Chapter 8

CALEB

What?

Her words rooted me to the spot, and for once in my life, I couldn’t think of a quip to return back to the woman standing in front of me.

Somehow, she knew. I have spent years planning to keep my wretched brother away from the throne, and I have spent months putting those plans meticulously into place. I have been quiet, I’ve kept my circles small, how could she possibly have found out what I was doing?

Or maybe she doesn’t know? I wondered briefly if it was a fluke as she gazed up at me with those sure, steadfast eyes. This might all be random chance, could she just be a frustrated, jilted bride whose fiance had been fucking another woman behind her back?

No, I realized for certain, she knew. She had too many specifics of my intentions, and came right out with them to my face. I had always thought of her as the lovesick puppy who followed my brother around like he was a god and capable of no wrong. But with this unexpected show, it seemed she was not the helpless pawn I’d thought she was.

I may have underestimated her and her intelligence in the past, but I wouldn’t keep making that same mistake.

But still, I had to be careful. Until just this morning, she seemed smitten with Lucas and unwilling to recognize any of his darker, vicious features.

“Alright. But why?” I said, crossing my arms over my chest and pulling back to get a clearer view of her body language. She pulled herself up straight, suddenly taking on a stronger, clearer voice like a woman walking into a negotiation.

“We both want Lucas out of the running. And if you are to be the next King in his place, you’re going to need the information I can offer you. I know all about his movements and what he is going to do next. I’d be a huge political asset.”

I narrowed my eyes, contemplating. How could I really trust her, especially when she could throw away her beloved fated mate at the altar? If she was willing to switch sides away from him, how could she prove to me she wouldn’t do the same thing again?

She loved him. I knew that for a fact, regardless of whatever was in her heart now. I had seen them throughout their engagement, the way she watched him, even how her breathing changed when he was in the room. Frankly, it was gross to watch.

But I sympathized, in a small way I didn’t want to admit to even myself. I had loved like that before, and I had been betrayed like that even more often. Was that a risk I was willing to take to team up with Ruby?

The voice of my wolf, Thor, appeared gently in my mind, pressing the anxious thoughts away. Haven’t you been listening? Look at her, she’s hurt too. I’m sure she won’t betray you. She’s too sweet.

Ruby interrupted his words, bringing my attention back to the present moment.

“Lucas has been using a Lycan civilian female wolf to win over the beta of the neighboring bear tribe, the Brungins to the north. She’s a viciously effective seductress, and as far as I can tell, has nearly managed to get into his bed. The beta of that tribe is brutal, but she is relentless.”

Thor scoffed to me, A Lycan and a Bearman mating? I’ve never heard of anything like that!

”If we can get ahead of his plans and form our own partnership with the Bears, we might have enough outside support to be able to make a real play for the successor of the Lycan King.”

The deeper into these schemes Ruby delved, the more animated she became, lighting up like she was finally allowed to think and speak away from the oppressive thumb of Lucas. I’d never seen this side of her, the brilliant, analytical side, and I felt almost moved listening.

“If we want to make a legitimate power grab, we will need as much support as possible from the three political factions of the Lycan pack, the Council of Elders who are represented by the Lycan King, the group of Alphas who enforce their rulings and ensure peace amongst the pack, and finally the general public.

“The Lycan King and his Council of Elders will have to reconsider their choice of successor if you can stir up enough support from those other groups.” She paused to take a breath, and I found myself watching her lips, her plush, red mouth. Goddess, she looks like she tastes so sweet.

Oh? Thor taunted, and I shook my head to clear the thought away.

“I have more information than you could possibly hope for as Lucas’s former fiance, you’d be a fool not to partner with me.” She continued, her hands resting on her hips. “We can do this, Caleb,” she said, softer this time. “And I know you’ll be the next Lycan King.”

Her words struck something deep within me that had been dormant for some time. No one had ever said those words to me, even though I was the oldest son, even though I had always shown more aptitude than my brother. Somehow, through his manipulation and tricks he had always managed to get more sympathy and followers.

But here was this woman, standing before me, convinced that I had not just the potential but the genuine chance to overcome him. Her eyes sparkled brightly in the dim lighting, and the urge to reach out and touch her welled up inside of me.

Wow, Caleb, I think you’re already falling in love with her. I could hear Thor’s voice cackling.

Not funny, I shushed him, and forced myself to draw my hands back to my sides.

“I’ll think about it,” I said to her, and watched the confidence in her face fall just a bit. I couldn’t let this opportunity slip past me, but I needed to plan how I wanted to approach this with her.

“Don’t think too long,” she responded, gathering up the skirts of her wedding dress. “I really do believe in this, Caleb,” she said softly, “good night.”

Cute, Thor mumbled as she floated out the door.

Shut up! I groaned back at him.

RUBY

I walked through the castle back to my chambers, my head buzzing with the events of the day. Lucas was far from defeated, but watching Caleb’s face as I laid out my plans, I was sure he would be willing to come to my side and work with me.

“There she is, the stupid bitch.” A shrill voice behind me stopped me in my tracks, and I felt a small hand tug roughly on my shoulder.

Harper, I groaned inwardly.

“What do you want?”

I turned to face her. She stood above me on the steps, the low lighting made the shadows in her face look hollow. I almost pitied her.

“I want you to bow to your future queen,” she said grandly, grinning maniacally. “I can’t believe it, you’ve thrown away the one chance you had at power for Caleb? The womanizing dog can’t look up from his conquests for five minutes, and you’re latching onto him?”

I sighed, shaking my head at her smug expression. “Come on, you’re not that stupid.”

She stepped back, offended. “What?”

I crossed my arms over my chest, raising my chin to level my eyes to hers. “So now that my wedding is off, when is Lucas going to propose to you? If he loves you so much.”

The little color in her cheeks blanched.

“Oh Harper. You know him even better than I do. He won’t marry you, he’s never even considered it. He chases women he can fuck and women who are useful to him, and we both know which one you are. It’s not me you should be angry with, it’s Lucas.”

Her mouth gaped open like a fish.