Chapter 2

His mate? How dare he say such a thing? Who really is this man? And how can he claim me as his mate when I'm standing here with Caleb, ready to pledge my love and loyalty to him?

The questions swirl in my mind, but before I can ask any of them, the man's eyes seem to bore into mine, and I feel like I'm drowning in their depths.

The pack priest's voice trembles as he calls out, "Lucien Veyrien Hale, why have you come here?"

The man's eyes never leave mine as he responds, his voice low and husky.

"I'm here to claim my mate," he says, his words dripping with possession.

Caleb's grip on my hand tightens, and he turns to me, his eyes filled with concern.

"Aria, do you know him?" he asks, his voice low and urgent.

I shake my head, feeling a sense of confusion and fear.

"No, I've never met him before," I say, my voice barely above a whisper.

Lucien Veyrien Hale. The name sends a shiver down my spine. Everyone in the pack knows who he is. He's the Alpha of the Crescent Ridge Pack, a billionaire with a reputation for ruthlessness and cold calculation. He's also one of the pack's biggest benefactors, funding our infrastructure and supporting our economy.

But despite his fame and influence, I've never met him before. I've heard stories about his coldness, his lack of empathy, and his willingness to do whatever it takes to get what he wants.

As I gaze at him, I feel a sense of fear building inside me. What does he want with me? And why is he claiming me as his mate?

Caleb's face twists in anger as he turns to Lucien.

"Mr. Hale, or whatever you are, my mate doesn't know you, so get the fuck out of here," he growls, his voice low and menacing.

But instead of anger, Lucien's face creases into a cold, mirthless smile. He lets out a laugh, the sound echoing through the lodge like a crack of thunder. The room falls silent, and I feel a chill run down my spine as everyone's eyes widen in fear.

Lucien's gaze snaps back to me, his eyes burning with an intense heat.

"Aria Thornveil, daughter of Atlas Thornveil," he says, his voice dripping with possession. "I know you, Aria. You're mine. And no one can take you away from me because you're my mate."

I feel like I've been punched in the gut. How does he know my father's name? How does he know me? I take a step back, my heart racing with fear, as Lucien's words wash over me like a cold wave.

The priest's eyes dart to Caleb, and he hits him on the shoulder, his expression grave.

"Caleb, if Lucien Veyrien Hale says she's his mate, there's nothing we can do. You should just let her go to him. Do you want to face the wrath of the Alpha of the Crescent Ridge Pack?"

The priest's voice drops to a whisper, and he glances around the room nervously.

"She’s not worth it. You know what he's capable of, Caleb. He's ruthless, merciless. He'll stop at nothing to get what he wants. And if he says Aria is his mate, we'll be lucky if he doesn't destroy our entire pack to get her."

Caleb's face pales, and he looks at me, his eyes filled with uncertainty and fear. I can see the struggle in his eyes, the desire to protect me warring with the knowledge that Lucien Veyrien Hale is not someone to be trifled with.

While Caleb is still left in a daze, Lucien's grip on my wrist is like a vice as he drags me closer to him. I try to struggle, but it's futile. Caleb takes a step forward, his eyes blazing with anger and concern, but the priest's warning glance holds him back.

With a swift motion, Lucien slides my shoulder dress down, exposing my skin. I feel a surge of fear and panic as his eyes lock onto the exposed skin. Then, in a flash of pain, I feel his mark searing into my skin. I cry out, the sensation like burning fire coursing through my veins.

As the pain subsides, Lucien's eyes meet mine, and I see a possessive glint there. He turns to Caleb, his voice cold and commanding. "There. She's mine now."

The room falls silent, the weight of Lucien's words hanging in the air like a challenge. Caleb's face sets in a determined expression, but I can see the doubt in his eyes. What did Lucien just do to me?

Lucien's voice rings out, authoritative and commanding.

"Since I've marked her, no one should dare to stop me. She's mine now, and I'll take her where I please."

Before Caleb can react, two imposing wolf bodyguards rush into the room, their eyes fixed intently on him. They grab him, holding him back as he tries to rush to me.

Lucien doesn't hesitate, swooping in to scoop me up onto his shoulder. I struggle, protesting loudly.

"Put me down! Where are you taking me?"

Lucien's response is calm, his voice dripping with possession.

"You're my mate now. My wife. Where do you think?"

I try to kick and punch, but Lucien's grip is unyielding. The room blurs around me as he's carried out of the lodge, with his bodyguards following closely behind, still restraining Caleb.

As we're carried away, I catch a glimpse of Caleb's face, his eyes filled with worry and determination. I try to call out to him, but Lucien's grip tightens, and I'm forced to focus on the uncomfortable position and the uncertainty of what's to come.

The cool night air hits me like a slap in the face, and I realize we're outside, moving swiftly towards a waiting vehicle. Lucien's long strides eat up the distance, and I'm tossed into the backseat before I can react.

The doors slam shut, and the vehicle speeds away, leaving the lodge and Caleb behind. I'm trapped, and I have no idea what's in store for me or where he was taking me to. Lucien's eyes gleam in the dim light, his expression unreadable.

"Please let me go." I beg.

“Don't be scared. You’ll come to hate me, little thorn,” Lucien growls into my ear as i pound at his chest. “But at least you’ll remember who owns you.”