Chapter 5: My Fated Mate

Nyx

The moment our lips touched, spark ran straight through my veins. It was a feeling I could not understand at all like two missing puzzle pieces suddenly snapping perfectly into place.

For a second, Lucien went rigid. Then, with a low breath, he kissed me back.

And that made everything feel so much worse. It wasn't a gentle or casual touch; it was consuming and overwhelming, dragging me into a whirlwind of heat and confusion that scared me to my core.

Suddenly, he pulled away.

I stumbled back, blinking in a disoriented haze as the cold air rushed between us. My cheeks burned hot.

‘What did I just do?’

"I... I am so sorry," I stammered, my hands flying to my mouth as panic gripped my chest. "I didn't mean to—"

"Go to sleep, Nyx," Lucien interrupted sharply, his voice dropping into a flat tone.

I should have felt relieved. I should have hurried back to the bed, pulled the blankets over my head, and been glad he wasn't kicking me out into the hallway.

But instead, as I walked slowly back to the grand bed, a strange, hollow knot twisted deep inside my chest. I stared up at the ceiling, wondering why I had acted like a madwoman and kissed him. Have I lost my mind?

With my head spinning with endless questions, I finally drifted into a restless sleep.

Bright morning light was just beginning to filter through the curtains when I was jolted awake.

I sat up abruptly, the memories of my rebirth, my escape from Draven's trap, and the chaotic events of last night rushing back into my mind.

Across the room, Lucien was already standing near the window. He was fully dressed, looking cold, composed, and entirely unfazed by anything that had happened between us hours before.

"You're awake," Lucien said without turning around. His voice was flat and distant. "It's early. You should return to your assigned guest room before anyone sees you wandering my wing."

I swallowed hard, smoothing down my dress. "Yes, Your Majesty. Good morning."

A sharp knock echoed through the room.

Thud. Thud.

Lucien strode across the floor and pulled the door open.

Standing in the hallway was Erick, the Beta of the Iron Fang Pack and Lucien’s most trusted advisor. Erick stepped inside, but the moment his eyes landed on me standing near the Alpha King's bed, his expression twisted into a mask of shock and hostility.

"My King," Erick said, his voice dropping into a hard rumble. "Why did you call for me?"

Lucien didn't blink. "Erick. Escort her back to her assigned guest room."

Erick’s eyes widened further at my name, a clear sign of surprise flashing across his face. But he swallowed his words and gave a stiff nod. "As you command, My King."

As I walked past Lucien toward the door, I looked up, hoping for a final glance or a word. But Lucien didn't even look at me. He had already turned his back, retreating into the shadows of the room as the door clicked shut behind us.

The walk down the stone corridors was silent. Erick walked a few paces ahead of me, his boots echoing off the floor, radiating disapproval.

When we finally stopped in front of my guest room door, I offered a small, polite nod. "Thank you for escorting me, Beta Erick."

Erick didn't return the nod. He crossed his arms over his chest, his eyes narrowing down at me.

"What were you doing in the Alpha King's room, Miss Rivers?" Erick asked, his voice harsh and biting.

I flinched at his hostility. I couldn't tell him the truth, so I kept my mouth shut, staring down at the floor in silence.

Erick let out a scoff. "From now on, be very careful where you wander."

Without waiting for an answer, Erick turned on his heel and strode down the hallway.

I let out a shaky breath, unlocked my door, and stepped inside.

I needed to come up with a plan. I knew the betrayal was coming, I knew Draven and Lilac were ruthless monsters who wanted to destroy me. But as I sat there, a wave of shame washed over me.

I knew about the betrayal, yes but I knew nothing else. I had no idea how the pack worked, where to look for evidence, or how to investigate them. In my past life, I had been very clueless.

It's fine, I assured myself, taking a deep, grounding breath. I have memories of the future. I will figure it all out.

Since the Moon Goddess had given me a second chance, I would change my fate. And most importantly, I would make sure Draven and Lilac paid dearly for their actions.

As my thoughts settled, a persistent sensation bloomed deep in my belly.

It was a warm tug like a hidden spark of connection stretching across my skin. I pressed a hand against my stomach, frowning in confusion. I couldn't understand it. I had never felt anything like it before.

And then, it hit me.

‘A mate bond?’

My breath hitched, and my eyes widened in alarm.

Normally, wolf mates only form their deep connection after a formal bonding ceremony where they mark each other and consummate their mating. But I had never felt a connection this intense with Draven in my past life, and I hadn't been with anyone in this new life.

Unless...

My mind raced back to the lessons taught to us in the Blood Moon Pack. There was only one rare type of connection that could form even without a marking or a ceremony, a mate bond that was infinitely more powerful compared to any other.

A Fated Mate bond, personally crafted and sealed by the Moon Goddess Herself.

My blood ran cold.

I tried to search my memories, thinking back through my past life. When had I ever felt that exact same pull before?

Suddenly, it flashed in my mind: The very first day I arrived at the Iron Fang Pack, standing in front of the grand throne room, trembling as I introduced myself. Back then, I had been so nervous that I ignored the sudden ache in my chest.

And in this life?

I realized with a chill that I had started feeling it right after meeting Lucien and right after kissing him last night.

The room seemed to spin around me. The truth dropped over me like an avalanche.

Lucien...

Draven’s own uncle.. was my fated mate.