Leondre’s POV

I took my mate to the pack house hospital. I lay her on the bed and the doctors asked me to leave the room, but I didn’t do it. I’m not leaving her ever. My Beta comes to my side, putting a hand on my shoulder. I’m sure the people who were there informed him about the situation

“Is that the Luna?” he asks, looking at the girl on the bed. The doctors who are attending to her look very wary of me because my Alpha aura is going crazy but I can’t help it, they were torturing her.

“My Ki-king, I think you should… um, leave, you won’t want to see this,” A tall nurse speaks in a stutter.

“She’s right and already, the doctors can’t do their job well, bro, your aura is imposing,” Dan says. I shake my head, I want to see, I want to know what they did to her.

“No,”

The doctors turn her on her belly and tear her already torn shirt. My Beta gasps. I repress a growl and clutch my fist. Her back is red and bloody. They have been hitting her, some cuts are so deep and unable to heal themselves. I move closer to her instinctively. No one should be treated like that, no matter the crime of their sins. I see some dark scars as well and my Lycan howls in anguish.

“No doubt she is being abused a lot, some scars are really old,” Mumbles the doctor as he begins to clean her, even in her sleeping state, she flinches as the medicine touches her back and I hold her hand.

“Sorry baby, they’ll pay for this,” I promise her silently. The Alpha family will bear ten times what they did to her. I let go of her hand and left the room. My Beta is calling my name but I don’t answer him, I just need to be alone right now.

I reach the woods in no time and shift into my fierce Lycan. With one loud howl, we take off into the forest to run. We have been running for a few hours now, the images of how I found my mate haunting my memories, questions bombarding my mind, what if I wasn’t there? What if I was a minute late? What would have happened? Would she have seen the day again? I run harder and push forward.

After hours of running, I thought my anger would have subsided, but it didn’t. I go back to the pack house. It is quiet and everyone is still sleeping, so I go to their minibar, drinking my favorite whiskey.

Feeling fatigued, it takes over my body, I go to the room that they prepared for me to rest but I mind linking my Beta to tell him to stay with my mate. Once I hit the bed, I again think of my beautiful mate, I don’t even know her name yet. I want to know everything about her but mostly want to know why she was in that terrible place I found her in, the dungeons only hold the most dangerous wolves, but can she be? She looks so frail and perfect like she wouldn’t even hurt a fly.

‘I can’t sense her wolf,’ Saga says. I did notice that. The tingles were there when our skin made contact but they were not as strong. We will find out what happened.

Alaric’s POV

My chest was burning for hours and my breath came out in short pants. The fucking bitch accepted my rejection.

How can she? Why would she?

I thought she will wait a while longer to give me time to reconsider and take her back. I thought she will beg me to take back my rejection, but no she accepted it. I growled at the thought of that. Anger coarse through me but I couldn’t leave my office because I was in too much pain, my wolf was whimpering and howling in sadness. I was feeling so many emotions but I couldn’t pinpoint which one, but I knew one thing, I needed to see her. I have to see Alyssa. I refuse to let her go. I can’t lose my mate because I’m afraid of what others will say.

After I calmed down, and the painful sensations began to disappear, I mind linked the head guard to get her out of the dungeon but no one answered. I couldn’t even feel their wolves! What the fuck was happening to my men?

I marched towards the dungeons in anger and once I’m there, the guards at the entrance are in deep conversation. I growled alerting them of my presence and they stood straight, saluting me.

I went straight to the cell where my mate was kept but the silver bars were ripped from their hinges. I snarled when I saw two men carrying the bodies of dead men. They looked like they were ripped apart by a beast.

“What happened?”

“The Lycan King was here, he- he took the girl,”

I grabbed him by the collar and growled in his face.

“What do you mean took her?”

“Some guards were – um, sir…” He was stuttering and I was getting frustrated. What did the guards do to my mate?

“If you don’t stop your stuttering, I’ll snap your fucking neck, speak clearly,”

I threw him against the wall, and he grunted painfully.

“The men assaulted her and the King killed him, sir,” he said with difficulty. My anger rose and I clenched my teeth, growling furiously.

“Where is she?”

“I… I don’t know, sir,” He trembled. I left the cells after mind linking with some guards. They informed me that she had been taken to the hospital. I rushed there and saw that she was peacefully lying on the bed, her eyes closed and the sight of her like that made me shudder. She looked underweight and pale, her hair is disheveled and her features were soft as ever. I caressed her soft cheek and I felt faint tingles under my fingers.

I bent down and kissed her forehead but stopped when I sensed someone’s presence behind me and turned around to face the intruder.

“What happened to her?”

The doctor snickers and glares at me. I almost growl at her insolence but took deep gulps of air to calm myself. I don’t feel like killing anyone today, especially Doctor Baross. She was a sweet and gentle woman.

Leondre’s POV

I woke up at 10 am, showered, and got ready for the day and I went to Alaric’s office. I didn’t wait to hear a come-in before I enter. I find him sitting in his chair, the former Alpha and Luna are on the couch along with two other men. They all get to their feet at my arrival and bow.

We exchange pleasantries and I take a chair in front of the new Alpha.

“I found my mate in your pack,” I inform him, from the looks on their faces, it seems they already knew.

Alaric knit his eyebrows in interest while the other people in the room cheer forcibly as if they were wary.

“I found her in the dungeon, being molested by your guards,” I say, repulsed. Alaric’s face shows anger and fury as I continue to tell them. A growl rips from his chest and he hits his desk, breaking it in half.

“I’ll kill them,” he declares.

“Already did,” I grin sarcastically.

“What happened? Why was she locked up?” I asked, looking into his eyes and he fidgets uncomfortably. I believe it has something to do with him. He swallows thickly.

“Which one?”

“Don’t play dumb with me, you’re already starting to irritate me.”

He looks offended but doesn’t say a word. He inhales and puts his arms on the broken table, looking at me.

“Alyssa,” he starts, and I repeat her name silently. Alyssa. It’s a beautiful name for a lovely girl. A smile makes its way to my lips.

‘It suits her,’ adds Saga.

“There is a mistake. Alyssa is not yours, she’s my mate,”

I growl and get to my feet. In a flash, I’m in front of him, holding him by his neck. I lift him off the ground and squeeze his neck. His face starts to turn purple but I don’t release him. How dare you claim my mate, the former Alpha, and Luna, are pleading, but I turn a deaf ear.

“Alyssa is my mate and I’ll kill anyone who tries to touch her,” My words are slow and calm, I throw the little Alpha to the ground and he gulps for air greedily. His parents are going to help him up but he growls and pushes away, stupid prick.

“With all due respect, my King, she was mine first.”

“If the Moon Goddess gave her another, it can only mean you rejected her, especially considering the condition I found her in. Alpha Alaric, do you lock your mate in dungeon?” I know for sure that if the goddess blessed me with her, the moron must have rejected her.

“I was wrong, I’ll take back my rejection!” He challenges. I see red but I refrain from wasting any energy on him.

“You won’t!” His father growled. I raise my eyebrows and find them staring at each other challengingly.

“That woman won’t be a Luna, she’s a murderer!”

“Father, enough. Alyssa is my mate and everyone will accept her. I’ve made my decision,” Alaric declares.

I don’t wait to find out what is going on before leaving the room. I go straight to the hospital to see my mate. I find Dan in the hallway, and I give him a tiny smile.

“How is she?”

“She’s better, they have applied some ointment to her wounds, but I haven’t been there to see her yet,”

“Is she awake?”

He nods and points at me to walk in. I eye him, suddenly feeling nervous. What if she rejects me or compares me to that asshole who rejected her? I hesitantly push the door open and enter the room.

There is a female doctor performing tests and asking her questions. She nods her head.

“Looks better,” The doctor sounds cheerful. The doctor notices me and bows.

“My King! I’m happy to say your mate is healing well. Quite impressive actually,” She muses.

I nod and she explains a few things before leaving the room.

I’m left alone with my mate.

Alyssa’s POV

I slowly lift my gaze as the most enticing scent of vanilla and honey fills my nostrils, my breath gets caught in my chest and I forget how to breathe, the man walking in front of me is tall and intimidating, he’s the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen. He has thick jet-black hair, blazing dark blue eyes, a prominent face with high cheekbones, and a muscular body that looks like a greek god. As soon as he entered the room, he dominated it immediately and a wince escapes my lips. He smiles ever so gently once he nears me and my heart skips.

My wolf is trying to say something frantic but I can’t hear her clearly, I’m still in awe of him.

“Hello, Love,” His voice is deep and huskily sexy. I just watch him like an idiot, no words are leaving my mouth.

“Alyssa,” He whispers my name, his eyes looking at me with love. My name sounds so good on his tongue, and a shiver runs down my spine. He cups my face and tingles run down my body, I gulp.

‘Mate,’ I hear my wolf chant, not fucking again. I shake my head, burying my head between my legs. I can tell that this man is an Alpha by his strong domineering aura, will he reject me? Oh my god, no, no. I feel tears well in my eyes and a sob escapes me. I feel hands stroking my hair and I take deep breaths to calm myself. My hunky mate grabs my chin gently so that I am facing him, and when he speaks, a warm sensation goes down my body.

“I’ve been waiting for you, Mate,”

“Are you going to reject me?” I ask calmly, bracing myself. He knits his eyebrows in confusion.

“Why would I do that? You’re my Luna, my Queen,” His eyes twinkle and I allow a small smile on my lips after I register what he said.

“What- What is your n-name?” I stutter my words.

“Leondre Lavista,” I nod and test it on my tongue, it suits him, it makes my wolf purr. I can tell he wants to ask something but is hesitant. There is an awkward silence between us before he speaks again.

“Alyssa,” Damn, he did it again, has my name always sounded so good?

“Hmm,”

“What happened? Why were you in that terrible place?” His expression is darkening, and I feel uncomfortable when he exudes a powerful aura. Seeing my discomfort, he takes a deep breath and opens his eyes.

“My mate- um- my mate locked me up-“

“I’m your mate!” He interjects with a growl and I flinch, backing away from him but there is nowhere to go. He starts taking deep breaths again, I instinctively reach for his hand and slowly rub circles on it, and he sends me a small smile that warms my heart.

“Tell me, everything, please,”

I begin to tell him everything that happened and to say, Leondre was upset will be an understatement, while I tell him, some old scars reopen and I cry again, he holds me tightly and tells me that it will be alright, that I have him now and for some weird reason, I do believe him. My wolf is content in his arms and by a sheer miracle, my wounds don’t hurt. The door to the room opens and another tall man with a build like Leon enters the room, he smiles.

“Luna! I’m glad to see you’re alright!” I look at Leon, waiting for him to tell me who he is because I’ve never seen him before.

“This is Dan, my Beta and friend,” He says quickly, I smile and to Dan, he says, “This is Alyssa, my mate, and the new Lycan Queen,”

I almost choke on my saliva, did he say, Lycan?

‘Yes,’

How did I not feel it sooner, his imposing aura? Lycans are the most powerful among the supernatural, they are gorgeous creatures and dominating. They rule over all shifters and Leondre Lavista is the King! What? I’m freaking out right now, how is that possible, I’m no leader let alone Queen of a Lycan Kingdom!

“Hold up, did you just say friend? I’m your best friend, motherfucker!” Sneers Dan was offended that the King only called him a friend and not a best friend. Leon just chuckles and puts a hand on my neck.

“Are you okay, love?” He asks worriedly, I clear my throat and nod. So many things are running through my head right now! What if the Lycan community doesn’t accept me? They are magnificent creatures so I hear, they are wealthy, undeniably upper class, and will he ask me to leave with him?

“Yes, did you just say King?”

He nods affirmatively, “And you’re my Queen,”

“So, when are we leaving?” Asks Dan before I can even think to process everything.

“As soon as the doctors permit Alyssa to travel, and I still have some business here,” Answers the King while the men discuss what to do in the Dawnrise pack, my stomach growls loudly but I ignore it, embarrassed. It growls again and this time I close my eyes, my cheeks are red and I hear the Lycan King’s deep chuckle.

“Hungry?”

I bite my lips, not sure if I’m allowed any food.

“Dan, get us some food and bring my laptop, I need to work on the moonshine project before Marcus starts pestering me,”

The Lycan Beta bows and exit the room, my mate turns to me and sighs, he smiles and I almost melt.

He’s too HOT.

Minutes later, someone comes in with so much food on a tray, there is fried chicken, salad, chips, and fruit. My stomach embarrassingly growls again as my mate takes the tray from an omega, I don’t ignore how she seductively bats her eyelashes at him but Leon didn’t even spare her a look.

“Enjoy,” He places the food on a small table in front of me.

My mate watches me eat with a smile, and I take small bites of my food if I eat too fast as my stomach is urging me. I don’t remember the last time I ate this much and once I’m safe, my mate puts the tray aside and smiles at me again. I swoon this time.

‘Dramatic much.’

I wrap my arms around his waist, and we stay like that until the door opens and a possessive growl resonates.

“Get away from my mate,”

Alyssa’s POV

“Get away from my mate,” As soon as the growl tears from Alaric’s chest, Leon is in front of him, growling. I gasp when he grabs him and backs him into a wall, I see Alpha being lifted off the ground by the powerful King. I get out of my bed and rush to them, placing a hand on my mate and my gesture seems to be yet again soothe him. He lowers him down with a growl. As the two stare each other down, I can tell the difference in strength, even though they look like they are about to tear each other apart.

Alaric is the first to break eye contact, he bows subtly, after all, Leondre is still his King.

He turns to me and raises a hand to touch my cheek but a growl stops him mid-way.

“How are you?” Alaric’s voice is soft like never before and I’m surprised why the change of attitude. My wolf snarl at him and says something snarky. I don’t answer him instead just hold my Lycan’s hand.

“I want to rest now, do you want to lie next to me?” I ask gently, and Leondre smiles, his eyes shining, and he nods eagerly. I feel bad because I’m using him to make that fucker Alaric jealous. Leondre directs me back to the bed, I cock my head to glance at Alaric one more time, he looks hurt but he deserves it for treating me like garbage, I smile inwardly at his hurt, fucking asshole.

Leondre and I lie in bed, my back pressed against his front and his arms circle my body in a tight hug, I close my eyes and inhale my mate’s scent.

When I sleep I dream about the horrors endured in those dungeons, those men whipping me, touching me most indecently, I begin to shiver as I relive those moments, and fear for my life creeps in. I feel their disgusting hands on my body and I thrash, kick, and scream so that they don’t touch me.

“Alyssa,” Someone is shaking me. I wake up to find strong arms holding me but I get startled and struggle to get out of them.

“Hey, calm down,” I keep shaking and kicking until I roll off the bed, I land on the cold floor, hurting my side again.

“Alyssa,” King Leondre runs to me, carrying me in his arms. My whole body is shivering and for a moment, I’m still in a daze. I feel the warmth spread around my body, the Lycan King’s huge hand has circled my waist, his head is in my neck and I bury my face in his chest, crying. He comforts me, telling me that it is alright and that he’s here with me.

The next day, I woke up to a harsh low voice hissing.

“Get out, I don’t ever want to see you near my mate,” That is Leondre’s voice, why is he upset?

“I just wanted to make you feel good,” A voice purrs. That is Phallen’s voice, the bitch hates me to the core and is one of my bullies. She helps out here and refuses me to get treatment after they beat me.

“I don’t need that!” He hisses.

“Come on, I’m sexier than ugly skank!” She yells. I keep my eyes closed, wanting to hear the Lycan’s response.

“What? Don’t dare insult my mate, whore and I don’t want to see you again,” He says, going on to tell her that I’m the most beautiful woman in the world and that he only has eyes for me. His words bring tears to my eyes.

“Dan, stay with her,” The door closes. I finally open my eyes and I find Dan smiling at me

“Luna, do you want some food?”

Whenever I’m not with my Lycan King, Dan stays with me to make sure that Owen doesn’t bother me. I sit up and give him a small smile.

“Can I have more chicken, please?” I ask with a grin, ever since King Leondre appeared in my life, I can eat all I want and have a great taste for grilled chicken and ice cream!

Dan chuckles, ” Of course, do you know anything else other than chicken?”

“No, I love chicken,”

He stands up and scratches his stubble beard, contemplating something ” Have you tried seafood before?” He asks. I shake my head negatively and he clicks his tongue.

“Luna, you’re having that today,”

I pout making him chuckle.

“Just trust me, you’ll love it,” He winks. I watch him leave the room in a hurry and I lay back, it’s been years since I’ve been in a bed as soft as this one. I open my eyes to a screeching sound

“Who the fuck do you think you are to receive medical treatment?” Asks Eunice, crossing her arms against her chest, I roll my eyes, this bitch is the worse ever. Today she is wearing small tight clothes, her boobs are almost hanging out of her tank top.

“Just get out, Whore,” I say in a bored tone.

She gasps and comes to me so fast, kicking my bed and making me fall on my side, I close my eyes at the pain and with difficulty try to get up but the little slut kicks me back down. I grab her leg and push her against the wall. My bones hurt but I manage to punch her in the face. She yelps, blood oozing from her nose. such a weak cunt. Her eyes darken as her wolf has taken over. She smiles maliciously at me and clenches her fist, ready to punch me but her hand stops midway. A growl is resounding from somewhere and I tilt my neck to see the man who is releasing those aggressive growls.

“Be- Beta Danford,” Stutturs Eunice.

The Lycan Beta is fuming with anger, his claws are digging into her flesh to the point of drawing blood.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” He growls, his eyes shining and Eunice starts to cry for good now.

“This stupid slave just insulted me, Beta, I was just teaching her a lesson,” She cries, her angry eyes on me.

“What are you doing in this room?” He questions again, this time in a firm and intimidating voice. He roughly lets go of her arm and she scurries away in fear. Dan looks at me with concern in his gaze.

“Luna, are you alright, oh I’m sorry for going so long,” He apologizes. I inhale and smile at him. He takes me to the bed and sits me down, he looks worried.

“Damn, the King will punish me for this,” He mumbles.

“I’m used to this honestly,” I shrug, making myself comfortable on the bed.

“What do you mean?”

“Hmm, they beat, insult, and starve me,” I say casually but as I continue to list all the pack does to me, his expression darkens and I bite my tongue. He is growling and I give his hand a pat.

“It’s okay, we can keep this little incident between us, and please don’t tell the King what I told you, Dan,” I ask in a small voice but he shakes his head.

“Promise me,” I insist but he only covers his large hand over mine and says, “I can’t do that, Luna, I have to protect you and make sure all these people suffer for what they did,” With that said, he goes out of the room, banging the door behind him.

I exhale and pray he doesn’t tell Leondre, already Lycans fight harder than normal to tame their inner Lycans and if he hears of this, the King might go ballistic and kill the bitch.

Leondre’s POV

After Dan finishes telling me what that woman did to my mate, I was fuming with anger, I went to Alaric’s office and demanded justice for Allie. I won’t let anyone hurt her without any consequence.

“Who do you think you are barging in here like that again?” He demands, his fist clutched

“I am your King. Someone attacked my mate and I want them punished, now,” I demand from him, he looks startled and takes a step back.

“Who hurt her?”

“Find out and I want to hear her screams,” I say, leaving the office after he nods. I don’t immediately go to my mate, instead, I decide to do some work that I have been putting off, however, I can’t seem to get the picture of how I found my mate out of my head, she has endured so much at the hands of everyone here.

‘She’s a fighter,’ says my Lycan. Indeed, that she is.

I allowed myself to smile while I pick up my phone to call my sister.

“Hello Leon,” My little sister Arya, greets.

“Hey,”

We exchange pleasantries before announcing to her that I have found my mate and the squeal that resounded made me remove the phone from my ear.

I wait for her to calm down before continuing.

“I’m bringing her to the Lycan pack soon,” I inform her.

“Oh, my brother! I’m so happy, I can’t wait to meet her! we are going to be best friends!” She rumbles, I knew this will happened, Arya has always wanted a sister of her own and now that I’m taking Allie there, she will have that, however, I need to speak to her about it first. I don’t want her to feel rushed into anything.

“What’s her name?”

“Alyssa Harris, she’s as beautiful and sweet,” I beam, images of her coming to my mind.

“Oh, I’m very happy for you, dear brother,”

“But…” I trail, not knowing how to tell her all the abuse she has endured. I suck in a deep breath,

“She was abused by her pack,” My sister lets out a feral growl and I hear a bang on the other end.

“What? Are they crazy? That’s against the law, you know what brother I’m coming, I have a few words to say to them or punches to give them,” She shouts, my sister is angry and no one can tame her.

“I’m already cutting them off business-wise and we are not rendering any help to them anymore!” I declare, without my help, I will watch as rogues wipe them out.

“All that is good but they need bigger punishment,” She says.

I calm her down and we discuss the Lycan Kingdom since I left her and my third in charge. Everything is going well there so far but I’m needed to go to make some decisions and attend the Alpha ball that will be held in a few weeks as an honored guest, some Alphas also want to change some amendments in their packs but need mine and the council’s approval.

After attending my Zoom meeting with the council, I leave my bedroom to go and see my mate, I closely open the door to her hospital room only to find Alaric, I almost growl but I notice my mate is sleeping and I don’t want to wake her. What is the fucker doing watching her like a creep?

“Don’t touch her, didn’t I warn you not to come into this room again?”

“Eunice was punished for coming in here, she’s staying in the dungeons for a few hours, and will be whipped for starting fights,” He says all while looking at Alyssa. She stirs a little and flutters her long lashes but doesn’t work.

“Get out,”

“She’s mine, I refuse to let her go,”

“The only reason you’re still standing there is because of your Alpha position here but don’t be deceived, I can take it from you and kill you,”

“Is this how the mighty Lycan King gets what he wants? By using his power to threaten his subordinates?” He growls. I take a step forward and he takes one back, his gaze is on me, the little pup is strong but I can still tear him to shreds without breaking a sweat.

“You are making claims on my mate, your future Queen,”

“She was given to me first!” He says, losing his cool.

“And you rejected her and was given to me, me,” I remind him of the brutal truth. Regret flickers in his eyes and I see his wolf resurface but my Lycan does too, making him involuntary submit to me.

Get out of here,” I command. Alpha Alaric tries to fight my order but he eventually leaves the room. I’m left with my mate, I take the chair near the bed and extend my hand to caress her flawless face with my fingers. Tingles jolt beneath my fingers and her eyes slowly open, but they are shining blue and I’m taken back. She tries to keep her eyes open but the medication they gave her is too strong.

I stay with her a while longer and her eyes lull again, I smile, I can watch her the whole day, goddess, I can’t believe she’s mine and all mine, I’ll love her, protect her with my life, this is the promise I make. Her eyes shut completely and she stirs a little. Is she having a bad dream?

I try to wake her up but she won’t, I stare at her in confusion and I close my eyes, trying to reach her through our bond, but all I see is a white halo. Shocked, my Lycan closes our link

I caress her cheeks and kiss her soft lips, she inhales and wakes up, getting into a sitting position.