Chapter 4
Calix’s POV.
I walked into the room to find two women—one blonde, one brunette—lounging on the bed in sheer, inviting garments.
"Welcome, Alpha," the brunette purred.
"We’ve been waiting just for you," added the blonde, sauntering toward me with a confident smile.
"Ladies," I greeted, arching a brow.
"I’m Sara, and this is Fienna," said the blonde.
I raised the wine bottle from the nearby stool and took a swig. The air turned sultry as they kissed, slow and deliberate, clearly performing for my benefit.
"Would you like us to entertain you tonight?" Fienna asked.
I let them guide me to the couch, watching as they danced and teased in synchrony. The wine warmed my throat. I wasn’t here for affection—just release.
---
[NEXT MORNING]
A groan escaped as sunlight slashed across my face. I shifted, the two women tangled in the sheets beside me, fast asleep. A crooked smile curved my lips.
I dressed quickly, washed my face, and opened the door to find Han waiting.
"Good morning, Alpha Calix," he said, peering behind me with a knowing look.
"Let’s just say the hospitality is unmatched," I muttered, shutting the door.
---
We stepped into the hallway, and I immediately sensed the quiet buzz in the air. The people of Tyr were still reveling in the excitement of my arrival yesterday. The warm light from the open windows illuminated the ornate hallways as we passed, the voices of servants moving about in their tasks.
"Report?" I asked.
Han kept pace beside me. "Tyr is at peace, and the people are still elated by your arrival. The port is open for business, with a number of traders coming in today, especially for the annual trade fair in Cathena."
"Cathena?" I raised an eyebrow. "What’s happening there?"
"The village is holding its annual trade fair today. Traders from all across the land are expected."
I nodded, my mind processing the information. "Is that all?"
"Yes, that’s all for Tyr." Han paused. "Except... Nirian."
I turned to face him, sensing the weight in his tone. "What about Nirian?"
"Nirian is safe this morning. However, the parliament insists that you be accompanied by an army during your stay. They intend to send two naval ships and one-tenth of the Nirian army." Han handed me the letter. "This is from them."
I scanned the letter quickly, my irritation rising. I handed it back to Han with a sharp exhale. "I told them I don’t need any army protecting me."
"Even the strongest lycan needs the protection of his army," Han countered.
I stopped in my tracks, staring at my beta. "You seem to forget quickly why I don’t want the Nirian army here. My people are werewolves, Han. A lycan army, no matter how small, will terrify them, and I won’t have that." I paused, gathering my thoughts. "Tell them I’m fine. If I need their protection, I’ll ask. But for now, I don’t."
Han nodded, taking the letter. "Understood. I’ll write to them."
We continued down the stairs, the echo of our footsteps filling the empty space. As we reached the foyer, I saw Leia speaking with a servant. She caught my gaze, and without saying a word, followed the handmaid to breakfast.
I lingered for a moment in front of the tapestry my father had hung years ago. The memories flooded back—of days long gone, filled with warmth and laughter. I stood there a moment longer than I should’ve, remembering the man who had taught me everything I knew about leadership.
"Good morning."
I turned, surprised to see Leia standing behind me. She had joined the table and was sitting, waiting for me to take my place.
"Good morning, Leia," I replied, moving to the seat beside her. "I thought you wouldn’t speak to me."
"And yet I just did," she said, her voice small but deliberate. "Perhaps you needed the distraction."
Her words hit me harder than I expected. I didn’t reply, instead focusing on the food in front of me. The tension between us was still palpable, but I wasn’t sure how to bridge the gap.
We ate in silence, the air thick with unspoken words, until a servant arrived to speak to me.
"Mr. Westley is here, my lord, and wishes to speak with you in the courtyard."
I rose from my seat and gestured for Han to follow. The cool morning air hit me as I stepped outside. Mr. Westley stood waiting, his tall form outlined against the morning light.
"Good morning, my lord," Mr. Westley greeted, bowing slightly before standing straight again. "I trust you had a restful night?"
"A good one, thank you. Please, come inside. We were just having breakfast."
"I’ll join you shortly, my lord. But there is something I must share with you in private."
His tone shifted, and I knew something was off. I followed him toward the edge of the lawn, away from prying ears.
"What is it?" I asked.
"Last week, you wrote to me to keep you informed about the alpha who killed your father," Mr. Westley began. "Well, I’ve just received word that he’s headed for Cathena. Something about his daughter failing to shift on her eighteenth birthday."
My hands clenched into fists at the mention of my father’s killer. But the mention of his daughter... I hadn’t expected that.
"His daughter?" I muttered, the realization slowly dawning. "Why do I care about his daughter?"
"You might not, my lord. But it’s a key part of his next move. His daughter’s failure to shift has drawn his attention elsewhere, and it seems he’s preparing for something... more." Mr. Westley paused. "But what that something is, I can’t say yet."
I was already thinking ahead. The rage that had simmered inside me flared to life again. My father’s killer had a daughter, and I would use that to track him down. This time, there would be no escaping.
"How far is Cathena on horseback?" I asked, voice low and dangerous.
"Three hours at full speed," Mr. Westley replied.
"Then we ride within the hour," I said firmly, turning to walk back to the castle.