Chapter 45

Tyson
Indeed, there was a moose. It was a large buck in his prime, but the run didn’t take long at all. I gave it a chance until Jang began limping, as his body was in no condition to run.
While in formation, I shifted to a human shape and tackled it. We tumbled a bit, but I didn’t let go of his fur. I pinned the large moose down while straddling its neck, because I wanted to do this mercifully. There was no reason for it to suffer, not when I had a better way. It kicked and such, but this would only hurt for a moment.
“I thank you wild beast, for your flesh, blood, and bone. That you feed us, and the forest, since it has fed you.” I said grabbing its muzzle. I loaded my ring finger up like Asanguis did and flicked it between the eyes. I chose that way because that’s what father taught me… I get a little carried away while shifted.
It died instantly, since anyone else would think it was shot with how hard I’d hit it. But that was the point. It dies so we may eat; I gain no enjoyment from it suffering.
Maybe if I was a cat shifter… They do more than enjoy it… Like house cats… they *play* with their food…. They *relish* the off taste of fear.
My Sixth stood there decrepit but proudly. His wolf’s mouth was watering in his mind, however, Jang wouldn’t give him control. He did that because he felt his wolf would be too excited, and upset one of us…
As it was, he was higher than my Warriors by rank, but not power. That mattered to the hyena females. Their pride makes them behave as Alphas, being probably as old as him anyway.
The hyenas and Jang were speechless… They watched me get off it, and pick it up by the scruff. Most cannot draw their wolf’s power in human form, but I figured that out a while ago. I don’t know if Grace or Kaizen can; I never asked.
I drink some of its blood… I tasted the life force of this honorable kill. It was hunted in fair combat. I didn’t use any powers, nor my full speed nor strength.
I held it with a single hand and drained it until I was full…. I didn’t want the meat… This was what I craved…. I craved its life, not its meat… and that made me wonder what brought this about?
I ripped a hind leg off for Jang, letting my guards have at it. I knew they wouldn’t share with him, and I didn’t want him, a council member, begging for fucking scraps.
Had he been in his right condition, I believe he’d be as strong as Oliver? Oliver is of ancient blood, but I think only a few decades older than me? I never asked, nor cared, but if I had to go by scent, I’d say he’s 175 or 200 at the oldest?
Whatever. Watching Jang’s wolf take over and eat until his belly was bowed out amused me.
It felt good to save him, even if it’s only a little bit.
[When you shift, recede back. You will not be blighted anymore than you are already.] I said being handed a towel…. Gods I was covered in blood. What am I, a damn vampire?
Well no, a vampire would complain that blood spilling is wasting food.
“Compared to even moments ago… This is nothing.” Jang bowed after he shifted. His mortal, man’s flesh was fine. “My wolf slipped back through the magic bars of the Realm King…. And he still suffers… I didn’t know he’d … the master *caged* my wolf… That it was even possible.”
“It is. Also it’s good my plan worked. He’d already be here fuming if it didn’t.” I said casually, watching my Hyena Warriors rip that moose to *shreds*. The wolves helped… but to be fair there’s a tie between that an elk.
I noticed how downcast my Sixth’s eyes were... He envied that moose for how swiftly I dispatched it…
“Hang on a little longer. You do a good job Sixth Seat.” I said giving him some encouragement, and some praise. It seemed that did more for Jang’s wellbeing than the literal Horned One’s medical care…
He bowed, wiping his mouth… It seemed since *I* killed it… He could taste it….
Interesting.
“I know I already broke my oath… so my words mean nothing… but you have my word master…. I won’t fail you. Not for fear of punishment, but because I really did think back then, that I did the right thing… But this world belongs to the Night Court.”
“No, this world belongs to Arviel. Lia is the Lord of Light’s wife… Its rulings belong to the Night Court, because Xaxas reigns… That very man has been somewhat betrayed today; so do not call me ‘master’ just yet… Your true one may not release you.”
I rubbed my face with clawed hands. What a fucking mess I’ve made.
I went to my office after that. A few hours of paperwork and reading my emails made time fly somewhat. I missed my mate, even though she was right there…
Well, her body was. I don’t know where her soul was, but at the moment, it was just a vessel.
My mate lay sleeping so soundly. It was a comfortable 3am. Everything I needed to do was actually done…. I’d eaten fresh meat, and I was in my most comfortable sweats… Yet I was still awake.
It was almost as if I sensed something was *wrong* but *what?*
“Your highness.” Said Jabari.
Unlike my guard who’s normally bubbly and carefree to be timid.
“I think your 14th is dead.” He mumbled this lowly.
What the fuck did he have mail for?
The box he held was dry, but stunk…
It Stunk like dead shifter.
“I thought you saw them off.” I said swinging my feet off the bed, and I got up. I made sure to close the canopy, and activate the silence spell by lightly kicking the banister with my foot. “You let them leave with Shadow Warriors?” I’d read his mind in my impatience.
“I … ” He began to choose his words *very* carefully. I know my anger could be tasted.
“Speak.” I commanded.
“I didn’t *know* but I’m not stupid… But I also didn’t want to make an ass of myself by assuming. My responsibilities are for the *crown’s* protection sire, and none else. It is my sworn duty to aid those loyal to you… and I knew for a *fact* they weren’t. Once alerted, we are not obligated to protect traitors.”
“And your people don’t tell their leaders anything, unless you have to.” I said trying to force myself to relax…
I knew he was right…
I KNEW someone was up to something….
“Bring it in my office.” I said walking toward him, and the guard was in my office before I was. He’d started my coffee machine, and sat the box on my desk, on top of some blank printer paper.
I hated to do it, but I did hold a gag once I opened the box…. It told me to go to 15:02:031 of the footage to see what my brother inquisitioned out of them…
There was no torture… They were so cocky that they just admitted it
“Jang gives you lot access to the Upper Court.” Kaizen said firmly, pausing while standing next to his fake mate….. “It gives you access to the King’s sleeping chambers.”
“What?!” I snarled, pausing the video. I held myself still to listen…. I growled as my eyes glowed.
“Alpha…. Do you wish me to round up the last of the Grisham and Finnand Houses?”
“No. I need to see all of it first… After this, I’ll watch the entire thing.” I said pushing play.
My 14th was bold… I sneered at his smug face as he bragged….
“The King cannot die.” Lupe said revealing that he knew the ‘secret’.
To truly become the king, you must *kill* him in *Fair*, one-to-one, combat…
I could, but I don’t need to…. Nor want to.
I guess that makes me a pup of a man.
Taking his heart would make his rest a little harder to get up from…. That could be used as leverage…. For what I don’t know.
I don’t Fucking Care.