the forbidden touch

Selene’s POV

"Selene, how are you? I’m worried about you, girl," a voice echoed in my mind.

"Who... who is it?" I asked, my voice unsure, as the world around me shifted once more. I was back in the white, misty space—ethereal and timeless.

This time, standing before me was a wolf. But not just any wolf. She was formed entirely of shimmering water, rippling with light.

"I guess this is your true form?" I asked.

“One of them, yes. But I can be much more,” she replied, her watery tail swishing. “How are you feeling? I’ve taken care of your out-of-control heat. Yesterday, you nearly caused a riot. Every unmated werewolf at the ceremony was ready to claim us. I’d be furious if that had happened.”

“What even happened yesterday? My memory’s... hazy,” I said, struggling to recall.

“You’ll remember when you wake up,” she said softly.

“Wait—wake up? What do you mean?”

“Your body isn’t used to the power coursing through you yet. At the ceremony, you tapped into it too deeply, and it overwhelmed you. You’ve been in a coma for a week now. Our mate is losing his mind, Selene. You have to wake up soon.”

Her words stirred something in me. “I remember the Lycan King… he came to the ceremony, right? But everything after is fuzzy.”

“Yes! That’s him! Our mate. I already love his wolf—so strong, so protective. I can’t wait to bear his mark,” she said, her voice dreamy.

“Wait—how do you know he loves you?”

“Oh please, are you really this oblivious? When you were in pain, his wolf channeled his energy through the mate bond to ease your suffering. He even bit you—lightly, not enough to mark you, but enough to take the edge off your heat. His control is unlike anything I’ve seen. You were literally grinding on him, Selene. Poor man was a statue of restraint.”

I gawked. “Grinding on him?! Just show me what happened!”

The world around us shifted again. A vision played out like a dream—I saw myself, vulnerable and flushed, pressing my body against the Lycan King, my expression soft and sweet.

That couldn’t be me.

He looked like he was in agony, fighting every instinct. He picked me up, shielding me from the crowd, and carried me into a car. The memory blurred after that.

“What happened next?”

“You passed out. That’s all I know,” she smirked. “Now you better wake up before our mate kills someone. He’s losing it.”

The dreamscape faded.

I woke with a start.

The bed beneath me was warm and soft—far too luxurious for my liking. My throat burned.

“W...wa...ter…” I croaked, my voice hoarse.

Footsteps rushed toward me. The first face I saw was chiseled, masculine, framed by dark hair and piercing blue eyes. Power radiated off him in waves.

The Lycan King.

“Thank the Moon Goddess,” he murmured, voice low and raw. “You’re awake. I was losing my mind.”

I tried to speak, but he gently pressed a finger to my lips.

“Rest. Save your strength. We’ll talk when you’re better.”

He helped me sit up and handed me a glass of water. My stomach growled—loudly. My cheeks flushed in embarrassment.

"Alice, get the Luna something light and easy to digest," he ordered, eyes still fixed on mine.

Luna?

“Now that you’re mine, I’ll take care of you,” he said softly, kissing the back of my hand. The moment his lips touched my skin, a jolt of electricity surged through me.

Moments later, food arrived. I reached for the utensils, but he stopped me—feeding me himself.

It was mortifying.

Across the room, a woman stared daggers at me. Her eyes burned with hatred. Possessiveness. Jealousy. Was she... his concubine?

I didn’t ask. I didn’t have to. The look said everything.

After eating, I was taken to a spa-like bathroom and bathed in luxury. The oils, lotions, the attendants—everything screamed opulence. But to me, it all felt like a cage, gilded and beautiful.

This wasn’t who I was.

I asked one of the maids where I could find the King. She offered to escort me.

As we walked through the palace, I noticed the portraits—dozens of them. Different eras, different people… but the same man in every one.

How long has he lived?

The maid knocked softly on the door. “Come in,” came the deep voice from inside.

When I entered, I saw her again—his concubine—arguing with him. His eyes glowed gold, voice sharp.

"Who told you to get out of bed? You just woke up!"

I bristled. “Excuse me? I came to thank you, but I see I’m interrupting your private moment.”

His concubine smirked, leaning in closer. Rage simmered beneath my skin.

‘Someone’s jealous,’ my wolf teased.

“You’re mine, Selene,” he said suddenly, voice low but possessive.

“Well, I didn’t ask to be. I’ll be returning home. Thank you for saving me, Lycan King Kieran,” I said coldly and turned on my heel.

I bolted. Power surged through me as I ran, faster than I’d ever moved before. Through the palace, out into the woods—until I hit a dead end.

I spun around.

He was behind me. Face etched with pain.

“Selene, please. Don’t run. Just… talk to me. Why reject me before you even know me? Kieran might be an ass—but I’m not,” he said gently, and I realized it was his wolf speaking through him.

He reached for me, but the moment his fingers touched my wrist, something exploded inside me.

A white light burst from my body, throwing him back.

He staggered to his feet, eyes wide. “What the hell are you?”