Lycan king's substitute breeder novel Chapter 8

Oregon
My steps quickened as I hurried outside, my jacket billowing behind me. I finally emerged into the open air, my eyes scanning the area. A group of guards stood near the edge of the pack grounds, and I rushed towards them.
"Where is Beta Stephen?" I demanded, my voice tight with urgency. "I need to speak with him immediately."
I was filled with a burning desire to understand what he was trying to tell me, but I also felt a twinge of anger at the idea that he might be playing some kind of cruel joke. I wasn't in the mood for games, and I wanted answers.
"I'm here," Stephen said as he approached, his expression unreadable.
I studied him for a moment, trying to decipher his thoughts. But when he simply stood there, waiting for me to speak, I blurted out, "You said you found someone. Now, tell me - who was it?"
"Your breeder," Stephen said, his voice calm but firm. "The one we've chosen for you. I'm surprised she came here herself. I thought she wouldn't want to see you."
He pointed to a spot just beyond his shoulder, and my heart sank. I didn't want to turn and face the woman who would be my breeding partner, chosen for me by my mother without my consent. I was filled with fury, my vision tinged with black at the edges.
"Is that why you brought me here?" I demanded, my teeth clenched.
"I... I... I just thought-" He began, but my words were cut off by my firm, commanding voice.
"Just send her away and don't tell my mother anything," My voice said, without a trace of warmth or sympathy. "I won't say it again."
I turned to walk away, feeling the sting of his words. But then, a soft voice stopped me in my tracks.
"King Oregon!" it said, full of trepidation.
I froze, feeling a tug on my heart.
"What's wrong with me?" I whispered, my voice barely audible. I turned to leave again, wanting to escape from the confusion and uncertainty.
"Please, don't leave!" I heard a voice cry out. "You shouldn't leave me. I came all this way to meet you."
I froze in my tracks, fighting the urge to turn around. I couldn't bear to look at her, not yet. Instead, I sent out a silent signal to Stephen. He rushed to my side in an instant.
"Who's that?" I asked, my voice tinged with curiosity. "I keep hearing a voice - a woman's voice, to be exact. Do you hear it, too?"
He let out a dry chuckle, a hint of amusement in his tone. "How could I not hear it? It's actually your chosen breeder. She's quite persistent, and I doubt she'll leave until you speak with her."
I let out a deep sigh, rolling my eyes.
"Is she the one?" I asked.
"What do you mean?" Stephen asked, a puzzled expression on his face.
"Is the voice I'm hearing the same one that's been making all the noise?" I clarified.
"Oh yes," he said, laughing. "That's the one."
I raised my eyebrows, looking around at the other men. They seemed just as perplexed as I was, eager to know what was going on. But I wasn't about to satisfy their curiosity. Not yet, anyway.
"I won't see her here," I said under my breath.
"Pardon?" Stephen asked, his brow furrowed.
"Bring her to my room, but do it quietly. I don't want my mother to know she's here. And before you bring in that... vocal person, send the men back to their posts. I don't want any unnecessary fuss," I added.
Stephen's lips formed a tight line. "As you wish," he replied.
"Thank you," I said softly, turning away.
I wanted to look back, but something held me back. My heart felt cold and hard, like a block of ice. I wasn't ready to face the girl who'd stirred up such strange feelings within me. She was just a breeder - nothing more.
I began to wonder how I could get rid of her - not just from my presence, but from the pack entirely. Perhaps I could send her away, or make up some excuse to keep her out of sight. But what reason would I give?
Stephen beckoned to the guards, his fist clenched tight at his side. They responded immediately, gathering around him like a protective wall.
"You're dismissed," he said, his voice firm.
The guards bowed their heads in unison and retreated to their posts, leaving me alone with Stephen and the girl.
"You..." he said, gesturing toward the girl. She hastened to his side, her eyes wide and full of fear.
"Follow me and keep quiet," he said sternly. She nodded and trailed after him as I turned to leave.
Once I was out of earshot, I heard a giggle escape her lips. She was probably already imagining herself as the woman of the Lycan King. But she was in for a rude awakening - she'd never be more than a breeder to me.
"That man - he's the Lycan King, right?" she said, a silly smile on her lips. "Wow, he's so handsome! And his body is... um... very nice."
Frank stopped in his tracks, his face like stone. "Stop it," he growled. "You're really starting to get on my nerves. I thought I told you to keep quiet?"
She dropped her gaze, mumbling a quiet apology. "Sorry."
"Much better," he said, quickening his pace. She tried to keep up, but it was clear that her legs were aching. Her footsteps became slower, each one punctuated by a soft groan of pain.
"We're here," he said, knocking on the door. He turned the handle and pushed the door open, revealing a lavish chamber.
The girl's eyes widened in surprise at the ornate furnishings and opulent decor. She'd never seen such luxury in her life.
"It's beautiful," she breathed, spinning around to take in the chamber's splendor.
Stephen just stood there, looking unimpressed. "So where's this guy we're supposed to meet?" he asked, glancing around the chamber. "I was told to bring you here, but I don't see anyone."
Suddenly, I spoke to him through the mind link. "Stephen..." I said, my voice soft.
His eyes widened as he heard me. "Where are you?" he replied, searching the chamber with his gaze.
"I've been watching you," I said. "Now leave. I want to speak with the girl alone."
Stephen's eyes widened, and he blinked a few times, as if he couldn't believe what he'd just heard. "What?" he asked, his voice incredulous.
"I said leave. There's something fishy about that girl, and I want to get to the bottom of it." My words were terse and resolute.
"Understood," he said, his tone flat.
Stephen approached her from behind, placing his hand on her shoulder. She gasped, and whirled around to face him. "What is it?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.