Not My Mate, Not This Time

The sons of the Lycan King's royal family stood outside the council chamber, waiting.

The moment I stepped out of the room, they instinctively parted to make way. Erik stood at the center of the group.

Laughter and teasing broke out among them.

"Elsa," one of them called out, grinning, "you've been saying since we were pups that you wanted to mate with Erik. Looks like your dream's finally coming true, huh?"

"The Olson bloodline is at least the third-largest pack in the Northern Tribe. Was it really necessary to chase after Erik like that? Practically throwing yourself at his feet?"

Erik's eyes locked onto mine, his gaze sharp with amusement—no, mockery.

"Elsa, if you're so desperate to claim me as your mate, fine. But I have conditions. I'll only form a mate bond with you if you submit to them. Refuse, and no matter what pact our families made years ago… I'll still reject you."

The disgust in his eyes was all too familiar.

In my past life, I saw that look every day as he paraded his mistresses through our home.

Now, seeing it again, I felt nothing but indifference. That sharp sting of betrayal from my previous life was gone.

"Erik," I replied calmly, "our families may have sealed this pact when we were pups, but no one says my fangs must bare for you alone. You have an older brother, a second brother, and even a fourth. There are others besides you."

The moment the words left my mouth, his face changed.

A flicker of panic flashed across his expression.

His brothers, meanwhile, looked intrigued—eager, even.

The pact between the Gilmore and Olson bloodlines had been settled long ago by our parents. And the old Lycan King had publicly declared that whoever formed a mate bond with me would inherit the title and become the next Lycan King.

After a long silence, Erik let out a sneer.

"Elsa, haven't seen you in a few days and now you're playing hard to get? You think signaling you might choose someone else will grab my attention?"

At that, the other brothers looked visibly disappointed.

To them, it was unthinkable. I had followed Erik around since I was ten, loudly proclaiming I'd be his mate someday.

How could I possibly choose anyone else?

"Erik," one of them said with a chuckle, "once you're the next Lycan King, don't forget to put me in charge of logistics and trade."

"Erik, the future depends on you…"

As their flattery poured in, Erik looked smug, like he already wore the crown.

Erik's lips twisted into a smirk.

"Elsa, you've been my little shadow for years. The entire Northern Tribe knows you're obsessed with me. Who else would even consider claiming you now?"

"Ah, and my first condition," he added, " I've already pledged my heart to Audrey. You will not interfere. But don't worry—publicly, you'll still wear the title of Luna."

Ice flooded my veins.

This wasn't how it happened before.

In my past life, he'd hidden his affair until a year after we were bonded.

So why was he telling me now?

Unless… the Moon's curse had brought him back too.

I opened my mouth to press him for answers, but just then, Audrey ran over.

"Elsa, what are you and Erik talking about?" she asked, though her eyes never left Erik.

The way she looked at him—so full of affection—wasn't that of someone speaking to her sister's fiancé. It was the gaze of a long-time lover.

Before I could react, Erik yanked her against his chest.

Audrey let out a performative whimper, twisting halfheartedly. But her eyes locked onto mine, flashing with primal triumph.

"No, Erik, you're my sister's mate. We can't do this…"

"I've made my terms clear," Erik said, turning to walk away with her, "if she can't accept our relationship, then I won't bond with her."

As they walked off, I looked down at the photos still in my hand.

Erik, you may have been my choice in a past life.

But this time, I choose someone else.