Chapter Three

Laura's pov

Five years later

I overlook towards the large ceiling to floor windows, numbly staring at the view of the city stretching far beyond, street lights and twinkling stars marring every inch of the bustling place.

A knock at the door prompts me to spin my swivel chair, casually facing my desk, sighing at the paper work scattered across.

My phone buzzed on the polished surface of the Mahogany wood desk just as the door opened.

“Alpha King Laura,” My Beta, Reina, said with a respectful bow, her hand on the doorknob as she peeked in. “The Lycan has arrived for the meeting.”

I didn't look up as I placed the phone to my ear, leaning against my seat. “Have him wait at the conference room, I'll meet with him after this call.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” she replied without hesitation, her tone making it clear she understood. Making a Lycan wait was not a privilege many could afford- but I could.

I returned my attention to the call. “Talk.”

“Don't you dare ‘Talk’ me,” my best friend, Kayla scolded from the other end. “I can't believe you're about to head out for a meeting. Again. Do you know what day it is?”

I sighed. “A Tuesday. And I have meetings stacked until tomorrow evening. Try bothering me around that time- “

“It's your birthday, you impossible woman!” She snapped, her voice brimming with annoyance and excitement. “And I know what you're going to say. Same thing you've been saying for the past five years, but that's not going to happen because tonight, you're not going to spend it buried in paperwork like it's any other day.”

“Kayla,” despite the underlying warning in the tone of my voice, I knew she'd already made up her mind and couldn't be convinced otherwise.

“Nope. Not happening. I'm picking you up in a hour. There's a huge party happening on the outskirts of the packs and no, I'm not telling you where. It's a surprise but you'll thank me later.”

“I have- “

“You have a life, Laura, and you're going to live it for one night. I don't care if you're the Alpha King of the damn continent.”

I huffed but a faint smile tugged at my lips. “You better hope I don't regret this.”

“It will be worth it!” She promised, already squealing.

“One night.”

“Yes- and don't tell Alexander. He'll be so freaking pissed I convinced you to do this.”

I frown. “Alexander and I aren't dating, Kayla.”

“Yeah, keep telling yourself that. So 8:30 is fine? I'm already on my way, and you don't have to worry, I'm in charge of the outfits.”

“I'm wary already,” I get up, smirking as I march towards the door, pausing before the mirror.

“Tell Linda, Aunt said hi.” with that she hung up.

Silence reigned after, my smirk disappearing, my face numbing into a cold expression as I set my phone down, smoothing the dark suit that clung perfectly to my frame, beaded with numerous badges. From the reflection of the mirror, I feel my heart slightly clench looking at the woman who I'm yet to familiarize myself with staring straight at me, a deep gash scar lining her left eye. My brown hair, once long, luscious down to my back, has been cut short to my the nape of my neck, framing a hardened face and dull, blood shot grey eyes.

For a few seconds I watch the slightly glint in the eyes disappear until it's almost pitch black, a reflection of the monster my wolf has become and instantly, the mirror cracks. Again. I step away from the mirror, avoiding having to look at my reflection at all, having to see the long, deep gash now across the mirror.

Reina was already outside my office and she silently followed me from behind, the soles of our shoes clicking uniformly as we headed upstairs. Although she tried to pretend, we both knew she heard the mirror crack again, but she said nothing.

The familiar hallways gleamed with polished marble, chandeliers casting Golden light across the high ceilings. Years ago, an Empire I never even dreamed I'd ever rule, but after everything I gave for the last years, my blood, my sweat, my sanity, whatever was left of my conscience, I deserved it.

But at what cost?

All for her.

And it was pretty much all worth it.

The Omegas I came across instantly stopped whatever they were doing bowing in respect. Some in my way, quickly pressed themselves against the walls, heads low, not daring to meet my gaze.

I gave them nothing in return but my silence- no warmth, no acknowledgment. Only focused on getting done with the meeting before Kayla arrived. I didn't want to be in the middle of another brawl between her and Alexander.

When I entered, Leaving Reina waiting outside, my eyes landed on him.

Lycan Alexander.

He sat casually in an armchair, his blonde hair pulled back from his face. One arm, filled with black ink drawings draped over the back of the chair while the other fondly played with the black curls of a pretty young girl perched on the armrest.

As the door shut behind me, his Amber eyes flicked to me, a wolfish grin tugging at his lips.

“Mommy!” Linda squealed, her huge golden irises for eyes gleaming with joy, but she made no move to come to me, seemingly more comfortable by his side. He's spoiled her so much she's considered him her mother too. Only, he was probably her favorite.

I try not to snicker at the pair, heading for my chair tucked behind the desk.

“It really baffles me, how much she looks absolutely nothing like you.”

I sit down, a bitter smile curling around my lips as I glare at him. A razor edged one. “Why are you here, Alexander?”

His smile suddenly vanished, and he looked serious as he leaned in. “It's- the Vampires.”

A chill ran down my spine, but I didn't let him see the way those three words wrecked something inside of me. Instead I steeled my voice, my expression hardening.

“They're on the loose again?”

He nods. “And they're out for blood, Laura,” silence reigned in the room for a while, I could feel bile rising in my throat, my fingers under the desk shaking from rage. “Yours.”