It was late afternoon when I left my fancy room, still thinking about my talk with dante. He had left, saying he'd be back later to talk more.
Walking into the big hallway, I felt nervous. What did Dante want from me? Why did he bring me here, a rejected wolf, and offer to protect me?
I rubbed my hands together, looking around at the fancy place. The Lycan King's palace was amazing - fancy pictures on the walls, fancy lights hanging from the tall ceilings, and soft rugs on the floor. It was so different from my old hut.
I took a deep breath and started to explore the big estate, wanting to understand more about where I was and what Blake wanted.
As I walked through the fancy halls, I felt amazed and scared. The Lycan King's place was all about power and fancy things, nothing like my old pack. There was something in the air, like authority or danger.
Lost in my thoughts, I didn't see the two big guards until they were right in front of me. I jumped when I saw them, facing their stern looks.
"Hey, you," one of them said sharply, looking at me like he didn't like me. "What are you doing wandering around here?"
I swallowed hard, my heart pounding in my chest. "I-I'm..." My voice trailed off as I struggled to find the words. What could I possibly say? I was nothing more than an unwanted guest, a stray wolf taken in by the Lycan King.
The guard's face twisted in disgust. "Just because Dante let you in doesn't mean you can wander wherever you want. Stick to your room, little wolf, unless you want to get kicked out."
His words hurt, making me feel even more rejected. It seemed like no matter where I went, I was always seen as weak and worthless.
The other guard laughed. "Pathetic. I don't know what the king sees in you, but-"
"That's quite enough."
Dantes powerful voice interrupted the guards, making them stop talking right away. I turned to see him coming towards us, his serious eyes making me shiver.
The guards stood up straighter as soon as they saw him."M-my lord," one of them stammered. "We were just-"
Dante raised a hand, effectively cutting him off. "I believe I made it abundantly clear that my guest is to be treated with the utmost respect." His gaze swept over them, his tone laced with a barely restrained warning. "See to it that you remember that."
The guards looked at each other nervously, then nodded quickly. "Of course my lord," they said stiffly, before walking away, leaving just Dante and me.
I stood there, shocked, my heart racing. Did he... did he just stick up for me? The powerful Lycan King, defending someone like me?
Dante looked at me, and I felt something pass between us, like we understood each other without saying a word. It was overwhelming.
"Come," he said, his deep voice soft yet commanding. "There is much we need to discuss."
Without saying anything else, Dante walked off, so I quickly followed him. My heart was pounding, feeling so many things at once.
As I trailed behind Dante , I realized my life was different now. I didn't know what would happen next, but one thing was sure: I wasn't alone anymore. With the Lycan King by my side, maybe just maybe I could finally find where I belonged.
Dante walked fast through the fancy halls, making me almost run to keep up. The guards we passed averted their eyes respectfully as we went, a clear indication of the Lycan King's authority.
I felt nervous. Where was he taking me? What else did he want to talk about with someone like me, who was rejected?
We arrived at big, fancy doors that he opened easily. Inside was a big room with lots of books, a fancy desk, and big windows letting in sunlight.
Dante turned to me, his face hard to read. "Sit down," he said, pointing to a comfy chair by the desk.
I hesitated for a moment, then slowly lowered myself into the chair, I sat on the edge of the chair, feeling like I might run away if things got scary. Dante sat down across from me, his intense eyes staring right at me.
"Now then," he began, his deep voice cutting through the tense silence. "I believe we have some important matters to discuss."
I swallowed hard, my fingers twisting anxiously in my lap. "W-what matters?"I felt frustrated with the shake in my voice, wishing I sounded stronger and more sure of myself.
Dante leaned forward, his elbows resting on the armrests of his chair. "As I said before, you are now under my protection. That means you are a member of my pack."
My eyes widened in surprise. "Your...pack?" The words felt foreign on my tongue. I had never truly belonged to a pack, not since my own had so callously cast me aside.
Dante nodded, his expression solemn. "Yes. And as such, there are certain responsibilities and expectations that come with that." He paused, his gaze intensifying. "You see, little wolf, I am not merely the alpha of this pack. I am the Lycan King."
My breath caught in my throat. Of course I had known he was the Lycan King he had told me as much the night before. But somehow, hearing those words again, in this intimate setting, made the reality of the situation all the more intimidating .
"W-what does that mean for me?" I cursed myself for the tremor in my voice, betraying my growing unease.
Blake's lips curved into the barest hint of a smile. "It means, my dear, that you are now more than just a member of my pack." He leaned back in his chair, his gaze never wavering from mine. "You are my mate."
Everything felt like it was spinning., and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe. My mate? The Lycan King's mate? It was impossible, unthinkable. I was nothing, a worthless, rejected wolf , who is pregnant for another. How could I possibly be destined for such an honor?
"I...I don't understand." The words tumbled from my lips in a breathless whisper. "How can that be? I'm-"
"You are my second chance mate," Dante interrupted, his tone brooking no argument. "Fate has decreed that you and I are bound together, whether you believe it or not."