THE LYCAN KING'S CLAIM

Scarlet's POV:

As I stood at the edge of the pack house, the weight of the day pressed down on me like a heavy fog. It is my birthday, yet I feel more like a ghost than a person. The laughter and camaraderie of my pack echoed in the background, but it was a sound I was never a part of. Keal never forget to remind me of that. Keal and his crew were already inside, their voices a mix of mockery and dominance, and I knew what was coming.

"Scarlet! Get in here!" Keal's voice rang out, sharp and commanding. I hesitated, my heart racing. I had hoped this day would bring something different, perhaps a flicker of joy or a sign that my mate was out there. What if i don't find my mate?, dread washed over me.

With a deep breath, I pushed the door open, stepping into the den of wolves who thrived on power and cruelty. The moment I entered, their laughter faded, replaced by predatory gazes that scrutinized me. I could feel the heat of their stares, each one a reminder of my status as an outcast.

"Look who decided to join us," Keal sneered, his tone dripping with contempt. "The little lost wolf." The pack members erupted in laughter, and I felt my cheeks flush with humiliation and sadness.

"Can't you find some real work to do?" I shot back, trying to summon the courage to stand my ground. But as the words left my mouth, I felt a chill in the air. I knew better than to provoke an Alpha, especially one like Keal.

"Real work?" he echoed, stepping closer, his eyes glinting with malice. "How about a little lesson in respect?" Before I could react, he lunged forward, his hand connecting with my cheek in a sharp slap that sent me staggering and falling back. The laughter of the pack rang in my ears, drowning out my thoughts as I fought back tears.

I stood up and ran, the sting of his slap burning on my skin and the weight of their ridicule heavy in my heart. I fled to the woods, the familiar trees offering some solace from the chaos of the pack house. In the depths of the forest, I sank to the ground, allowing the tears to flow freely.

Why was I always the target? Why did I have to be the one who was different? My heart ached with loneliness, and as I sat there, I couldn't help but wish for a miracle. I prayed to the moon goddess, asking for my mate to find me, to rescue me from this torment.

Hours passed, and the sun began to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. I wiped my tears and took a deep breath, steeling myself for the evening ahead. I had to return to the pack house; I had to face Keal.

As I walked back, a sense of foreboding filled my chest. When I entered the pack house again, Keal was waiting for me. His expression was unreadable, but I could sense the tension in the air.

"Scarlet," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "Come here." "Where have you been?".

I hesitated, my heart pounding in my chest. But something compelled me to step closer. As I did, a wave of energy washed over me, the sweet sent of mint and wood filled my nostril, suddenly, I felt it-the mate bond igniting like a flame within me.

"Mate."

In that moment, everything changed. I looked into Keal's eyes, and for the briefest second, I saw something softer, something that made my heart race.

Wait, what? Keal is my mate?

"Mate so fine" someone say, who said that? Did keal get in my head again.

"No, silly, I'm your wolf " the soft feminine voice says again." My name is averia"said my wolf

Nice to meet you averia, my name is scarlet. I can't believe I'm able to finally talk to you. I said excitedly.

Suddenly the soft look in keals eyes was gone in an instant, replaced by the coldness I had come to expect.

"Keal, I-" I started, but before I could finish, he interrupted me.

"The moon goddess must be joking thinking I will have you has a mate, you're weak, ugly and pathetic. You don't deserve me,hell! You don't deserve a mate."

He spat with so much anger.

"I, Alpha keal,reject you, Scarlet as my mate and luna ." His words cut through me like a knife.

"No!" I screamed as I felt something break inside me, desperation clawing at my throat. "You can't-"

But he stepped forward, his hands gripping my throat tightly. I gasped, the world around me fading as he squeezed harder. I could feel the darkness creeping in, and I struggled against him, but it was no use.

"What were you thinking, that I will sweep you off your feet, mate with you and put my pups in you? Never! You're not fit to be Luna" he growled.

"Accept it," he growled, his voice low and menacing. "You're nothing to me."

In that moment, something inside me shattered. I felt the bond slip away, leaving a hollow ache in its place. I had never felt so powerless, so utterly alone. The realization that a powerful Alpha like Keal would never choose someone like me, an outcast,a nobody, crushed my spirit.

As he released me, I stumbled back, gasping for air. Tears streamed down my face as I finally accepted the rejection.

" I, scarlet, accept your rejection" I said and he stumbled back. He looked shocked and surprised, as if he didn't expect me to accept it.

I was nothing to him, and that truth stung more than any physical pain he could inflict.

Anger surged within me, mingling with the hurt.

Defeated and devastated, i stumbled out of the pack house, tears streaming down my face. The world around me blurred as i made my way to the club where i often performed in secret.

It was my escape, a place where i could lose myself in music and forget the pain, even if just for a little while.

As i entered the club, the familiar sounds of laughter and music enveloped me. I made my way to the bar, ordering a drink to drown out the pain of being rejected by my mate. everything felt so heavy.

But what was I expecting? That keal would accept me has his mate?.

The moon goddess is not being fair to me,what did I do to deserve all this?.

I ordered more drink, hoping it would help me escape the feelings that were haunting me.

I took a deep breath, letting the alcohol carry me away, even if just for a little while. I want to know what it feels like to be happy and free. Not having a single care of what will come after, I want to experience it, just for today.

As i sat there, drinking, and wasted, a man approached and took the seat beside me. He had an easy smile and a powerful aura around him, certain charm that drew me in.

"Don't you think you've had enough?" He said. his voice was deep and commanding.

Enough? I laughed, I don't think that has anything to do with me tonight.

We exchanged pleasantries, our conversation flowing effortlessly as we shared laughter.

The chemistry between us was undeniable, and as the night wore on, the atmosphere shifted.

The playful banter turned into lingering glances, and before long, we found ourselves wrapped up in each other, surrendering to the moment and the desires that had ignited between us.