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Chapter 4: The Lycan King is My Mate?

Lya’s P.O.V

I look at the annual Lycan King's ball invitation with a mix of surprise and annoyance. I have no desire to attend such an event, but I don't really have a choice. Especially since it seems to come from a good intention. King Soren accompanied my invitation with a note explaining that he learned of Jack and Emma's death and that he invites me to help take my mind off things.

On the evening of the ball, I decide to remain discreet, avoiding any encounters or disturbances. I bought a very pretty strapless black dress, embroidered with silver, simple but flattering to my figure. My long black hair is tied up in a bun, and I opted for subtle makeup. I am enjoying the buffet when two Lycans approach me.

"Miss?"

"Yes?"

"The King wishes to speak with you," the second servant informs me.

"Me?"

I blink several times, surprised. The two men simply nod before gesturing for me to follow them. I comply without protest. They lead me to an office where a man stands alone. The look he gives me once the door is closed is not very welcoming. Soren, the Lycan King, is wearing a black tuxedo that accentuates his physique and reinforces his charisma. But it doesn't make him any more likable.

"I already sensed it during our first meeting, and now I'm sure. What is the goddess playing at... a human as an erasthai? It's a joke," he says in a cold tone.

He approaches me and circles around. I hold my breath, my heart pounding, and my stomach strangely knotted. I'd like to believe that it's Soren's harsh words that put me in this state, but deep down, I know it's something else. I feel drawn to the Lycan. All I want is for him to let me explain. To allow me to tell him that I'm not human.

"I don't know what you hope for, but you don't have what it takes to become Queen. The Lycan people will never accept a queen as weak as you."

"Excuse me?"

His words are like a slap in the face. He doesn't even ask me who I am. He despises and rejects me in the name of his people without even giving me a chance to explain, without even trying to get to know me.

A smirk finally appears on his face, far from reassuring me.

"Nevertheless, my Lycan needs you. He refuses the idea of me rejecting you. You may not have what it takes to be queen, but you'll be perfect as a mistress. What do you say?"

"Is this some kind of sick joke?"

Before I even realize what I'm doing, I slap Soren. The shock registers on the Lycan's features.

"Never, do you hear me? Never will I be your mistress," I declare furiously.

A group of men bursts in and surrounds me before I can understand what's happening. Damn, he must have called them through a mental link! Two of the guards grab me. Soren's furious voice seals any chance of me getting out of here with my head held high.

"Take this fury to the dungeons! That should help her realize what's good for her!"

"You'll regret this, stupid Lycan king," I mutter as the Lycans lead me out of the room.

But Soren couldn't care less about what I say. He rubs his cheek thoughtfully. She's beautiful, he has to admit that. But he only needs her because of the strength provided by the soulmate bond and because his Lycan opposes him. The door opens, and his Lycan goddess enters, immediately lightening his mood.

"Is everything alright, Soren?" she whispers in a seductive voice.

"Yes, just a small problem quickly resolved. Nothing for you to worry about."

"Good. But... Has someone hit you?"

The Lycan woman seems shocked before her gaze turns to anger, warming his heart. He plants a quick kiss on her lips.

"I told you. Nothing for you to worry about. Let's return to the ball."

I curse loudly at the men who just threw me into a dungeon. I'm wearing only my evening gown, and this damn cell is cold and damp.

"Damn, why should I stay here to be humiliated?!"

I bite my tongue. Emma would give me a stern look if she heard me swearing like this! Besides, now that I think about it, I'm convinced that Soren used Jack and Emma's death to lure me into his castle. He deserves more than just a slap.

The next day, I am rudely awakened by a guard.

"The Lycan King wants to see you, woman!"

"Yay, what a joy," I mutter through gritted teeth.

I rub my eyes and see Soren standing in my cell, a smug smile on his lips. Oh, if only I could wipe that smile off his face!

"Are you in a better mood now?"

"No. I gave you my answer yesterday," I reply coldly.

"Too bad. You'll stay here until you understand what's in your best interest."

"That's what we'll see," I hiss quietly.

I lock eyes with him. My intense blue gaze locks onto his, and I don't flinch. He seems surprised by that. But I swear to myself that at some point, I'll do much more than surprise him.

"Yes, that's what we'll see," he replies before leaving.

What an idiot! I saw the turmoil in his eyes, meaning the King is fighting his Lycan who must certainly be threatening to take control. But even if that's the case, I won't let that Lycan mark me. It's too late for that.

Humiliated and imprisoned, why should I give him a second chance after all? It's time for me to leave. To leave the Lycan kingdom. I'm convinced Soren won't have me searched for. It will then be an opportunity to start a quieter life away from him. What I don't know yet is that Soren is not the only one interested in me.

That night, a group of rogues sneaks into the castle, then into the dungeons. They are well-prepared. They use sprays to completely mask their scent, as well as others to ensure they can infiltrate without attracting anyone's attention. Arriving at the dungeons, they use an incapacitating, odorless gas to neutralize the guards and prisoners.

Protected by masks, they advance to the cell designated by their informant. Inside, the young woman makes no movement. Caught in her sleep, she will only realize her misfortune upon waking. Their objective is achieved without a hitch, and the group leaves, taking the young woman with them.

The next day, upon arriving at the dungeons, Soren senses that something is wrong. A strange scent seems to linger in the corridors. He rushes to the cell where his erasthai is held, only to find a guard deeply asleep and no trace of the young woman. He shakes the guard forcefully to wake him.

"Where is she?!"

"I... In her cell, Your Majesty," he stammers.

"If that were the case, I wouldn't be asking you," Soren snaps in a low voice.

He lifts the man and forces him to look into the empty cell.

"So? Are you still going to tell me she's in her cell?"

"I don't understand, Your Majesty," he defends himself, frightened.

A human managed to escape from the royal dungeons? It's impossible! She must have had accomplices. His erasthai gone, his Lycan growls in rage against him. But he has more important things to do, and he decides to muzzle it. He must understand how she managed to leave the dungeons. It's a matter of security!

And as soon as he gets his hands on her again, he will make her pay for this humiliation. No one mocks the Lycan King without facing the consequences.

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