Chapter 2

***Star blood pack***

  Ryder, the powerful Lycan king, stood atop a hill, gazing out at the vast expanse of his kingdom. 

  The moon was full overhead.

  As he gazed out at the kingdom, Ryder's fingers instinctively brushed against the earth, as he felt the pulse of the land's energy.

  But there was something missing– his mate.

  Ryder's thoughts were consumed by the search for his mate. He had been searching for years, and his pack was beginning to lose hope. But Ryder refused to give up. He knew that his mate was out there, and he would stop at nothing to find her.

  As he stood there, Ryder's jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing as he vowed to find his mate.

  He would protect her, love her, and cherish her.

  The thought of her was all that drove him forward.

  He would not rest until he found his mate and claimed her as his own. The very thought of her sent a shiver down his spine, and he felt his heart pounding in his chest.

  "I will find you, my mate," Ryder vowed, his voice carried away by the wind.

  "I will find you, and I will make you mine."

  Luca, Ryder's Beta and closest friend, approached him.

  "Alpha Ryder, I've been thinking," Luca said, his voice low. "We've been searching for your mate for years, and we've had no luck. Maybe it's time to consider a different approach."

  Ryder turned to Luca, his eyes narrowing slightly. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice firm.

  "Well," Luca began, "maybe instead of searching for her, we should focus on understanding what kind of person she might be. What kind of qualities would she have? What kind of person would be a good match for you?"

  Ryder considered Luca's words. He had always been focused on finding his mate through instinct and scent.

  "I think you're right, Luca," Ryder said finally. "Call for the elders, so we can discuss this further. Maybe together, we can come up with a new plan."

  Ryder's eyes flashed with a fierce light as he thought of his mate, his mind racing with ways to own her.

  Luca nodded, "I'll do that and we'll meet in the great hall".

  With that, Luca turned and disappeared into the night, leaving Ryder to his thoughts. Ryder stood there for a moment, before turning to follow Luca to the great hall.

  The meeting with the pack elders would be crucial in determining the next steps in Ryder's search for his mate.

  As he walked towards the great hall, Ryder felt a sense of hope rising within him.

  The great hall was filled with the elders of the Star blood pack, all gathered to discuss the search for Ryder's mate.

  But suddenly, his eyes snapped shut, and his head jerked up. He felt it - a chill ran down his spine, his breath catching in his throat as he sensed her distress.

  His mate.

  Ryder's eyes flew open, and he scanned the hall, his senses on high alert. Where was she? What was happening to her?

  His heart racing with urgency. He had to find her. He had to know what was wrong.

  With a swift motion, Ryder turned and strode out of the great hall, Luca calling after him. "Alpha Ryder, what's wrong?"

  Ryder didn't answer.

  He was already tracing the scent of his mate's emotions, following the thread of despair that had called to him.

  He ran through the forest, his heart pounding in his chest. He had to find her.

  Finally, he reached the place where the scent was strongest. As he looked around, he saw nothing. No one.

  Ryder's eyes scanned the desolate landscape, his senses on high alerts.

  The sense of his mate distress lingered making his wolf, Aiden growling.

  He took a step forward, his booth crunching on the dry leaves.

  Ryder's pulse throbbed in his neck, his breath coming in short gasps. He had to find her.

  Suddenly, a faint whimper echoed through the forest, sending shivers down Ryder's spine.

  He followed the sound, his senses guiding him through the darkness.

  As he approached the source of the whimper, Ryder's eyes locked onto the figure huddled on the ground.

  His mate. Her body trembling, her eyes closed.

  With swift motion, Ryder scooped her into his arms, cradling her close.

  Her scent enveloped him, calming his heart.

  He buried his face in her hair, inhaling deeply and felt a sense of peace wash over him.

  Her body trembled in his arms but as he held her, her shaking slowly subsided.

  "Mine," his wolf, Aiden growled softly, satisfied.

  Ryder's eyes closed savoring the moment. He had found his mate. The search was over.

  Ryder's eyes locked onto his mate tear-stained face, she was crying.

  The sound tore at his heart and he felt a. surge of protectiveness.

  " Who hurt you?" Ryder's voice was low and menacing.

  Crystal's eyes fluttered open, and she looked up at Ryder, unsure of who he was or why he was holding her.

  She too a deep breath, trying to calm down.

  "I...I was rejected" Crystal whispered, her voice barely audible.

  Ryder's jaw relaxed and his lips curved into a gentle smile as he held her closer.

  As Ryder held Crystal, he could sense her pain and vulnerability. He knew she needed comfort and care.

  He continued holding her, offering silent support.

  Her sniffles grew less frequent, her chest rising and falling with slower breaths.

  Her tense muscles relaxed as she breathed in Ryder's scent.

  Just as she looked up at Ryder, taking in his features, Ryder's eyes met Crystal's and for a moment, they looked at each other, the connection between them palpable.