LOGINAmara POV
“I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you were Alpha Brock’s daughter.” He said truthfully. “It’s fine.. do you know him?” I asked. “We’re neighboring packs and allies.” He said with a laugh. When I didn’t respond, he spoke again. “You dance very well.. maybe you could trouble me with another?” He looked hopeful as he waited for my response. “Unfortunately, I think after this dance I may need a break. I never realized dancing could be so exhausting.” I said. I shrieked when he picked me up by my sides and spun me. When I was placed back on my feet, he let out a chuckle. I caught a glimpse of my mate staring at us, his eyes dark and terrifying. “Sorry, it was part of the dance.” The man brought my attention back to him. The music came to an end, his lips forming into a slight frown. “Maybe I could get you a drink then?” He asked. “I do think I’m alright. I’ve had plenty to drink..” I said, trying my best to give him the hint that I was uninterested. “That’s alright. Maybe you’ll change your mind and I’ll get one more dance before the night ends. I did quite enjoy this one.” He said. He rubbed the back of his neck nervously as I bowed. “Thank you. I should take my leave, it seems my father needs me.” I said, as I looked towards the crowd of people talking. “No worries.” He said with a bow. Once I’d walked from the dance floor, my father waved me over. “Well?” My Father asked once I’d gotten close to him. I furrowed my brows in confusion at his question. “How was the dance?” He questioned further. “It was.. okay?” I said in more of a question than a statement. “I saw him speak to you, what did he say?” He asked. “He asked what pack I was from.. and then told me we were neighboring packs. I’m confused, why does this matter?” I asked. He let out a sigh of annoyance and shook his head. “Not Alpha Cedric. The King, Amara. You danced with the King.” He said. My eyes widened in shock. I danced with the king? But I only danced with Gatlin, the Alpha and my mate.. My mate.. “The King?” I asked. He gripped my shoulders and turned me around, my eyes instantly landing in my mate. “Yes, King Sebastian.” He said as he pointed at the beautiful man standing far away, downing a drink of his own. Father gripped my shoulder tightly in anger. When I turned back around, he could see the paleness of my face. “What’s wrong? Did he not like you?” He asked, his eyes darkening at the thought. “I don’t know.. we didn’t get to dance long. And he didn’t say much.. just confirmed my name.” I said. He let out a sigh of relief. “Try to get as many dances with him as possible. I’ve noticed he looks at you often.” He said. I nodded my head in response, but I didn’t think I could do it. I mean.. my mate is the King! The Dark Lycan King! How could this be? Why would the Moon Goddess pair me with such a beast? Now I’m afraid he’s already chosen me.. but I don’t think I could tell my Father. I can’t let them know we’re mates. I just can’t. “He’s coming this way.” Grim pointed out. My heart sped in my chest as his scent grew stronger. “My King.. what a pleasure it is.” My Father bowed. I kept my back to him, only turning when my father glared at me. “Dance with me.” The King said once I looked at him. He held his arm out, waiting for me to grab him. “She accepts.” My Father spoke. I felt a hand push me towards him and I stumbled, my ankle twisting in the tall heels, only to be caught by King Sebastian with his hands on my waist. “I.. I’m sorry.” I said as my face heated up with embarrassment. He didn’t make a sound as I steadied myself.. but his hand stayed on me. He placed his hand on my lower back and led me back to the dance floor, my heart in my throat as I felt his aura swooshing around me. How did I not notice this before? His aura is far stronger than any I’ve ever been around. “Are you going to take up Alpha Cedric’s offer to dance later?” He asked as soon as we got into our dancing positions. I could feel all eyes on us, watching us curiously. I knew what most, if not all, we’re thinking. This is now our second dance.. and he walked across the ballroom to get me, specifically. “What?” I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Not only was he affecting me by just being my mate, he was affecting me by being the Dark King. I never realized I could be so nervous in my life. “Yes or no?” He asked as he cocked up a brow. We began to move to the music, every now and then I would miss a step.. but he held my tight enough to where I wouldn’t fall. “N-no.” I said. He nodded once in understanding. “There won’t be any switching of partners.. will there?” I asked, hoping that there wouldn’t be. Or maybe I was hoping I could have a different partner.. I couldn’t tell. “Why? Do you want a different partner?” He narrowed his eyes at me. “No..” my hands shook fearfully, hoping that I’d not made him angry. I averted my eyes as i spoke, hoping that the music would end as soon as possible so that I could escape his suffocating aura. “Look at me.” He demanded. I sucked in a deep breath and did as he asked. We spun around a few times, my dress swiping across the floor dramatically. It’s a wonder neither of us have slipped on it yet. Goddess, that would truly be the most embarrassing thing. “Look me in the eyes as you speak. I am your King. I will not tolerate such disrespect.” He growled lowly, tugging me tighter against him. “Forgive me. I am not.. used to this, to any of this.” I babbled. “You will get used to it.” He grunted. As the song ended, he dipped me. He stared into my eyes with little to no emotion.. it only made me fear him even more. “Don’t let me find you dancing and chatting with another man. You are mine.” He asserted, his eyes lowering to my neck. I felt heat rise in my belly at the sudden possessiveness from him. “Y-yes, my King.” I replied as he pulled me up, his grip on me loosening. Not once did he remove his hand from my lower back as we stepped away from the dance floor. I felt the stares we were getting.. the heated glares, the jealousy. This night was beginning to suffocate me, and his aura only made that feeling of no air even worse.Sebastian POV For a moment, I didn’t move. I just watched her. Her chest heaved. Her hands curled into fists at her sides. The bond between us was buzzing, nearly like electricity at this moment. But I pushed the feeling aside. “Again,” I ordered, voice low. She didn’t hesitate. Good. Amara came at me faster this time—no warning, no hesitation. She ducked low, aiming for my midsection, but I read her move and braced for impact. Except she was ready for that. At the last second, she shifted left, spun on her heel, and slammed her elbow into my ribs causing immediate pain to radiate from the impact. I grunted, stumbling back a half step—more from surprise than actual force. But that split second was all she needed. She twisted, grabbing my arm as she moved behind me. Before I could wrench free, her foot hooked around my ankle, and with a vicious pull of her bodyweight.. I hit the ground hard, dust exploding around me. A stunned silence fell over the training yard.
Sebastian POV I stood in the center of the fighting ring, waiting. My boots were planted in the dirt and my arms crossed over my chest. My gaze was fixed on the far end of the field where she’d be walking in any second now. Every nerve in my body was taut, ready—not just for the fight, but for the storm she always managed to bring with her. Around me, a few of the younger trainees had abandoned their drills, blades, and practice weapons, which were hanging and forgotten at their sides. They watched from the edge of the ring with barely restrained curiosity. Of course, they would. No one ever got to see the king spar. And certainly not with his queen. Queen. I could tell she was uncomfortable with the weight of that title. Sometimes I felt as if it didn’t sit right, as if she was too pure for this kind of world. But it would seem the Moon goddess had other plans. The air was crisp and cool with the bite of approaching dusk. The training grounds, normally a place of order and
Amara POV I tried so hard to look at everything I possibly could as we walked our way back to the carriage. I’d hardly even gotten to see a third of the vast market. I let out a small sigh of disappointment. As Sebastian walked next to me, I could feel the tension like crazy—the betrayal. And I’m not only sensing it from Sebastian, either. Edgar and Luther, who walk behind me, I can feel their anger. But I’m not sure who they’re mad at. Is it me? Is it the vampire? “We’ve all lost someone to vampires” Sebastian’s voice filled my mind like a cool breeze. “But what does that have to do with me?” I asked, my eyes averted from the vendor booths we walked past. I played with my fingers, trying to ignore the many eyes on us as we passed. “You wouldn’t understand.” He replied. I felt a pang of frustration as he cut the link. I wouldn’t understand.. no. He’s right about that. I haven’t lost anyone but my mother, who I didn’t even get the chance to know. I wouldn’t know what tha
Amara POV Sebastian’s grip was nearly bruising as he yanked me away from the cloaked man. His body radiated heat and tension, a shield between me and the danger he clearly sensed. The man didn’t flinch or retreat. Instead, he cocked his head, shadows concealing most of his face, save for the unsettling gleam of those blood-red eyes. He tugged the cloth covering his mouth down, the corner of his lips tugging up into a smirk. Edgar and Luther came in behind us, their stances ready for any sudden attacks. Is all of this really necessary? The man- no vampire, hasn’t done anything.. I’ve never seen a vampire before.. but this is most definitely not what I had in mind. He’s actually.. not bad looking. And now that I think of it.. he’s quite attractive. With beautiful pale skin, a chiseled jawline covered in stubble, and a great nose.. I shake the thoughts from my head. “I meant no harm,” the vampire said, his voice like honeyed silk as his gaze flicked over to me. “I only sought
Amara’s POV “Everything alright?” Sebastian’s voice flitted into my mind, causing me to slightly jump. It had only been ten minutes, but the silence of the alleyway gnawed at my nerves. I really have an anxiety issue, that’s for sure. “Yeah.. I don’t like it much over here. How much longer?” I replied, keeping my voice steady despite my discomfort. Edgar and Luther stood around me, each scanning opposite ends of the alleyway. Occasionally, their eyes darted my way, a silent reassurance that they were alert and ready if anything were to happen, though they’d assured me nothing would. “One minute,” Sebastian answered quickly before severing the link. The mind-link was still strange to me. My father or brothers would mind link me, but I always had trouble doing it back. It’s something Father would have gotten mad about if I did anyway. So I never really used it much, if at all. But this mind link thread is very different. I couldn’t help but kind of dread the day I’d mark
Amara POV I never imagined.. the city is absolutely alive. Pups dart through the streets, giggling and shrieking, while their parents chase after them as they scold them for running off. Vendors line both sides of the main road, showing off their items— jewelry that glints in the sun, fragrant spices, and foods that make my stomach growl despite my nerves. The buildings are unlike anything I’ve seen up close. Marble and stone buildings stretch as far as my eye can see, their sheer size making me feel tiny. From the castle, the city had seemed smaller.. But down here, everything bursts with energy, colors, scents, and sounds. It’s chaotic and breathtaking all at once. This.. this is a world I’ve only dreamed of. A cough beside me snaps me from my thoughts and I glance over, meeting the piercing eyes of my mate. My eyes betray me, drinking in every detail of him: the deep chestnut waves of his hair, the warm intensity of his matching eyes, the sharp cut of his jaw.. His broa







