The Tiger Prince's Witch
Chapter 42 - The Lycan King

Randal received a call from King Jarek first thing in the morning. He made him wait a few minutes so he could get his voice to sound friendly. When he answered, he put a fake smile on his face hoping it would influence his tone of voice.

"Good morning Jarek. What can I do for you?" He asked with fake happiness.

"Randal, I was happy to hear both of your sons found their mates and that you're having the crowning for them. However, I was told I couldn't bring my date. Can you please make an exception this one time? I would like for you to meet her." Randal couldn't help but notice the strain in Jarek's voice.

"I'm sorry, but I can't do that. We've had some recent threats against our kingdom, and it's caused us to take more precautions. Other than those we've already vetted, we can't allow anyone else into the palace."

"I've met my mate Randal, and she's been vetted by me. She's really looking forward to this. Let me bring her. I promise to make it up to you." Cyril started, growling lowly in Randal's head. He was not comfortable with how pushy Jarek was acting.

"Congratulations on meeting your mate. What's her name?"

"Vesna, and she's incredible." Randal couldn't believe Jarek said that one of the Trio of Goety was his mate. He knew it wasn't true. There had to be another reason Jarek was trying to get her there. He wasn't letting one of those witches come into his palace and threaten his family.

"Sorry, but the answer is still no. Tell her we'll arrange a get-together soon." Randal said firmly.

"Fine. I'll see you this evening." Jarek hung up the phone angrily. He looked at the three witches behind him and shivered. They were a scary bunch, even for him.

"He didn't go for it. They're being cautious due to threats against the kingdom. He said I have to go alone." One of the witches came up to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. He didn't know which one because they all looked identical. "We'll find our way inside. They won't be able to stop us. The crowning will not go as planned, and when we're done with them, you'll be the most powerful." Her voice was like nails on a chalkboard mixed with a cold breeze. Every time one of them talked, it sent a chill down his spine. They were pure evil, but he needed them if he was going to succeed.

"Have you had any luck with the Spirit Energy witch?" He asked as he stepped back from them slightly. When Jarek heard that the princes had both mated with witches from Spirit Energy, he knew he had to move fast if he was going to have any chance of having the most powerful kingdom. Especially with the witch mated to the crown prince being, Annabella. According to the trio, she is rumored to be the most powerful of all witches.

"We're still trying to find a way to get to her powers. She has no memory of what she was and doesn't know her name. We'll get it. It may get uncomfortable for her, but we'll pull it out of her."

All three witches started laughing, and Jarek felt like running out of the room. Their laughs were worse than their voices. They felt like razor blades cutting through his flesh. They all wore long black dresses that hugged their slim figures and made their pure white waist-length hair seem to shine. They would be beautiful with their almost translucent skin and delicate features, but when you looked into their coal-black eyes, it felt like they were taking your soul. Jerak's wolf Taran wanted him to stop dealing with them and be happy with what they had, but he wouldn't listen to him. As the lycan king, he should be the most powerful of all the shifters, but the damn tigers had taken that control away. When the shifters were all under one kingdom, the lycan king ruled all. However, many years ago, one of the kings tried to kill off the werecats, so they rebelled and made their own kingdom. The tigers were the fiercest of them all. The oldest and wisest tiger was crowned king. His family had been ruling over all the shifters, with the exception of the lycans and wolves, for several hundred years. It was time for everyone to be under their rightful king. Jarek wanted to be king of all shifters, and then he would take up where his ancestors left off. Killing off the werecats.

After the trio went to continue working on Elsie, Jarek sat down at his desk. He had to get prepared for tonight. At least in the beginning, it was imperative that he make Randal think all was well. He and the witches would strike when they least expected it. Taran begged him to change his mind, but Jarek ignored him. All would be his soon, and no one would stop him.

"Who was that dear?" Lynn asked, seeing her mate frown.

"Jarek, he said he found his mate. Her name is Vesna." Randal looked at her and saw the realization in her eyes.

"That's one of the trio witches Anna was telling us about. He has to be lying. I doubt those evil witches mate with anyone." She said with worry.

"I refused to let her come, so he wasn't happy. I want to make sure the Spirit Energy witches are aware of what's going on so they're prepared. Even though he said he understood, I think he'll still try to bring one, if not all, with him." Lynn nodded in agreement.

They quickly dressed and headed to breakfast to inform everyone about the conversation with Jarek. After they were done eating, Stanley and Bryson went to talk to the Spirit Energy witches outside the palace.

Lynn, Caprice, and Maura took Anna and Jaz upstairs to see their dresses for the crowning. It was bittersweet. As much as everyone wanted to forget about the darkness surrounding them, they couldn't help the knots in their stomachs.

However, when they opened the door to one of the guest's rooms that had been converted to a prepping room, Anna and Jaz felt like little girls again. Jeana was standing inside waiting with two gorgeous dresses. "Anna, this is yours, and Jaz, this one is yours. Jeana stated proudly. She had been working on these dresses since she first discovered the princes had found their mates.

Anna stared at the beautiful dress in front of her. It was a floor-length shimmering gold gown with long sleeves and off-the-shoulder. She noticed a slit up the side that would reach her thigh, and there were gold heels to match. Jaz was just as amazed as Anna. Her dress was the same style, but instead of gold, it was silver. She also had silver heels. They looked at each other and giggled in excitement. The three women behind them all had tears in their eyes, watching them. It did their hearts good to see them able to act their age rather than taking on the world like they did every other day.

When they tried on the dresses to see if any alterations were needed, they fit perfectly. Neither was showing any baby bumps yet, so the dresses clung to them, accenting their best features.

"You two really look like princesses. Your mates are going to be speechless when they see you." Caprice said with a smile as Anna and Jaz modeled for them.

"Not just your mates. Everyone in attendance will be staring at you. You both are exquisite young women, and I'm so glad you're part of our family." Lynn hugged each of them.

"Jazlyn, I'm so glad to see that smile on your face. You're glowing." Maura walked over to her daughter. Not long ago, she was brokenhearted. All it took was a warm, caring tiger to bring her back to life. She couldn't have been happier that Jaz had mated with Micah.

"Thanks, mom," Jaz replied, blushing slightly. She glanced at Anna. She'd never be as lovely as her friend, but right now, she felt beautiful. Anna looked at her shaking her head.

"Stop that. You're gorgeous. I can feel your doubt. Look at yourself, Jaz." Anna turned her around to look in the mirror. For the first time, she saw herself as a woman, not a teenager. Jaz hugged Anna with a smile. "Thank you," She whispered.

Lynn, Maura, and Caprice had the girls each take hot bubble baths. They were given luxury lotions to put on. Elena was brought back to the palace for this special occasion to do their hair and makeup. Both of them only needed light makeup because of their natural beauty. Their hair was left long, as they both preferred, but she put in long waves. They were actually easy to please and polite. Elena loved working with them.

Once everyone was ready, they waited until they were told it was time to meet their mates so they could be announced together. It had been hours since breakfast, but Anna and Jaz felt like it had been days. It was the longest they'd been away from Kamryn and Micah since they were mated. After everyone left, leaving them alone, the two men came in. Both stopped at the door and stared at them in silence.

"Looks like my mom was right. They're speechless." Anna said, and Jaz giggled. Kamryn and Micah snapped out of it and grinned at them.

"Wow, you both look incredible," Kamryn said, walking to Anna's side.

"He's right. For two tiny women, you sure know how to carry yourselves." Jaz punched Micah lightly in the shoulder.

"Just remember, tiger man, we may be small, but we know how to pack a punch." She teased him, making everyone laugh. They heard the sound of horns from below, letting them know it was time to make their entrance. Micah and Jaz would go first. Kamryn and Anna waited for their turn at the top of the steps.

"As amazing as you look in that dress, I can't wait to take it off you tonight." Anna shook her head.

"I think you would have us spend every minute of every day in the bedroom if you could." She giggled as his eyes lit up.

"That's not a bad idea. When can we start?" They both laughed as they headed down the stairs.

No outsiders had met the young witches who had mated with the tiger princes. As they descended the steps, everyone was spellbound. With her long blonde hair and silver dress, Jaz left everyone in awe. Then everyone was in tears when they saw Anna with her shiny dark brown hair and dazzling smile. They were too enchanting for words.

Anna felt the dark energy as soon as she started down the steps. However, she didn't let her smile falter as she looked around at the faces of those she didn't know. One person stood out to her over everyone else. He was extremely tall, at least as tall as Kamryn, and had thick blonde hair. He was handsome, but something about him seemed menacing. She felt a chill wash over her as he made his way over to them, and she clutched Kamryn's arm tightly. Whoever this was, he didn't represent anything good. He was pure evil. When he stopped and held out his hand, she hesitated before taking it.

"Hello, Annabella; it's nice to meet you. I'm Jarek, the Lycan King."