The Lycan King’s Secret Child: Rejected Mate Billionaire Werewolf
The Lycan King’s Secret Child: Chapter 9

The moon hung low over the city skyline, casting silvery shadows across the bustling streets of Silvercrest. Xander stood atop a high-rise building, the wind tousling his dark hair as he surveyed the world below. It had been months since he last saw Amelia and Liam, months filled with restless nights and an unshakable sense of longing.

Marcus approached quietly from behind, his footsteps barely audible.

Marcus: ‘You called for me?’

Xander didn’t turn around.

Xander: ‘I did. Have you found anything?’

Marcus hesitated before responding.

Marcus: ‘There’s been… whispers. Rumors of a child exhibiting unusual abilities in a coastal town called Crestwood.’

Xander’s eyes narrowed.

Xander: ‘Tell me more.’

Marcus: ‘The child is said to possess remarkable agility and strength beyond his years. Some claim he’s been seen communicating with animals.’

Xander’s heart quickened.

Xander: ‘Do we have a name?’

Marcus: ‘No name, but descriptions match that of a boy around five years old.’

Xander turned to face Marcus, his expression intense.

Xander: ‘It’s him. It has to be.’

Marcus: ‘Are you certain? There could be others.’

Xander: ‘No. Liam is the only one of his kind at that age. I need to replace him.’

Marcus shifted uncomfortably.

Marcus: ‘There’s something else.’

Xander: ‘What is it?’

Marcus: ‘The Council has taken an interest. They’ve dispatched scouts to investigate.’

Xander’s jaw tightened.

Xander: ‘Then time is of the essence.’

Marcus: ‘I thought you should know.’

Xander placed a hand on Marcus’s shoulder.

Xander: ‘Thank you. You’ve been a loyal friend.’

Marcus: ‘What will you do?’

Xander: ‘I have to reach them before the Council does. Amelia and Liam are in danger.’

—

Meanwhile, in the hidden village of Havenwood, Amelia watched Liam play with the other children. The village had become a sanctuary for them, a place where Liam could learn to control his abilities without fear. Yet, an unease had settled over her lately, a feeling that their peace was fragile.

Seraphine approached, her long robes flowing gracefully.

Seraphine: ‘You seem troubled, Amelia.’

Amelia sighed, not taking her eyes off Liam.

Amelia: ‘I can’t shake the feeling that something’s coming.’

Seraphine: ‘Our paths are seldom free of obstacles. But you’ve built a good life here.’

Amelia: ‘I know, but the Council won’t stop searching for him.’

Seraphine: ‘Elias believes we’re safe for now.’

Amelia: ‘For now.’

Seraphine placed a reassuring hand on her arm.

Seraphine: ‘Trust in the protections we’ve set. Havenwood has remained hidden for centuries.’

Amelia nodded, but the worry in her eyes remained.

—

Back in Silvercrest, Xander prepared for his journey. Packing essentials into a leather satchel, he paused to look at a worn photograph of Amelia and Liam, taken years ago. Determination hardened his features.

As he headed toward his car, Marcus intercepted him.

Marcus: ‘Are you certain you want to do this alone?’

Xander: ‘The fewer people involved, the better. I can’t risk drawing more attention.’

Marcus: ‘At least let me provide support from afar.’

Xander: ‘I appreciate it. Keep me informed of any movements from the Council.’

Marcus: ‘Safe travels, my friend.’

Xander nodded and drove off into the night.

—

The road to Crestwood was long and winding, the scenery shifting from urban landscapes to rolling hills and dense forests. As dawn broke, Xander pulled into a secluded rest stop, the morning mist hovering over the ground.

He stepped out of the car, stretching his legs, when a familiar scent caught his attention—a blend of pine and sea salt, tinged with something else. Another lycan had been here recently.

His senses heightened, Xander scanned the area. Footprints led into the woods. He followed them cautiously, ears attuned to any sound.

Deep within the forest, he came upon a small campsite. The remnants of a fire smoldered, and a torn piece of fabric clung to a nearby branch. Picking it up, he recognized the pattern—it was from a cloak worn by Council scouts.

Xander: Muttering to himself ‘They’re closer than I thought.’

He hurried back to his car, urgency propelling him forward.

—

At Havenwood, Liam sat by the pond where he first discovered his unique connection to nature. He closed his eyes, listening to the whispers of the trees.

Liam: Softly ‘Something’s wrong.’

Elias approached quietly.

Elias: ‘What do you sense, Liam?’

Liam opened his eyes, worry etched on his young face.

Liam: ‘A storm is coming. Not like before. This one feels… different.’

Elias regarded him thoughtfully.

Elias: ‘Your intuition is strong. We must prepare.’

He placed a hand on Liam’s shoulder.

Elias: ‘Come, let’s inform the others.’

—

Amelia was in the village square when she heard the warning bells toll. Villagers emerged from their homes, concern evident.

Seraphine addressed the gathering crowd.

Seraphine: ‘Everyone, please remain calm. We’ve received word that the Council may have discovered our location.’

A murmur spread through the crowd.

Villager: ‘What will we do?’

Elias: Stepping forward ‘We will enact the protective barriers. But we must all work together.’

Amelia pushed through the crowd to reach Elias.

Amelia: ‘Elias, what’s happening?’

Elias: ‘We have reason to believe the Council is near. We need to secure the village.’

Her heart raced.

Amelia: ‘What about Liam?’

Elias: ‘He’s safe for now, but we must remain vigilant.’

—

Xander arrived at the outskirts of Crestwood as dusk settled in. The coastal town was quiet, the streets lined with quaint cottages and shops. He parked his car discreetly and began his search on foot.

As he walked, he overheard snippets of conversation from locals.

Local Woman: ‘Did you hear about the strange lights in the woods last night?’

Local Man: ‘Aye, some say it’s the spirits returning.’

Xander’s curiosity was piqued. He approached them casually.

Xander: ‘Excuse me, I couldn’t help but overhear. What was that about lights in the woods?’

The woman eyed him warily.

Local Woman: ‘Just old folk tales. Probably teenagers playing tricks.’

The man shrugged.

Local Man: ‘There’s been odd happenings lately. Best to stay away from the forest at night.’

Xander nodded, thanking them before moving on.

He found an inn and decided to stay the night, planning to explore the woods under the cover of darkness.

—

Night fell, and Xander ventured into the forest. The canopy above blocked out much of the moonlight, casting eerie shadows along the path. His senses were on high alert.

Suddenly, he heard the snap of a twig behind him. He spun around, eyes searching the darkness.

Xander: ‘Who’s there?’

A figure emerged—a young woman with sharp features and piercing eyes.

Woman: ‘You’re not from around here.’

Xander: ‘Neither are you.’

She smirked.

Woman: ‘Perhaps. What brings you to these woods?’

Xander: ‘Just passing through.’

She circled him slowly.

Woman: ‘You should be careful. There are dangers lurking.’

Xander: ‘I can handle myself.’

She paused, her expression turning serious.

Woman: ‘The Council is close. If you’re wise, you’ll leave.’

Xander’s eyes narrowed.

Xander: ‘Do you know where they are?’

Woman: ‘Maybe I do.’

Xander: ‘I’m looking for someone—a child. It’s imperative I replace him before they do.’

She studied him for a moment.

Woman: ‘Why should I trust you?’

Xander: ‘Because I’m his father.’

Surprise flickered across her face.

Woman: ‘Follow me.’

She led him deeper into the woods. After some time, they reached a hidden trail.

Woman: ‘This path leads to Havenwood. But be warned, outsiders aren’t welcomed easily.’

Xander: ‘Thank you.’

She nodded.

Woman: ‘I hope you replace what you’re looking for.’

She vanished into the shadows, leaving Xander to continue alone.

—

Back at Havenwood, the protective barriers were in place. Amelia tucked Liam into bed, trying to mask her anxiety.

Liam: ‘Mommy, is everything okay?’

Amelia: ‘Yes, darling. Just get some rest.’

He looked up at her with trusting eyes.

Liam: ‘I felt Daddy nearby.’

Her breath caught.

Amelia: ‘What do you mean?’

Liam: ‘In my dream, he was coming to replace us.’

She stroked his hair gently.

Amelia: ‘Go to sleep now. We’ll talk more in the morning.’

She kissed his forehead and left the room, her mind racing.

Outside, she found Elias and Seraphine discussing.

Amelia: ‘Liam says he sensed Xander.’

Elias exchanged a glance with Seraphine.

Elias: ‘Then he may be closer than we thought.’

Seraphine: ‘Should we reach out to him?’

Amelia: ‘If the Council is near, Xander could be walking into a trap.’

—

As Xander navigated the hidden trail, he felt a tingling sensation—a sign of magical barriers. He proceeded cautiously, aware that any misstep could alert the villagers.

Suddenly, a shimmering wall of light appeared before him, blocking his path. He reached out tentatively, but the barrier repelled his touch.

Xander: Frustrated ‘Amelia! Liam!’

His voice echoed, but there was no response.

From the shadows, several figures emerged, cloaked and wary. They surrounded him, weapons drawn.

Guard: ‘State your business.’

Xander: ‘I’m here to see my family.’

Guard: ‘No one enters without permission.’

He raised his hands in a gesture of peace.

Xander: ‘Please, let me speak to Amelia Hart.’

The guards exchanged looks.

Guard: ‘Wait here.’

One of them disappeared beyond the barrier.

—

In the village, Amelia was alerted by a messenger.

Messenger: ‘There’s someone at the barrier claiming to be your… partner.’

Her heart pounded.

Amelia: ‘Take me to him.’

Elias caught up with her as she made her way to the barrier.

Elias: ‘Are you sure about this?’

Amelia: ‘If it’s Xander, I need to see him.’

—

At the barrier, Xander waited anxiously. When Amelia appeared, relief washed over him.

Xander: ‘Amelia!’

She stood on the other side, emotions conflicted.

Amelia: ‘What are you doing here?’

Xander: ‘I came to warn you. The Council knows about Liam. They’re coming.’

Amelia: ‘We already know. Elias has taken precautions.’

Xander: ‘It’s not enough. They’re closer than you think.’

She hesitated.

Amelia: ‘Why should I trust you?’

Xander: ‘Because I love you both. Please, let me help.’

Elias approached, evaluating Xander carefully.

Elias: ‘He’s telling the truth.’

Amelia looked into Xander’s eyes, seeing the sincerity.

Amelia: Softly ‘Lower the barrier.’

The guards obeyed, and Xander stepped through.

As they reunited, a distant howl pierced the night air. Everyone froze.

Elias: ‘They’re here.’

—

Chaos erupted as villagers scrambled to their positions. The Council’s forces were approaching rapidly.

Xander grabbed Amelia’s hand.

Xander: ‘We need to get Liam and leave. Now.’

She nodded, and they raced back to their home.

Inside, Liam was already awake, his eyes wide with fear.

Liam: ‘Mommy, Daddy!’

Amelia: ‘It’s okay, we’re here.’

Suddenly, the sound of breaking wood echoed as the front door was forced open. Council enforcers flooded in, their eyes glowing fiercely.

Enforcer: ‘Surrender the child.’

Xander stepped forward protectively.

Xander: ‘You’ll have to go through me.’

The enforcers advanced, and a fierce battle ensued. Xander shifted into his lycan form, engaging them with ferocity.

Amelia shielded Liam, her mind racing for a way out.

Amelia: Whispering to Liam ‘Stay close to me.’

Elias and Seraphine burst in, casting protective spells to hold off the attackers.

Seraphine: ‘We can’t hold them off much longer!’

Elias gestured toward a hidden passage.

Elias: ‘Take the passage to the docks. There’s a boat waiting.’

Amelia hesitated.

Amelia: ‘What about you?’

Elias: ‘We’ll buy you time. Go!’

With no time to waste, Amelia grabbed Liam’s hand. Xander, still battling, glanced back.

Xander: ‘I’ll catch up. Protect him!’

Amelia nodded, tears in her eyes.

Amelia: ‘Be careful.’

She and Liam disappeared into the passage.

—

As they navigated the dark tunnel, the sounds of conflict faded. Liam clutched a small pendant around his neck—a gift from Xander.

Liam: ‘Mommy, I’m scared.’

Amelia: ‘I know, sweetheart. But we’re going to be okay.’

They emerged at the docks, where a lone boat awaited. A figure stood by it—a woman cloaked in shadows.

Woman: ‘Hurry, we don’t have much time.’

Amelia hesitated.

Amelia: ‘Who are you?’

The woman pulled back her hood to reveal familiar features—it was the same woman who had guided Xander in the woods.

Woman: ‘A friend. Xander sent it to me.’

Trusting her, they boarded the boat.

As they set off into the mist-covered waters, the silhouette of Havenwood began to fade. Suddenly, a massive explosion lit up the sky behind them. Flames engulfed the village.

Liam: Crying out ‘What’s happening?’

Amelia held him tightly, her eyes fixed on the devastation.

Amelia: Whispering ‘Xander…’

The boat drifted further into the unknown, with no sign of Xander or the others. The fate of Havenwood remained uncertain, and the looming question hung heavy in the air:

Would they ever reunite as a family again?