GIFTED RILEY by Lacy Mierr

Chapter 21 The Price of Power:

Chapter 21: The Price of Power

*Nicolas*

There are times, very few times where I detest my responsibilities. Times like these. I loved protecting my people, but right now, staring into her eyes, the urge to kiss her was overwhelming. I wanted to throw caution to the wind and make her mine, truly. Consequences be damned.

I was this close, about to lean in, feel the brush of her soft lips against mine. The pull, the mateship bond, it was undeniable.

But before I could act on those desires, Vera’s anxious voice cut through the moment.

“Nicolas,” she rasped through the mindlink. “There’s trouble. Michael and Henry…”

My eyes went hard, my desire evaporating faster than a snowball in July. I hoped she wouldn’t say the words, but even before she did, I already knew.

“We found them in the north woods. Barely recognizable. Hunters, by the looks of it. Left them near the border. I think they were trying to send a message.”

Chapter 21: The Price of Paiver

A message. Those were two of my most important warriors. They’d sent a message alright, and I was going to send one of my own.

F** k!

Michael’s mate, Jane, just found out she was carrying his pup. How the hell was I supposed to look that poor girl in the eye and tell her what they’d done to her mate, her future?

Those hunters would bleed for this. Every. Single. One. They’d learn the true cost of messing with the Lycan King and his pack. They’d learn it in blood and bone.

My eyes darkened with determination and the thirst for vengeance. I glanced briefly at Riley, staring at me with pure curiosity in her eyes.

“I have to go,” I muttered, the words clipped and curt.

I knew the dismissal stung. Hell, I hated the way it felt on my own tongue. But this wasn’t a place for her. Not yet. Her last run in with the hunters was still burned into my memory. It’s not a scene I’d like to relive. No way was I dragging her back into that hell.

With long, purposeful strides, I stalked towards my office. They were getting bolder, that much was clear. I’d underestimated them, let them believe the Lycan King was soft. Not anymore. Next time, they

wouldn’t just be met with a growl and a warning. Next time would be

their last.

15.00

Chapter 21: The Price of Power

The Price

I could feel my anger rising as I pushed open the office door. Vera and Knox were already there, faces grim. Good. I needed a download, the raw details of this attack, and I needed them fast.

“What. The. Hell. Happened?” I roared, voice strained with fury. Even though I knew it wasn’t their fault, I could barely restrain myself.

Vera stilled herself, staring at me with just as much anger. “An ambush. They fell for a trap.”

“How? How’d they take down Michael and Henry? Those guys were the best trackers we had!”

“Lured them out, Your Majesty. Happened during last night’s patrol,” Knox explained. “One of the guards swears they heard a distress call, sounded like one of our own in trouble. They went to investigate, and…” his voice trailed off, a heavy silence hanging in the air.

“And?” My teeth gritted together. “Don’t tell me they just… disappeared.”

Vera shook her head, a flicker of something akin to pity crossing her features for a fleeting moment. “No, Your Majesty. They found them at first light. But…” she hesitated, then blurted, “they took their eyes and claws.”

Humans. Mere, arrogant humans. Daring to t r e s p a s s on my land,

daring to lay a hand on my people. The fury that had been simmering boiled over, a white-hot inferno in my gut. Before I could stop myself,

my fist slammed down on the desk repeatedly, leaving a permanent dent on the table.

“You were right,” I growled, voice low and dangerous. “This is an intentional, targeted attack. They’re coming for us, someone is coming for ME, and I’m going to bring that someone to their knees.”

“Find them,” I commanded, voice resonating with a power that shook the very room. “Find whoever did this, find out why they’re doing this, no matter how hard they try to hide. When you do, bring them before me. Because the Lycan King.” I snarled, fangs glinting in the dim light, “Doesn’t tolerate such blatant disrespect. They’ll face a wrath unlike anything they’ve ever imagined.”

But amidst m

anger, a familiar scent filled my senses. Riley. She must be right outside. Just the scent of her was a natural aphrodisiac. It calmed me, quenched my anger, and she wasn’t even here yet.

Our mate bond was too strong. The effect she had on me scared me, and I feared nothing. I feared I wouldn’t be strong enough to walk. away from her when it was absolutely necessary.

I waited, but the knock didn’t come. What was she waiting for? Didn’t she know I needed her with me?

Taking matters into my own hands, I raised my voice, so she could. hear me, “Come in.”

She walked in hesitantly, the same curiosity I had seen earlier was still

in her eyes. She looked around my office, staring at every detail, as if committing them to memory. That was when I realized that this was her first time here.

I could feel the tension in the room, and from the corner of my eye. I saw Vera and Knox, bless their ever-observant souls, exchange a look before making their way out of my office, and with a wave of her finger, Vera shut the door behind them.

Now, we had privacy. I had so much to say to her, but didn’t know how. Instead, I chose to stare at her.

My gaze fell on Riley, Fragile, she looked like a porcelain doll in a world carved from granite. The memory of her encounter with the hunters came back to me. I hate to think of what would have happened if I hadn’t intervened when I did. My anger surfaced again.

They had taken too much from me. When will this end?

I had to restrain myself. I didn’t want to lose my temper, I wouldn’t let her see this side of me, the monster simmering beneath the surface. I wanted to shield her from the darkness, to keep her world safe, even if it meant keeping her from me.

“Riley,” I finally managed, my voice a rough rumble. “What are you doing here?”

“I just wanted to know what happened, you seemed pretty upset. earlier.”

Chapter 21 The Price of Power

The concern in her voice and in her eyes, raw and genuine, was almost a physical blow. The emotions I had bottled up were struggling to come to the surface. I was afraid if she saw me, if she really saw me, she would run far away from me.