A Forbidden Love: The Lycan Prince Hybrid Mate

Chapter 1

"Why, why is life so hard, it is not easy," I screamed as I entered my living room and collapsed onto the worn, velvet sofa, feeling defeated. I didn't feel like moving a finger. I felt so tired.

The moment my back hit the sofa, it released a tired, pitiful squeak, like even it was tired of my life problems. I let my head fall back and stared at the ceiling, noticing a faint crack crawling across it like a map of my stress levels branching out every day.

My shoes were still on, my bag half-hanging off my shoulder, my hair sticking to my forehead from the heat outside. I looked like a roasted plantain someone forgot on the grill.

"I swear, if life gives me one more nonsense today, I will pack my bag and relocate to Pluto," I said out loud.

Isabella looked up from her laptop, concern etched on her face. "I swear I will help you pack your stuff. What's wrong, why the complaint, did you meet a frustrating person again in today's interview? You look like you're having a rough day," she asked, her eyes sparkling with empathy.

I let out a deep sigh, feeling the frustration bubble up inside me again. "I just had the worst interview ever. The guy was so frustrating and with the ridiculous questions he was asking, and I felt like I was losing it at some point" I said to Isabella.

Isabella's eyes widened. "Oh no, what happened? Hope you did not lose it and punch him."

I shook my head, a hint of a smile on my lips. "No I didn't punch him, but I wanted to," I said.

" I know you won't. I trust you girl. So how did he get on your nerves."

I shook my head, frowning. "I don't know, he just seemed to be looking for ways to trip me up. And I'm pretty sure I didn't get the job."

Isabella nodded sympathetically. "I'm sure you'll find a better job. You deserve it. You have worked so hard," she said.

I smiled, feeling a bit better. "Thanks, isa. Your assuredness means a lot to me, you know, what can I do without you girl. I'm hungry, is there anything at home" I said, feeling grateful for having her as my friend.

Isabella smiled with warmth. "You're welcome, babe. I have already cooked, should I go and help you microwave it," Isabella asked.

"Yes, thank you" I said, without feeling any awkwardness or shyness.

Isabella was my only friend and we have been friends since childhood. I have been a nerd in school who doesn't talk with people and likes to be alone but Isabella is the opposite of me. She is popular and always defends me. I really love her. She is the best. Only when I am with Isabella am outspoken and bring out my real self. We rented these two bedroom apartments together.

As I watched her moving around the kitchen, humming to herself, something warm settled in my chest. Most people only see the bright, loud, pretty girl who seems to have everything under control. But I knew her better.

She always tried to take the weight of the world off my shoulders, as if she could sense the exact second my spirit was about to crumble.

Sometimes I wondered what I would've become without her, probably one lost, quiet girl buried under anxiety, job rejections, and indigestion from eating stress-induced noodles every night.

"Isa, if one day I make it big, I will buy you a house," I said weakly.

She snorted. "Better buy me a car. A house is too expensive for your current condition."

"Wow. So little faith."

"It's not little. It's a realistic faith."

"Here is the food," Isabella said.

As she handed me my food, I noticed the aroma of the pasta wafting through the air, making my stomach growl with hunger. I dug in, feeling a bit better.

Isabella went back to sit on the chair with a table in front which looked like a study place, typing on her laptop.

"What's next? Are you going to keep looking for a job," Isabella asked without looking up from the laptop.

I nodded, determination coursing through me. "Yes I need to. I can't give up," I said.

As I looked around the living room, I felt a sense of comfort. This was my safe space, with Isabella by my side. We'd get through this together.

"I think I should also join you and start writing a novel. So I just have to sit and use my brain without having to stress myself or looking at the face of those stupid interviewers," I said while looking at Isabella who was typing on her laptop, she is a great writer.

"I really wish you would really write a novel. You are so talented, you help me and give ideas for most of my novels. If you are a writer, you would have gone far and be a top author but we both know your passion is not there," Isabella said and I know what she said is the truth.

I have only one dream wish is to work in a big company after graduation. I graduated three months ago and started my job hunting 2 months ago after I did not receive any mails from the companies I sent my applications to. I graduated as the best student in my university and department.

Before graduation my life has always been a dull and boring routine, a never ending cycle of waking up, going to class, and coming back home which was suffocating. All I ever wanted was to graduate and earn money to enjoy my life. Finally my wish was about to be fulfilled.

And I graduated and started sending out applications to different companies the very next day. I hope to receive a response from one or two and I will choose the best. But imagination is different from reality after not hearing from them for one month.

I started hunting for a job and going to different companies I don't like but I don't have a choice, I need the job. Searching for a job is not easy but a baddie is gonna be a baddie. I need this job for my living expenses. Or else I might start begging.

Sometimes, late at night when the lights were off and the world finally shut up, I wondered why everything had to be so hard for me. Why nothing ever came easily. Why every step felt like dragging my feet through mud.

Every morning I told myself,

"Today will be better." Every night, reality said, "you thought."

People always admired the strong quiet girl they saw on the outside, but they didn't know the quiet panic that lived inside my chest, rising every time another company ghosted me.

I wasn't asking for luxury.

I wasn't asking for miracles.

I just wanted a chance to prove myself. Was that too much?

After I was done eating I went to the kitchen and washed my plate, after that I went to my room arranged everywhere because I scattered it before going out this morning. I made sure every place was sparkling clean, shower and changed into comfortable clothes before going back to the living room.

I saw Isabella concentrating on her laptop, and I don't disturb her because she is writing now and can't be distracted and disturbed or the inspiration will fly out. I took out my phone and started going through TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.

I was about to scroll past another makeup tutorial when the familiar sinking feeling washed over me, the one that always came before disappointment. The one that whispered. "Check your email. Maybe one reply came." Every day I checked. Every day nothing changed.

I opened my inbox and saw nothing but newsletters and "Hot sales now!" messages. Companies loved me, but only to send me ads. Not job offers.

My finger hovered over the email app for a moment, but I moved it away.

I couldn't take another heartbreak today.

One more rejection and my chest might actually cave in.

So I kept scrolling, trying to pretend I didn't care, trying to pretend hope didn't hurt. And then

ding.

A sound of notification rings out and I notice it is an email, I don't even bother to check out who sent it, I just click on it and I froze. My vision blurred. My heart stopped. "No way"

My breath caught in my throat.

For a moment, the world around me blurred, the room, the sofa, the sound of Isabella typing. Everything faded, swallowed by the weight of the single line glowing on my screen.

My fingers trembled.

My stomach dropped.

Warmth rushed to my face.

This couldn't be real.

This couldn't be happening.

My pulse hammered in my ears as I blinked rapidly, wondering if exhaustion was making me hallucinate.

But the email stayed.

Its subject line is clear.

Unmoving.

Terrifying.

A reply.

My first reply in three months.

Chapter 2

I stared at my phone screen, my heart racing like a jackrabbit on steroids. "Oh, my goodness, this can't be true" I exclaimed, my voice echoing through the small living room.

I immediately closed the email and clicked on it again to be sure I wasn't seeing things, my eyes scanning the words as if they were a golden ticket to a better life.

Lycaon Enterprises@gmail.com

"Dear Miss Selena Isolde,

We are pleased to inform you that your application has been selected for an interview at the Lycaon Enterprise.

The words danced on the screen, taunting me with the promises of a brighter future. This was it, the chance to escape the dullness and my boring life and start anew. I can't believe this. If I was chosen, my life would change forever.

I had mentally and emotionally prepared for this moment several times, but nothing could have prepared me for the rush of excitement coursing through my veins. I am so happy.

"Selena" I felt someone shaking me. I look up to see Isabella's worried face looming over me.

"What's wrong? What happened? Why are you screaming like that? and have been shouting your name, what did you see on your phone that makes you not hear me until I shake you" Isabella asked in a rush.

I blinked, taking a deep breath as I turned to face her. "Calm down, which one should I answer first, huh? Just read the email, it will answer all your questions" I said, handling her my phone, trying to contain my excitement.

Isabella's eyes widened as she read the screen. "What? You have been asked to come for an interview at Lycaon Enterprise? Is this for real? The same Enterprise that's one of the largest and most prestigious organizations in the world? Wow, girl you have made it."

Isabella read the email once again, her eyes checking out each word to be sure. "But it is tomorrow" she said and I immediately looked at her.

"What do you mean tomorrow?" I asked, my voice laced with a hint of panic. "Look at it yourself," she said, passing me the phone.

I snatched the phone back, my eyes scanning the screen once more. "And the interview was scheduled for 10 am tomorrow. Please do not come late and let us know if you will be unavailable tomorrow." I read out.

"Oh my god, how do they want me to prepare? I hope I don't mess up tomorrow, if I really get the job at the Enterprise, I have made it," I whispered, my heart sinking, and I was already running out of time.

Isabella placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "You will be fine, Selena. You've got this. Just be yourself and show them what you're capable of, I trust you"

I nodded, feeling a surge of determination. I was going to nail this interview and get the job.

"So now, madam, please go to your room to sleep early so you will be able to wake up early and in good condition. I'll help you prepare in the morning," Isabella said as she pushed me towards my room.

I felt a sense of unease creeping in. As I entered my room.

What if I wasn't good enough? What if I messed it up?

I pushed the doubts aside, focusing on the excitement coursing through me. I lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling as the possibilities swirled in my head. This was a chance to change my life and I was going to take it.

Lost in thought, the sound of my phone ringing jolted me out of my thoughts-and I saw it: my parents calling.

"Hey, mom," I said, answering the phone.

"Hi, sweetie, how was your day?" My mom asked, her voice warm and caring.

"It was okay," I replied, trying to sound casual.

"How was the job interview you had today? Did it go well," she asked.

"You don't have to ask about an obvious thing, you are so stupid. Of course it didn't go well, didn't you see? She didn't say anything about it. If it went well she wouldn't have kept quiet immediately she picked up. She is the same as you. She can't do things right," my father said, and I immediately changed my mind about telling them about the job interview I had with the Lycaon Enterprise.

My mother's voice was like a match to gasoline, igniting a fire of anger and frustration. "Hey, wait what do you mean she's just like me, and can't do things right? what have I not done right, and moreover I didn't ask you or talk to you. Why do you have to interfere in everything" She spat, her words dripping with venom. And with that another round off argument has started.

"I will call you back after I am done dealing with this cheap cheater" My mom's words were like a slap to the face, a harsh reminder of the toxic dynamic that had become their norm.

The call ended abruptly, leaving me feeling like a spectator in a car crash, unable to look away. The silence was oppressive, heavy with unspoken words and unresolved anger.

As I lay there, the darkness seemed to close on around me, suffocating me with the weight of their dysfunctional relationship. My adoptive parents, a pair of individuals who couldn't stand each other, yet remained trapped in a loveless marriage.

They had been like this even before they adopted me at the age of 6, and I had grown accustomed to the tension, the arguing, and the silent treatment.

Soon I drifted off to sleep amidst my thoughts, my mind racing with what-ifs, and I couldn't shake the feeling that my life was about to change in ways I couldn't even imagine.

The sunlight burst through my window, shining into my face. I groggily opened my eyes, the bright light making me squint.

7:30, the time glared at me from my phone screen, a harsh reminder that I was running late. I slept late last night and the excitement was overwhelming.

I sprang out of bed, my heart racing as I rushed to the shower. The water was so refreshing, I felt my senses come alive. I dressed quickly, my fingers flying as I buttoned my suit and smoothed my hair.

The sun was reflecting through the living room window casting a warm orange glow over the living room and kitchen.

I walked to the kitchen, made a coffee and some waffles for breakfast. I sat at the kitchen table and had my breakfast. Isabella walked in. "Good morning, how was your night" she asked, eyeing the waffles

"It was fine, and yours?" I replied, taking a bite of my breakfast.

"Good, and are you ready for today's interview?" Isabella asked, her voice laced with excitement.

I nodded, feeling a surge of confidence. "Yeah, ready and confident" I said, checked the time, 8:30, and my heart skipped a beat. I grabbed my laptop, and my bag was already packed and ready to go.

"I am set, and ready to face today's interview with courage and hope. And my cab is here" I said, hearing the honk outside.

Isabella smiled, her eyes shining with encouragement. "Alright, then wish you the best of luck" She said, and I knew she meant it.

I walked out of the room, straight to the cab waiting for me. I slid into the backseat, my heart pounding in my chest, and gave the address of Lycaon Enterprise, feeling a thrill of excitement mixed with a dash of nervousness.

As I arrived at the office building, I felt a sense of awe wash over me. Here I am standing in front of a magnificent building, which is truly the most prestigious company in the world.

I walked into the lobby, my heart pounding in my chest. The receptionist smiled and greeted me. "Hi am Selena Isolde here for an interview"

"Oh, one second," the receptionist said, typing on her laptop trying to confirm my name was on the list of interviewers. "Just go to the top floor, someone will receive you there" she said and I walked to the elevator. I walked into the elevator and soon I reached the top floor.

I took a deep breath, smoothed out my suit. The elevator doors opened, and I stepped out into the sleek, modern lobby of the top floor. I made my way to the receptionist desk, racing with anticipation. "Hi, I'm Selena Isolde, here for an interview" I said.

The receptionist smiled and nodded. "Right this way, Miss Isolde. Mr. Lycaon is waiting for you. And do you know you are here for a personal assistant job? You are quite lucky that the CEO is looking for a P.A urgently" She said.

I shook my head, feeling a bit surprised. "No, I wasn't aware it was not included in the email" I said.

"Oh, there might be a mistake with the email. You are here for the position of the personal assistant of the CEO" she said. "Oh thank you for letting me know" I said to her.

"You are welcome" she said. And she nodded and led me to the CEO's office. I look confident but I was nervous, an interview for the big boss personal assistant. Wow. As we arrived in front of the CEO office, my heart started pounding faster in my chest.

The receptionist knocked on the door, and a voice called out, "come in"

She opened the door and entered. I also walked into the office, the bright sunlight and hum of the city outside contrasting with the sleek, modern interior. The interior was so beautiful.

"Sir the lady for the interview is here" I heard the receptionist say, I was still behind her unable to see the boss. "Alright you can go" said a voice I believe was of the boss. It was the most enchanting and cool voice I have ever heard.

The receptionist moved away and walked out then I was greeted by the most captivating sight I had ever seen.

The CEO sat behind his desk, his piercing blue eyes seemed to bore into my soul, he was the most captivating man I had ever seen and his chiseled features made my heart skip a beat.

"How could there exist someone as handsome as this? Is he really my boss and not a god on earth" I whispered, my voice barely audible, without realizing I had spoken out loud.

The CEO's gaze met mine, and a hint of a smile played on his lips. "I am a human not a god, miss Selena" he said, his voice dripping with amusement, leaving me mortified.

I felt my cheeks flush with embarrassment, I quickly looked away, trying to compose myself.

The CEO's eyes sparkled with amusement as he leaned back in his chair, his gaze never leaving mine. "Shall we begin the interview, Miss Isolde?"

Chapter 3

"Yes, sir, I am ready for the interview," I said.

As I sat across from the CEO, I tried to focus on the interview questions. But my mind kept wandering back to the way his eyes seemed to see right through me, the way his smile made my heart skip a beat. What's wrong with me? I should not be thinking of him. My mind was supposed to be on the questions.

I forced myself to concentrate, answering his questions with as much confidence as I could muster. But I could feel his gaze on me, piercing blue eyes that seemed to bore into my soul.

As the interview drew to a close, the CEO leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving mine. "Tell me, Miss Isolde, what makes you think you're the right person for this job?" He asked.

I took a deep breath launching into my prepared speech. "I think I'm the right person for this job, sir. I'm not just looking for a job, I'm looking for a challenge.I have the skills and qualifications, I'm just looking for a chance to prove myself and make a real impact. And I'm willing to work hard to make that happen. I'm a quick learner and I promise not to stare at you too much, sir"

Oh no, did I just say that? I felt my face flush with embarrassment as the CEO's eyes sparkled with amusement. Why can't I stop embarrassing myself before this man.

"I'm impressed, Miss Isolde," he said, his voice dripping with charm. His eyes sparkling with amusement. "You certainly have a way with words. But words are just words. I need to see action. I need to see that you're willing to put in the work and make sacrifices for the company."

He leaned forward, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "This is a high-pressure job, Miss Isolde. You'll be working long hours, and you'll be expected to keep up with the demand of the company. You'll be privy to sensitive information, and you'll be expected to keep it confidential. Are you prepared to make all those commitments?"

His gaze locked onto mine, as if searching for any hint of hesitation. But he was bound to be disappointed because I am ready to do it all. I know he was probably testing me, pushing me to see if I am truly serious about the job which I am.

"Sir, as I said earlier I just need a chance to prove my worth and I will not disappoint you. I'm prepared to make all those commitments, sir" I said.

As I finished speaking, he nodded, a hint of a smile on his lips. "I think you'll do just fine, Miss Isolde. You got the job, start from tomorrow, I will be expecting you by nine am."

I beamed, trying to contain my excitement. "Thank you, sir. I promise to do my best and be good..." I said.

"And I'm Marcus Lycaon," he interrupted, his eyes sparkling. "I'm sure you don't know my name"

I felt a jolt of surprise, wondering how he knew that. I just know everything about the company except for his name since people don't talk much about him. "How did you...?"

He chuckled, a low, husky sound. "You've got a lot to learn, Miss Isolde. And has anyone ever told you, you're an open book? All your words are always on your face"

Is he for real but anything the boss said is right, and I nodded. "No one has ever told me that, you are the first sir" I said.

"Okay, goodbye I need to get back to work," he said, his voice playful. "or are you that reluctant to leave me? I also don't want you to leave. You can stay as long as you don't disturb me"

I laughed, feeling a sense of ease with him that I couldn't explain. "No, sir, continue with your work. I will get going. Goodbye sir, see you tomorrow" I said.

As I left his office, I felt a sense of relief wash over me, for finally leaving that demon. I feel attracted to his handsome look which is normal. Everyone loves beautiful things. It can't be beyond that. I have to be careful around the CEO. His look can make one do some crazy things and embarrass oneself.

But, at last I had finally gotten the job and I was excited to start. But I couldn't shake the feeling that Marcus Lycaon was more than just a handsome CEO.

As I reached the receptionist I chatted with her and informed her about getting the job and resuming tomorrow. I got to know that her name was Sofia and she was nice. She told me a lot of things about the CEO such as he is nice but also strict and jokes with works he loves, worker diligent and punctual. I chat with her for a while before walking out of the building and hail a cab home.

I burst through the door, my heart still buzzing with excitement. Isabella isabella was lounging on the couch, her eyes fixed on the laptop screen as she chatted with Liam, her boyfriend via video call.

The warm glow of the screen illuminated her face, and I could almost feel the love radiating from her voice. I felt a pang of happiness for my friend, but my own news could wait. Liam and Isabella met in college during our first year since they started dating. That's how I also know him, through Isabella and the three of us become friends. Liam was out of the country for some work.

I slipped into my room, shedding my work clothes for a comfy pair of yoga pants and a soft t-shirt. The cool water of the shower revived me, washing away the stress of the day. As I towel-dried my hair, the scent of sizzling veggies wafted from the kitchen, making my stomach tingle with anticipation.

I had whipped up a simple stir fry, enough for both of us, and the table was set with a steaming hot plate of noodles and a side of garlic bread. Just as I was finishing up, Isabella walked into the kitchen, her phone still held in her hand.

"Sorry about that, Liam says hi, and how was the interview" She said, flashing me a quick smile.

I grinned, feeling like I was bursting at the seams. "Guess it?"

Isabella's eyes widened. "Tell me, tell me it is what am thinking"

"I got the job girl" I squealed, jumping up and down

Isabella shrieked, throwing her arms around me. "Congratulations, Selena! I knew you could do it"

We hugged and laughed, tension broken. "I'm so happy for you," Isabella said. "Thank you dear" I replied. "Now gist me about your day at the Enterprise" Isabella asked.

As we sat down to eat, I recounted the events of the day, from the sleek office building to the enigmatic Marcus Lycaon. Isabella listened, her eyes wide with excitement, her fork hovering above her plate.

"Whoa, sounds like you made quite an impression on your new boss," she teased, wiggling her eyebrows.

I rolled my eyes, feeling a flutter in my chest. "He's just... Nice, okay? And handsome, in a brooding, Alpha-male king of way"

Isabella squealed, nearly choking on her food. "Selena, you are blushing!"

I laughed, trying to play it cool. "Shut up, it's just a harmless attraction. Everyone loves attractive things. You know I'm not looking for love"

"hmm, you and this your single vow, all is well. But I know that very soon there will come a man who makes you believe in love and fall in love with him" Isabella said.

"You know that's not possible," I said. Isabella's phone rang as she was about to retort, and she jumped up to answer it, leaving me to my thoughts. As I washed the dishes, my mind wandered back to Marcus, his smile, eyes voice everything seared into my brain.

Just as I was finishing up, Isabella poked her head into the kitchen, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Hey, Liam wants to talk to you, he said, he has some news" She said, handing me her phone.

I took the phone, feeling a sudden jolt of unease. What was Liam's news?

"Hey, Liam, what's up?" I asked, trying to sound casual.

There was a pause, and for a moment, I wondered if the connection had dropped.

"Selena, I have some news, on what you asked me to find out" Liam said, his voice low and serious. "And I think you should sit down for it"