THE LYCAON'S BRIDE

Chapter Two - Beckoning

Chapter Two

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Sean motioned for the men around the table, going over the plans for the night's raid. "I want everyone spread out within fifteen meters radius. On signal we rush, as scheduled." Being the first born, Sean was appointed military supervisor while his father was away from the throne. "Six of you will stay behind, guarding these checkpoints." He pushed a red thumbtack in the map drawn of Wisp's Forest in each of the three coordinates.

"Which one of us are staying behind, Sean; because I've been meaning to release some tension out in the field tonight," asked Stormm, the man beside him with mocha complexion, dark chocolate eyes, and five ragged scars across his left cheek. Storm was his right hand man, and second in command, standing two inches taller than Sean's six feet and four inches height.

After carefully assigning everyone their positions, Sean began packing up extra clothes for after the change. "We leave in half an hour, prepare yourselves with haste."

He prayed to the heavens that Marienne was untouched and still breathing. Sean knew Marienne since the age of three and she wouldn't harm a fly. That woman's one of the best Lycaon agricultural consultants and was invaluable to the community.

Stormm leaned against the door frame and took a swig out of his flask. "Did you get in touch with Nick?"

"For what reason," Sean answered with a question. Nick, his younger brother departed the realm after having a disagreement. They both inherited blue eyes from their father but while Nicks hair was more of a dark chestnut color like their father's, Sean's were sandy blonde like their mother's. Displaying no emotions he added, "It was his choice to leave, he'll come back when he gets bored of his mini-vacation," and meandered onto the glade.

Sean exuded an icier mien than usual tonight, feeling on edge. Unlike Nick's easy going nature, Sean was aloof. They didn't seem much like brother's at all, despite their physical appearances.

How dare Kaarle put his filthy hands on Marienne? I'm going to wring his fat neck and make sure no other leech dare approaches a Lycaon again.

"Sean," Arianna tapped his shoulder, earning her a dour look from him. "Sheesh, sorry, I was just wondering if you heard from Nick?"

He shrugged off the blonde's hand. "Don't ask me idle questions, I'm busy."

"You're always busy," she added sullenly. "Fine, then can I go raiding with you guys tonight?"

"No."

"Hey! Marienne is my friend! I have a right to be out there!" Arianna protested. Truth was, she wasn't a half bad fighter... but it wasn't a smart idea to send a female to where they trade them off as slaves or as gods know what else.

"We're ready, Sean," interrupted Stormm, giving him a slight nod.

Welcoming Stormm's interference, he set of into the night. After giving everyone five minutes, they've settled into positions. Sean waited patiently till he could catch scent of Kaarle and his henchmen.

The cool night's air whipped against his face, transmitting a heady scent that nearly knocked him off his feet. Like cherries and unadulterated felicity. The aroma purely feminine and beckoning him. His beast stirred inside, straining for control. Sean gripped the front of his shirt, trying to calm the quickened pace of his heart.

Protect.

Sean advanced in the direction of the beguiling scent, halting behind a tree, careful not to be detected. He spotted a woman searching around the terrain for something. Her hands were cuffed, a torque around her neck connected by chain links, pinned to a machine that entwined with everyone else's.

His beast snarled inside menacingly, seeing her in that condition.

The woman had hair as dusky as obsidian, and skin as fair as lily of the valleys. Suddenly, he was curious to see her face. Would her lips be florid in contrast to her complexion? Sean wanted to know who the woman looking for something desperately on the ground was, but she was too far away. She picked up a large sturdy rock, and he realized she meant to break free of the chains. Witnessing her helplessness irked him.

Protect what's yours.

A wave of emotions bombarded his senses. It's her. The one he's waited for over decades. He roared, signaling the rest of the men. 

Sean felt his claws extend as he allowed his beast reign completely.