Chapter 4. Chagrin

Lucas

“You are a fucking idiot, human!”

That he was. Why the hell did he do that and ruined his chances?

This had been a shitty day overall. If he had to admit to himself, it had been a motherfucking hellish of a month.

Constant travels to draconian prides all over the world because the inexplicable larcenies from the hostiles had taken their toll on him.

Add the fact that his dragon’s strength had been waning during combat... He exhaled in a shaky breath.

Abdicate.

Over time, he had considered stepping down from his throne and choosing between his commanders to hand over the kingdom.

The twin brothers were a whole lot more stable than he could ever be. Without his Argetlam, he was lost.

His brothers flatly vetoed his decision and did not want to hear any of it. They gave him a lecture guaranteed to last him a century.

Apparently, they were right. Fate had found him at last.

There was no need for him to step down. He had found his Argetlam. His heart. His rider.

“And you fucking ruined it, human!”

Shit, his dragon was right.

“I know I am. Idiot! I swear there will come a time I will roast you myself!”

Having had enough of his tantrums, Lucas blocked him. He had been seething in black rage ever since his rider left the private dining room.

From the pointed look of his family around him, each and everyone wanted to wring his neck. Especially the ladies. He let their loud voices wash over him. He deserved it anyway.

Why did he have to goad her?

She had a beautiful name. Anna Marie.

The moment she entered the room, his dragon and he knew she belonged to them.

Everything about her screamed of exquisite beauty. She was a mixture of creamy white and milky brown chocolate. His favorite. Dark brown hair, velvety warm dark amber eyes. Tiny brown freckles on the bridge of her nose, smooth flawless, lightly tanned skin.

Those lips. Fuck! They were as red as a cherry on top of her cake. Au natural. No lip gloss or lipstick. He quaked inside. His body responded and was made sensitive by his imagination.

Her height also delighted him. Petite and curvy. The top of her head would barely reach his broad chest. Perfect for him to carry her around when they would make love. Or fuck. Or make out.

He was fighting for control when she approached him. Her scent of vanilla and cream filled his senses. And something else. That was when he totally lost his cool. He smelled different male scents on her.

It was not his place to judge her since they had only met, but it riled him.

Thank Ladon, their dragon God, he didn’t smell semen on her, or he would have burned this restaurant to the ground. To hell with the Lycan king.

Fuck! He was becoming unreasonable. It shouldn’t be important that she had lovers before him; what was important was he would be her last.

His attitude was a disaster of epic proportions.

“Why were you rude to her, brother?” It finally registered that the room had grown quiet. His troubled gaze rested on his sister. It was her birthday today. The only reason he was home. Otherwise, he would be all over Egypt, fighting renegades.

The delicious cake had been a treat she wasn’t expecting. But then again, he ruined it with his remark.

“She had male scents on her,” he confessed gruffly. And the fact that she was not attracted to him at first sight like he was to her. The thought annoyed him.

“Yes, she did. But it doesn’t mean she has or had lovers. She works with different types of people. Or she may have male relatives close to her.” Athena pointed out, then shook her head in disappointment.

With her sensible point came an important question. Which reminded him. How can a human run a supernatural restaurant owned by a lycan?

He never got the chance to visit his friend’s estate – which neighbored his – since he moved to New York City. And he hadn’t formally met the new Lycan queen.

Alexander and his interactions were limited to battlefields and conference calls these past years. It was time to pay his respect. Soon. And ask him about his human chef.

His Argetlam.

“We have found the queen, eh?” There was a hint of a smile on Platos’s face.

“I think we lost her too soon, brother.” Hughes quipped. They were all enjoying his discomfort. He scowled darkly.

“Guys, come on. Be serious.” Indali whined and patted his hand. “Chef Anna Marie wants to meet me here tomorrow, remember? You can talk to her again, brother.” She assured him with a sweet smile.

Pleased his little sister was on his side, he nodded. Yes. He would be here, and he wouldn’t ruin the chance to redeem himself. Maybe he could bring flowers and one of the queen’s jewelry. Yes. He would visit the vault tonight.

“Platos, Hughes, find more information about my little chef. I want to know where she lives. Her past. Her family. Everything. I want security detail on her. And keep it quiet. Enemies have ears everywhere.” His energy was fully charged tonight, his blood alive with the knowledge that he had found his destiny.

They were both making the necessary arrangements as they spoke. Guaranteed to have all the details in a few hours.

His brothers may joke around, but they were his seconds-in-command first and foremost.

When they walked out of the dining room, the place was almost empty. Only a few wolves and vampires were quietly enjoying a glass of port.

With heavy lids, his eyes landed at the entrance; there she was. His dragon queen.

Why was she leaving the premises with a full security detail? Buff men surrounded her in a semicircle, and a wolf opened the door for her with a smile. Which she returned.

He scowled. She should only smile for him. Her face glowed when she did that. It was one of the reasons he was tongue-tied after his rude opinion of her forest cake.

His steps tried to reach her in time so he could talk to her, but it was no use. Fuck! They moved fast and efficiently.

Lucas’s little chef had safely boarded the back of a bulletproof SUV. Alone.

Her bodyguards went in separate cars. They were out of the driveway in a flash. Like they had done this several times. Who was she?

What made his Argetlam so important to the Lycan king?

“I believe that answers your question, brother. Clearly, our dragon queen is a valuable member of the royal pack.” Platos thumped his back. Their own vehicles were parked on the curb. Waiting for them.

Yes. The male scents came from the proximity of the men protecting her. But that didn’t mean she did not have a boyfriend or a lover somewhere, who he was going to kill the moment he found out.

Anna Marie was his. All his. No one touched her bar him from now on.

“All the details about her should be on my desk at first light.” He would also call Alexander to request an audience and coordinate with his security to join hers.

He guessed he wouldn’t be sleeping much tonight. There was much to do. He hoped his friend would understand the urgency of the matter.

Tonight, thoughts would be plagued by her one-of-a-kind beauty and her luscious sassy mouth. He needed to have her in his arms. Soon.