The Lycan King's Claim

“Do you really think you’ll find her this time, sir?” my Beta, Julius, asked hesitantly.

“I have to be hopeful,” I replied, my voice low. “Accept the invitation from the Moonrose Pack. Make sure every unmated maiden in their territory is present at the ceremony.”

I turned and entered my study.

Five hundred years. That’s how long I’ve walked this earth. And ever since I turned thirty, my body hasn't aged a day. Portraits lined the walls—different eras, different styles, but always the same face. Immortal. Alone.

Despite everything I’ve achieved, all the wars I’ve won and enemies I’ve crushed, what I long for most is simple: a mate. Someone to share eternity with. Someone to build a legacy with. I’ve crossed oceans, traveled through every pack across the continents during mating seasons, and every time... I returned alone.

I poured myself a glass of scotch and stared at the empty frame I kept near the fireplace—a placeholder for her.

I want an heir. I want to be a husband. A father. I’ve watched generations of wolves grow old, have children, and die. Julius is the great-great-grandson of my first Beta. Legacy surrounds me—but none of it is mine.

My thoughts were interrupted by the click of heels and a too-familiar scent.

“What’s got you so worked up this time?” Elisa purred as she sauntered in, hips swaying, her outfit barely covering anything. She knew what she was doing.

To say I didn’t fall for her seduction would be a lie. Even I have desires. I grabbed her roughly, claimed her lips with a heat that came more from frustration than passion. If she came here for lust, I’d give her exactly that—and maybe teach her not to keep testing my limits.

She gasped and moaned under me as I slammed into her, our bodies colliding with raw need. Good thing the study was soundproof, or the whole estate would have heard her cries for mercy.

But when it was over, all I felt was... guilt.

What if I find my mate today?

Would she reject me, knowing I hadn’t waited?

Elisa’s voice pulled me from my thoughts. “What’s wrong, Kieran?”

I clenched my jaw. Her voice grated on me now.

“Get out.”

She growled, pain flickering across her face as I used my Alpha command.

“Is this about your mate again? You think you’ll find her in Moonrose? That pathetic excuse of a pack?” she scoffed. “I rejected my real mate for you, Kieran. What am I to you?”

I stood, eyes narrowing. “We’ve been over this. There are no strings. Just two adults indulging in their needs. That’s it.”

“Then mark me! Make me your Luna!” she screamed, her voice cracking with desperation.

“No,” I said firmly.

The last time I tried choosing a mate, I marked her—and she died. The second one did too. I learned the hard way that only a fated mate, or a white werewolf, could survive my mark.

But white werewolves are nearly extinct. Rare. Revered. And deeply, soul-bound to their mates. If you ever convinced one to leave their destined mate, it would be a miracle—and a tragedy.

So now, I search. Endlessly.

“You’re evil,” she whispered. “Did you ever love me?”

“No.”

She fled the room, tears streaming, hair disheveled, pride shattered.

Why does she always do this before a mating ceremony?

Julius notified me through the mind link—the ride was ready.

I changed quickly, descended the stairs, and we sped through the dense forest. A group of rogues attacked us halfway through, but they were weak. Sloppy. We dispatched them quickly.

As we neared Moonrose territory, something tugged at me.

“Stop the car,” I said.

“Sir?” Julius blinked. “We’ll be late—”

“Stop.”

I stepped out, drawn to a small, weathered cottage. Something about it... called to me. The scent was faint, but it lured me like a magnet.

Then it happened—Alouis, my wolf, who had been dormant for months, suddenly surged to the surface.

‘Kieran... mate. I can smell her. She’s in heat—and she’s beautiful. She’s close.’

I tried to suppress him, but he was relentless.

An old woman passed by. “Excuse me,” I called. “Who lives here?”

“Selene,” she said. “But don’t bother. She’s cursed. Wolfless.”

Wolfless?

My heart sank.

“Where is she now?”

“The mating ceremony.”

If she truly had no wolf, she might not recognize me. And if she rejected me... my wolf might not survive the heartbreak.

Alouis went silent, retreating into the back of my mind like a wounded beast. I felt his pain in my chest.

We continued toward the ancient temple. Her scent grew stronger—intoxicating. French roses. Egyptian lilies. Rain-kissed earth.

Lightning split the sky. Rain poured. I arrived to chaos.

They were trying to kill her.

And she stood, wrapped in a shimmering white sphere of magic—protecting herself. Magic? But she was a werewolf...

Rage surged through me.

My aura exploded, and every wolf fell to their knees as I approached. She looked terrified, her eyes wide. I touched the sphere—it allowed me through.

Her skin was hot with fever. She was in heat, and when our skin touched... I felt it.

That soul-deep click.

The bond.

The electricity.

She was mine.

“With all due respect, my King,” Alpha Darius growled, “she’s mine.”

I stared him down, voice cold. “She is my mate. Forget whatever delusions you have.”

“She should choose for herself,” he challenged, reaching for her—

A gust of wind hurled him backward.

The choice had already been made.

“She is mine. And only mine,” I declared, using my Lycan King tone.

Wolves whimpered. My aura was too much for them. But she... she clung to me. Pressed against me like a frightened koala, seeking comfort in my arms.

‘Claim her, Kieran,’ Alouis begged.

But I resisted. Not like this. Not now.

She looked up at me, eyes filled with fear and something else—trust.

“Please... help me,” she whispered.

And I knew.

I’d burn the world for her.