The Werewolf King’s Mate
Chapter 16

Content Warning: The chapter contains scenes that may trigger or traumatize some readers. Lucas' POV:

We were all having fun tonight, especially Cory. I can see the light in her eyes after making new friends and after the warm welcome from the rest of the group. I am also glad that she got comfortable with them quickly. But what I love the most tonight is that I made her blush harder whenever I call her babe. I am glad I have that effect on her.

"So, what are you baking?" Tommy asked.

"We're thinking of something simple like brownies," Ellie answered.

"Hm. It is simple for Cory and Iris, but are you sure you can handle this, sis? We almost caught fire the last time you were in the kitchen," Tommy teasingly said. But I agree with him. We cannot leave Ellie alone in the kitchen! Ever again!

Then I heard that adorable chuckle. Cory is trying to hide and stifle her laugh, but she is doing it poorly. Very poorly, I must say. I can see tears in her eyes from trying so hard. "What's funny, babe?"

She shook her head and tried to hide her face using both hands. But before she could cover her face, I caught the rosy cheeks that appeared because of a simple word. "Come on. Tell me, babe!"

She breathed deeply to release the laughter building in her throat. "Are they always like this?"

"Most of the time, they bicker and tease each other. We have gotten used to their antics. The only person who can actually put a stop to them is their sister."

I looked at her. I wonder if she caught up with my teasing.

"Sister? I thought they..." I laughed. She glared at me. Then, she put her hand on her chest.

"Your majesty, I did not know you would use that against me."

I shrugged. "I can't help it when my mate thought they were triplets!"

"Well, you are the real winner here. They use that to pull a prank on you! FOR A WEEK! Huh!"

I am surprised by her rebuttal. But when I regained my composure, I laughed at it. So, she knows how to make a comeback. I look forward to these kinds of exchanges when we learn more about each other. I have to create more opportunities for us to have more time as mates and with the group.

"Alright, boys, you go prepare dinner. Grill some of the steaks, get some drinks, whatever." Iris instructed us.

"Girls, time to start the brownies."

And so, everyone went to do their tasks. A few minutes later, I could hear her chat and laughter coming from the kitchen. The girls are whispering and laughing at whatever joke or story the other tells. But even with everything happening, I am focused on one person-my mate. She is glowing and looks happy. I want this for her.

"Lucas!"

I was surprised by Silas' shout. I didn't notice it until he called my attention. Apparently, the steak is burning. I almost overcooked our dinner for tonight!

"Ha ha ha! Distracted much, your majesty?" Tommy teasingly said.

"Not distracted; I believe he is lovestruck."

To my surprise, this came from Elias. He barely said anything the whole day, and he is not the usual type to come up with these lines. We looked at each other and laughed. We also had a few discussions, especially about the meeting a while ago. A few moments later, we are done grilling the steak, vegetables and preparing everything for dinner. But before we could start with dinner, I felt someone tug the end of my shirt. I turned around and found my mate. She looks like she wants something but is afraid it is unacceptable, or I would deny it.

"What is it, babe? Anything you need?" She looks hesitant.

"Hm. I have been thinking..."

"Go on,"

"Can we ask Lola to join us for tonight? It is OK if you say no. I can eat with her some other time. We usually do things together."

Lola has been her best friend since then. Of course, I will not deny her such a request.

"I'll go with you. Let's pick her up." I smiled at her.

I mind-linked everyone and asked them to wait a few minutes as we fetched Lola. They all agreed, and Silas was the most enthusiastic. I saw his head bobbing up and down so fast. So, we made it to the quarters where they lived. I was hoping not to come here again after I saw Cory's room. This was one of the things I brought up to the group (except Ellie and Iris) a while ago. We will take action as soon as possible to resolve this.

We reached Lola's room, and Cory knocked.

"Lola! Lola! Are you there?" Silence. No one is answering.

Cory knocked again.

"It's me, Cory. Open up."

Still no answer, but I could sense that someone was inside. I checked the doorknob to see if it was locked. Fortunately, it wasn't, and I was able to open the door.

I don't sense any danger. Kali said.

Yeah, me too.

But to be sure, I told Cory to stay behind me. As soon as we entered, I saw Lola lying on the ground. She was unconscious. Cory quickly went to her side and checked her condition. The room is dark, but I can definitely see some bruises on her neck. "Thank, goddess! She is still breathing."

"Let's get her to the hospital quickly."

I carried Lola, and we ran to the hospital. As soon as we arrived, the doctors came to assist us. We put Lola in a hospital bed and waited for them to examine her condition. Silas came after I mind-linked them, and he brought something for us to eat. I can feel the anxiety radiating off his body.

She's going to be OK, Silas. I mind-linked him because other patients are resting.

What state was she in when you saw her?

She was unconscious. She also has a few bruises on her neck.

F*ck! Who could have done that to her?! With his frustration, he punched the wall. His punch startled a couple of patients-even Cory, who fell asleep after hours of waiting. "Silas, you have to calm down."

"How?! She's my mate. I should have taken her when Cory collapsed. I should be the one protecting her, and yet!"

At that exact moment, the doctor came out with an update and the results of the tests.

"She is doing fine now. She fainted mostly because of fatigue and lack of food. Based on the patient's physique, she is also in a state of malnutrition." The doctor said. "How about the bruises on her neck?"

"Actually, I was about to get to that, your majesty, and you might want to discuss this in my office."

Based on her reaction, something seriously happened, and this is nothing that we can ignore. So, all of us went to the doctor's room. I could feel Cory's anxiousness leveled up when the doctor said those.

"Shh. I am here. We will get to the bottom of this."

We followed the doctor to his room. We all sat down and focused on what he was about to say. His first words were directed to Cory; he asked,

"How long has Lola been with the Midnight Moon Pack?"

"Uh, we both came in together, so six years ago,"

"In those six years, were you or Lola physically abused by anyone?"

Cory is completely stunned by the doctor's question. Silence. And a few more moments of silence. Silas and I are anxious here. I'm waiting for her response, but she's preoccupied with picking at her nails as if it's more significant than anything else. "Cory?" The doctor called her attention. This seemed to snap her out of her trance.

"Uh, y-y-yes." She was shaking and stuttering. I wrapped my arms around her to comfort her.

I am still stunned by her revelation despite knowing that there are some other things the pack is doing aside from their anomalies. From Cory's physique, I have an inkling that they are overworking their Omegas, but I did not expect that they were worse than I thought. When I saw Silas almost running out of the office from my periphery when he heard Cory, I quickly mind-linked him to stay put and calm down.

I know how he feels, and I swear, if I found out whoever did this to them, there would be a bloodbath.