Mine At First Sight

▪️E D R I C▪️

I watched with satisfaction at how Lenna’s face paled when I told her that I intended to punish her instead of Berengar.

Good!

Let her be afraid!

My thoughts began to wander while I stared at the human before me.

Her defiant streak had not gone unnoticed. Even though I had no intentions of harming her, at least not yet, I needed to remind her of her place.

With my left hand, I grasped her chin, forcing her gaze to remain on me.

“You seem to forget to whom you speak, Lenna. Your words come out as you see fit. Because of your relationship with that werewolf, I suppose that you’re unconsciously very relaxed within my presence. But make no mistake, my dear, I’m not Berengar. I will put you back in your place if you step out of line, do you understand?” I asked, my eyes searching hers while she boldly kept eye contact.

The colour of her light-brown cheeks reddened slightly as she slowly nodded her reply.

Leaning my face even closer, I whispered, “I cannot hear you…”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Of course, I did not miss the faint smoulder in her eyes when she answered. From her tone, I had no doubt that it irked her to say those words and she probably would have cursed my name if she knew that she would not have been punished for the offense.

It was hard to ignore that there was a certain rebelliousness about her.

I had observed it through the first words she had ever spoken to me. Her honesty in wanting to remain in her province had indeed taken me by surprise. Particularly since humans were always eager to serve the Lycans.

Not Lenna though.

She had wished to stay with her family, which I could understand. Even if I found her reasoning somewhat naïve, I was not a total monster.

After all, had she not looked in the mirror?

There was no way Lenna was ever going to remain in her region.

As I continued to scrutinize the contours of her face, I could not help but run my thumb over the smooth skin of her jaw. Realising what I was doing, I swiftly released my hold and watched as she leaned against the wall.

Letting out a deep breath, I narrowed my gaze at her one last time before I walked towards the window, leaving her to pack away her things.

She all but stomped back to her trunks and I found her subtle outburst amusing.

Lenna certainly had no qualms about letting me know how she felt without even saying a word. Though, when she did speak, it was to be noted that her obstinacy was also laced in the way she shamelessly asked questions about anything she was curious about.

One thing I liked about her was how she kept and held my glare.

Many a werewolf and even Lycan would often turn away when I stared them down. But not her, and I could not tell if she was being brave or simply foolish.

Perhaps a bit of both, but it definitely stirred something within me.

There was also the way in which she sometimes said ‘Your Majesty’ like moments ago, as though she wanted to spit the words at me.

The beast within me liked her rebellious spirit.

I chastised myself silently for being inquisitive in wanting to hear how she would pronounce my name; she had not earned that right.

Not yet…

My mind continued to replay the events of the last two days.

I could not help but reflect on that moment back at her home, when she had kneeled before me. I could see the fire in that purple gaze of hers.

Faeda had been right, Lenna was beautiful. I had no doubt that those eyes of hers could bring a man to his knees and could even admit that I was unprepared for how entranced I had felt when I first stared into her eyes. It was as though she could see right through me, as I searched the depths of a stormy, violet sea glowering brazenly back at me.

Lenna was an enigma, and I had not been lying when I told her that she was not what I had expected.

Every part of my being had been on edge as I watched over her while she slept during the first few hours of our journey. It had been hard to ignore the way she softly breathed through her slumber in the carriage and I had silently tried to figure out what it was about her that had me feeling so tense.

The way her eyes had lit up as we passed through the various provinces, I had found myself willing to answer her questions. Surprisingly, I had enjoyed her company more than I cared to admit.

Now that we were back in the Lycan region, I felt more in control.

As my eyes once again raked along the expanse of her curvy body, which was currently bent over picking up something out of her trunks, I could not deny that she was built to ensnare a man. I was a Lycan after all, and as much as I hated the fact that she was human, Lenna was indeed a very attractive female.

It was hard not to notice.

What had left me flabbergasted was the fact that I had perceived her in that way to begin with at all. Especially knowing that she was human and I hated it.

Growling low in my throat, I looked back out the window.

I had never found interest in their kind. It was not something I chose; it was just how things were with me.

But, after having had that conversation with her about Berengar, I understood now why she looked the way she did. When I had first seen her two days ago, I had been surprised by how strong she appeared.

Usually, healers spent most of their time sitting at a desk, researching. Though she was not slim by any means, Lenna’s body appeared to be that of someone who trained regularly.

Intrigue filled me as I thought about the techniques she would have learnt under Berengar’s advisement.

I knew it was uncalled for, the way I had purposefully mocked and degraded her while forcing her from her home. Though, truth be told, I had been testing her, expecting the anger she was trying to hide to lash out at me.

Even so, I had to acknowledge that, when I walked a circle around her, I stole a sniff of her skin.

Her scent, like now, was intoxicating.

It reminded me of lilies, with a subtle mix of fresh scented pine. But smelling the faint traces of the werewolf on her had left me astonished.

A part of me had felt betrayed, since she was to be my slave after all.

I not only felt deceived, I was enraged that the Vizra’s son thought that he could touch what was rightfully mine. Though I could hardly blame him, as I could imagine what she had looked like, asking him to take her virginity.

What living male would have denied her?

It had taken me a few moments to realise what was going through my mind and my thoughts stunned me.

“Fuck…” I muttered.

What the hell was I even thinking? No! I snorted and forced myself to refocus.

Regardless of his feelings, Berengar should have discontinued their little affair. Even if she had begged him for his cock, he should have been able to keep himself under control.

The instant her eyes had turned, Lenna’s life had ceased to exist as she knew it, for she now belonged to me. From the very moment she had first viewed the world through those unique purple orbs, she was mine.

Mine at first sight!

And most certainly off limits!

Not to mention the fact that they had both hidden their relationship from everyone and broke a sacred law.

I figured that Berengar was in love with Lenna, probably intended to marry her as well! Why else would he have told her about the Kalla Root? There was no doubt in my mind that they had planned to run away together.

The thought had made me growling low in my throat, as I willed myself to remain calm in front of her and not behead him right there and then in front of everyone in the foyer.

To me, it was obvious, and I had been unsure how their parents had not picked up on such. I could tell how the werewolf felt about her just from the glances he tried to secretly steal, as well as I could smell it on him.

In truth, I was surprised when she later admitted that she did not love him in return, at least not in the same way.

Typical woman.

One thing I knew for sure was that, had they managed to escape by some miracle, I would have hunted them both down and dragged them back! I had no doubt that Vizra Rorik was administering a suitable punishment to his son.

Though, deep down, I felt like the young werewolf knew that escaping was futile. In fact, I would not be surprised if he was just playing along to give his best friend some hope.

Thankfully, as we now stood in my castle, the lingering scent of Berengar could no longer be detected and for the life of me, I could not comprehend why that pleased me as much as it did. Nonetheless, I justified it as her being my slave; she should only have my scent upon her.

Was I being jealous? No, territorial was more like it.

Lenna was mine; she was something rare and precious. As the Lycan King, I was within my right to claim and brand her as my own!

My irrational behaviour startled me, for I had never been one to give in to such possessive urges.

I had to confess; her presence confused me. This only served to reinforce my previous actions of waiting a year before bringing her to live with me.

Though human, it was obvious that she was so much more than that.

Realising that I had not said anything in quite some time, I shook my head to clear my thoughts.

I could feel the scowl on my face deepen as I turned away from the window and walked back over to her where she was kneeling by her trunks. I looked down at her as she got to her feet once more, those purple eyes of hers staring up at me.

“We’ll be meeting with some of the high-ranking Lycans soon. Be sure to bathe and dress appropriately,” I instructed.

“What should I wear? I noticed that all the humans were wearing a specific type of uniform?”

Shaking my head, I stated, “No, as my slave, you’ll not be dressed in such, I’ll have to have something specially made for you. Wear your own clothes for now.”

I could tell that my answer surprised her as I turned and walked out of the room.

After having a quick shower, I then proceeded to the council chamber.

Upon entering, everyone was already sitting at the large square table. Ghaffar and Faeda sat to the right and left of my chair, while Odun, Abidan, Drengr, and Klaus sat in the other chairs provided.

Taking my seat, I sent for Lenna.

A few minutes later, she was escorted into the room by Faeda’s slave. Suvarna had been taken from one of our raids across the sea many years ago. Her big round almond-shaped eyes were unique to her clan.

With a bow, Suvarna left the room, and I watched as Lenna inconspicuously shifted from one foot to the other.

“Come,” I gestured for her to stand next to me.

Drengr was one of the best Lycan healers we had, and I noticed how he sat up more attentively as he eyed Lenna’s every movement. In fact, everyone was staring intently at her, and I could only imagine how uneasy she felt in this very moment, though, judging by her face, it was hard to tell.

Her ability to control her heartbeat was not lost on me.

Though she had not perfected it, from what I observed in my presence, it was clearly something that she had learnt from Berengar. At the thought, I found myself gripping the arms of my wooden chair in slight aggravation, while a muscle in my jaw ticked.

“So, this is your new slave. Hopefully her powers will be of use to us,” Odun commented while sitting back in his chair, forcing my attention back to the present.

Leaning my hands on the table, I said, “As of now, we’re not exactly sure what those powers entail. It’s my hope that with our help, she’ll be able to unlock her hidden potential. Your knowledge especially will be of great use, Klaus,” I nodded towards the elderly Lycan.

The old man bowed his head, his long, thick white beard coming down to the middle of his chest. He had an old battle scar that slashed over his right eye, which made it impossible for him to open or close the lid fully.

In a deep voice, he answered, “It would be my pleasure to assist you, my Lord.”

“Same goes for you, Drengr. As the highest-ranking healer in the region, I expect you to show her which books to read from, so as to enhance her healing abilities,” I stated before leaning back into my chair.

“Of course, my Lord,” he replied with a nod of his head.

It was clear that, like me, the other Lycans were very curious about her.

Faeda’s enthusiasm did not go unseen, and I had to struggle to keep a straight face as Ghaffar kept silently scowling in her direction.

Similarly, Abidan sat mutely, while he stroked his beard. The gold in his hazel eyes took over and glowed against his onyx-coloured skin, while they remained fixed on Lenna, giving his input ever so often.

I was happy with everything all of us had managed to achieve over the years, and I trusted those within this inner circle with my life. I had no doubt in my mind that, whatever Lenna needed help with, one of us would be able to assist her in some way, shape, or form.

By the time the meeting was over, the sun had already set and we proceeded to go get some dinner.

Entering into the main eating hall, there were long rectangular tables everywhere, each with two benches at the side. There was a main table where members of the royal family, as well as top-ranking Lycans sat, with one separate chair at the head for the King.

There were also various fireplaces and lanterns that illuminated the room, casting shadows on the high ceilings.

Eginhard, my younger brother, smiled eagerly at us as we all sat down.

I instructed Lenna to once again stand beside my chair. During dinner, the humans would serve food and drink, and specifically owned humans would remain by their Lycan’s chair to refill their cups with wine.

Once everyone’s plates were filled, we all proceeded to enjoy our meal.

“My name’s Eginhard, it’s so nice to finally meet you, Lenna. The castle has been buzzing since your arrival,” my brother introduced himself with a big flirtatious smile.

He was the same age as Lenna, and from the way he could not seem to stop staring at her, I could immediately tell that he found her attractive.

Glancing at me for permission, Lenna then replied, “It’s nice to meet the brother of the King.”

“He has two brothers! My name is Eckart! Wow, your eyes are so pretty!”

My youngest brother seemed proud at his announcement and his brown eyes were wide as he looked up at her, the surface of his cheeks slightly flushed while he continued to stare.

Lenna smiled at him, “I had no idea the King had such handsome brothers.”

I found myself grumbling at her comment, as I felt like, perhaps, she was taking a jab at me, insinuating that I was not attractive.

Given the scars on my face, and the superficiality humans were known for, I supposed that I would not be appealing to her. When I realised where my train of thought was leading, I grimaced and blamed it on the wine, before downing the rest of it, then raising my chalice in the air for Lenna to refill it.

“Edric, can Lenna read me a bedtime story sometime?” Eckart asked with a toothy grin.

Looking at him, I raised one of my eyebrows.

Having recently turned seven, my youngest brother had insisted that he was too old for bedtime stories. Needless to say, from his request, I surmised that he was clearly enamoured with Lenna as well.

“Just great…” I muttered and shook my head before answering, “I’m sure we can work something out.”

I softened as Eckart’s smile widened even more. Turning away, I got lost in my thoughts once more as I watched the flickering flames in one of the fireplaces while everyone around me continued speaking amongst themselves.

In no time, Lenna had become the centre of attention, and from the look on everyone’s faces, it seemed that I was not the only one who was intrigued by her.

Between Faeda and Eginhard asking Lenna a million and one questions, hardly anyone else could get a word in. But they all listened in to hear what she had to say.

Someone made a comment about Lenna’s hair, and I could not help but turn to look at her once more.

The light of the fire made the hidden strands of red in her hair gleam. Upon first glance, the smooth, wavy curls appeared to be dark brown, but when the light hit it, one would realise that the colour of her hair was much more complex, as it had streaks of copper laden throughout.

Clearly, the dark colour suited her and the streak of white at her temple aided in her striking appearance. Coupled with the prominent tint of her purple eyes, she was indeed stunning, even a blind man could see that.

Hell, I even found Ghaffar staring at her when he thought no one was looking.

My silent observations were interrupted when I heard my younger brother suggest something to Lenna that caused a frown to reappear on my face.

“I would love to take you on a tour of the castle tomorrow,” Eginhard suddenly offered.

Tilting my head, I interjected, “Don’t you have training, brother?”

Glaring at him, I silently let him know that it was not okay to have asked such a question. He knew better, he should have sought my permission first!

“Oh, come on, Edric! Why must you always try to curb my fun! I don’t have to train all day; I do have some free time in-between. Not so, Odun?” Eginhard asked across the table, ignoring my scowl.

I watched as the warrior’s eyes widened slightly before he hastily stuffed his face with even more food so that he did not have to answer. He clearly did not want to get into the middle of whatever shenanigans the young Lycan was planning.

Odun knew fully well from his own experience in dealing with his only son Ulrik.

The two young Lycans were the best of friends, and got up to mischief more times than I could count. Realising that Ulrik was not present, I internally cringed, wondering what trouble he was up to that caused him to be late for dinner.

Eginhard’s voice pulled my attention back as he spoke, his green eyes twinkling, “Besides, I’m sure Lenna would have more fun with someone more her own age escorting her around.”

Lenna peeked at me, her expression hopeful that I would allow her to go.

“Fine! But keep it brief, you both have your respective things that you need to attend to, so don’t bother wasting any time!” I said, getting ready to stand up, my appetite suddenly disappearing.

“So, this is the little human that everyone has been buzzing about,” the sound of Beyza’s voice drifted over the table.

She came to stand directly in front of Lenna, and quickly took the pitcher out of her hands to refill my cup before placing the jug on the table. With her hands on her hips, Beyza stared at the Lenna until she raised her gaze to meet hers.

“You’re brave to be staring me in the eyes, are you challenging me?” There was a low rumbling in her throat, her light brown eyes blazing.

“No,” Lenna’s shoulders stiffened as she averted her gaze.

“I thought so!” Beyza smirked, flipping her black hair.

Scoffing loudly, Faeda spoke up, “Leave her be, she’s not done anything to warrant your distaste. There’s no need to flash your dominance. Unless you feel threatened?”

Narrowing her eyes, the female Lycan replied as she sniffed the air, “My instincts tell me that this human is going to be trouble. Can you blame me for wanting to look out for our people?”

“I suggest you keep that big nose of yours out of places where it doesn’t belong and instead focus on your task, which is hunting for food!” Faeda retorted with a more menacing snarl of her own.

There were a few snickers around the table, and she huffed as the tips of her ears reddened.

Sneering, Beyza retorted, “Technically, she is food!”

Lenna softly gasped, while simultaneously Faeda slowly rose from her seat, her dark eyes warning the Lycan to watch her mouth.

“You know, the way you defend these humans, I would think that you’re one of them!” Beyza accused, as she narrowed her eyes.

Looming over her, Faeda hissed, “You’re lucky that you are such a good lay, Beyza, otherwise I doubt the men would tolerate you as much as they do,” her glare intensified as she spat, “you insult the humans for their weakness, not even realising your own. Sometimes you make me feel ashamed to be a Lycan!”

Sensing the rising tension, I slammed my fist on the table, quietening the entire room.

“Enough you two! If you want to settle your quarrels, you know where to take it, to the arena!” I said, my voice firm.

Plopping back down onto the bench, Faeda snorted, “Pfft, as it she even has the courage to face me.”

Everyone knew that my third in command would tear Beyza to shreds.

I watched as Beyza bowed at me, then abruptly left the room. I then turned my attention to Lenna, who had been observing the exchange with wide eyes.

It was obvious that Beyza’s comment had rattled her, and so, I excused her from the table. However, Eginhard begged her to stay, and even offered her to sit next to him as he attempted to help cheer her up.

Of course, I knew the reputation my younger brother had where the ladies were concerned. The last thing I needed was Eginhard trying to woo Lenna into his bed so soon after her arrival.

Growling low in my throat, I huffed before storming out.

The last forty-eight hours had been unexpected and I needed to clear my head.

I knew that Faeda and Suvarna would see to it that Lenna would make it back to her room safely. They, more than anyone, knew to not leave my slave alone, and the thought caused me to exhale intensely.

Making my way towards the large garden, I spotted Klaus having a smoke while he sat on one of the stone benches. As I approached, the elderly Lycan rose and bowed.

Nodding my head back in acknowledgment to him, I sat beside him and looked up at the sky.

“She’s getting to you already, yes?” Klaus asked, his tone laced with amusement.

Tilting my head to look at him, “What are you talking about?”

Puffing some smoke into the air, he replied, “I might be old, but I am not blind. Lenna gives off a strong presence, no doubt aided by the power related to her eyes. Clearly, young Eginhard is already smitten with her, and I have witnessed many of the male Lycans eyeing her more than they should.”

“It has not gone unnoticed by me either,” I muttered.

Klaus chuckled softly, “She has a clean and strong spirit, which will only make her more desirable to others, not to mention, she’s an attractive female.”

Rubbing my temples, I enquired, “Why are you telling me this, Klaus?”

“Well, Your Majesty, she’s your human, but if others seek to bask in her presence in her free time, will you grant her such liberty?”

I could see a twinkle in his one good eye, the light from the torches reflecting in its dark depths. At his words, I quickly found myself snarling at the thought.

“I am the King; I doubt anyone would dare do such a thing!”

“Why not? It’s not as if you’ve claimed her as your own. Some of the males would see her as fair game. We Lycans are drawn to power, after all, and that young lady exudes it, whether she realises it or not…” Klaus blew out a ring of smoke.

I watched as the smoke disappeared into the atmosphere before the elder continued to speak.

Clearing his throat, he went on to say, “Besides, she’s young, and clearly curious about our people and our ways. Regardless of her eyes, she’s not like the other humans, that much is abundantly clear. I just don’t wish to see the ego of our species rise and cause trouble. As in the past, men of all species have fought over the hearts of rare and beautiful women.”

Shaking my head, I suddenly stood up, “Lenna is free to bed whomever she pleases. As long as she makes sure to seek my permission first! I don’t want her getting side-tracked from her purpose. The last thing I need her to be doing is losing focus of what is truly important.”

“Indeed…”

His tone suggested that he did not truly believe what I was saying.

Grumbling, I continued, “Look here, I’m sure that our people will be able to keep their appendages in check! My only concern is to help her awaken her powers and see how best we can use them to fortify the empire. I’ve no doubt that Einarr is planning something big, and I wish to be prepared for it, whenever he decides that he is ready to strike.”

Rising to bow, Klaus said, “Of course, Your Majesty, I apologise if I overstepped, I was merely seeking to give counsel.”

“I will consider your suggestion,” I said, before leaving the garden and heading up to my room.

Upon entering my chambers, I threw my black cloak unto one of the chairs by the fireplace before resting my hands on the mantle, staring into the flames.

Klaus was right.

It would be foolish of me to ignore the enigmatic pull I felt around Lenna.

I had no doubt that some of the other males felt it too, as evident by their already eager actions.

Lenna was like the shiny new weapon on the battlefield, and many Lycans would seek to possess her. Honestly, the last thing I needed was a bunch of dominating, horny Lycans fighting over my human. We had more important things to focus on.

Damn!

What a nightmare this was turning out to be!