LYRA POV

Marking Lucian wasn’t as magical as I had imagined. There were no promises, no gentle kisses.

Sitting on the clinic bed, I leaned in, my fangs sinking into Lucian’s neck. The taste of his blood filled my mouth, warm, bitter, powerful. My heart thundered, drowning out every other sound. Every instinct in me screamed to pull back, but I couldn’t.

For a fleeting second, the bond flared to life. My skin tingled, my lungs filled with something sharp and intoxicating. His scent wrapped around me like chains I couldn’t escape, dragging me deeper into a reality I wasn’t ready for.

His body twitched under my touch. Before I could pull away, his hand shot up—weak, but certain. A low growl rumbled from his throat as his fangs extended. My eyes widened, panic freezing me in place.

Even half-conscious, his instincts drove him. His lips brushed the curve of my neck. A sharp sting made me gasp as his fangs pierced my skin. The mark seared, biting into me with heat so fierce I almost cried out. Pain and power tangled together, sharp and confusing.

Our bond snapped into place like iron shackles, binding us together. His head fell back onto the pillow, his grip loosening. His breathing was shallow but steady.

I sat there trembling, pressing my palm to the burn on my neck. Lucian Slade had marked me. I had marked him too. It wasn’t for love, only survival.

Fear crept under my skin. I couldn’t imagine what he would do when he woke.

I scurried out of the clinic, my heart thudding heavily. Lucian’s mother and the elders waited outside. Margaret stepped forward. “Is it done?”

I couldn’t find words, so I nodded. Without another glance, she rushed back inside, brushing my shoulders on her way. Biting back tears, I ran to the pack house. Eyes followed me, but I ignored them and sprinted into my room.

Once inside, I crashed down. Tears fell uncontrollably. My knees buckled, and I hit the floor with a thud. Pain. Every part of me hurt—especially my heart.

The mark burned, a reminder that it had taken Lucian almost dying for us to be mated. And it had happened without his consent.

Lucian was going to kill me. When he woke, he would destroy me.

***

Days passed quickly. Lady Courtney had given me more tasks around the pack house, which helped pass the time. I would gladly choose boredom over the constant insults from the packmates.

My fate was cruel. There was no winning.

I carried buckets of water to the plants. The sun scorched me, and I felt like I was burning inside.

Suddenly, a bucket toppled to the ground. A group of servants walked past, grinning at my discomfort. I knew one of them had done it, but I had no strength to argue.

With a sigh, I refilled the bucket. Honestly, I regretted coming here. Every task felt heavier than the last, my body aching from exhaustion.

Cassidy, my number one hater, appeared. A smile lit her face the moment she saw me. “If it isn’t the Desperado…”

I took a deep breath and ignored her taunting.

But Cassidy didn’t give up. She blocked my path. “Don’t run away now, Luna,” she spat, each word dripping with mockery.

“Leave me alone…please,” I stuttered, trying to pass, but she shoved me down.

I twisted my ankle as I fell backward.

“You bewitched our Alpha to mate you, and now you act all innocent,” she hissed through gritted teeth.

Wincing in pain, I rubbed my bruised ankle. “I didn’t do anything…”

“Shut up, slut!” she lashed out. “You’re nothing but trash.” Her fingers jabbed into me.

My mouth opened and closed, unable to form words. Swallowing the lump in my throat, I scrambled to my feet and ran into my room.

Laughter echoed down the hall. My heart shattered each time I passed by. I was just their amusement.

Unlocking my door, My body froze.

Standing at the centre of my room was... him.

Lucian.

Standing tall and commanding, his sickly pallor from days ago gone. He wore a calm, calculated expression, but I knew it was a facade. His fists were curled into tight balls.

“Alpha…” I whimpered, bracing myself for an attack.

Instead, he licked his lips and smiled. My eyes widened in disbelief. Lucian smiled at me.

He stepped closer. “I suppose you’re to thank for saving my life.”

I gasped, my fingers digging into the fabric of my dress. My heart hammered violently, threatening to tear through my chest.

Every instinct screamed to run, but there was nowhere to go. “I…I don’t understand, Alpha.”

He scoffed bitterly, shaking his head. “I never knew you were so smart. Truly, the rumors about you were true.”

My heart pounded.

In a swift motion, he grabbed me by the throat, pressing me against the door. “Ahhh…” I cried, struggling, but his grip tightened.

“I should have put a bullet in your skull when I had the chance,” he growled, his chest pressing against mine.

The heat of his body, the weight of his fury pinned me. My lungs fought for air, and fear consumed every thought.

Fear ran down my spine. My blood ran cold. “Please…”

“Shut up!”

His face twisted in pure rage. “I should have known you would bewitch me after all. You’re Stormson’s daughter.”

My lips pressed into a thin line. “Please…let me go.”

He chuckled. “You wanted to be my mate, didn’t you?”

My eyes darted away, avoiding his glare. He released my throat. I fell to my knees, coughing and trying to breathe.

Lucian bent to my level, lifting my chin. His eyes, dark and cold, pulled me into a deadly abyss.

“You wanted the title of mate,” he growled in my ear. “Keep it.”

My breathing hitched.

“But…”

“A bond doesn’t mean mercy,” he whispered, teeth grazing my ear. “Every mistake, every lie, every foolish thought will cost you. And I promise you’ll regret the day you ever called me mate.”