.”

I wouldn’t argue. This solution would still allow me a certain amount of freedom and appease everyone else. And I wouldn’t mind having Bash by my side.

“Aye, I’ll go check on Liam and increase the guards in the royal wing,” Ranulf agreed. “Alexander, why don ye accompany me?” He nudged Alexander toward the door and left, grumbling the whole way.

I knew Alexander only worried about the safety and wellbeing of his only child and probably felt helpless on how to fight Fenrir. I knew the feeling well.

“Don’t