THE LYCAN KING'S CLAIM

let'

a ghost than a person. The laughter and camaraderie of my pack echoed in the background, but it was a sound I was never a part of. Keal never

t racing. I had hoped this day would bring something different, perhaps a flicker of joy

and cruelty. The moment I entered, their laughter faded, replaced by predatory gazes that scrut

th contempt. "The little lost wolf." The pack members erupted in

urage to stand my ground. But as the words left my mouth, I felt a chill in

Before I could react, he lunged forward, his hand connecting with my cheek in a sharp slap that sent me staggeri

y in my heart. I fled to the woods, the familiar trees offering some solace from the chaos of the

ched with loneliness, and as I sat there, I couldn't help but wish for a miracle. I pra

e and pink. I wiped my tears and took a deep breath, steeling myself for

entered the pack house again, Keal was waiting for me. His expre

e low and dangerous. "Come h

ser. As I did, a wave of energy washed over me, the sweet sent of mint and wood fi

at

Keal's eyes, and for the briefest second, I saw so

t? Keal i

ay, who said that? Did k

soft feminine voice says again."

carlet. I can't believe I'm able to f

was gone in an instant, replaced by

but before I could fin

e you has a mate, you're weak, ugly and pathetic. Yo

with so m

et as my mate and luna ." His wo

ing break inside me, desperation

d, the world around me fading as he squeezed harder. I could feel the

ff your feet, mate with you and put my pups in y

his voice low and menacin

e in its place. I had never felt so powerless, so utterly alone. The realization that a powerf

ping for air. Tears streamed down my fa

d he stumbled back. He looked shocked and surp

t truth stung more than any ph

hin me, mingling

ears streaming down my face. The world around me blurred as

d lose myself in music and forget the

nveloped me. I made my way to the bar, ordering a drink to drown o

ng? That keal would ac

eing fair to me,what did

it would help me escape the f

ttle while. I want to know what it feels like to be happy and free. Not having

nd took the seat beside me. He had an easy smile and a p

d enough?" He said. his vo

't think that has anythi

r conversation flowing effort

ndeniable, and as the night wo

long, we found ourselves wrapped up in each other, surrenderi