Moonfall | Book Two

CHAPTER 23

Michael saw red as he navigated through the castle. Lukas was not in the quarters where the guards stayed, nor was he in or around the Throne Room.

If it was the guard's intention to infuriate him, he was doing a damn good job. Most times he was hard to get rid of, popping up when Michael least expected it and following him around like a shadow. Now that he was nowhere to be found inside of the castle, he feared Lukas had gone to the Woodlands.

The thought immediately forced him to stop, turn around and head back in the direction from which he had just come.

When he turned down the corridor leading to the main staircase, he saw Lukas at the other end. His head was down, but he lifted it when he either heard Michael approaching or sensed his presence. When their eyes met, Lukas abrupt stop quickened Michael's pace, and within seconds, he had not only reached him but had him pinned against the wall with his hand around Lukas' neck.

There was no fear in the guard's green eyes as he looked into his. Not an inkling of shock, nor a hint of confusion as to why he was being apprehended. No attempt to even fight Michael off.

He knew exactly why Michael had sought him out.

"Tell me why you ignored my warning and went into the Woodlands."

Lukas remained silent, still staring back at Michael.

"Tell me!"

"Wait! Please! Please, do not hurt him!" Danica's pleas cut through the tension.

He had been so consumed with his need to find Lukas he had not realized she had been following him. Ignoring her presence was easy for him, however, Lukas shifted his gaze to the right at the sound of her hurried footsteps.

Being so close, Michael witnessed Lukas' entire demeanour change. His expression hardened, but the look in his eyes was that of genuine concern. It made him let go of Lukas' neck and take a small step back.

Why did Danica have such an effect on him?

Michael turned his head to the right and watched Danica practically running towards them. When their eyes met, she stopped, and as she looked between him and Lukas, it was obvious she was conflicted over venturing closer, staying where she was, or turning back.

"Go back!" Lukas demanded.

Michael looked back at him, half taken aback by his audacity to command her to do anything, and half curious as to why the guard felt emboldened to do so.

"But—"

"I said go, Danica! To your chambers. And stay there until I call upon you."

Michael turned to fully face Lukas and closed the space between them. "And why would you have any reason to call upon my future mate."

Lukas did not answer, he only continued to stare in Danica's direction. And only once the corridor no longer echoed with her footfalls did he look at Michael. "I can assure you, she was my sister long before she was your mate."

Michael felt like he had just been hit. Of all the things he anticipated Lukas might say, that had certainly not been one of them.

He opened his mouth to speak, but words failed to come out as he tried to imagine any and every way it was possible for Lukas to be telling the truth. They did not even look alike.

Lukas looked away, rubbing his neck where Michael had grabbed it. "We share a father."

"The Alpha? 'Tis known he only has one son, his first born and heir, and one daughter. Are you telling me that is a lie?"