The King of Beasts: Fated Love Series: Book 1

By BreAnna Kave

A village, nestled deep within the confines of the Dark Forest. A young woman who through hardship, has determined to always find the good in those around her. A King who has faced such darkened trauma that he has allowed himself to become cold and calloused. When the Fates deem them to be a match, will the young woman survive the prison of her

• Language: English
• Publisher: BreAnna Kave
• Release date: Feb 10, 2022
• ISBN: 9781087931708

Book preview

1

THIRD PERSON

The small village sat in the far back of the forest. It was far beyond the regular farm land of the world, hidden deep within the shadows of the forest. The only way to get into the village, was through a series of rough dirt roads that had become overgrown with brush and trees due to the lack of use over time. Everything within the forest held a dark hue of gray about it on the road to the village. It was very rare for anyone to dare to set foot within the confines of the forest, let alone the village itself. Most people blamed it on the harsh weather, and the bad condition of the road.

The villagers who lived within knew better. They knew what was really happening within. Everyone who lived within the village knew of the true terrors that lurked within the thick, dark forest that had them surrounded on every side. The village was a lively place despite all of their troubles and woes. Most people constantly had cheery smiles to offer one another throughout the day. Everyone knew everyone, and there was a sense of balance about living within the village.

A group of young teenage boys, ranging from the ages of thirteen to fifteen, were playing a game at the very edge of the forest. The youngest one though, he came from a foreign family in the village. His family had shown up shortly before his mother had given birth to him. No one knew where the couple had come from, all that the villagers knew was that they had quickly adapted to the customs of the village. The couple had quickly made their own livelihood within their new home. The boy looked like a perfect mix of his parents. He had the soft face, gentle brown eyes, and dark brown hair from his mother.

He already had a rugged and almost chiseled look about him despite his young age, making him to carry the physical appearance of his father. He did his best to fit in with all of the rest of the children his age that lived in the village. He did whatever it took to fit into the mold that he was expected to fill. He was a hard worker for a child his age, and he knew exactly what it was that he wanted from life. He had already decided who it was that he wanted to marry when he came of age, and he had already begun to work towards what he would need in order to be able to build his own cabin one day.

Hey Jared, go and get the ball! You kicked it too high, and it went into the forest! one of the other teens yelled.

The children were playing with a large, round ball of sorts. They often enjoyed spending their free time making up games to play to keep themselves out of trouble… Not that the children in the village were given much free time. Everyone was expected to do their part in the village, even the children. If you were old enough to walk, then you were old enough to help.

We’re not supposed to go in there though… You know that. What if one of those catches me? Jared asked with a bit of fear lacing his voice.

It couldn’t have even gone in too far with the way that you kick. So, I’m sure that you’ll be fine. I mean, the trees are so close together that there’s no way that you got it to go in there very far, another assured him nervously.

Maybe we should just wait for the traders and get a new ball. It’s really dangerous in the forest, another boy piped up.

Oh hush, Vince. It’ll be fine. I mean… Come on… We’ve all been in the forest before. We help the men of the village cut the lumber we need! the first, Jeremy, argued.

But… That’s only just right on the line of the forest… We never actually go into it, Jared did his best to argue back.

He knew that his father had drilled into his head from the time that he could move around on his own, that the forest was a dangerous place. That you could never trust anyone or anything that lurked within. His father had made certain that he knew to never go into the forest. Anyone who had ever set foot into the forest had been as good as dead. There was no point in being hopeful that they would survive, no one had ever come back once they went in.

We all pitched in a whole seven months’ worth of earnings to get that ball from a trader who happened to come through! You know that the traders have been coming less and less. When was the last time one even came to the village? We were just little kids back then! We can’t wave a magic wand or anything and just make one appear! another boy snapped angrily.

Alright! Alright! I’ll go and get the ball! If I can’t find it in the first ten minutes, then I’m coming back out. We’re just going to forget about it okay? Jared offered.

It was obvious that he was afraid. It was practically suicide to go into the forest. He knew that he should walk away, but he wanted so badly to be a part of the village. With a big breath to try and steady himself, he took a step forward.

Twenty minutes, just in case it did make it through some of the trees, the first boy said with a cruel smirk on his face.

Fine, Jared sighed in defeat, wanting things to just be over already.

He stopped at the very edge of the forest, taking another deep breath. Without looking back, as he feared that he would lose what little bravery he had mustered up, he walked into the forest. He was instantly wrapped in a darkness unlike anything he had ever experienced. The trees grew so close together that it completely blocked out the sun. There were a few random patches where birds had made holes through the leaves, causing just a small drop of sunlight to peek through.

The darkness in the forest was not like the black of night. Instead, everything was a deep, vibrant green. The entire forest thrummed with life. The farther back that he traveled, the darker and more leering that things seemed to be. A small part of him knew that it was just his fear making things seem so much darker.

This was a bad idea… I knew that it was stupid. Maybe I should just sit here by the edge and not go in any farther… he whispered to himself.

He quickly shook that thought from his mind. He knew that it would be wrong and dishonorable to do such a thing. Jared was an honest and kind-hearted boy. He had been raised to know right from wrong, and he held himself to his morals no matter what. Years of watching his dad had taught him that a man’s word was all that a man had. That a man should never give anyone a reason to speak ill of them. As much as he wanted to fit into the life of the village, he would side with the right decision over his friends and his fears. He walked a little farther, fighting against the trees and the briars in search of the missing ball.

After a few short minutes that felt much longer than they really were, he spotted the rough leather of the ball peeking out at him from a rose bush. He ran as fast as the trees and underbrush would allow him, making his way towards the ball. It was nearly within his arm’s reach when something hard threw him to the ground. Rocks and twigs dug into his body, making him bite down hard on his lip in order to hold in the cry of pain that wanted to escape. He rolled over onto his back, looking around wildly to see what had attacked him. There was nothing around though, at least, not that he could see through the growth of the forest. Everything was still and as silent as it had been when he had first entered into it.

Maybe I just tripped over something, he whispered to himself, standing up and wincing in pain.

He looked down at his leg and found that there was a large cut from falling onto the sharp rocks. It was bleeding profusely, but he pushed the thought and worry to the back of his mind so that he could deal with the matters at hand. All he needed to do was reach out, grab the ball, and then run as fast as his legs could carry him out of the forest. He reached out for the ball but was once again knocked to the ground. This time though, he managed to catch sight of a shadow flying off to hide behind a tree.

Who’s there? Hello? I saw your shadow, so there’s really no point in continuing to hide from me. Vince? Is this some sort of trick that you guys are trying to play on me? he called out, his voice shaking.

Soft, feminine laughter filled the air around him. He looked around wildly, but he couldn’t seem to locate the source of the sound.

You really are a funny one… Aren’t you?a girl’s voice giggled.

Who are you? What do you want from me? Jared called out to the voice, unsure as to where he should look for her. You’re not supposed to be here you know. And as fun to play around with as you are, you’re going to have to go and see the King and the Prince. They really don’t like it when you Humans decide to not listen to the agreement, she said.

Jared spun around to where he had thought the voice was coming from, but suddenly there was a sharp pain filling his head just before the world around him turned into true darkness. When he next woke up, he felt as though his very bones were frozen all the way through from the cold. He looked around to find that he was in a dimly lit room. It was made up of damp, slimy seeming blocks. The floor had damp straw scattered across it. The only light was coming from a small lantern that was swinging precariously from the ceiling. There was a wooden door with bars across the small window that was just barely low enough for Jared to peek through, sitting across the room from him. He slowly and carefully made his way towards the door.

Hello? Is anyone out there? Look, I just want to go back home. My parents must be beside themselves with grief worrying about me, he called out.

There was no answer to his plea though. With a sigh, Jared sat himself down in the corner closest to the door. After what felt like hours, the door finally opened to show a tall, broad shouldered, fierce looking giant of a guard. The giant man stepped into the cell, his very presence seeming to fill the room.

Let’s go boy, he said in a deep, dark voice.

Jared, already shivering from the cold that was eating away at him, stood and nervously stepped in front of the guard. The guard gently pushed him forward, keeping him walking in the correct direction. Jared looked around him in fear, unsure as to what was happening. As he passed by some artwork that was hanging on one of the giant walls, the truth about the situation that he had found himself in hit him like a bag of bricks.

I was taken away by the Werewolves of the Dark Forest! This is what father has always warned me about! I’m going to die here! What will happen to Adah? he thought to himself in a fearful panic.

Stop right there, kid, the guard instructed, looking at him with sympathetic eyes.

Jared froze on the spot and waited for his fate to be sealed. He had disgraced his family by breaking the most sacred of rules within the village. His little sister would never have him there to protect her from the cruel people of the village who constantly judged and belittled her. She had not conformed to the village as he had, though she had known no other life just as he had.

He had broken the promise that meant the very most to him. The guard opened two large doors that stood before them, and then allowed Jared to walk again. By now, his teeth were chattering from the cold of his damp clothes and the fear that was eating him alive. Jared was left to stand before a throne. Seated on the throne was a kind looking man around Jared’s father’s age. Next to the throne stood a young boy not quite of Jared’s age.

What’s your name boy? the man asked him.

J-J-Jared, he said through the chattering of his teeth.

The King motioned for someone in the shadows to step forward. A servant scurried over to Jared and wrapped a thick wool blanket around his shoulders. The warmth instantly began to seep into Jared’s body.

What were you doing inside of my forest Jared? Most Humans know better than to cross into my forest, the King wondered.

M-my friends and I w-were playing with a ball a-and I accidentally kicked it in-into your forest, he said honestly.

His father had always told him that if you tell the truth, then everything in life will work itself out exactly how it should in the end. Jared had pushed his father’s words aside once, and it had landed him in the throne room of the Werewolf Kingdom. He was standing before the Werewolf King, and he wasn’t about to foolishly push away his father’s wisdom a second time.

As much as I would love to just allow for you to leave Jared… You did enter into my forest. I understand that you were trying to find something, and that things were merely an accident. The problem here is that the rules are in place to protect the village and all who live within it. There are good and bad in all peoples of the world Jared. If one of the villagers were to end up hurt, that would start a war that no one wants. That is why the agreement was made that you and your people could cut trees for what you needed, and no more than that. That way no one risks delving too deep into my territory. That is why the rules are there in the first place. I cannot simply allow you to leave without punishment that way others know that the agreement must be honored no matter what, the King explained.

Please, the only thing that I have ever promised… To the only person who truly means anything to me… It is hanging in the balance. My mother is very ill Sir. My father’s health is in decline as well. There was a sickness that swept through the village last winter. My parents are just now showing signs of it, though it left with the winter season many months back. I have a young sister, and I will be all that she has if something were to happen to my parents. No one in the village survived when they got the sickness. The village will not care for her, Jared begged.

He wasn’t lying. He was an honorable young man. His mother truly was sick. While her initial symptoms had been similar to that of the sickness that had plagued the village, the doctor no longer thought that it was the same sickness. The doctor himself was feeling unwell, and was not expected to survive the next winter. They now thought that she had ended up with something else. Something that was killing her from within.

The village doctor could not figure out what was wrong with her, and did not have the strength to keep trying. Jared’s father had been working to help a friend cut firewood during the last winter, and a tree had fallen on him. At first, he seemed to be healing well. As time continued to pass though, his father went from healing, to being in pain.

How old is your sister? the King asked sadly, feeling bad for the situation that this young child was forced into.

A boy so young, with so much on his shoulders already. The King began thinking of all of the ways that he could try to help the children without anyone thinking he was helping rather than punishing the boy. He didn’t need the villagers thinking that it was safe to run around within his forest.

She’s only five winters old sir. Whatever you ask of me, I will do or give. All I ask is that you please just allow me to be there to raise her if I should so need to sir, Jared offered.

You know what… Why don’t you come with me for a moment? the King said, leading Jared to a small room that was connected to the throne room.

The young Prince stayed behind, only his eyes moving to follow them. He was curious as to why his father had led the Human to such a secret place. The King closed the door, and looked at the Human boy. The King had been waiting for a sign from the Fates that it was time to have his son search for his mate through the mirror of time. A magical mirror that the Royal family had been both blessed and cursed with generations ago.

Please, step forward and ask of the mirror to show you this sister of yours, the King ordered in a gentle tone.

Jared stepped up to the blue tinted mirror. His mother had always told him stories of the mysteries of the world beyond the forest. She would always warn him to be careful and never to trust anyone or anything that was not from the village. She had warned him that the world beyond the forest was greatly different from his own.

She knew that she could get thrown out of the village for talking about the world beyond the forest, but risked it for the wellbeing of her child. His mother had always warned him as if she had seen the world of the Werewolves for herself. When Jared had asked her once if she had ever been to a Werewolf city before, she had laughed and told him that it was quite a silly thought. That there were no longer any cities outside of the forest.

How? Jared asked cautiously.

You simply have to tell it to show you your sister. It is as simple as that, the King smiled.

Show me my sister? Jared said in a tone so full of nervousness that it sounded more like a question.

The mirror rippled, like waves on the ocean. Jared went to touch it, fascinated and curious as to what kind of evil was used to make it. The King quickly grabbed his hand in a tight hold, warning him with his eyes to never touch the mirror. The mirror froze, looking as though it was made of ice for the briefest of moments, before focusing and showing Jared’s little sister. She was standing beside some girls from the village who seemed to be around her own age. The girls were playing with dolls, happily chattering away with one another.

Jared’s sister scrunched up her nose in distaste, putting down the doll that was in her hands. She glanced around, the forest catching her eye. She stood up and slowly made her way towards the forest’s edge. A woman from the village caught a hold of her and started to scold her in front of everyone for doing something so foolish and stupid before telling her how dangerous it was. Jared’s sister proceeded to stick her tongue out at the woman once the woman had turned her back to leave. The image rippled and the mirror was back to the way that it had been when Jared had first walked into the hidden room with the King.

She seems to be quite an interesting little girl, the King murmured to himself as he led Jared back into the throne room.

I think that I have come to a decision, the King announced once he had sat himself back on his throne.

He knew that the Fates always worked to bring soulmates to one another. He wondered if perhaps having Humans on his side would help with his son being able to find his soulmate. He was simply unsure as to how he should proceed with the information that he had been given. After a quick internal battle, the King had finally come to his decision.

I will allow you to return to this sister of yours. But there is a catch. When the time comes for my son to search out his soulmate with the mirror’s assistance, he will come to you. You and your sister will aid him in the finding of his mate. It will be good to have Humans on our side as there is always the chance that his mate may very well live among your kind, the King said.

He knew that he was bound to keep the existence of the outside world a secret from the village people. It was part of an agreement that had been made long ago. His wording needed to be perfect in order to slip through the loopholes of the agreement.

You have my assurance of aid. My word is my honor, Jared swore to him.

Take the young boy to the dining hall and feed him. Do not allow for him to leave until I see that he is fit to go, the King told his guard.

The guard nodded and led Jared from the room. He saw to it that Jared had warm soup and plenty of water to drink. When they were out of the throne room, the King turned to look at his son. His son was growing up into a fine young man. The King had no doubt that he would one day make an amazing King himself. He wondered though, if perhaps it was too soon for his son to look upon the mirror.

Come with me son, he said, a coy smile dancing on his face as he made his decision.

The King had a high faith in the Fates. He believed that the Fates would always align things so that a Werewolf could find their mate. The one person that they would be with, love, and cherish for the entirety of their lives.

What’s going on father? the little eight-year-old Prince asked curiously.

The Fates have worked in your favor. It is time for you to find out who your mate is. That way, there will be plenty of time for us to plan on how to go about finding her, the King said, partially lying to his son.

Usually, a Prince would not look into the mirror for their mate until he was ten years of age. With this Human coming into their lives, things had changed. The King had always held a high faith in the Fates. He believed that this was the sign he had been waiting for to know if his feeling of his son needing to look was founded or not. The Prince stepped before the mirror, excitement burning in his bones. He had always dreamed of finding his mate. The person that he would love and cherish the way his father had his mother.

I would like to see my mate please, the little Prince said, bouncing on the balls of his feet in excitement.

The mirror rippled and froze over, coming back into focus to show Jared’s little sister being scolded by a man that was very obviously her father. She looked a good bit like the man, and from the look on her face; had the very same temper.

You know that you’re not allowed to go near the forest! And sticking your tongue out at Mrs. Reynolds was wrong young lady. You go and apologize at once. Then you are to go and apologize for gluing Amy and Tammy’s hair together while their backs were turned, the man ordered, his tone angry to match his face.

Fine, I’ll do it. But I won’t like it! It isn’t like they didn’t deserve it! she snipped.

If you would just act like everyone else then they would not target you the way that they do! You bring this upon yourself! the man groaned.

The girl stomped over to the woman who had stopped her from going into the forest earlier. She put on a smile, wanting to make everyone happy. Gently, she tugged on the woman’s hand.

Yes? What is it now dear? she sighed.

I’m sorry I stuck my tongue out at you. Daddy says that it wasn’t a very nice thing to do. I don’t want to do things that aren’t nice, she pouted.

Well, thank you for being a big girl and saying that you’re sorry, the woman smiled softly.

The little girl nodded happily before running over to two girls who appeared to be twins.

I’m sorry that you guys got your hair stuck in my glue. I didn’t think that you were going to be mean to me and make me angry while it was in my hands, she said honestly.

The mirror rippled and again went smooth. The Prince looked up at his dad in pure excitement. The little girl seemed like a wild and outspoken little thing. The Prince could not wait to meet her in person.

Who is she mirror? the Prince asked, unable to keep the question in any longer.

The boy in which you have found and fed is the brother of the girl that I have shown to you. She is your mate, your fated one, and his sister. the mirror wrote.

Make him give her to us! the Prince commanded of his father.

All in good time son. Let her be happy with her family. When she is a little older, we will have her brought here to get to know you, the King promised his anxious son.

Make her family come and live here in the palace then! the Prince tried to reason.

You would want to make your mate sad by taking her from her home and her friends? the King questioned.

The Prince sighed, knowing that his dad was right. His father had always been a good King, and wise in knowing what was best for the people. They hurried from the secret room to the dining hall where Jared had finished eating, and was waiting for the King to allow him to go home.

Well young Jared, as it turns out, your sister is fated to be my son’s mate. When she turns eighteen, you will bring her here to live so that they can get to know one another, the King ordered.

What? No! You can’t have my sister! Jared protested, feeling sick to his stomach at the very thought.

We are being generous and giving you and your family time to spend with her. If you do not agree, or if you try to hide her from us, I will simply send some men out and take her from you now, the King growled out, disliking the disrespect that he was receiving.

Jared hung his head, knowing that there was absolutely nothing that he could do to stop the King. He was just one small child. The King had entire armies at his command. Jared nodded his head in agreement, taking what time he could get. The King smiled brightly, back to his usual self.

Wonderful, we will see you again in a few years Jared. Take care to keep your word. Like you said, your word is your honor. Take him home now, the King instructed, leaving the room with his son.

Jared followed behind the guard, out to the front of the palace where a horse was waiting. The guard climbed on, helping Jared to get on behind him. They raced forward, barely making a sound. Jared couldn’t help but to think of how he should have just kept his mouth shut about his sister. He should have never said anything about her, and then maybe… Just maybe, they would have never found her. Now she was doomed, and it was all his fault.

2

THIRD PERSON

Here you go kid. If you head straight, you will find yourself at your village within a few minutes’ time, the guard said, helping Jared down from the horse.

Jared, who had been lost in his thoughts, couldn’t help but to be shocked that they had already made it back without him having noticed. He had been so caught up in the thoughts of his sister and the Werewolf boy that he couldn’t even remember anything about the journey home. He ran away from the guard, toward the village, as fast as he could. He was hoping to put everything that had happened behind him. That maybe it would all just fade away into a bad dream. He tripped a few times, but he scrambled ahead, refusing to stop.

He was soon at the edge of the village, and could see people going about their work as if nothing had happened. He raced all the way home, trying to get there as fast as his legs could possibly carry him; ignoring the throbbing ache of his wounded leg. People stopped and stared in shock, and he knew that he was going to have to come up with a convincing lie that he could tell everyone. Even his parents could never know the entire truth of what had happened to him. While he disliked lying, he knew that it was his only choice. No one could know. As long as no one knew, then the Werewolves would never be able to get to his sister… Right?

Jared! Oh, thank the stars above! his mother cried when he threw the door of their home open.

She wrapped him into a tight hug, sobbing over him in joy. His father came over and put a hand on his shoulder, letting his son know that he was glad to have him home, but disappointed that he had not listened to the rules.

Jare! Where were you? his little sister pouted from his bed.

I was out for a little while Adah. It’s all okay now though, Jared lied, hiding his fear from everyone.

Good, I missed you. I don’t like it when you go away and hide from me, she yawned.

Sleep now little one. I’ll see you after your nap, he promised, covering her up even though she was on his bed instead of her own.

Where were you? his father demanded in a soft whisper.

"I went looking for the ball that I had accidentally kicked into the forest. It was only just right inside, so I didn’t think that anything would happen. We lumber