I CHALLENGE YOU FATHER

Damien's POV

My father's eyes widened in shock. I could tell that he hadn't expected such an open defiance from me but I couldn't care less about what he thought. My father wouldn't certainly give the title of heir to Steve if I persisted in my disobedience so there was only one thing to do. I glanced at Steve who was smirking gleefully and my mind was already made up
My father opened his mouth to retort but before he could utter a word, I was moving. With a blur of speed, I drew my sword from it's sheathe. In a heart beat, I was in front of Steve.
Steve’s smirk faltered as he had never expected an attack from me, especially one so swift and sudden. He scrambled back, his hand instinctive reaching for the sword strapped at his side. But it was too late.
I swung my blade swiftly and it found it's mark, Steve's neck. Steve's surprised gasp was cut short as the sword sang through the air, decapitating him in a single, swift motion.
The meeting hall erupted once more into chaos. A wave of shocked gasps rippled through the room. Werewolves and vampires alike gasped and stared in stunned silence at the fallen figure of Steve, his lifeless head lying on the blood stained floor. My mate's eyes widened in horror while clutching her father's arms tightly.
My father's face was a mask of different emotions as he stared at Steve's dead body in shock. The shock gave way to despair and then finally rage. He turned towards me with glowing red eyes but I met his glare with a calm expression.
“Why Damien?” He roared furiously. “ Why would you kill your own brother?”
“Because I can.” I countered with a voice devoid of emotion.
“You….you insolent welp!” King Draken snarled as his finger nails began to elongate and his eyes started to glow a bright crimson. “You will pay dearly for this transgression.”
“Actually, Father,” I drawled as a smile tugged at corner of my lips. “this works well for me. By removing Steve from the equation, I remain the sole heir.”
“Don't you dare play games with me. Damien.” he growled, low and dangerous. “You’ve never been truly interested in the throne. You're just using it as an excuse to protect your so called mate.”
“Perhaps.” I admitted as my eyes slowly glanced towards her direction. “But even so, I can't deny the bond between us. It's real. She is my mate.”
King Draken let out a humorless bark of a laugh. He laugh hysterically before calming down and facing me, the glow in his eye seemed even brighter and I clenched my sword expecting a fight to do down.
“Mate? A vampire - werewolf mate? Unheard of. Absolutely ridiculous! And if you think I'll allow you to jeopardize our plans with this…this…absurdity, you're sorely mistaken.” King Draken snarled and before I could react, He lunged for my mate.
I lunged towards him but I was a second late as he already had his claws extended to grab my mate. Her father bought me precious time as he used his own claws to deflect the first blow. King Draken was pushed back a few steps but he skidded to a stop and prepared to strike again.
Before he could go in for a second blow, I had reached him. I swung my sword with all the power I could muster and King Draken responded with equal ferociousity as he drew his own sword and the clash sent sparks flying into the dark.
“No further, Father,” I growled as I channeled my strength into the blade and parried. “If you want her dead, then you'll have to go through me first.”
King Draken’s eye's widened before he relaxed, a soft chuckle escaping his lips.
“Then so be it, Damien.” King Draken spat out as a twisted smile stretched on his face. “ It seems I've been too lenient on you. You've defied me several times today and now you will face the consequences.”
I straightened my pose and pointed the tip of my sword towards my father. My mind was made up as I opened my mouth to spew out the most outrageous words I had ever said in my long life.
“I challenge you to a deul for the Throne, King Draken.” I declared and a gasp of shock rippled through the ranks of the vampires. At this point, the vampire elders had already stormed the meeting hall a few minutes ago and they were shocked at my declaration.
“Damien, are you out of your mind?” One of the elders screamed in fury while pointing a wrinkly finger at me.
Yes, I knew that this was madness. The throne would eventually be passed down to me without me having to fight for it but i did this all for my mate. My father was hell bent of me siphoning her blood to become stronger but now this was beyond empowering his sons. Killing Steve had stoked the flames of his fury and now he wanted to kill my mate. The only way I could prevent this from happening was to officially challenge for the throne and win.
The elders threw shouts and curses at me but I stood firm on my decision. If this was the path that would require my mate being safe, then so be it.
The curses and angry shouts grew louder until King Draken raised a hand to silence the vampires.
“A challenge for the throne? Because of a girl you just met a few minutes ago?” King Draken boomed, his voice echoed through the hall. “A foolish move, but one I shall relish. Prepare to face the consequences of your defiance Damien?”
With those words he lunged for me with a speed that completely belied his age. He pierced his sword forward as his blade aimed for a deadly strike at my throat.