Chapter 4

Roisin 

My Pack had always been known for one thing: we were the closest werewolf territory to the Lycan Kingdom. But for the past hundred years, a fragile peace pact had kept our blood off each other’s hands.

Two days. That’s all it took me to cross into forbidden territory.

I lived off wild fruits and berries, the occasional stream water, and slept curled under trees or wedged into tight, dark caves that smelled like damp leaves and fear. The hunger was one thing. The paranoia was worse.

Getting into the Lycan Kingdom had been shockingly easy. A shipment truck rumbled past the border and I’d managed to slip inside a crate of goods. My miniature size came in handy—thank the Moon Goddess. When the truck finally stopped, I slid out quietly while the workers busied themselves with unloading.

I kept my head down, moving quickly through the crowded market. Lycans could sniff out a wolf in seconds if I wasn’t careful. Despite our similar biology, our scents were vastly different. Lycans exuded a synthetic, almost metallic pheromone that was sharp and aggressive—while wolves had an earthier, milder scent. Easier to mask.

I swiped a cloak from a vendor’s display, slipped it over myself, and padded out of the market unnoticed.

The forest bordering the kingdom’s capital became my refuge. I figured I could hide there, regroup, and come up with a plan.

That’s when I saw her.

She was sitting on a rock, hands bound, eyes hauntingly bright. A little girl, no older than six, with flowing red hair and eyes that shimmered like cerulean fire. She was far too beautiful to belong in this nightmare. She was definitely a Lycan.

Four men lounged around a fire, laughing and drinking, talking loudly about how much money they’d make from selling her. My stomach twisted.

They were kidnappers. Traffickers. Monsters.

I crouched low behind the trees, heart pounding, fists clenched. Even in my adult form, I couldn’t take on four full-grown men. But now? I was small, vulnerable, and alone.

Still, I couldn’t walk away.

“We have to help her,” I whispered to Jaeni.

“Already working on it,” she said calmly.

Luck was on our side. A snake slithered past me, just out of view. I caught it by the head and hurled it into the center of the group.

The men scattered, shrieking like children.

I used the chaos to my advantage, sprinting toward the girl, yanking her into the underbrush. She didn’t scream. She didn’t even flinch. Maybe because I was small too, someone closer to her age. I quickly untied her hands. She threw herself at me and hugged me tight.

She smelled… sweet. Like sugar and vanilla. Soft and comforting. That was strange—Lycan pheromones weren’t supposed to be anything like this. But her scent was gentle. It clung to me like a memory I never had.

“We have to run,” I told her urgently. “Don’t let go of my hand, okay?”

She nodded. No words, just trust.

We ran together, tearing through branches and dry leaves, until we reached the edge of the forest—just beyond the outskirts of the main town.

And then it happened.

That strange feeling enveloped me again—like I was being pulled inside out—and suddenly, I felt myself growing. My limbs stretched, my clothes tightened. In the blink of an eye, I was back to my adult form.

“It looks like time’s up,” Jaeni said, bemused. “It was fun, seeing you as a child again. But you won’t be able to shift like that for a while.”

Before I could respond, the little girl jumped into my arms and wrapped herself around me tightly.

“Mummy!”

I froze. What?

I peeled her off, staring at her with wide eyes. I expected confusion. Fear, maybe. But that? Seriously?

“I’m not your mum,” I said quickly. “I just saved you, that’s all. Now hush—we can’t draw attention.”

But she suddenly turned away, sniffed the air like an animal on instinct, and took off running.

“Wait—stop!” I called after her, but she was gone, darting toward town.

Groaning in frustration, I chased after her. I shouldn’t have. I should’ve let her go. I’d done my part. But there was something about her—too pretty, too precious. I couldn’t leave her to fate.

And then she shouted, loud and clear.

“Daddy!”

She hurled herself into the arms of a tall man. I skidded to a halt, heart skipping several beats.

He picked her up effortlessly, strong arms curling around her tiny body. And when I looked up—when I really looked—I felt the blood drain from my face.

He was the definition of majesty. Towering, regal, built like a war god in silk. Golden blonde hair styled to perfection. Emerald eyes that gleamed like polished blades. Skin like sculpted ivory, sharp cheekbones, aristocratic features. Every inch of him screamed royalty.

“Your Majesty, please wait!” another man panted behind him.

My brain short-circuited. No… no no no.

The Lycan King?!

I was so screwed.

He turned his gaze to me—and I nearly collapsed. His eyes were fire and judgment. His pheromones hit me like a shockwave—burnt wood and camphor. Dangerous, smoky, intoxicating. I shrank back, panic rising in my throat.

And then it hit me. That overwhelming, blissful pull.

That cursed feeling I’d prayed never to feel again.

“Mate…” Jaeni howled grimly.

I froze.

No. Hell no. My heart thundered. My skin felt hot and clammy. The Moon Goddess couldn’t possibly be this cruel.

I was mated to the Lycan King?

First a crazed murderer, now him?! 

He would kill me. Mate bond or not, I was a werewolf. Worse—he probably thought I kidnapped his daughter.

I need to run.

I spun on my heel and bolted—but I didn’t make it two steps before I slammed into a chest. Solid. Immovable. A hand clamped around my arm like iron.

My head snapped up—and those same emerald eyes stared back at me. Unblinking. All-knowing.

How the hell did he get in front of me?

“Don’t forget he’s a Lycan,” Jaeni sighed. “Nature cheats in their favor. Joke’s on you for thinking you could run.”

I squirmed, but his grip was like steel. And worse, he kept staring at me, like he couldn't quite believe what he was seeing.

When he finally spoke, his voice was a velvet baritone—dark, deep, and commanding.

“Little wolf… did you not feel the bond?”

I didn’t trust my voice. My head nodded before I could stop it.

“Use your words.”

“Y–Yes,” I whispered. “I felt it.”

He smiled, the expression both devastating and dangerous.

“Good. Then we’re on the same page. You’ll come with me. Back to the palace. We have things to discuss.”

He let go of me.

My legs almost buckled.

Go with him? To a Lycan palace? I should have laughed. Or screamed.

I couldn’t trust him. I couldn’t trust anyone. Not after everything.

“I’m sorry,” I said, summoning every drop of courage. “But I’m not going anywhere with you.”

He chuckled. Actually chuckled.

Then turned to his daughter, kissed her forehead, and glanced back at me with a smirk.

“I don’t recall offering you a choice. I wasn’t asking, little wolf. I was telling you. You’re my mate. And I won’t have you wandering around the kingdom where Lycans might rip you apart.”

He spoke like he was doing me a favor. Like dragging me into his world was some kind of kindness.

I wanted to roll my eyes—or scream. But I held it in.

“Fine,” I muttered, pretending like I had a choice.

This goddess-damned life just kept getting crazier.

“Vyre,” he called, turning away with the little girl’s hand in his.

Before I could react, the man behind him—Vyre—strode up and slung me over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

I didn’t even get to protest.

Of course. This was my life now.

Losing everything on my birthday. Falsely accused. On the run. And now, a hostage under Lycan claws.

Thanks for nothing, Moon goddess.