The Lycan King's Mate

Chapter 2: The Lycan King's Arrival

Adrik's POV

The trees were taller and wider than any I had ever seen, their branches reaching high into the sky like they were trying to touch the heavens. They seemed to create a natural canopy, shading the path with a dappled light. I couldn't help but notice the leaves rustling in the gentle breeze, the sound a symphony of nature's melody. The flowers were like bursts of color, painting the landscape with hues of pink, yellow, and purple. They were wildflowers, untamed, unrestrained, and their petals dancing in the wind.

As we continued our walk, I couldn't help but notice the buildings, which were grand in their own right. They weren't as meticulously maintained as the structures in my own pack, but they had their own rugged charm. They were constructed of wood and stone, each building had its own unique design. Some had thatched roofs, while others had gabled ones. They were like something out of a fairy tale, rustic and enchanting. The event hall was a grand sight to behold, its size and architecture grandiose and awe-inspiring.

Despite the differences in our packs, I couldn't help but admire the beauty of the Black Moon Pack's territory. It was as if they had taken what nature had given them and made it into something special, something that reflected their pride and spirit. It was a reminder that there was more than one way to lead a pack, I felt a newfound respect for Alpha Dominic and his leadership.

As we approached the crowd of pack members, I could feel their eyes fixed on us like we were some sort of spectacle. Some had faces of awe, while others had looks of suspicion and apprehension etched onto them. Their eyes roamed over our attire, weapons, and even the way we carried ourselves. I could see that they were sizing us up, I knew that they were wary of us. However, their reactions did not deter me from my purpose. As we got closer to Dominic and Isabella, I observed their body language closely. It was obvious that they were trying to put on a façade of hospitality, it was apparent that their welcome was far from genuine. Dominic's forced smile and stiff posture betrayed his unease around us. Even Isabella's polite greeting was laced with subtle hostility. Despite their best attempts, they could not hide their discomfort around us. I couldn't help but feel a sense of superiority as I walked towards them with confidence, knowing that I had the upper hand.

During dinner I noticed her, the she-lycan was unlike any other woman I had ever seen or smelled. Her hair was a deep shade of chestnut, cascading down her back in long waves. Her skin was smooth, pale and unblemished. Her eyes were a stunning shade of green. Her scent, however, was what really captivated me. It was a combination of sweet apples and warm cinnamon, it enveloped me completely. I could feel my mouth beginning to water, and I knew that I needed to have her. Shadow and I locked eyes, I could feel his excitement as well.

"Yes, Adrik" he replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "She is our mate."

For a moment, my heart was pounding in my chest, and my wolf was practically vibrating with excitement. I tried to keep my composure. I lock eyes with her briefly, but it felt like an eternity. I desperately wanted to say aloud the words "mate" but I knew better and decided against it, quickly regaining my composure, knowing that we needed to proceed with caution.

"Who is that slave across the room?" I turn to ask my Beta, interrupting his conversation with my Gamma.

"I believe her name is Amara," he replied. As my Beta responds, a slow grin appears on his face as he looks onward at my mate.

"Mine!" I say with a low growl.

"Easy killer, you honestly think I want Valtor and Shadow going at it? I would never do such," he says as he holds his hands up showing there is no issue.

"Retrieve her before we leave, in the meantime find another slave to help you gather her things and put them in our vehicle," I commanded, my tone leaving no room for argument.

My Beta, Darian, nodded and left the room to carry out my orders. My Gamma stayed behind with me, his expression one of concern.

"What's wrong, Adrik?" he asked.

"That slave, Amara, is my mate," I admitted, my voice laced with emotion.

My wolf, Shadow, howled with joy at the discovery that we had finally found our mate.

"Mate, mate," he chanted.

"I can't wait to claim her," I said, a fierce determination in my voice.

"Are you sure it's her?" my Gamma, Lucien asked.

I nodded."Her scent is like apples and cinnamon. I'll never forget it."

My wolf and I conversed, both of us eager to claim our mate."She's perfect," Shadow said.

I tried to keep my emotions in check, but I couldn't help the surge of possessiveness that washed over me. The thought of another male touching her made my blood boil. I had to have her, and I had to have her now. My thoughts drifted and I began to watch her silently as she served the other guests. Scanning my eyes over every inch of her. Her frame was petite, but I could tell it must be from lack of nourishment. This fact alone enraged me and my wolf. Her breasts were firm and just the right size to grip, and she had a very nice voluptuous ass. My eyes roamed over it, I invisioned my hands gripping those plump cheeks as I claim her mouth crushing it against mine before marking her. This made my c**k begin to stir and pulsate. I closed my eyes and sighed as I try to shake the urges that were fighting so desperately to break through.

"Mate, I want mate, MINE!" Shadow whines.

"I want her too but we have to wait just a bit longer. Calm yourself."

Shadows huffs and turns away annoyed and frustrated. We have waited awhile to find our mate. His attitude is understandable, but we have to go about this the right way.

"We will have her, don't you worry. She WILL be leaving tonight," I say to my wolf, which seems to soothe him.

Suddenly, I heard a commotion near the entrance of the hall. My eyes narrowed as I watched Dominic manhandle my mate. His grip on her neck was far too rough, and I could see the fear etched on her face. I wanted nothing more than to rip him apart for daring to touch what was mine. My wolf Shadow growled fiercely, sensing the threat to his mate, his hackles rising at the sight. I stood up, ready to intervene. The air was thick with tension, and I knew that my pack and the Black Moon Pack were waiting to see how I would react to Dominic's disrespect. I couldn't afford to start a war between our packs over my mate, but it was too much to bear and lay witness too. I wanted to protect her, no I needed to protect her.

As we rushed over to her, my wolf took over, and bellowed out the words, "MATE!, MINE!"

My Beta and Gamma looked at me startled, but I didn't care. All I could see was her, and all I could feel was the need to claim her as mine.

I grabbed Dominic and threw him off of her instinctively to protect her. This caused him to go flying backwards landing into a table causing it to topple over. As he proceeded to jump up and brush himself off, he stands there a look of astonishment and confusion plastered on his face. Before rushing back over to grab her by the arm, this time I let out a thunderous roar gripping his arm deathly tight. Desperately, I try to hold Shadow back from surfacing to take over.

"What do you think you're doing?" I demanded through gritted teeth, my voice cold and hard.

Dominic turned to face me, his expression twisted in anger."This is none of your concern, Adrik. You're a guest here, and you have no right to interfere, and who are you to dictate how I run my pack?"

"I am the Lycan King, and your actions reflect on all of us," I responded firmly. "Furthermore, I will not tolerate mistreatment of my mate," I said, indicating towards Amara.

"Every pack member is my concern, including your slaves," I replied, my eyes locked on his. "Release her. NOW!"

I growled even louder, showing my dominance over even him. My dominating aura and commands as the Lycan King causing everyone around me to show their necks in submission as well. I hated to have to use my authority over other Alpha's packs, but this was different, this is my mate.

Dominic hesitated for a moment before finally letting go of Amara's arm. She stumbled back, her eyes wide with fear. My Beta and Gamma stood up beside me, ready to defend our pack's honor.

The other pack members in the hall watched us closely, their expressions a mix of surprise and curiosity. My wolf, Shadow, seething and begging for release to maul Dominic.

As Dominic began to speak, I couldn't help but notice the insincerity in his voice. It was clear that he was trying to smooth things over, but I wasn't going to be swayed by his false promises. He was like a snake, hissing empty words that were meant to deceive. It was a pitiful attempt to regain control of the situation, and I was not impressed.

Raising my hand to silence him, I took a step forward, my gaze locked onto his."I am not interested in your flattery or empty promises, Dominic," I stated firmly, my tone leaving no room for argument. "What I am interested in, is the welfare of both my pack, all surrounding packs in my region, and the safety of my mate. You will not lay a hand on her again, or any member of this pack for that matter."

"Your ignorance is not an excuse for your actions," I stated firmly, my eyes never leaving his."Remember that my pack and I are watching closely. We will be taking our leave now," I announced, my tone indicating that the conversation was over.

I watched as his face twisted in anger, clearly not used to being talked to in such a way. However, I stood my ground, refusing to back down. The room was silent, every pair of eyes on us as we locked horns.

As Dominic attemped storm off, Isabella stepped in stopping him, as she then turned to me with a fierce glare, her eyes narrowed and her jaw clenched tightly. The intensity of her emotions was palpable, and I could feel the heat radiating off of her body as she approached me. I stood my ground, meeting her gaze with a calm and steady expression, even as my wolf growled low in warning. Her anger was clear, and I could tell that she didn't approve of my actions. But I was resolute in my decision to protect my pack and my mate, and I refused to back down. As she stood before me, I could feel the tension in the air, like a coiled spring ready to snap at any moment.

"I apologize for my husband's behavior, King Adrik," she said, her voice shaking with anger."He does not always see reason."

"Your apology is noted, Luna Isabella," I replied, my voice calm but firm."But I will not let this go unaddressed."

I made a mental note to speak with her later and get her opinion on the pack's treatment of their slaves. As we started walking out, I had my Beta retrieve Amara and bring her to me.

"Come with us," my Beta told her, offering his hand, he approached her with a soft and warm smile. "You're safe now."

I could feel the weight of the other pack members' stares upon us, and their reactions were mixed. Some looked at us with shock, their eyes wide with surprise at the scene that had just unfolded. Others seemed impressed, nodding their heads in approval of our show of strength and determination. But there were those who looked at us with anger in their eyes, their bodies tense, ready for a fight.

I knew that Dominic's warriors were some of the most skilled and formidable in the region, and the thought of going up against them sent a shiver down my spine. I stood tall and strong, my eyes scanning the crowd for any signs of trouble. The other pack members seemed to back off, sensing we were not to be trifled with.

I held Dominic's gaze, making sure he understood that I was serious about my pack's well-being. The tension in the air was palpable, and I could sense his frustration as he clenched his jaw. The room was silent as we continued to stare at each other, each unwilling to back down. The weight of my responsibility as Alpha King of my region was heavy on my shoulders, I refused to yield.

"Until we can discuss this matter further, our business here tonight is adjourned," I told Dominic, making sure he understood that I would not tolerate mistreatment of pack members, especially my mate.

After what felt like an eternity after being what I felt was properly chastised, Dominic finally broke eye contact and let out a resigned sigh.

"Very well," he said, his voice laced with defeat."We will reconvene at a later date."

I nodded in acknowledgement and motioned for my pack to follow me out of the hall. As we walked through the territory, I couldn't help but feel relieved that we were leaving.

As we walked back to the vehicle, I could feel the tension begin to dissipate for the briefest of moments. My mate, Amara, was walking beside me, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of protectiveness towards her. I looked over at her and saw the slightest hint of a smile on her lips. She stopped and looked up at me, a mixture of fear and gratitude in her captivating emerald green eyes.

"Thank you," she whispered.

I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. It was clear that she had been through a lot today, and I was glad to have her by my side. As we approached the vehicle, I couldn't help but glance around one last time to make sure we weren't being followed. The moon was high in the sky, casting an ethereal glow over the landscape. The trees rustled softly in the wind, and the air was filled with the sounds of crickets and other nocturnal creatures.

Gamma Lucien was walking a few paces ahead of us, his senses on high alert. I could see the muscles in his back tense up every so often as he scanned the surrounding area for any potential threats. His dedication to the pack was unwavering, I was grateful to have him on our team.

I could feel the tension in the air, the atmosphere practically humming with it. It was like a thick, cloying fog that surrounded us, suffocating us with its weight. My wolf's instincts were screaming at me to get out of there, to protect what was mine at all costs. I knew that we couldn't let our guard down for even a moment in this unfamiliar territory, not when danger lurked around every corner.

My thoughts consumed with the safety of my mate and my own pack. The thought of returning to the familiar comforts of our own territory was like a beacon of hope in the darkness, a glimmer of light in the midst of the storm. We had to leave, and we had to leave now.

Finally, we reached the vehicle, I opened the door for Amara, gesturing for her to get in. As she climbed in, I couldn't help but notice the way her eyes sparkled in the moonlight. I closed the door and made my way to the driver's side, feeling a sense of calm wash over me. As Darian and Lucien both got in with us, me and my entourage of pack members began to drive off. We were safe for now, that was all that mattered.