*Riley*

My head made contact with the table once more, broken glass piercing my skin. My nose was bleeding again - second time this week. My ears rang and my vision blurred, so i couldn’t see who was attacking me. but if i had to take a guess, I’d say it was one of my sister’s friends.

“Come on, poor Riley,” my attacker growled against my ear.

I was right. I recognized the voice immediately. It belonged to Hailey, my sister’s so-called friend. She snickered as she shoved me again. I tried my hardest to hold my ground, but she was too strong. I spun and soon felt my face hit the dirt. “Is that all you’ve got?”

“Real mature, Hailey.” I spat out, my mouth tasting like iron. “Go ahead and pick on someone you’re ten times stronger than.”

“It’s not my fault you’re just a weak, defenseless girl with no wolf.” An amused chuckle slipped from her lips, “oh, I meant human.”

I could feel my hands clenching into fists, aching to strike back at her, but the aloof energy I had managed to maintain all these years would be for nothing if I showed any emotion.

“At least I’m not a pathetic wannabe trying my hardest to get into the cool crowd,” I retorted defiantly.

Before I could finish my sentence, I felt a searing pain at the back of my scalp. She had dragged me up by my hair, her hot breath against my neck.

“I’ve always wanted to disfigure that pretty little face of yours,” she growled in my ear. “Don’t tempt me, weakling. Just because you’re a part of the pack by birth doesn’t mean you’re one of us. No one would really care if anything happened to you. Never forget that.”

And with that, she pushed me off and walked away. I heaved a sigh of relief, brushing myself off.

Another day, another dose of being bullied ticked off the list. I wonder who will take on the task of tormenting poor Riley tomorrow.

Hailey was wrong though. Someone would care if something happened to me – my Noah.

Noah is my confidence and my pride. For three years, he has been my sun, my moon, and all the stars in between. He was the reason I could face the pack's snide remarks and taunts about being wolfless with my head held high.

His kindness was a balm to the sting of rejection, his presence reminded me that I wasn't alone and we were in this together.

Unlike others who felt their fated mate connection on a primal level, I, the girl cursed without a wolf, could only rely on the steady growth of our love. But deep down, I knew that Noah was my mate. We were two halves of a whole, destined to be together forever.

And since it’s his 18th birthday today, we would finally make forever official.

I dusted myself off, smoothed out my hair and made my way over to his house, eager to see him and seal the deal.

“Noah?” I called out, as I pushed the door open, but there was no response. I walked around for a minute, wondering where he was, but didn’t seem to find him.

Maybe I went to his house too early, and everything he had probably planned for today wasn’t ready yet, I thought.

I made my way down the road, deciding to head back home. The streets were empty, and I was glad for it – I wouldn’t have the pleasure of coming across any of the other members of the pack. I definitely wasn’t in the mood for more bullying.

My phone suddenly beeped with a text from Noah: “I’m at your house. Can't wait to see you.”

I let out a happy squeal and turned back to head towards my house. But before I could take a step, a loud voice stopped me in my tracks.

“Riley,” my brother's booming voice echoed through the empty street as he appeared behind me. “Don’t tell me you’re going to see that boy.”

I sighed as I turned to face him.

Unlike most of my family, Liam was built like a gentle giant. His kind heart couldn’t stand the cruelty toward me, so he always made sure to be extra nice to me. He’s next in line to be Beta of the Evermane Pack, respected for his strength and even more for his compassion.

“Fine then, I won’t tell you.”

“Being with him is a mistake.”

When would Liam stop this? “No, it’s not… we love each other. I’m his mate.”

“His mate?” Liam chuckled, seizing my arm and pulling me back. “What delusional world are you living in? You know you can’t have a mate, and that means Noah’s mate is someone else. Like I said, this fooling around is a mistake. You’re going to get yourself hurt.”

While he was distracted with lecturing me, I managed to pull my arm out of his grip, putting some much-needed distance between us.

“You don’t have to remind me that I’m not one of you. But what you don’t understand is that Noah chose me. He loves me, and he wants me for me,” I said, pleading with him to understand.

“He’s going to be the next Alpha. Even if it were possible, it can’t happen because he needs someone strong by his side.” Liam stated.

He’s going to be the next alpha, his words repeated themselves in my head. It doesn’t matter, I said to myself. As long as we are mates, we can still be together even when he becomes the alpha.

“Noah and I have a connection, and I need to see where it leads.”

Without waiting for him to say anything else, I moved past him, making my way swiftly to Noah. What did he know anyways? He didn’t know Noah like I did. He didn’t know how tender and kind he was with me. It was impossible to imagine that someone who treated me with so much fragility could ever do anything to hurt me.

As I reached Noah’s door, I tugged nervously at my dress. I can do this. I can be his mate. I can be the one that’s meant for him, and nothing any other person says matters.

With that, I pushed the door open.

The scene before me played out like a movie. It had to be, because there was no way this was reality.

Yet, as tears started to fall down my cheeks, I knew that what I was witnessing was real – my sister, Ava, with her jet-black hair cascading down her back, was writhing in pleasure on top of my boyfriend.

My gaze darted to Noah, urging him to see me standing there and tell me I’m hallucinating, or that it’s a joke. At this point, I’ll believe everything except for what's right in front of me.

But his eyes were locked on Ava, a possessive hunger twisting his features. A hunger that should have been directed at me!

A choked sob escaped my lips, a raw sound that echoed in the vast emptiness of the room.

The bracelet I'd made him, a symbol of my love, glinted on his wrist under the harsh light. It felt like a cruel joke, a reminder that I was indeed in this alone. And whatever fantasy I’d made up was my own undoing.

The air grew thick with something far worse than sweat – the stench of betrayal. Shame coiled around me, suffocating the air from my lungs. I wasn't just heartbroken, I was shattered. The girl who walked in here, brimming with hope, was gone, replaced by a broken mess.

Anger began to settle in. And as I stared at his naked body for a moment, I wondered if it would make me feel any better if I castrated him.

The world seemed to be extra cruel to me today, because just as my sister climaxed, she fixed her gaze on me smirking. “Nice of you to join us, sister.” She pulled out something from under her, dangling it between her fingers.

Noah’s phone.

“Riley?” Noah exclaimed in shock, pulling himself away from her.

“I thought Riley should get a front row seat to what we do when she’s not looking.” She smirked at me devilishly, still holding Noah’s phone. She wanted me to know what she did, wanted me to know that she had my heart in the palm of her hands.

The tears were pouring now.

“What’s going on?” I asked quietly, even though I knew the truth.

Ava got up from the couch and wrapped herself around Noah, placing a seductive kiss on his neck while maintaining eye contact with me.

"Go on, Noah. Tell her," Ava purred, the words laced with cruel excitement.

A sharp, unexpected pang echoed in my chest. Did Ava really hate me that much?

No! This is between me and Noah. I will not entertain her deliberate jabs and insults. But still, I knew that something precious to me was about to shatter.

"Tell me what?" I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Noah stood frozen, his face a mask of conflicting emotions. Hesitation flickered in his eyes, his shoulders slumped, his entire posture radiating nervousness.

I longed to reach out, to grab his arm and shake him until he spoke. But a strange paralysis gripped me.

"I..." Noah stammered, his voice cracking. He couldn't meet my gaze, his eyes darting away as if searching for escape.

“Stop taking it easy on her, Noah. Tell her!” Ava didn’t even have the decency to hide her amusement.

Fury, hot and primal, bubbled up inside me. Did he love Ava? Was that the reason for his strange behavior? I wanted to scream, to tear at her smug face, to claw out Ava’s eyes for the joy she seemed to derive from my pain.

"Tell me what, Noah?" I repeated, my voice trembling slightly, a desperate plea laced with a rising tide of anger.

"I never wanted to hurt you," he mumbled, his voice thick with guilt. "You have to understand, tomorrow is the Choosing Ceremony...I"

But I was done listening to excuses. "But you hurt me anyway, didn't you?" I spat, cutting him off.

“You sad, petty human, and your petty emotions. Are you so dumb that you can’t already tell what’s happening?”

Tears well up in my eyes, blurring my vision. She’s right. I know what he’s going to say, but I don’t want to believe it.

As if in slow motion, Noah took a shaky breath. "Ava is my mate," he confessed, the words tumbling out like a death sentence.

The world seemed to tilt on its axis as my legs buckled beneath me. The feeble hope I’d clung to, the belief that there might be an explanation, crumbled to dust at Noah’s feet.

Noah and I are nothing. He and Ava are everything.

*Riley*

The world tilted. My head spun, and a suffocating tightness constricted my throat. This was it; this was my breaking point.

My heart hammered a frantic rhythm against my ribs, threatening to burst free and escape the crushing reality before me. Tears blurred my vision, and I could hardly make out the handsome face I had come to know and love. My breath hitched, and my knees buckled, sending me crashing to the ground.

Ava's voice, laced with disdain, washed over me like a distant echo. “Honestly, Riley, when would the theatrics stop? It was a doomed relationship from the start.”

But my world had narrowed to one agonizing point: Noah. Shame coiled in his posture, his gaze downcast, refusing to meet mine.

Why the guilt then, if he could inflict this pain so easily? It was a sickening puzzle.

After all the things Noah had said about Ava, I just can’t believe… no, I can’t accept that he’d abandon me just like that. This wasn’t the ending I envisioned for us. It couldn’t be our ending… it just couldn’t be.

“Noah,” I rasped, a desperate plea for acknowledgment. Still, his eyes remained stubbornly fixed on the ground.

“Please, Noah,” I choked out, voice thick with unshed tears. “Tell me what's happening. I need to understand. Please help me understand.”

Ava, a cruel smile twisting her lips, chimed in, “Of course you wouldn't, wolfless Riley. You'll never know the power of a mate bond, the ecstasy I feel with a single touch.” Her hand glided down Noah's torso, a sickeningly intimate gesture.

The image was branded into my memory, a twisted mockery of everything we once had. But something else flickered within me – a spark of defiance. How dare they treat me like this? How dare Noah, after everything, stand there silent?

Anger, hot and unexpected, flared within me, pushing back the feeling of despair for a moment. “You call this a mate bond?” I spat, my voice surprisingly strong. “This pathetic display of dominance? Don’t you remember us, Noah? Our dreams, the promises you made to me? This is nothing but a cheap substitute for real love, and you both know it!”

Ava recoiled, her smile faltering for a brief moment. But before she could retort, Noah finally lifted his head. A flicker of pain crossed his features, but it was quickly replaced by a cold indifference.

“You wouldn't understand, Riley,” he said, his voice flat and emotionless. “This is just the way things are.”

His words were the final blow. The anger that had buoyed me for a moment dissipated, leaving behind a crushing emptiness. There was nothing left to say, no fight left in me.

With a defeated sigh, I turned away from them, the image of their intertwined figures seared into my brain. I knew then that I had lost him forever, and there was no one else for me.

I had to get out of there, away from the pack, away from the memories, and most importantly, away from the pain.

The primal urge to escape overwhelmed me. With a surge of adrenaline, I did what any cornered animal would do. I ran.

I flung the door open and bolted, but regret slammed into me the second I stepped outside. The entire pack was there, a sea of eyes fixed on me. They weren't just watching, they were enjoying the show – the humiliation of Riley, the girl without a wolf.

They probably all knew about Ava and Noah. I could see it in their smirks. Once again, I was the last to know anything. Just a joke, that's all I was to them.

I pushed past them ignoring their snickering. I just wanted to disappear from here, from everyone. The Unity Hall, a giant building for fancy pack meetings, seemed like the only escape. It was usually empty, except for the Choosing Ceremony – that big event where the Lycan King picks his Luna.

The heavy doors groaned open, revealing something I didn't expect. My father, Oscar, the pack’s beta was there, along with Liam, my brother. Liam's eyes were locked on me, almost as if he was trying to tell me something important.

Then came the booming voice that chilled me to the bone. My father’s scary black eyes were fixed on me as he yelled, “Riley! What are you doing here? You should know better than to be this foolish.”

I realized now that Liam had been trying to warn me. But it didn’t really matter now.

My mouth went dry. “I...”

“The Choosing Ceremony!” my father roared, his voice dripping with a venomous mix of anger and disgust. “It's been every five years, Riley! Five years! And you, in your usual clueless way, haven't a single clue about the most basic pack traditions. What a waste of your mother's time all these years.”

Tears welled in my eyes again, blurring the already hostile scene before me. “Father…” I tried to interject, but he wasn’t listening.

“What a colossal disappointment you are. You think you can just waltz in here and mess everything up?”

“But father, I...”

He cut me off, his voice turning icy. “You didn't even know women aren't allowed here except for the ceremony? Do you know anything at all?”

Shame enveloped me like a constricting serpent, its grip tighter and more suffocating than any deadly embrace. In my father's eyes, I was not merely ignorant, but a blight upon the celebrated Evermane pack, a stain marring their prestigious reputation.

“Father...” Liam's voice, laced with a hesitant concern, cut through the tense silence as he took a step forward in my defense.

A dark cloud seemed to descend upon my father’s face as he whipped his gaze towards Liam. “Liam,” he growled, the word a low rumble that sent shivers down my spine. “Do you think this is the time or place for your feeble attempts at intervention?”

Liam flinched, his previous defiance withering under father's icy glare. “N-no, father,” he stammered, his voice barely a whisper.

“As for you, we both know you won't be chosen as the Kings’s Luna tomorrow,” my father spat, his voice laced with a disgust that turned my stomach. “Frankly, Riley, I don't even know what to do with you. You're about as useful as a broken fang.”

“Father…” Liam’s voice filled the room again.

“Liam, whatever you were about to say, swallow it. Disrespect won't be tolerated,” father cut him off again.

Liam, ever the obedient son, silently moved back, bowing his head in defeat.

“Consider yourself lucky if the King even takes you as a slave,” my father continued, his words a hammer blow to my already fractured spirit. “You're so worthless, even that might be a stretch.”

I knew my father wasn't known for empty threats. He wanted me gone, discarded like yesterday's garbage. To the Lycan King, a monster whispered about in hushed tones. A man known for his cruelty and insatiable desires. Death seemed preferable to such a fate.

Escape.

That was the only answer. There was no love here, no compassion, there was nothing. Tears streamed down my face now, unchecked and raw. They wouldn't miss me at the ceremony, not really. It would be the perfect opportunity to vanish.

Tomorrow, I’m going to escape.

Chapter 3:Lycan King’s Dark Desire

*Nicolas*

“Do you like this, My Lord?” the redhead whispered in a feigned seductive tone as her blonde companion eagerly took my swollen member into her mouth. The warmth of her tongue and the roughness of her lips against my skin sent shivers down my spine. I could feel her hardened nipples press against my thighs, further arousing me.

But I could also see the disdain in the redhead's eyes, a stark contrast to the adoration and devotion showered upon me by the blonde. I could sense it in the way she used her tongue, every lick and stroke filled with love and lust.

Wanting to provoke her, I grasped a handful of her lush red hair, savoring the slight wince that escaped her lips. “I would enjoy it more if you were the one doing it,” I taunted.

A wicked grin spread across her face as she turned around, guiding my hand to rest on her firm backside. “Go ahead, My Lord. Give me a good strike. I know you want to.”

My desire to strike her was overwhelming, and not just a simple slap. I craved to thrust my throbbing erection deep into her dripping wetness until she cried out in pain and pleasure.

But the blonde's touch was intoxicating, sending shivers through my body and causing my eyes to roll back in bliss.

Suddenly, I was teetering on the edge of release. And then it happened - I came hard, my essence spilling all over her chest as she reveled in it, rubbing it onto her breasts with a seductive smile. The sight of her drove me wild, my cock quickly hardening once again.

Without hesitation, I swung my hand down onto the red head’s plump ass, striking the luscious bum that had been waiting for my punishment.

“Please, my lord. Punish me,” she moaned, begging for more as I struck her again and again, keeping my eyes fixed on the blonde who was now sitting on my lap. She arched her back, rocking back and forth against my dick. I could feel the warmth of her pussy.

I changed my mind, I wanted to ram my dick into this one.

Without hesitation, I lifted her up by her thighs and lowered her slowly onto my throbbing member. The sensation of being enveloped in her warm depths was overwhelming, causing me to cry out in ecstasy.

“Fuck!” I grunted as I plunged deep inside of her warm depths, losing myself in the intense pleasure that consumed us both.

The wooden door swung open with a creak, revealing Vera, my witch beta, standing in the doorway. Her icy white eyes fixed on me, unwavering. Despite her tough exterior, sometimes when I looked at her, I still saw the scared little girl I had rescued from hunters all those years ago.

“Alpha Nicolas,” her voice filled my mind. “The mate map is reacting, and we have located your Luna in the Evermane pack.”

My heart skipped a beat as excitement coursed through me. I had been waiting for this moment for over a hundred years, and now that it was here, I didn’t want to wait another minute.

The air crackled with a dangerous electricity as I ripped my arm free from the blonde's clinging touch. Her ruby lips, once inches from mine, gaped open in shock. No games. I wasn't in the mood for frivolous entertainment anymore.

“Up,” I growled, the word laced with enough venom to wither lesser men. “Both of you. Clothes on. Now.”

The red head obeyed immediately, rushing to put on her clothes. The disdain in her eyes had now turned to fear. Smart girl. I wouldn't tolerate disobedience.

The blonde, however, chose to disobey me. The playful pout morphed into a snarl that would have intimidated a lesser wolf. “But my Lord,” she hissed, defiance flickering in her blue eyes. “You haven't finished with me.”

A humorless laugh escaped my throat, devoid of warmth. “Finished? You naive little fool. I had great plans for you. But some things,” I emphasized, each word like a blow, “are not for the likes of you.”

With a flick of my wrist, I summoned the guards. Two hulking figures materialized from the shadows.

“Escort this... creature,” I spat, distaste dripping from every syllable, “out of my sight. And make sure she remembers the consequences of disobedience.”

Her face fell, the regret in her eyes obvious. She shouldn’t have disobeyed me.

She thrashed against the guards' iron grip, screams echoing through the halls as they dragged her away. The redhead, wisely silent, scurried after them, keeping her eyes fixed on the door.

“A little harsh, wouldn't you say?” Vera murmured, the moment the doors closed behind us.

I didn't answer. My gaze swept through the room, anger still radiating from me. “Control isn't about charm,” I finally rasped. “It's about raw power. And anyone foolish enough to think otherwise,” I slammed my fist on the table, the tremor resonating through the floor, “will face the consequences.”

I could see the disagreement in her eyes. Vera never quite mastered the art of hiding her emotions.

“You know how long I’ve been waiting for this,” I said calmly. Yes, I’ve waited for a long time. Pretending to be indifferent. But it bothered me. I wanted my Luna right next to me.

Every five years, I held a Choosing ceremony, and every five years, I left, disappointed. I couldn’t find my Luna. Then, I would select a few sex slaves to fulfill my desires. At least I wouldn’t be horny for the rest of my life.

“Long enough, but it’s almost time.”

Vera was right. Soon, I will have my Luna by my side.

“About damn time,” I growled, the sound more of a threat than a response. “No point wasting time on those other packs. We head to the Everman pack first thing tomorrow.”

A small smile played on Vera's lips. “Congratulations, then, Alpha. You'll finally have your Queen by nightfall.”

I scoffed. “Queen? Don't get ahead of yourself. Tomorrow means dealing with that pompous ass, their Alpha. The man's greedier than a goblin and twice as ugly.”

But my mate was there. My power. My destiny. And for her, I'd endure even the most insufferable company. “This won't be a social visit,” I warned, my voice a low rumble. “The Everman pack better understand who they're dealing with.”

I would have to be the great Lycan King that I am and show him that he is nothing as long as I live.

Vera scoffed, clearly unimpressed.

But I didn’t want to wait until tomorrow, I wanted to know her now. “About my mate... what's she like? Strong? Beautiful? Someone worthy of being by my side?”

“I’m not the moon goddess, there’s no way I’d know all that.”

“But you must know something about her. I’m so curious, I have to know now!”

Vera sighed in frustration. “The only thing I know about her is that she’s in the Everman pack. You’d have to find out the rest tomorrow.”

“Waiting is a weakness I despise. She'll be mine anyways,” I stated, the possessiveness heavy in my tone. “That's all that matters.”

Patience is a virtue I severely lacked. But for my Luna, I will learn.

I can’t wait to meet my little mate.

*Riley*

My eyes peeled open at the crack of dawn, just as I’ve done every morning for as long as I could remember. Since I was worthless, and every other person had important things to do with their wolf abilities, my job was to take care of the pack.

That includes waking up at dawn to cook for the entire pack, while everyone else was still fast asleep. I didn’t really mind it. During this time, I was completely alone. I could think clearly without anyone breathing down my neck, saying mean things to me, or shoving me around.

During this time, my thoughts and actions were my own.

Since they liked to sleep in, I always took my time while preparing the food. After that, I would set everything on the large dining table, where everyone would eat except me. I would eat alone… in the kitchen.

As I placed the last plate on the table, a familiar scent filled the room. Noah.

Maybe he came back for me, to beg me. Maybe I didn’t lose him, and I didn’t have to leave after all.

But when I turned around to face him, my heart sank. It wasn’t Noah, it was Ava. She had his scent all over her body, and it almost drove me to madness.

She strutted into the room, a smirk on her despicable face. She propped a leg up, stretching and yawning at the same time.

And that was when I saw it. Long scratches across Ava’s thigh. Those scratches weren’t there when I saw her last.

They didn’t even have the decency to keep their hands off each other for one night. This just proves that they didn’t give a shit about me. I wondered how she felt, knowing that she was breaking my heart all over again.

“How was your night, Riley? Because mine was fantastic.” Her smug words dripped with malice as she smirked at me, letting me know exactly what happened between them last night.

Fury burned in my gut as her smirk widened. I wanted to hit her, to put more scratches, vicious ones, but on her face this time.

“Don't look so pathetic,” she sneered, twisting the invincible knife deeper into my chest. “He wasn't yours to have anyway. Consider it a favor, sis.”

My hand instinctively clenched into a fist, fingernails digging into my palm. Ava wasn't worth the fight. Besides, as soon as the day is over, I’ll be free.

I’ll be free, I repeated to myself.

I tried to move past her, but she grabbed my arm, preventing me from leaving the room. “Are you avoiding me? That’s not the way to treat your sister who just found her mate.”

“Leave me alone,” I growled, voice strained.

“No happy tears for your sister? No excitement that she's found her love, her forever?” Her voice dripped with mock concern. “A man who adores her, who touches her...” She stretched out the last word, deliberately taunting me. “And guess what? He's going to be the next Alpha, making me his Luna!”

The world narrowed to the vicious glint in my eyes. “Stop, please…”

A cruel laugh escaped her lips. “You brought this on yourself, Riley. You were a fool to think Noah would ever choose you.”

“Let me go, Ava.”

“Okay.” She flung my arm away with a shove, sending me stumbling back. “Remember your place,” she hissed, a final barb before sauntering off.

I stared at her retreating figure for a moment, each arrogant step a fresh insult. A million retorts clawed at my throat, but there was no point. So, I held them back. Silence was the only weapon I had left against her cruelty.

With a deep breath, I rushed out of the room. I was ready to get the day over with so I could finally be free.

Besides, I had a lot to do for the Choosing ceremony. Again, I was the designated slave, and I had to run all the errands. I headed back to the kitchen to grab the fruits that Father had asked me to drop off in front of the Unity Hall.

My head was spinning with plans to run away. Where would I even go? Would another pack take me in? I didn’t think any pack would accept me. I would be just as useless and worthless to them.

Suddenly, the world lurched as a hand clamped onto my arm, yanking me into a complete darkness. The utility room.

My mind, still reeling from Ava's taunts, struggled to process what was happening. Panic clawed at my throat, the scent of damp earth and cleaning supplies assaulting my senses.

But then, the familiar scent filled my senses again, and this time I knew it was really him. The harsh fluorescent light flickered on, revealing him standing there, his eyes searching mine with an intensity I hadn't seen the last time we were together.

“You're looking at me today,” I said, my voice rough with emotion.

“W-w-what?”

“You wouldn't even look at me yesterday.” I stared at him deeply, hoping I would see the love I once saw in his eyes.

His shoulders sagged in shame, a delayed reaction to my earlier pain. “I'm sorry,” he mumbled, words that meant nothing to me.

“What happened, Noah?” I finally managed, the question trembling on my lips.

His gaze dropped, his jaw clenching and unclenching like a vise. “I'm so sorry, Riley.”

Fury, long simmering, threatened to erupt. “Why would you do this to me?”

My voice, though laced with anger, was a mere whisper compared to the roar in my head. Why was I so weak? So helpless around people who chose to hurt me.

“I didn't mean for this to happen,” he pleaded, his eyes holding a desperation that mirrored my own. “You have to believe me. I really did love you.”

A bitter laugh escaped my lips. “Did? So, our love is past tense now?” I challenged, the weight of his betrayal threatening to crush me.

“You know that’s not what I mean,” he pleaded. “The mate bond...it's a force I can't control. My feelings for you were real, so strong. But when I found out Ava was my mate...” His voice trailed off, as if he was searching for the right words. “I just… I couldn’t help myself.”

I hated this. I hated the way he looked at me, the way he spoke to me. He doesn’t get to make everything seem okay. I can’t just be collateral damage in someone else’s story. They hurt me, and they need to see that.

“Are you even sure about Ava?” I spat. “Are you sure you want to spend your life with a selfish, conceited sister who wouldn't recognize decency if it bit her?” The memory of Ava's smug face fueled my anger. “You said it yourself, Noah!”

“Riley...” His voice held a warning edge, but it did little to quell the storm brewing within me.

“She's impossible! She’s selfish, conceited and…” I was about to launch into a tirade, but something in Noah's gaze stopped me cold. It was a look I'd never seen before – raw, possessive anger.

“Don't. You. Ever. Speak. About. Her. That. Way. Again,” he growled, each word punctuated by a slam of his fist against the metal shelves.

Hot fear flickered in my chest. I'd never seen Noah this angry. “Noah... I,” I stammered, the words catching in my throat.

He took a deep breath, running a hand through his hair. “I apologize,” he said, his voice strained, but the anger lingered in his dark eyes. “It's just... I feel so protective of her.”

He clasped my hands in his, his gaze softening. “I don't want this to be the end of us, Riley. We've had too many good times together. We can still be friends, can't we?”

“You don’t have to worry about being my enemy. Because after today, I would never have to see your disgusting faces again.” And with that, I push the door open, storming out of the utility room.

“Riley, wait!” Noah's desperate plea echoed behind me, but I didn't stop. Tears streamed down my face. I swiped at it furiously. I was so tired of crying.

Suddenly, a long, loud howl pierced the air, a signal from the wolf guards. Five howls. Someone important.

Against my better judgment, I turned to face Noah. His eyes met mine, his expression grim.

“The Lycan King is here,” he stated gravely.

Chapter 5: All Means All - Olivia

　*Nicolas*

“You hear that?” Vera asked through the mind link.

I sniffed the air and I’m flooded with the scent of nearby fear. I growl in disgust and frustration. I don’t have time for hunters.

Vera follows my lead and widens the space between us so we can surprise the group of hunters trying to grab wolf pups. We slow our approach as they remain unaware of their inevitable demise.

I sniffed around, though there were only two in front of us, the others were nearby. Despite being in a hurry, the wolf in me took pleasure in the hunt, the stalking of one’s prey.

Their fates were already sealed when they touched their first pup, they would serve as a warning to the others.

Purposely, I stepped on a stick, my weight snapping it. The sound echoed throughout the clearing.

The hunters froze and stared. They looked right at me but saw nothing. Untrained, and unworthy of my precious time. My mate, my Luna didn’t have time for me to be playing games. Vera growled on the other side, drawing their attention.

“Let’s get the fuck out of here,” one hunter grunted, tossing a wiggling bag of pups over his shoulder. Their whimper ignited my rage, which, in the state I’ve been in for that last hundred mate less century, was beyond fiery. The other hunter pulled out a medium sized knife, his back towards me and scanned for us.

Not seeing any movement, he decided to taunt us. He grabbed the last pup, the runt of the litter and held him up by the cuff. Before he even raised his knife, I emerged from the dense trees.

His eyes widened a second before my fangs bit into his neck. His blood oozed out of my mouth as his body ceased its jerking. His partner screamed frozen in fear. I made no move towards him, but locked eyes with him as I let his friend’s blood drain from his jaws.

Finally, he found himself, dropped the pups as he turned, only to run into Vera’s raised paw. She sliced him down the middle and he dropped to the ground dead.

She freed the pups and allowed them to lovingly rub themselves against her.

“If you’re not too busy, I would like to get to my mate,” I growled.

“Relax, the Evermane pack is just over these hills. Besides, you can’t show up looking like that,” she mocked.

“Why not? Perhaps this will remind them that I play no games when it concerns my mate. This alpha has always been more defiant than he has any right to be,” I said. The runt of the litter fumbled through my legs, his paws leaving red prints.

“Let’s get it over with,” I hissed.

Vera chuckled through the bond, finding my impatience amusing.

After washing off the hunters we shift back into our human forms and reach Evermane. A hush befell the people closest to us, while a not so quiet whisper spread out as we advanced toward the pack’s Unity hall.

As per usual eyes fell to my beta, her white long hair drawing their attention. Her expression was also softer than mine. One good sniff and I knew my mate was close.

“Where is she?” I spoke through our link, beyond annoyed by them already.

“She is here. But first, pleasantries,” she reminded me. I cut my eyes at her, but knew she was right.

We were greeted outside of the Unity Hall as honored guests and then led inside. I smelled the alpha’s scent before I saw him. He and I never really saw eye to eye, personality differences.

“My king, welcome.” he greeted and bowed. I inclined my head slightly.

“Alpha Marshall.” I said in return. “All is well here?” I asked, but by the stern look on my face I hoped he knew his answer better be short.

“Of course, Evermane continues to thrive. Ah, and this is my son, Noah, he is to be alpha after me, your highness.” Marshall gestured for Noah who had just entered.

As he approached I caught a faint scent on the air that stirred my insides.

I had had enough of small talk.

“You know why I have come. Let’s not waste time,” I said.

Marshall swallowed loudly and led me through to the back of the building. The sight of the she-wolves always intimated me, not because of lust but from anticipation. She would be here, she had to be.

I felt my wolf stirring.

“Easy, now. Make sure to get a good look at everyone, sniff her out for us.” I told my wolf. We both hunger to find her.

We stared at each she-wolf and with each fail, I felt the pit in my stomach worsen. They would be suitable as one of my play things but none of them were worthy enough to be my mate. By the time I reached the end of the she-wolves presented to me, I had lost all patience. Jerking around, I cut my eyes at Marshall.

“These are all of the she-wolves you have to show?” I barked. He did well then to flinch at my tone.

“Uh, yes, they are all gathered here for you my king,” he said, looking genuinely confused.

“Nicolas,” Vera said through the link. “That beta there, he has a daughter as well,” she said.

I glance over at the alpha’s beta. He seemed to carry a hint of that smell, the smell that drew me here. His daughter had to be my mate and I would have her.

Turning back to Marshall I ordered him to provide the daughter.

“Of course, but she has bonded with my son here. She is officially his mate,” Marshall said.

I easily towered over him and stared down at him. Words weren’t needed, he fully understood me.

“Oscar, fetch her. Now,” Marshall ordered. The son, Noah, started to protest but a hiss from his father stopped him.

Pacing the space, the volume increasing as the failed she-wolves made their exits, I spoke just loud enough for those important enough to hear.

“As If I have time for games. Vera, does all the she-wolves not mean ALL?” I asked my second, before glancing directly at Marshall. “I am in no mood for your poor leadership Marshall. Bring her now! And you will do well to remember that as King, mated or not, I can determine who my Luna is. All means All.”

“Yes, my king. “

My mate was in Evermane and I would not leave without her.