The Lycan King's Second Chance Mate: Rise of the Traitor's Daughter-Chapter 23: The Bodyguard

Zane~

Sleep had escaped my eyes. I had spent most of the night pacing in my study, my mind tangled in a web of frustration and unanswered questions. When the faint hues of dawn crept through the curtains, I gave up entirely, heading downstairs to wait for Sebastian. True to his word, he arrived at exactly six a.m.

I heard the click of the front door, followed by the familiar sound of his boots against the marble floor. His voice rang out cheerfully, breaking the silence.

"Rise and shine, Your Royal Highness. I hope you’ve prepared a red carpet for my grand entrance."

I stepped into the dining room, suppressing a sigh. There he was, lounging against the doorframe with an infuriatingly smug grin. His dark hair was perfectly tousled, and his sharp features were as pale as ever. He looked far too lively for someone who didn’t sleep often.

"Good morning to you too, Sebastian," I said dryly.

Before I could say more, Nora entered the room, carrying a tray of breakfast. She paused when she saw Sebastian, her lips thinning into a displeased line.

"Vampire," she muttered under her breath.

Sebastian, unbothered as usual, offered her his most dazzling smile. "Good morning, Nora. Always a pleasure to see you. And might I say, you’re aging like fine wine."

Her frown deepened, and she set the tray down with a little more force than necessary. Ignoring Sebastian, she turned to me, her expression softening as she placed a plate in front of me.

"Eat, Zane," she said gently, brushing a hand over my hair before kissing my forehead. Then, with one last glare at Sebastian, she left the room.

Sebastian chuckled, clearly enjoying himself. "You know, I think she secretly likes me. She just doesn’t know it yet."

"Keep dreaming," I muttered, taking a bite of the eggs Nora had made.

Sebastian pulled out a chair and sat across from me, his sharp gaze fixed on my plate. "Do you ever get bored of eating the same mundane food every day? You should try blood. Fresh, warm, and full of life. Highly recommend it."

"Thanks for the offer, but I’ll pass," I replied, not missing a beat. "You, on the other hand, could use some variety. Maybe try a salad. Or, you know, anything that doesn’t scream predator."

He laughed, the sound rich and unrestrained. "Ah, Zane. Your sense of humor is why I tolerate you."

"Lucky me," I said, pushing my plate aside. "Now, enough small talk. What’s this lead you mentioned?"

Sebastian leaned back in his chair, his grin fading slightly as his tone turned serious. "I met a vampire recently. An ancient one. He’s over two thousand years old."

My brows furrowed. "And?"

"And," Sebastian continued, his voice taking on a theatrical edge, "he told me a story. A story about the Celestial heir’s reincarnation."

I sat up straighter, my attention fully captured. "Go on."

Sebastian’s eyes gleamed with mischief as he gestured dramatically. "According to him, the Celestial heir never reincarnates alone. She’s always accompanied by a bodyguard. A protector, if you will."

"A bodyguard?" I repeated, skepticism creeping into my voice.

"Yes," Sebastian said, nodding. "But here’s the twist—the bodyguard can take any form. Human, animal, even an inanimate object."

I stared at him, trying to process the information. "And this bodyguard... How does their story help us?"

Sebastian leaned forward, his expression serious now. "The vampire told me that if we find the bodyguard, we’ll find the heir. They’re connected. Always."

The weight of his words settled over me. "How do we find this bodyguard?"

"Ah, I’m glad you asked," Sebastian said, a hint of excitement in his voice. "There’s a diamond called the Moonstone. An ancient artifact. It’s a powerful tracker. The vampire said it’s the only way to locate the bodyguard."

"If the Moonstone is so powerful," I asked, narrowing my eyes, "why not use it to find the princess directly?"

Sebastian shook his head. "Because the heir is born without any trace of spiritual energy. She’s invisible to magic unless she uses her powers. The bodyguard, on the other hand, is different. They radiate energy—energy the Moonstone can track."

"And where is this Moonstone?" I asked, my patience thinning.

"I’ve already sent my men to retrieve it," Sebastian said with a smug smile. "The vampire said It’s hidden in a cave somewhere in Australia. By tomorrow, I should have an update on their progress."

I nodded, my mind racing with possibilities. Before I could ask another question, Sebastian’s phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen and sighed dramatically.

"Remind me," he said, looking at me with mock exasperation, "why I agreed to open a multi-billion dollar company with you?"

"Because you were bored, and I’m very persuasive," I replied with a smirk.

He muttered something under his breath before stepping out of the room to take the call.

As the door closed behind him, I leaned back in my chair, a faint smile tugging at my lips. Six years ago, I’d convinced Sebastian to start a company with me—a distraction from the endless training and politics of royal life. Together we created an empire, a business that catered to humans, werewolves and vampires, providing everything from luxury goods to specialized courier services.

Despite the constant media attention and prying reporters, I was proud of what we’d accomplished. It was a rare escape from the rigid expectations of my royal life.

My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the door creaking open. I turned to see Natalie standing in the doorway, Alexander cradled in her arms.

Her red hair was a mess, cascading over her shoulders in tangled waves. She was still wearing yesterday’s sweater and jeans, her jacket draped over Alexander like a makeshift blanket. Both of them were barefoot, their faces pale and drawn.

Natalie froze when she saw me, her eyes wide with fear. Memories of last night flashed through my mind—her desperate plea for me to end her life, her tear-streaked face filled with pain.

I had decided at that moment to change my tactics of dealing with her; I didn’t want her running off again. Shockingly, I didn’t think Red would be able to take it or Alexander, if something happened to her.

"Natalie," I said, keeping my voice calm and gentle. "Come, join me."

She blinked, clearly startled by my tone. I smiled, hoping to put her at ease.

"Did you sleep well?" I asked. "Are you hungry? What would you like to eat?"

Her mouth opened, but no words came out. She set Alexander down, her movements hesitant as she glanced at me suspiciously.

Before I could say more, Sebastian re-entered the room, muttering about persistent paparazzi.

Then he stopped, his gaze landing on Natalie. A slow smirk spread across his face. "Dear bestie," he said, not breaking eye contact with her, "you didn’t tell me you had something sweet waiting for me in the dining room."

I sighed, already anticipating his next move. "Sebastian—"

Natalie took a step back, but it was too late. In the blink of an eye, Sebastian was in front of her, his speed a reminder of his predatory nature.

Fangs glinted as he leaned closer sniffing her.

"Sebastian, she’s not food," I said, my tone flat but firm.

He froze, his fangs inches from her neck. Slowly, he straightened, his smirk returning. "Not food, huh? Then what is she?"

"She’s Alexander’s... friend," I said carefully.

Sebastian’s eyes flicked down to my little boy, who was watching the exchange with wide eyes. "Friend, you say? Well, Alexander, I apologize for trying to bite your girlfriend."

Alexander’s small face scrunched up in anger. "She’s my mommy!" he declared, his baby voice loud and clear.

Sebastian turned to me, one brow raised. "Mommy?"

"Don’t ask," I muttered, pinching the bridge of my nose.

Natalie remained silent, her expression a mixture of confusion and fear.

I gestured to the table. "Come eat, Natalie. After breakfast, go freshen up. We’ll be visiting Garrick at the hospital."

I knew she would never pass up on the offer of seeing her dear Garrick. Her gaze lingered on me, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. But she nodded, stepping forward to join us at the table.

If I couldn’t get my answers the hard way, then I will be extra soft. But I will crack her open like a nut, believe it.