The Lycan King’s Secret Child: Rejected Mate Billionaire Werewolf
The Lycan King’s Secret Child: Chapter 8

The sun cast a warm golden hue over the quaint seaside town of Crestwood. Waves gently lapping against the shore, and the salty breeze carried the distant laughter of children playing on the beach. Amelia stood on the porch of her cozy cottage, a cup of tea warming her hands as she watched Liam chase seagulls across the sand.

Amelia: Calling out ‘Don’t go too far, Liam!’

Liam: Turning back with a grin ‘I won’t, Mommy!’

He waved enthusiastically before resuming his pursuit, his dark hair tousled by the wind. Amelia smiled softly, her heart full. It had been six months since Xander reentered their lives, and though things were still tentative between them, they had found a semblance of normalcy.

Xander approached from behind, carrying a basket of freshly picked apples.

Xander: ‘I thought we could make that pie you like.’

Amelia: Glancing back ‘Sounds good. Liam will be excited.’

He joined her on the porch, setting the basket down.

Xander: ‘He’s got a lot of energy today.’

Amelia: ‘He always does. I sometimes wonder where he gets it from.’

They shared a brief smile, the unspoken understanding passing between them.

Xander: ‘Maybe from his mother.’

Amelia: Chuckling ‘Or his father.’

They watched as Liam attempted to build a sandcastle, his small hands moving with surprising dexterity.

Xander: ‘He’s growing up fast.’

Amelia: ‘Too fast.’

There was a comfortable silence before Xander spoke again.

Xander: ‘I’ve been meaning to talk to you about something.’

Amelia: Turning to face him ‘What is it?’

Xander: ‘I’ve noticed some… peculiar things with Liam lately.’

Her brow furrowed.

Amelia: ‘What do you mean?’

Xander: ‘Well, yesterday, when he was playing in the yard, I saw him climb the oak tree in seconds. It was almost… unnatural.’

Amelia: ‘He’s always been agile.’

Xander: ‘I know, but this was different. And last week, when he fell off his bike, he barely had a scratch.’

Amelia’s expression grew thoughtful.

Amelia: ‘I did replace that odd. He should have been more hurt.’

Xander: ‘Amelia, I think his abilities are starting to manifest.’

She looked at him, a mix of concern and curiosity.

Amelia: ‘You mean… like yours?’

Xander: Nodding ‘Yes.’

She took a deep breath, processing the information.

Amelia: ‘I suppose it was inevitable.’

Xander: ‘We need to prepare him, help him understand.’

Amelia: ‘He’s only four, Xander. How do we explain something like this to him?’

Xander: ‘Gently. We can start by encouraging him to talk about anything unusual he experiences.’

She gazed out at Liam, who was now chasing a butterfly, his laughter echoing.

Amelia: ‘I just want him to have a normal childhood.’

Xander: ‘I understand. But we can’t ignore who he is.’

Amelia: Sighing ‘You’re right. We’ll handle it together.’

—

Later that afternoon, they gathered in the kitchen to make the apple pie. Liam stood on a stool between them, eagerly helping to mix the ingredients.

Liam: ‘Can I stir, Mommy?’

Amelia: ‘Sure, but be careful.’

He grasped the wooden spoon, stirring the mixture with surprising strength. Amelia and Xander exchanged a glance as the spoon moved swiftly.

Xander: Lightly ‘You’re strong, buddy.’

Liam: Beaming ‘I eat all my vegetables!’

Amelia: Smiling ‘That must be it.’

As they prepared the crust, Liam hummed a tune, his fingers deftly pressing the dough into the pan.

Amelia: ‘Where did you learn that song?’

Liam: ‘I don’t know. It just came to me.’

Xander: Curious ‘Can you sing it for us?’

Liam shrugged and began to sing softly. The melody was haunting yet beautiful, unfamiliar to Amelia.

Amelia: ‘That’s lovely, Liam.’

He grinned, proud of himself.

Liam: ‘Thanks!’

After placing the pie in the oven, they moved to the living room. Liam pulled out his box of toys, selecting a small wooden wolf.

Liam: ‘Daddy, play with me!’

Xander joined him on the floor.

Xander: ‘What game are we playing?’

Liam: ‘We’re wolves in the forest!’

Amelia watched them, her heart warmed by the sight.

Amelia: ‘I’ll be right back. I need to check something.’

She stepped outside onto the porch, taking a moment to collect her thoughts. The reality of Liam’s emerging abilities weighed on her. She heard footsteps behind her and turned to see Xander.

Xander: ‘Are you okay?’

Amelia: ‘Just thinking.’

Xander: ‘About Liam?’

She nodded.

Amelia: ‘I worry about how this will affect him.’

Xander: ‘We’ll guide him. He’s not alone.’

Amelia: ‘I know. I just… I want to protect him from any hardship.’

Xander: ‘He has us. We’ll face whatever comes together.’

She looked into his eyes, replaceing reassurance.

Amelia: ‘Thank you.’

—

Over the next few days, they began gently probing Liam about his experiences. One evening, as they sat around the dinner table, Amelia broached the subject.

Amelia: ‘Liam, have you felt anything different lately? Like when you’re playing or running?’

Liam: Thinking ‘Sometimes I feel really fast. Like a superhero!’

Xander: ‘That’s cool. Do you like feeling that way?’

Liam: ‘Yes! It’s fun.’

Amelia: ‘If you ever feel scared or confused, you can tell us, okay?’

Liam: ‘Okay, Mommy.’

She smiled, satisfied for the moment.

—

One night, a storm rolled in, the wind howling and rain pelting against the windows. Liam woke from a nightmare, calling out.

Liam: ‘Mommy! Daddy!’

Amelia and Xander rushed to his room, replaceing him sitting up in bed, tears streaming down his face.

Amelia: ‘What’s wrong, sweetheart?’

Liam: ‘I had a bad dream.’

Xander: ‘Do you want to tell us about it?’

Liam hesitated before nodding.

Liam: ‘I was in a dark forest, and there were eyes watching me. Big, scary eyes.’

Amelia sat beside him, wrapping her arms around him.

Amelia: ‘It’s okay. It was just a dream.’

Liam: ‘But it felt real.’

Xander exchanged a concerned look with Amelia.

Xander: ‘Sometimes our dreams can seem very real, especially when we’re feeling strong emotions.’

Liam: ‘Will you stay with me?’

Amelia: ‘Of course.’

They stayed until he fell back asleep, but the incident left them unsettled.

—

The following morning, Amelia decided to speak with Xander privately.

Amelia: ‘I think there’s more to Liam’s dreams.’

Xander: ‘You think they’re visions?’

Amelia: ‘Possibly. Is that common?’

Xander: ‘In some cases, yes. Especially if his abilities are awakening.’

She rubbed her temples.

Amelia: ‘This is more complicated than I imagined.’

Xander: ‘Perhaps we should consult someone with more experience.’

Amelia: ‘Like who?’

Xander: ‘Elias. He helped us before.’

She considered it.

Amelia: ‘Do you think he’d be willing?’

Xander: ‘I can reach out to him.’

—

They arranged for Elias to visit. When he arrived, Liam was shy at first but quickly warmed up to the kindly older man.

Elias: Kneeling to Liam’s level ‘Hello, young man. Your parents tell me you’re quite the adventurer.’

Liam: Smiling bashfully ‘I like exploring.’

Elias: ‘Exploring is wonderful. The world is full of mysteries.’

They spent some time together, with Elias observing Liam discreetly.

Later, while Liam napped, the adults convened in the study.

Elias: ‘He’s a remarkable child.’

Amelia: ‘We know he’s special, but we need guidance.’

Elias: ‘His abilities are indeed manifesting. Faster than I would have expected.’

Xander: ‘Is that a cause for concern?’

Elias: ‘Not necessarily, but it does mean he will need proper training to control them.’

Amelia: ‘How do we do that?’

Elias: ‘I can recommend someone who specializes in teaching young ones like Liam.’

Xander: ‘Will that put him at risk?’

Elias: ‘On the contrary, it will help him manage his abilities safely.’

Amelia looked thoughtful.

Amelia: ‘I want him to have as normal a life as possible.’

Elias: ‘I understand. The key is balance.’

—

They agreed to meet with the recommended mentor, a woman named Seraphine, who had a gentle demeanor and a wealth of knowledge.

During their first session, Seraphine engaged Liam with games that subtly encouraged him to use his senses.

Seraphine: ‘Liam, can you close your eyes and tell me what you hear?’

He closed his eyes, concentrating.

Liam: ‘I hear the waves, a bird singing, and… a squirrel in the tree.’

Amelia and Xander exchanged impressed glances.

Seraphine: ‘Very good. Now, can you tell me what the squirrel is doing?’

Liam: Smiling ‘He’s eating a nut!’

Seraphine winked at Amelia.

Seraphine: ‘He’s very attuned.’

—

Over the weeks, Liam’s control improved. He learned to channel his strength and agility, and his nightmares lessened. One afternoon, after a particularly successful session, Liam approached his parents.

Liam: ‘Mommy, Daddy, can I ask you something?’

Amelia: ‘Of course, honey.’

Liam: ‘Why am I different?’

They shared a moment of silence before Amelia spoke gently.

Amelia: ‘What makes you think you’re different?’

Liam: ‘I can do things other kids can’t. Like jump really high and hear things far away.’

Xander knelt beside him.

Xander: ‘Liam, you are special, but different doesn’t mean bad. It means you have gifts that others don’t.’

Liam: ‘Like a superhero?’

Amelia: Smiling ‘In a way, yes.’

Liam: ‘Will I always be like this?’

Xander: ‘Yes, and as you grow, you’ll learn more about your abilities.’

Liam considered this.

Liam: ‘Can I help people with them?’

Amelia: ‘If you choose to, you can use them for good.’

He smiled brightly.

Liam: ‘I like that.’

—

One evening, after Liam was asleep, Amelia and Xander sat on the porch, the stars twinkling above.

Amelia: ‘He’s handling this better than I expected.’

Xander: ‘Children are resilient.’

Amelia: ‘I was so worried about how this would affect him.’

Xander: ‘We’re guiding him, and he’s not alone.’

She looked at him appreciatively.

Amelia: ‘I’m glad you’re here.’

Xander: ‘So am I.’

They shared a quiet moment, the unspoken feelings lingering between them.

—

As the months passed, Liam continued to thrive. One day, while playing in the woods behind their home, he discovered a hidden grove with a small pond.

Liam: Excitedly ‘Mommy! Daddy! Come see!’

They followed him to the spot, amazed at the serene beauty.

Amelia: ‘How did you replace this place?’

Liam: ‘I heard the water singing.’

Xander raised an eyebrow.

Xander: ‘Water singing?’

Liam: ‘Yes! It was calling me.’

Amelia felt a chill, sensing there was more to this place.

Amelia: ‘It’s beautiful.’

Liam ran to the edge of the pond, gazing into the clear water.

Liam: ‘Look! There’s a fish with golden scales!’

They joined him, but saw nothing unusual.

Xander: ‘I don’t see it.’

Liam: ‘It’s right there!’

He pointed emphatically. Amelia glanced at Xander.

Amelia: ‘Perhaps he’s seeing something we can’t.’

Liam turned to them, his eyes reflecting a golden hue for a brief moment.

Liam: ‘Do you hear that?’

Amelia: ‘Hear what?’

Liam: ‘The trees are whispering.’

Xander placed a hand on his shoulder.

Xander: ‘What are they saying?’

Liam: Softly ‘They say a change is coming.’

Amelia felt a surge of concern.

Amelia: ‘Maybe we should head back home.’

Liam: ‘Can we come back tomorrow?’

Xander: ‘We’ll see.’

—

That night, Amelia couldn’t sleep. She sat by the window, watching the moonlight dance across the waves. Xander joined her, sensing her unrest.

Xander: ‘Something’s bothering you.’

Amelia: ‘I’m worried about what Liam said today.’

Xander: ‘About the trees whispering?’

Amelia: ‘Yes. What if it’s a sign of something more?’

Xander: ‘Like what?’

Amelia: ‘I don’t know. I just have a feeling.’

He took her hand.

Xander: ‘Whatever it is, we’ll face it together.’

She leaned her head against his shoulder.

Amelia: ‘I hope so.’

—

The following day, they returned to the grove, but something felt different. The air was heavy, and an eerie silence hung over the place.

Liam: Confused ‘The pond is gone!’

Indeed, where the pond had been was now just a patch of dry earth.

Amelia: ‘How is that possible?’

Xander: ‘I don’t know.’

Liam looked around, distressed.

Liam: ‘I don’t like it here anymore.’

They decided to leave, but as they turned, a figure emerged from the shadows.

Stranger: ‘Leaving so soon?’

Xander stepped protectively in front of Amelia and Liam.

Xander: ‘Who are you?’

Stranger: ‘An old acquaintance.’

Amelia recognized him—Elder Marcus from the Council.

Amelia: ‘Marcus?’

Marcus: ‘It’s been a long time.’

Xander: ‘What are you doing here?’

Marcus: ‘I’ve come to see the boy.’

Liam clutched Amelia’s hand tightly.

Amelia: ‘Why?’

Marcus: ‘Word has reached us of his… abilities. The Council is concerned.’

Xander: ‘He’s just a child.’

Marcus: ‘A child with immense potential. Left unchecked, he could pose a threat.’

Amelia: ‘He’s no threat.’

Marcus: ‘Perhaps not now, but in time. The Council believes he should be brought to us for proper training.’

Xander: ‘We won’t allow that.’

Marcus: Sternly ‘It’s not a request.’

Xander’s eyes narrowed.

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

Marcus sighed.

Marcus: ‘I was hoping to avoid conflict.’

He gestured, and two more figures appeared.

Amelia’s heart raced.

Amelia: ‘Liam, stay behind us.’

Liam’s eyes glowed faintly.

Liam: ‘Mommy, I’m scared.’

Amelia: ‘It’s okay, sweetheart.’

Marcus: ‘Please, let’s handle this peacefully.’

Xander: ‘Leave now.’

Marcus shook his head.

Marcus: ‘Very well.’

Before he could act, Liam stepped forward.

Liam: ‘You shouldn’t be here.’

Marcus looked at him with a mix of curiosity and caution.

Marcus: ‘And why is that, young one?’

Liam: ‘The trees told me.’

Suddenly, a gust of wind swirled around them, leaves and branches moving as if alive.

Amelia: ‘Liam, what’s happening?’

Liam: ‘They’re protecting us.’

The ground trembled slightly, and the figures stepped back, alarmed.

Marcus: ‘What is this?’

Xander: ‘I suggest you leave.’

Marcus glared at them before retreating.

Marcus: ‘This isn’t over.’

As they disappeared into the forest, the wind subsided.

Amelia: Kneeling beside Liam ‘Are you okay?’

He nodded, his eyes returning to normal.

Liam: ‘I think so.’

Xander looked around warily.

Xander: ‘We need to get back home.’

—

Back at the cottage, they gathered in the living room, the gravity of the situation weighing on them.

Amelia: ‘I didn’t expect the Council to interfere.’

Xander: ‘They must have been monitoring us.’

Amelia: ‘What do we do now?’

Xander: ‘We need to protect Liam. Perhaps it’s time to leave this place.’

Amelia: ‘But where would we go?’

There was a knock at the door. They exchanged worried glances before Xander approached cautiously.

Xander: ‘Who is it?’

Voice: ‘It’s Elias.’

Relieved, he opened the door.

Elias: ‘May I come in?’

Amelia: ‘Please.’

Elias entered, his expression serious.

Elias: ‘I heard about the encounter.’

Xander: ‘They want to take Liam.’

Elias: ‘I feared this might happen.’

Amelia: ‘What can we do?’

Elias: ‘There is a place, hidden from the Council’s reach. A sanctuary for those like Liam.’

Xander: ‘Are you suggesting we go into hiding?’

Elias: ‘For now, it’s the safest option.’

Amelia looked at Liam, who was playing quietly with his toys, oblivious to the danger.

Amelia: ‘I don’t want to uproot his life again.’

Elias: ‘I understand, but the Council won’t stop.’

Xander took Amelia’s hand.

Xander: ‘Our priority is keeping him safe.’

She nodded reluctantly.

Amelia: ‘Alright. We’ll go.’

Elias: ‘I’ll make the arrangements. We should leave tonight.’

—

They packed only what was necessary. As the sun set, Elias led them to a hidden path behind the cottage.

Liam: ‘Where are we going?’

Amelia: ‘On an adventure.’

Liam: ‘Will it be fun?’

She smiled softly.

Amelia: ‘We’ll be together. That’s what matters.’

They traveled through the night, the forest guiding them with whispers and gentle breezes. Finally, they reached a clearing where a small village nestled among the trees.

Elias: ‘Welcome to Havenwood.’

They were greeted by friendly faces, others who had sought refuge.

Resident: ‘You must be Liam. We’ve been expecting you.’

Liam looked up at them with curiosity.

Liam: ‘Hello.’

Amelia felt a sense of relief mingled with uncertainty.

Amelia: ‘Thank you, Elias.’

Elias: ‘You’re safe here. Rest now.’

—

In the days that followed, they settled into their new surroundings. Liam bonded with other children who shared similar abilities, and for the first time in a long while, Amelia felt a semblance of peace.

One evening, as she and Xander sat beneath the starlit sky, she turned to him.

Amelia: ‘Do you think we’ll ever be able to stop running?’

Xander: ‘I hope so. But for now, we’re where we need to be.’

Amelia: ‘Liam seems happy.’

Xander: ‘He’s embracing who he is.’

She leaned against him.

Amelia: ‘Maybe this is our new beginning.’

Xander: ‘Together, we can face anything.’

They watched as Liam played with the other children, his laughter echoing through the night.

The awakening of his abilities had brought challenges, but also a deeper understanding of who they were as a family. Amidst the uncertainty, they found strength in their unity, ready to face whatever the future held.