Claimed by the Lycan King

VeraThe bathroom mirror didn't lie, no matter how many times I wished it would. I stared at my reflection—the roundness of my face, the way my cheeks puffed out even when I wasn't smiling, the double chin that appeared no matter which angle I turned. My body filled the frame, curves spilling over curves, thick arms that jiggled when I moved, thighs that rubbed together when I walked. Size twenty-two. That's what the tags said. That's what Daemon reminded me of every single day. "Luna." My wolf whispered the title in my mind, but it felt like a joke. What kind of Luna looked like me? I pressed my hands against the cool porcelain sink, trying to steady myself. Tonight was the Moon Ceremony. Tonight, the Moon Goddess would officially bless our bond before the entire Shadowfang Pack. I should have been excited. I should have been getting ready in the Luna suite, surrounded by attendants, wearing something beautiful. Instead, I was hiding in this tiny bathroom in the omega quarters, w

Vera The gates opened automatically as we approached, heavy iron sliding apart with barely a whisper. Guards snapped to attention on either side, their weapons lowered but ready. They didn't look at me. Their eyes stayed fixed on Dante, and every single one of them had the same expression—absolute obedience mixed with raw fear. "Boss." One guard nodded as we passed. His voice shook slightly. Dante didn't acknowledge him. He just kept walking, pulling me through the compound like I weighed nothing. Which, considering my size, was impossible. Unless you were a Lycan who'd just ripped eight wolves apart with your bare hands. The main building loomed ahead, all glass and steel and modern architecture that screamed money. Serious money. The kind of money my pack could never dream of. Lights blazed from every window, and even from outside I could hear voices, movement, life happening within. "How many people live here?" I asked. "Seventy-three." Dante pushed open the front door. "Fami

Vera's Pov After breakfast, I practically ran back to my room. My hands were still shaking. The way Dante had looked at me, the things he'd said—beautiful, strong, mine—they played on repeat in my head until I wanted to scream.Nobody had ever called me beautiful. Not once in my entire life.I paced the massive bedroom, my mind spinning. Why was he doing this? The clothes, the food, the protection—it was too much. I wasn't used to being pampered. Wasn't used to anyone caring whether I ate or slept or lived or died. It scared me more than his violence had.A knock at the door made me jump. "Come in."A young maid entered, carrying a garment bag. She was petite and pretty, with dark hair pulled back in a neat bun. She smiled at me like I was normal, like I belonged here."Miss Vera, the king is hosting a party tonight." She laid the garment bag carefully on the bed. "He sent this for you."My stomach dropped. A party. With all of Dante's people, his family, probably other crime lords