CLAIMED BY A RUTHLESS LYCAN KING

ARIA'S POV.

Here I was, standing in a stunning wedding dress that felt like a cascade of petals around me, making me look every bit the future ruler of the Blood Moon pack and the cherished bride I truly am. I gazed at my beautiful reflection in the tall mirror before me.

My heart raced as I mustered the courage for what lay ahead. Today, I would be mated to my beloved husband, Nathan Gazelle, the Alpha of the Searot pack. He's a strong and unwavering leader, and I fell for him the moment I laid eyes on him.

I can still vividly recall the day our paths crossed. It was a full moon night at the Green Hill Garden, where I was picking jasmine flowers-my favorite. Suddenly, a powerful, intoxicating scent filled the air, and I couldn't deny the overwhelming feelings that washed over me. It completely melted me, and I found myself searching the space in a frenzy. When I turned around, our eyes locked. My Mate.

He stood there, tall and handsome, his smile making my heart race. As he walked toward me, I was in awe, my wolf purring with delight. He kissed the back of my hand and whispered that one, life-changing word.

"Mate."

Our love blossomed, our hearts intertwined, and all that was left was to tie the knot.

Taking a deep breath, a smile spread across my face. I could hardly wait to become Nathan's official bride. I was eager to have him by my side as my Alpha.

Just then, the door swung open, and in walked my mother-in-law, her face beaming with a warm smile as she approached me. "You look beautiful, my daughter," Tamara said, stepping closer to admire the bride before her. "My son is so lucky to have a woman like you."

She placed a gentle kiss on my forehead and looked at me with grace. "You both will rule magnificently."

"Thank you, Mother," I replied, bowing slightly before turning my gaze to Ashley, my best friend, who entered almost immediately.

Ashley's eyes widened as they met my transformed self. "You look absolutely stunning, Ari... I can't even find the words to describe how amazing you look!" she exclaimed.

"Oh Ashley, you're always full of dramas! We don't want to keep everyone waiting," Tamara reminded us.

"Oh, that's true. Good luck! May the moon grant you your desires," Ashley replied.

"Thank you," I said with a smile as I followed Tamara, who was leading me toward the grand hall where everyone was gathered.

"Go on, Nathan is waiting," Tamara gestured. I took a deep breath and strolled down to the altar, where Nathan stood, a warm smile on his face.

"Aria De Luther, do you accept Nathan Gazelle as your mate and husband, to stand beside you as you lead the BLOOD MOON pack, to protect and cherish as long as the moon shines above?" the elder asked.

I swallowed hard, feeling Nathan's fingers gently caress the back of my hand. "I do," I whispered, my voice barely above a whisper.

The elder turned to Nathan. "Nathan Gazelle, do you accept Aria as your mate and wife, to stand beside her as she leads the BLOOD MOON pack, to protect and cherish her as long as the moon shines above?"

Nathan's response was quick and confident. "I do."

We were handed chalices, and as the ritual required, we dipped our fingers into the sacred water, marking each other's foreheads with the crescent moon symbol.

"By the light of the moon and the will of the pack, you are now bound as mates and leaders. May your bond be strong, and may your rule bring prosperity to us," Elder Filip intoned.

The hall erupted into cheers and howls as Nathan claimed my lips in a tender kiss, sealing our union.

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Nathan's soft lips traced along my neck, sending a delightful shiver down my spine. I was truly enjoying his touch, but I craved more of him.

He swept me off my feet, making me bite my lower lip seductively as he unbuttoned his shirt. I soon got it out of his sleeves, my eyes roaming over his chiseled torso, my fingertips tracing down his chest to his abdomen.

He locked eyes with me and leaned closer to my neck, his moist lips brushing against my delicate skin, and a soft moan escaped my lips.

His hand slowly climbed up to my left breast.His finger traced the crest, and I shivered; my nipples were peaked and already hard. He folded it, and I closed my eyes, throwing my head back, giving him full access to my neck where he planted countless kisses.

"Promise you won't touch her on your wedding night," that voice echoed in his head, making him stop his actions abruptly and drop me onto the bed. I looked at him, confused, wanting to ask what was wrong, but he silenced me with a gentle kiss.

"I know you have a lot of questions, but I don't think I can do this right now," he said as he put on his clothes, leaving me in disbelief with my lips parted.

"But we're already mated, and I need to be marked by you to show our bond," I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of my words.

"I know, but I'm just not feeling well tonight. Maybe another time," he kissed my forehead again and lay down on his side of the bed, leaving me to drown in my thoughts. I adjusted myself before lying on my side.

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Late at midnight, my eyes fluttered open. I stretched lazily, and my hand met an empty space, leaving me utterly confused. I sat up and glanced over at the window; it was still night. Where could Nathan be? I wondered to myself before standing up.

I reached for the door, twisting the knob before stepping out. I walked slowly through the silent corridor, trying not to wake anyone, but an unusual noise caught my sensitive ears.

My eyes darted toward the source of the noise, leading me to my sick father's chamber. Curiosity gripped me instantly; why would my sick father be awake at this hour?

I twisted the door knob slightly and poked my head in. My eyes scanned the room and landed on a shocking sight. My mate, Nathan, was suffocating my father with a pillow.

My blood ran cold.