Chapter 0003

Olivia

Today is officially the worst day of my life. I can’t fucking believe that I have been planning to spend the rest of my life with a cheating bastard like Marcus. He is a freaking douchebag. Now, I know, he was always hungry for power, and a power hungry scumbag like him definitely deserves a home wrecking wench like Emma. She is a mate stealing slut, and I am sure she is as power hungry as that asshole Marcus.

I sighed, already tired from today's events. My name is Olivia Evan, and I am the daughter of the Lycan King - Alpha Bill Evans. My father leads the Royal Pack, and as his heir and only daughter, I am the next in line. All I ever wanted in my life was to have a love like my parents.

I strongly believed in the mate bond, and I wanted to fall in love with my mate. In the past, every time I thought about my mate, I felt worried. Worried that he would only accept me to escape my father’s wrath or because I am a Lycan princess.

I wanted to experience true love like every other mated couple, without having to think about whether or not my mate loved me. It was then that I decided that I was going to hide my identity as a true Lycan Princess and be a normal she-wolf from a small pack.

I wanted to do everything I could because, to me, it looked like the only way to get my mate’s true love. Looks like I was wrong to sacrifice everything for someone who didn’t even care about it. I still remember the day I found out Marcus was my mate and told Arthur about my decision.

*****FLASHBACK*****

“You’re late!” He glared at me, trying to look all upset and angry, but I knew he was only pretending. I was supposed to meet him here the moment I woke up, but I went out for a run because I was feeling restless.

“I am sorry!” I chuckled before looking at him with the biggest smile I have ever had. “You won’t believe what happened when I was out for a run.” I clasped my hands in joy while he squinted his eyes at me, trying to figure out what I was talking about. I have to say my best friend is fucking cute when he has that confused look on his handsome face.

“Arthur, I found my mate.” I squealed in excitement, throwing myself into his arms. He stiffened and froze in place, making me frown at him. I stepped back to look at him, his face marred with a shocked expression. He stared into my eyes as if trying to figure out if I was saying the truth, and after what felt like forever, his face broke into a big smile.

“Congratulations, love, I am so happy for you.” He said, wrapping me in a warm hug, and I felt a surge of happiness at his words. Arthur is my best friend, and it means a great deal to me knowing he is happy for me.

“Thank you Arthur. I can’t tell you how happy I am.” I replied, breaking away and smiling at him. “I still can’t believe I found him. It was so unexpected, but when I saw him for the first time, it was like everything suddenly made sense.” I sighed happily, looking at Arthur. He had a sad smile on his face with a look of longing, and I suddenly felt guilty for gloating about my mate in front of him.

“I am sorry. I know you have been waiting for your mate. Trust me, you will find her soon.” I squeezed his hand, trying to give him some comfort.

“Don’t worry about it, love, I know I will find her, but right now, it’s about you.” He smiled back, and there was no trace of the sad, longing look as if it has never been there. “I don’t think you could have gotten a better gift on your 18th birthday. Happy Birthday love!” He smiled, gently kissing my forehead.

“Now tell me all about your mate.” He said, as he pulled me to sit beside him on the rock. The sound of the waterfall calms my heart.

Arthur and I have always been close since we first met. Though he was 5 years older than me but I just felt comfortable around him. He has always been my best friend and protector, and that is why he is very important to me.

“His name is Marcus.” I sighed happily as I recalled how handsome my mate looked. “He is the Alpha of the Bronze Ridge Pack. I just wandered off without realising I was in his territory, and when he found me, we just kept looking at each other.” I couldn’t stop myself from smiling when I talked about my mate. He is everything I ever wanted.

“You mean Alpha Marcus Willians?” He frowned, and I nodded my head, looking at him in confusion.

“Is something wrong?” I questioned.

“I don’t know.” He sighed. “Bronze Ridge is a very small pack, one of the smallest in northern America.” He replied.

“You know it doesn’t matter to me how big his pack is or what rank he is?” I was confused by his words. I don’t know what does it matter if he has an enormous pack or not?

“It’s not that,” he replied, running his hand through his hair like he usually does when he’s stressed. “He doesn’t have a very good reputation amongst the other Alphas, and there are rumours that he is already betrothed to an Alpha female.” He explained. It can’t be possible. I met him today, and he wasn’t mated, that was for sure.

“That’s what they are, rumours. I met him today, and he wasn’t mated.” I replied, trying to defend my mate.

“Olivia, I just want you to be careful, alright? As long as you are sure, and he doesn’t hurt you, I am good.” He said, wrapping his arm around my shoulder.

“Thank you!” I replied, leaning my head on his shoulder, grateful for his support.

“There’s one more thing.” I whispered, breaking away from him nervously.

“Olivia Evans, what have you done this time?” He questioned, looking at me seriously. Damn it! Why does he have to know me so well?

“Marcus doesn’t know who I am. He thinks I am a normal she-wolf from a small faraway pack.” I bit my lips nervously and Arthur growled in annoyance.

“This is a bad idea, Olivia. Why would you even do something like this?” This time, however, I could say he was really upset with me.

“I shouldn’t have lied, I know. I am sorry, but I think this is the only way for me to find true love. Knowing I am a Lycan Princess, Marcus would probably feel pressured and threatened by dad, and I don’t want that.” I explained, trying to explain myself.

“You do know that your mate will feel betrayed when he finds out the truth, right?” Arthur still sounded unsure, and I don’t blame him. He is right, and I know it sounds stupid, but I want to experience the mate bond naturally without my mate feeling threatened.

“I promise, I am going to tell him the truth once we get to know each other. The moment I realise nothing in the world could harm our bond, he will know my true identity.” I promised. I was determined, and I knew it was the right thing to do.

“Alright!” He sighed in defeat. “If that is what you want, I am okay with it, as long as you are happy.” He smiled, and I heaved a sigh of relief. In that moment I thought nothing could go wrong, but if only I knew.

*****FLASHBACK ENDS*****

“Hey sweetheart,” dad’s voice pulled me out of my memories. I looked up to see him standing at my door with Arthur.

“Dad, Arthur, come on in.” I smiled at them, inviting them into my room. They smiled back in response, walking in and making themselves comfortable on the couch on either side of me.

“How are you feeling, love?” Arthur asked in a soft voice.

“As good as I can feel, considering I was a fool to not see Marcus for who he really was,” my voice trembled as I responded. It really sucks how you can’t stop yourself from feeling the pain of betrayal in your heart.

“None of this is your fault, love. You trusted your mate like everyone else, and you can’t blame yourself for it.” He said, giving my hand a comforting squeeze.

“I guess you are right, but that doesn’t make it suck any less.” I sighed, feeling deflated.

“About that, I have decided we are going to have a grand party tomorrow in honour of our Lycan princess.” Dad said, and I looked at him in confusion. Does he really want to have a part at a time like this?

“Sweetheart, you wanted revenge, and this is a perfect opportunity for it. I am going to invite all the Alphas from the entire country. Even your excuse of an ex-mate and announce you as the next in line Queen.” He explained. “That is going to be the perfect slap on his face for hurting my princess.” His words showed the anger and hate he held for Marcus.

“Arthur, I know I don’t have to tell you this, but you are to be with Olivia at all times and fulfil your promise by pretending to be her boyfriend. Make sure you take care of my princess.” He warned, and Arthur nodded and bowed his head respectfully in response.

The way Arthur loves and respects my father and listens to his every word is something I can’t even explain. His reputation as the cold and ruthless Alpha King would make it hard for anyone to believe that he could take orders from another King or be this gentle the way he is with me. I don’t know what good I have done to have him in my life as my best friend.

“Of course Uncle Bill. Olivia is my number one priority. You have my word.” I smiled at him, grateful for the promise his words held. Knowing he will be there with me gave me the confidence to face Marcus head on. I can’t wait to see the look on his face when finds out who I really am.