Chapter 1 My Mate

Freya stood alone in the heavy rain.

Her clothes were torn, and she was completely exhausted, but she refused to give up.

​Suddenly, a rogue lunged at her with a loud growl.

​Freya moved instantly. She swung her knife with all her strength, cutting straight through its head. The rogue's body crashed to the ground.

​Another one struck from behind.

The blow knocked Freya to her knees. Pain shot through her body, but she did not hesitate. She drove her knife backward, straight into the rogue's throat. The creature choked and collapsed.

​She forced herself back to her feet.

​For a moment, there was silence. Then, more rogues emerged from the darkness.

​Freya's heart sank. There were too many of them. Her arm was already tired, and every muscle ached. She could barely breathe. She knew she couldn't last much longer.

Slowly they surrounded her. Freya tightened her grip on her knife, preparing for the end.

​Suddenly, a thunderous roar shook the clearing. ​The sound was so powerful that it vibrated in the air. Every rogue froze. Their growls died instantly, replaced by fear.

Slowly they began to back away.

Freya looked up as a massive figure that had appeared from the rain.

He was unlike anything she had ever seen. Dark fur covered his enormous body. He was half man, half beast, with golden eyes that glowed in the dark. He looked terrifying, yet strangely beautiful.

​He let out another loud growl, and the remaining rogues fled into the night.

​Freya stared at him in stunned silence.

Then, her knees gave out. As her surroundings went black, she felt his strong arms catch her before she hit the ground.

Back in the castle...

Caspian, the Lycan King, entered the throne room without a word.

Selene hurried toward him the moment she saw the blood covering his clothes.

"My love, what happened?" she asked anxiously. "You're covered in blood."

Caspian didn't even look at her. "It's not my blood."

She released a breath of relief. "I was worried."

Caspian finally stopped and turned toward her.

"And I've told you before," he said coolly. "Stop referring to me as your love."

She folded her arms across her chest. "Why? I am your mate, remember?"

A flicker of annoyance crossed his face. "You are not my mate."

Before Selene could respond, another voice echoed through the throne room.

"Caspian!"

Queen Maravelle swept through the doors, her dark gown trailing behind her.

"What is this I am hearing?" she demanded. "The servants claim you returned carrying a strange human girl. They say you took her directly to your chambers and ordered everyone to stay away from her."

Selene's eyes widened. "What?"

Caspian walked up the steps to his throne and sat down. "Yes, Mother. I gave that order."

Queen Maravelle narrowed her eyes. "And who exactly is she? Another one of your foolish charity cases?"

"No." Caspian rested one arm on the throne. "She was being hunted by rogues."

"Then she should have been taken to the healers," Maravelle replied, "not your private chambers."

Caspian's expression remained unreadable. "Since when do you care who is in my chambers?"

"Since the moment the entire palace started whispering about it."

Selene's gaze moved between them, waiting for an answer.

Instead, Caspian looked at her. "Leave us, Selene."

"What?"

"I need to speak with my mother alone."

Selene's hands curled into fists at her sides. For a moment, it seemed as though she might argue. Then, she lifted her chin.

"Very well, Your Majesty."

She turned sharply and walked out, the heavy doors closing behind her.

"What are you not telling me?" Maravelle asked.

"She's my mate," Caspian said calmly.

For a long moment, the Queen Mother remained silent. She simply stared at him. Then, slowly, a smile touched her lips.

"Your mate," she whispered. "At last." A soft laugh escaped her. "The Moon Goddess has finally answered my prayers. Do you know how long I have waited to hear those words?"

She began pacing before the room.

"For years, I watched alphas and nobles present their heirs while my son remained unmated. The kingdom needs a queen, Caspian. It needs stability. It needs an heir."

For the first time since entering the throne room, genuine happiness shone in her eyes. Then she stopped, and her smile faded.

"If this girl is a nobody," she said quietly, "then she is not fit to stand beside you."