Chapter 2

Cassandra's pov

Different emotions surged through me, ranging from anger, sorrow, despair and finally numbness.

As my feet sunk into the muddy ground as I walked I couldn't feel anything.

It was as though I was merely a ghost observing life pass by me.

Why had I ignored things that were glaring obviously in front of me.

I pushed my wet, sticky hair out of my face and as I looked around I realized I was lost.

I looked back but all I saw was forestry and I wondered how I had possibly come out this far without noticing.

My feet hurt and my back ached and I instantly knew I had been walking for hours.

As I stared down at my sodden clothes I couldn't help but wonder how what started out as a beautiful night had gone horribly wrong.

With a sad smile I leaned against a tree which provided me with minimal shelter and let the rain wash over me, ignoring the shivers that ran through my body.

A snap broke the serenity which surrounded me and my eyes popped open.

A low growl filled the silence as more bones snapped and against my better judgement, I peeked out from behind a tree.

My eyes bulged as a magnificent Lycan stood in the middle of the clearing, seemingly changing back to it's human form.

I marvelled at how huge and majestic the beast was.

How was this possible?

The lycan's were never found in this part of the city. They were at the highest echelon in society and were second only to royalty.

The Lycan seemed to sense my presence and stilled.

I carefully etched back behind the tree, not wanting to be discovered.

The Lycan sniffed the air for a few seconds, a low growl emanated from him right before he looked in my direction and my eyes met his dark brown ones.

In one swift moment, the Lycan effortlessly transformed back into it's human form and my throat dried.

He was a sight for sore eyes.

His matted brown hair fanned his face and his dark brown eyes glistened as he walked directly towards me.

My eyes widened and I slowly tried to imch away from the tree.

"Don't bother, I can see you." His baritone voice called out to me and a shiver ran down my spine.

My heart sped up at his words and I wondered what I should do.

With a gulp, I slowly came out from my hiding place.

His eyes became darker and never left mine as he stopped in front of me.

Upclose, he was even more magnificent to behold. A rich earthy scent invaded my senses and I felt like I was spinning.

He had a commanding and domineering aura about him, almost arrogant and hunty, and I instantly knew this wolf had a high rank in the werewolf world.

"Mate." He announced with a growl, his eyes held a fire and intensity which scared me.

"What?" I whispered, confused.

Surely I had misheard him.

"You are my mate." He clarified as he looked down at me with a small frown on his face.

He almost looked as confused as I felt with his brows scrunched up as he regarded me.

"I think you are mistaken." I gulped.

He slowly rose his hand towards me and his finger followed a dried trail of my tears. I shivered as he touched me and the air around us seemed charged.

The rain had reduced to a light drizzle and the man's hair clung to his face.

Impulsively, I rose my hand and brushed away the hair clinging to his face, obstructing my view of him.

A low purr rumbled between us and he closed his eyes for a few seconds. He seemed to be relishing my touch.

After a moment those deep brown orbs stared at me with heat.

"There is no mistake, you are my mate." His voice was deep and husky and a low heat settled between my legs.

"That's not possible. I'm a human." I pointed out, taking a few steps back.

I couldn't think properly with the heat radiating from him warming me and his intoxicating scent distracting me.

"I'm as confused as you are but my wolf is certain." He stated.

"How?" I knew my eyes sparkled with curiousity but I couldn't help it.

My senses are sharpened and I can perceive everything about you. Your sweet vanilla essence, the wetness crowding between your legs and the increased tempo of your heartbeat." He explained and I gasped at his words, a warmth spreading through me.

"My wolf is on edge and waging war within me to be let free to mark and claim you as his. So like I said before, there is no mistake." He looked pointedly at me and I was at a loss for words.

His hand cradled my face and as he stared at me intently, butterflies fluttered in my belly.

"Do you claim you don't feel it?" He quirked a brow at me and I knew the 'it' was that awareness I had of him. That sizzle in the air that made everything seem electrified.

"You can't mark me." I shook my head, ignoring his question as I took several more steps from him.

How did I get here?

From getting my heart shattered by the man I thought I would spend the rest of my life with to finding a Lycan who claimed I was his mate.

Fear gripped me at what it would mean if this wolf marked me. My whole life would be upended.

And so without a thought I turned and sprinted down the path I came, pushing my legs to get as far away from him as possible as I knew he could catch up to me if he wanted to.