The Werewolf King’s Mate
Chapter 36

Lucas'

POV:

We bid farewell to everyone in the Midnight Moon pack, and Alpha John is the right man for leading this pack. We departed by car, and shortly after, we crossed the territory of the pack. Finally, we are going home, and Cory will be there with me. I need to set up a meeting with the council and formally introduce her as my mate and the future Queen.

Silas, could you schedule a meeting with the council?

Got it. What's the agenda?

Cory. I will introduce her as the future queen.

When do you want it?

The next day after, we arrived. It's better to talk to them earlier so we can also prepare for the ceremony.

I will send an email today so they can prepare.

Thanks, Silas!

Our journey continued to go on. Cory and I have been talking a lot and getting to know each other more. Sometimes, she is distracted by the view and things to see outside. She was in complete awe at the new things she had discovered. The trip back will take about 12 or more hours. So, when we reached the 5-hour mark, Cory tapped me.

"How far are we?"

"We have another 7 hours to go. More or less."

"Alright."

"Why, babe? We can have a stopover. Just let me know."

"Actually...I am quite famished and need to use the comfort room..."

"I will let everyone know we will pull over by the next stop. Hold on a little longer, OK?"

I informed everyone, including the drivers. Around a few minutes later, we found a decent fast food joint for us to eat and take a quick rest. They mostly serve burgers, hotdogs, fries, drinks, and sundaes.

"Good day! Welcome to Hungry Bunny! What can I get you?"

"We'll get 12 burgers, 12 hotdogs, 12 fries, 12 cola, and 12 sundaes," I said my order to the cashier.

"Don't you think that's a lot, Lucas?"

"Nope, babe! We are heavy-eaters. I don't think this is even enough."

"Okay, okay. I bet I could finish a whole meal!"

"That hungry, huh?"

She bobbed her head like a kid. A few minutes later, our food was served in our booth. Just as I thought, everyone devoured the food until nothing was left. I think we should order some takeout. We ordered a few more, went on a bio break, and stretched our legs for longer. "Let's go, everyone! Back on the road."

"Yes, your majesty."

"If anyone of you is hungry or just need a little break, call us."

We all went back to our cars and started driving off again. And, just a few minutes later, I hear Cory snoring. The whole trip must have tired her out. This is her first time traveling far, so I get it.

While Cory slept, I checked a few papers I had overlooked since the training program commenced. There was a lot, and my head was driving me up the wall already. Doing paperwork at the back of the car could make you dizzy. I put them down for now. I looked at Cory, and she was swaying left and right. So, I pulled her and let her head lay on my lap. Eventually, I also fell asleep.

I woke when I felt the car stopped.

"What's going on, David?" I asked the driver.

"Sir Silas asked for a quick stop."

"Okay. How far are we?"

"We have 2-3 hours left."

"Thanks, David. Go take a break too."

Cory was stirring awake. She took a long nap.

"Hey, babe. Want to take a quick break and walk around for a bit?"

"Hmm. That will be good. I feel like I'm going to have a stiff neck."

"We should've taken a plane on the way back. Damn! My lower back is numb from all the seating."

And again, we all took our final break before returning to the kingdom. Silas and Lola brought a few snacks for everyone. Then, we're good to go again!

***

After two and a half hours, we finally arrived at the kingdom. Reaching my chateau will take us another 10 to 15 minutes from the borderline.

"Wow, Lucas! Your land is huge! There are a lot of shops and people here!"

"Welcome, my queen! I will personally give you a tour sometime."

"I would love to!"

She was completely amazed. She kept pointing at boutiques and shops that she wanted to visit soon and noted the names so she would remember. Soon after, we are at my place's entrance. "Lucas, what will this be? Are we dropping off somewhere before we go to the packhouse?"

"Cute, babe. But, this is my home."

"Your home? This is where you live?" She was completely surprised.

"Yes, babe. And this will be your home too. Welcome home, Cory."

David dropped us off at the entrance and helped us with our bags. Then the butlers came to assist us with carrying them.

"Your majesty, welcome back." Alfred, the heat butler, greeted me.

Alfred has worked with my family for generations, and when my parents died, he was my support and has been like a father to me.

"Thank you, Alfred."

"And who is our lovely guest, your majesty?"

"Alfred, she will be staying here. For good. I am pleased to introduce you to Cory Hemmings, my mate and your soon-to-be queen." "Marvelous, your Majesty! You finally found her! And it is a pleasure to meet and serve you, my queen." He bowed to Cory. "Oh, Alfred, you don't have to bow. But, thank you for your warm welcome."

"Well, you must take your rest for now. I know it was a long journey. We will place all your things and prepare dinner for you."

"Thank you, Alfred."

Cory and I went upstairs. I led her to the east part of the house and showed her to our room. Recently, I had the chateau undergo some renovations to bring it up to date with modern amenities, and the rooms are now looking quite splendid as a result. I had my room windows changed, so there is a huge window panel that overlooks the whole kingdom. I had a king-sized bed and an entertainment set placed, a walk-in closet, and a bathroom made.

"I thought your room in the cabin before was already big, but this! This is way bigger than I imagined."

"Feel free to look around, babe."

"Where are the others staying, by the way?"

"The chateau has annexes. And most of them are staying there. For Elias and Iris, they have their own house near the chateau."

"Oh! So is this also where you have your meetings? Host parties?"

"That will be the palace, babe."

"Shouldn't you be living there?"

"Yup, but I want my space away from prying eyes and the council. I sometimes sleep here when it gets too much. They could be annoying and demanding, especially about finding my mate before I meet you. They could get on my nerves. For now, we will be staying here until we make everything official."

"Okay, your majesty."

***

While catching up on paperwork I had left behind and some that I had put aside in the car, Cory took a shower and fell asleep. The drive back to the kingdom must have exhausted her. While I was working, I heard a knock on the door.

"Your majesty, dinner is ready."

"Thanks, Alfred. We'll be down soon."

"Oh, and your majesty, you have guests."

"Who?"

"Aside from your friends, your cousin, and a young lady."

A young lady? I was thinking hard about who it was. Then it clicked. F*ck! I thought she had left the kingdom. Why would she be here?

"You may go now, Alfred. We'll be down soon."

I woke Cory up and told her that dinner was ready. We headed down and met everyone in the dining hall. And as soon as I made my way to the end of the table, I saw Laura sitting in supposedly Cory's seat. She stood up to hug me, but I shrugged her off. "Move."

"Come on, Lucas. Is that how you would treat me in front of everyone?"

Now, we have everyone's attention. And Cory looked confused about what was happening. I haven't told her about my past, and this was the last thing I wanted to bring up. What I had with Laura years ago was a mistake, and she does not matter. I don't want Cory to doubt or misunderstand the situation.

I ignored Laura. I turned to my cousin, Renee, and asked, "What is she doing here?"

"Well, I thought you two should catch up and get to know each other better."

"Why?"

She leaned in and whispered, "Because I know the council is pressuring you to choose your queen. Laura is a good person, and I think you look good together!"

"I don't need you to interfere with my matters and who I should talk to. Now, tell your friend to move."

"Fine, Lucas. Let's talk about her possibly being your queen, but I don't see anything wrong with her sitting there. You don't have a queen yet."

"Renee, you, of all people, should know that I hate repeating myself. And for your information, my mate and your queen will be sitting there from now on." "What do you mean?"

I pulled Cory beside me. "Cory, this is my cousin Renee and her friend."

I chose not to mention that woman's name as she was not worth introducing and mentioning. Laura was judging Cory, examining him from head to toe. I expressed my displeasure to her in a low growl.

"Lovely to meet you, Cory! And who might she be, Lucas?"

"Renee, meet my mate and your queen."