Lycan King Tyler's Mate

Chapter - 3

Riley’s POV

The man standing before me was undeniably handsome, with a face that seemed oddly familiar. I tried to place him, but my thoughts were scattered, still trying to process everything that had happened. My mind was a fog of confusion.

“Do you know who I am?” he asked, his voice tinged with impatience. A sudden realization struck me—could this be the Lycan King? I took another look at him, and as our eyes met, I knew I was right. Oh no, it really is him. The Lycan King was even more imposing and captivating in person than in the images I’d seen.

“Lower your eyes, Riley. You’re staring at the Lycan King, and that’s not something we do here,” Fifi’s voice pulled me out of my daze. I quickly averted my gaze, not daring to challenge his authority. I hated the idea of submitting to anyone, especially to an Alpha, but I had to follow the rules if I wanted to keep my cover intact. Drawing the Lycan King’s attention was the last thing I needed.

“My apologies, Your Majesty. I didn’t recognize you,” I said, bowing my head in a show of respect. I couldn’t tell what expression he wore now, but I hoped he’d soon lose interest in me. Strangely, his gaze left a warmth inside me that I couldn’t quite explain.

“You may raise your head, Riley. Head north and submit your application to my beta, Liam,” he instructed, his voice calm yet commanding. I lifted my head, meeting his piercing green eyes, and shivered. His face was unreadable, but why should I care what he thought? I needed to focus on my mission.

“Are you going to move, or do you plan to stand there all day?” His voice snapped me back to reality. I realized, too late, how close I was standing to him. I could feel his breath on my skin, and the nearness made me break out in a nervous sweat. I had to be careful around this man. He was dangerous.

Gripping my backpack tightly, I turned and walked in the direction he’d indicated. Even as I moved away, I could feel the weight of his gaze on my back. Ahead, I saw the open field where other women were lined up, holding their application forms. I approached the desk, filled out the form with the details Nick had provided, and handed it over.

“Riley Laurier,” a man called out, his deep brown eyes meeting mine as he pushed back his dark hair. His features were striking, and his tanned skin hinted at long days spent outdoors. This must be Liam, the Lycan King’s beta. In the world of wolves, they were all impossibly good-looking.

“Liam, you promised you’d come for lunch,” a soft voice interrupted. A woman with delicate features and brown hair that danced in the breeze approached. Her emerald eyes flicked to me before settling on Liam, who gestured for me to wait as he turned to her.

“Sia, I’ll eat later. The Alpha has asked me to interview the candidates and oversee their trials,” he replied, his voice gentle as he stroked her cheek. The warmth between them was palpable—they were mates, no doubt about it.

“No, eat first. I’ve brought food for you,” she insisted, her tone firm. Liam sighed before turning back to me.

“You may proceed to the training ground and wait for further instructions,” he said, his voice now cold and business-like. I nodded and joined the other women who were waiting. Ahead, a stage had been set up, and the murmurs around me confirmed that the four men seated there were the alphas of the other regions.

The chatter died down as footsteps echoed across the field. The Lycan King appeared, dressed in formal attire this time—a white shirt with the top buttons undone, revealing a muscular chest, sleeves rolled up, and black trousers. His presence was commanding as he stepped onto the podium. I could barely concentrate on his speech, my senses on high alert as I detected the presence of a hybrid vampire nearby.

Scanning the area, my eyes locked onto familiar blonde hair, and then our gazes met—brown eyes that I recognized immediately. Carol. She gave me a small, knowing smile. Nick must have sent her here as well, but who was she here to spy on?

“I want you all to do your best,” the Lycan King’s voice cut through my thoughts. His green eyes searched the crowd, landing on me with unsettling intensity. Why was he focusing on me? He must suspect something. I had to keep my cool.

“Fifi, why is the Lycan King staring at us?” I whispered.

“It’s strange, but remember, we’re not supposed to meet his gaze,” Fifi replied, her tone cautious. I sighed in frustration. These wolves played by different rules.

Carol approached me casually, and we exchanged pleasantries as if we were strangers. She dropped a subtle hint about her target—Liam, the beta, and possibly the Omega. I gave her a small clue about mine, and her eyes widened in surprise.

“Riley,” a rough, authoritative voice called from behind me. I turned to find the Lycan King himself standing there. The crowd’s attention zeroed in on us, and I could feel the tension in the air, even Carol seemed on edge. What could he want with me? Once again, that inexplicable warmth spread through me, and I struggled to ignore it.

“Your Majesty,” I greeted him with a curtsey.

“You will fight against me in the military exam your resume suits the role. Impress me, and you’ll earn a position as my secretary and guard. This will show the others that there is equality in my domain,” he declared, his voice carrying across the field. Gasps echoed among the crowd, and I noticed Carol stiffen at his words. Why did he single me out? I hated pretending to be submissive, but at least this gave me a chance to meet his gaze.

“As you wish, Your Majesty,” I responded, keeping my voice steady. The crowd watched with bated breath. Everyone knew that the Lycan King would easily defeat a she-wolf, and the traditionalists in the group clearly believed that women had no place in combat. But there was something I respected about the Lycan King—he was giving me, a she-wolf, the chance to challenge those outdated beliefs.

“Hmm… I thought you might refuse. But I like that you’re willing to take on the challenge,” he whispered close to my ear, a smirk playing on his lips. As he walked away, I held my composure. I didn’t understand this man—rumor had it that he was a playboy, yet here he was, helping she-wolves break free from the confines of tradition. He was a puzzle, one I wasn’t sure I wanted to solve.