Destined Mate: A Lycan Empire's Tale

I crept through the dark forest which was bright and glowed under the full moon, moving silently as I searched and looked everywhere. Soon I saw Kieran, who was already waiting for me, his eyes questioning and I walked to him.

"Hey, what took you so long? What's wrong, why did you ask me to come all of a sudden?" Kieran asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.

I glanced around nervously. "Sorry, I was just making sure no one was following me, that's why I was late. And I should run away with you. You know what, my parents want me to mate with the Alpha prince Jayden. If they find out that I have met with my Destined mate and were secretly meeting with him things might get disastrous for us."

Kieran's eyes narrowed, his voice laced with disbelief. "What do you mean by things we get disastrous? They should be happy for us right? I love you, we're destined mates. Why would they want you to mate with someone else when you've found yours, your true mate?"

His jaw tightened. "And I'm also an alpha, even though it might be on the same level as the Alpha prince, but am not some lesser wolf. My pack may be smaller than your parents but am still an Alpha."

"You don't know my parents," I said, my voice laced with worry. "You don't understand what they can do. The Chosen Celebration is around the corner in less than three months. And they've taught me since childhood how to be a queen and a good mate to the prince. I have been trained and given the best teachers in the kingdom. They want nothing more than for me to be the prince's chosen mate. I'm scared they might do something."

My eyes pleaded with Kieran. "And I haven't even told anyone about being mated to you, not even Amelia and my maternal grandfather. Please, let's run away, okay. I don't want to lose you, I have always wanted my mate."

"Don't worry, I will talk to your parents and let me handle this," he said, his voice steady and calm. "You have already handled it your way since we met one week ago at the mating ball. Though your parents are the Alpha and Luna of a powerful pack, they will still respect me since I am also an alpha. I understand your parents, they just want the best for you, okay. Every parent wants the best for their child. They think the king is the best mate for you and that is why they want you to mate with him. Let me talk to them, okay."

His eyes held hers. "And moreover, they are good and kind hearted people, everyone in the kingdom knows. They have always encouraged mate."

"No, please Kieran, listen to me," I urged, my voice frantic. "You won't understand. Everything I'm telling you is true they might kill you. Let's run away, I've already packed my bags."

"No, I will not go away with you," Kieran said, his jaw set firm. "You deserve the best, I will not elope and tarnish your name, and we did nothing wrong. You are my mate. Don't worry, let's go to your parents."

Then I heard a clap from behind me. "What a wonderful scene, well Alpha Kieran, there is no need for you to come to us, we are here already," I heard.

As I heard the voice, fear gripped me like icy fingers; I was shaking. That's my dad's voice.

I turned, my voice shaking like a leaf. "Dad, Mom, why are you here?"

My mother's eyes narrowed, her tone laced with acid curiosity. "Oh, so you don't want us here. To see you and this boy together."

I stayed quiet, words caught in my throat.

"Answer me, child," she pressed, her voice like a cold blade.

"Alpha Bryson I was about to come to you, good evening," Kieran said, stepping forward with calm dignity. "I don't mean to be rude, meeting your daughter like this. I was about to come with her to meet you. I'm her mate, nice to meet you, sir and ma'am."

Kieran spoke without knowing the storm we'd walked into.

"Well, what could I say, Alpha Kieran?" my father said, a smile twisting his lips but his eyes burned like hot coals beneath the surface. "My daughter doesn't have a mate. She is destined to be Alpha Prince Jayden's mate. So you must be mistaken about the mate matter."

Kieran stood tall, his voice steady. "Alpha Bryson, I know every parent wants the best for their child, but she is truly my mate. We met one week ago at the mating ball."

My father's smile vanished, his voice dropping to a low growl. "What could I say? Than, there is someone foolish who doesn't know what he got himself into. Someone fetches guards, we have an Alpha who sneakily enters our pack to steal our security details, disrupting plans, knowing our security weaknesses and collaborating with the enemies to pass information. We have every right to kill him."

"That's not true, Alpha Bryson, don't accuse me of such" Kieran said, his voice sharp with denial. "I came here to meet your daughter, that's all."

My father's expression turned to stone. "I don't care. What matters is that to me, you are here for what I accused you of. Gag him and drug him," he said to his guards.

Kieran fought back, muscles straining against the sudden swarm of bodies. He was dragged down, overpowered by numbers, his struggles muffled as a cloth cut into his mouth.

"No, Dad, please don't do this," I begged, tears streaming down my face. "I beg you."

My mother's gaze sliced into me and slapped me. "You should have known this would happen, sneaking around with him. Do you want to ruin our plans? Have you forgotten your duty? We've trained you since childhood. You should have known better."

"Mom, please," I begged, my voice cracking with desperation. "I have always listened to you and Dad about everything since I was a child. Please, for once, let me be with who I want. Don't do this to me, don't kill him."

My father's eyes were chips of cold stone. "We'll give you a choice. Either you choose to cut ties with him, forget him, and we'll leave him alive. Or you stay with him and we'll kill him right now. You have two minutes to decide."

I stood frozen, rooted to the spot, my mind a chaotic storm. Had I done something wrong, wanting to be with my true mate? I wanted Kieran. I'd always dreamed of being with my destined mate. Why couldn't they let me have him? Was their plan more important than me, their daughter? Was I just a pawn to them?

Will they really kill him if I choose to be with him? What should I do? Goddess, please protect him. I don't know what to do. On one hand I want to be with my mate, and on the other if I choose to be with him, they will kill him. What should I choose now?

While still thinking of what to choose, my mother made a decision for me in a cold, final and resolute voice. "Since you don't answer, I've already picked for you. Kill him, Bryson. There's no need for him to live, not if she's to be completely obedient to us."

"Kill him," my father ordered, his words dropping like a guillotine blade.

I crumpled to my knees before him, desperation clawing at my throat. "Dad, please don't do this, leave him alive! I promise to do everything you said, I'm ready to reject him, please don't kill him, Dad."

"Do it," he said to his guards, his voice a stone wall.

They moved, swift and merciless. Kieran's life ebbed away in a brutal flash and I felt it, oh I felt it like a ripping wound in my soul. Selena howled in agony inside my head, a scream of raw pain echoing through every fiber. The hurt was crushing, like my heart was being torn apart, shredding with every fading beat of his life. It hurts so much.

"Why, why do you do this?" I demanded, words trembling with hurt. "Am I even your daughter? Why can't you just give me what I want, this once? Am I just a pawn in your plan to overthrow the royal family? Is that all I mean to you?"

My mother's smile was a cold, cruel curve of her lips. "You're right you aren't my daughter. To me, you're nothing but a puppet, a tool to push us closer to our goal, to pave the way for my son. But biologically, you're your father's daughter to another woman."

The words hit like a slap; I felt my breath catch. What did I just hear? Was she speaking in rage, or was it the truth? My mind reeled, trying to grasp it.

"Why do you tell her?" my father asked, a low warning in his tone.

"Why wouldn't I?" she spat, venom in her eyes. "I hated her so much because of her mother."

"What are you talking about?" I asked, my voice a bewildered whisper, confusion swirling like a dark fog in my mind.

My mother's eyes gleamed with a hard, bitter light. "You aren't my child. You're his mistress's daughter, she died giving birth to you."

My breath caught in a sharp gasp. "That's not true! Grandpa would've told me if I wasn't born to you," I said, denial rising like a desperate shield.

My mother Elena laughed, a low, mirthless sound. "If he would've known. But he doesn't. Everyone thinks you're my daughter. That's what we've told them and what the world knows. I got 'pregnant' at the same time as the woman who actually bore you. But I gave birth to a son who's been training in secret to become a capable prince. After your father becomes king after we overthrow the royal family he'll be ready."

The words sliced into me like cold knives, leaving jagged wounds. I felt myself unraveling, thread by thread.

"Who was she?" I demanded, anger burning like acid in my veins. "Tell me who my mother is. Right now."

Elena's gaze locked onto mine, her eyes glinting with a mix of triumph and malice. "Your mother was the princess of the royal family who was lost to them since she was a teenager. Actually she was kidnapped by your paternal grandfather, used to birth a child with royal blood. A legitimate heir, crafted for the day they'd overthrow the Royals themselves."

The words hit me like a storm surge, crashing against everything I'd thought I knew. Royal blood. Kidnapped princess. The pieces twisted in my mind, jagged and brutal.

"I'll kill you all," I spat, venom in every word, disgust churning like bile in my gut. "I hate you. How could you do this for power? So disgusting. You hid your son, made me a pawn to draw you closer to the royal family, to help you kill my mother's family. I hate you, I won't participate in this."

The thought of Bryson blood in my veins turned my stomach; I felt tainted, fouled by the very lineage I now loathed.

"Do you know why I'm telling you all this?" Elena said, her smile a cold slash across her face. "Because after this, we'll wipe out all your memories. And you'll still be the obedient daughter you've always been after today."

As she spoke, something sharp and merciless struck me. Darkness swooped in like a black wing, and I plunged into unconsciousness.

"You shouldn't have told her all those things," Bryson said to Elena, his voice a low, warning rumble.

Elena's lips curved with calculated calm. "Don't worry the witches are already waiting in the house. They'll erase all her memory, and she won't remember a thing when she wakes up. Not even her darling mate who just died."

Bryson's gaze narrowed, shadows dancing across his face.

Elena said as she continued. "And not many people remember the princess who was announced dead. I wouldn't even know there was once a princess in the royal family if you hadn't told me."

Bryson's voice dropped, edged with command. "But next time, be careful. I don't want us to talk about any of this again. I'll announce Alpha Kieran's death, and accuse him of treachery. Make his death just nothing. We've taken too many steps for our plans, don't ruin it by not controlling your mouth."

The air hung thick with unspoken threats, the weight of their plotting palpable.

"I'll be careful from now on," Elena said, her voice a smooth whisper. "Thank god I noticed something was off at the mating ball. I made someone follow her every move. Or else she'd have run away with him and ruined our plan."

Bryson's nod was sharp, decisive. "Good. Let's go."

With a curt gesture, they ordered their men to clean everything, scrub the forest clean, leave no trace. Efficient, silent, the shadows moved to obey. And with cold finality, Bryson and Elena turned to leave the forest, swallowed by the darkness they'd crafted.

Chapter 1

As I was seated in front of a mirror, elegantly dressed in a silk gown, my fingers idly playing with the diamond necklace around my neck.

The soft, golden light emanated from the lamp on the bedside table, cast a warm, inviting glow over the room, making the dark colored designs and plush mattresses seem almost ethereal. I gazed into the mirror, my eyes unfocused, as I was lost in thought. Today is the day the prince chosen is mate, the day I did not desire to exist.

Growing up, my parents were uncaring, leaving my feelings unheard and unseen. Important decisions regarding my education, friendships, and future were made without my opinion, as if my thoughts and feelings were invisible. Their expectations weighed heavily on me, suffocating my own desires and leaving me struggling to find my voice.

"Have always told you that you should stop caring about them. They did not care about us" Selena said with a dismissive scoff, her voice echoing in my mind.

"And you know I'd always be here for you, no matter what. So stop thinking about them," Selena said gently, sensing my distress. "Thank you, Selena," I said softly, my voice laced with sincerity.

But it was quickly overshadowed as my mother, Elena, burst into the room, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Are you ready for the party, darling?" Her voice tingled with a hint of impatience as she asked, her gaze sweeping over my outfit with critical eyes.

I nodded, adjusting my dress, the silk fabric rustling softly against my skin. "Yes, Mom" I said steadily, though my heart felt heavy, weighed down by the familiar pressure of my mother's expectations.

As I prepared to follow mother out, she added, "Davina, remember to smile and be charming" I forced a smile, my lips curling mockingly, but my eyes betrayed my true feelings. A spark of rebellion flashed through my mind, but I quickly suppressed it. Expectations, yes, I was burdened with their expectations. It seemed as if I was born for their expectations. I felt like a puppet on strings, bound by my mother's expectations.

As we walked into the cozy living room, where my father, Bryson, was waiting, sitting on the edge of the sofa with an air of anticipation that seemed to crackle with tension. The soft glow of the lamps highlighted the sharp lines of his face, and his eyes gleamed with a calculating intensity that made my heart skip a beat.

"You look stunning, Davina," he said, his expression a mix of impatience and excitement. "Tonight is the turning point of our plan to take down the royal family, who have ruled the Werewolf Kingdom with wisdom and justice, alongside the Elder Council. But I've always believed that it's time for a change, for a stronger, more ruthless leadership. You need to be selected as the prince's chosen mate, you will be our eyes in the royal family. it will give us the leverage we need to seize power. The royal family's leniency and fairness have made them weak, and it's time someone with real vision took the throne."

His words were a command, not a question, and I felt a familiar knot in my stomach, like a thread being pulled tight. I knew my father's ambition knew no bounds, and he was just making excuses to overthrow the royal family. The thought of the bloodshed and chaos that might follow was unsettling.

I nodded, adjusting my dress "I understand, Father," I said reassuringly, my voice steady, though my heart felt like it was trapped in a cage. "As you wish, father, I will be the chosen one" My father's eyes narrowed slightly, as if searching for any hint of doubt, and I forced a confident smile, masking the turmoil brewing inside me. "Let's go, or else we'll be late for the party," he said gruffly, his voice tinged with urgency.

I knew my wolf despised my parents, but it was difficult for me to do anything against them. After all, they gave birth to me and gave me life. They were my parents.I loved my parents.

Even though I knew I was a pawn in their hands, a child's love for their parents is always unconditional and without scruples.

Countless times I wanted to roar, countless times I wanted to ask why me? Why did I need to obey, need to live the way they wanted me to, while my brother could grow up freely?

But for the sake of love, I choose to hide my true self.

We nodded in agreement, the silence between us thick with unspoken expectations. As we made our way out the door, the brisk evening air wrapped around us like a shroud, carrying the scent of damp earth and leaves. The sound of our footsteps echoed through the stillness, and we slid into the car, the leather seats creaking softly as we set off for the venue.

When we arrived at the bustling venue, I observed as my parents, expertly concealing their emotions, walked closely together, their hands intertwined in a carefully crafted display of affection. But I knew the truth: they weren't a loving couple, merely two power-hungry individuals who had mated with each other to further their own ambitions. To the outside world, they presented a united front, a devoted and affectionate couple, but in reality, their relationship was built on mutual benefit, not love.

"To hell with them," Selena's thoughts echoed in my mind. "Anyone watching them acting lovely together would think they're deeply in love, but it's all a ruse" "Don't say that, no matter what they are still our parents" I scolded Selena gently. "How I wish they weren't" Selena replied, with a hint of bitterness lacing her words, the sentiment echoing through their mental bond like a mournful sigh.

I chose to ignore her, knowing that nothing could change the fact they were my biological parents, and that their actions were driven by a hunger for power that neither of them could fully comprehend.

I walked gracefully behind them, my head held high, exuding an aura of confidence that commanded attention. Elegance was evident in every step, from the way the heels clicked on the floor.

The soft rustle of my silk gown and subtle sparkle of the jewelry added to my regal presence, with an effortless charm that belied my inner turmoil, I stood out as a prime candidate for the royal prince's mate, perfectly embodying what it meant to belong to the noble lineage.

"I honestly don't know how you do it," Selena's voice whispered in my mind, her thoughts laced with a mix of admiration and concern. "You put on this impressive facade of a strong and outgoing person for everyone to see."

My smile faltered for a moment before I regained my composure, the practiced smile firmly back in place. "Please, just stop," I said, my voice tinged with fatigue yet firm in conviction. "You know I feel trapped in this role, like I don't have any choice, so just let me navigate through it in my own way.

We soon arrived inside the bustling hall, the vibrant decorations seemed to pulse with energy, the sound of laughter and music mingling with the scent of champagne creating an intoxicating atmosphere.

My parents exchanged warm greetings with familiar faces, their laughter ringing out amidst the lively chatter. Before drifting away into the crowd, they reminded me to mind my manners, leaving me to enjoy the vibrant party on my own.

I scanned the room filled with twinkling lights and colorful decorations, my eyes landed on my best friend, Amelia, standing on the other side of the hall. With her radiant smile and enthusiastic wave cutting through the sea of people, Amelia seemed like a beacon of warmth.

Energized, she eagerly made her way over. "Hey, how are you? Amelia asked. "I am good," I replied. "Are you ready for today's chosen ceremony? But you know you still have a chance" she said. "Yes I know" my voice steady despite the turmoil brewing inside.

Amelia was perhaps the only person who truly understood the depths of my struggles.

"It's okay, everything will be fine," Amelia said reassuringly, her voice a gentle balm to my unsettled nerves. "Talk to Jayden about how you feel about being his mate. This is your last chance to open up?" I nodded thoughtfully. "I'll try to talk to him, but I'm not sure he'll agree." Amelia's expression turned hopeful, her eyes shining with encouragement.

"Okay, I pray he'll listen. Just try to reason with him. You're both reasonable people, I'm sure you can work something out" I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of determination wash over me. "Okay I'll try, I owe it to myself"

After having a conversation with Amelia, we roamed around the venue, eating and chatting with familiar people. Overwhelmed by the swirling emotions of the evening, I yearned for a breath of fresh air. I wandered aimlessly through the corridor of the royal estate, my heart heavy with unspoken worries.

The prince was not the one I love.

The sound of distant laughter faded as I stepped into the secluded balcony. The cool night air enveloped me, carrying the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the soft rustle of leaves. The velvet sky above was dotted with shimmering stars, and the luminous crescent moon cast a gentle glow over the expensive garden below. I felt an immediate sense of peace wash over me, as if the weight of my worries had been lifted by the soothing presence of nature.

I closed my eyes, allowing the enchanting allure of the night to wash over me. The whisper of the breeze carried the distant chirping of crickets, and the soft hooting of owls in the distance. In that bewitching moment, all my worries dissolved into the night, leaving me wrapped in a cocoon of tranquility.

The moon had always been my silent companion, a beacon of comfort with its otherworldly presence. Whenever I lost myself in its embrace, Selena respected my space, understanding that this was where I could feel peace and satisfaction.

Lost in the enchanting scene, I was interrupted by a deep, warm voice that resonated gently through the air, pulling me back to reality.

"Hi, Davina. I hope you're enjoying the view," the voice said, smooth and inviting. Startled, I spun around, my heart racing, only to find myself face to face with.

The moonlight cast an ethereal glow on his features, highlighting the sharp angles of his face. "Good evening, Prince Jayden" I said, instinctively bowing with respect. He stood there, dressed in a perfectly fitted black Armani suit that accentuated his broad shoulders and sculpted physique.

"There's no need for such formality" he said, his voice low and soothing. "Why are you not at the party? Don't you find it enjoyable?" he inquired, his tone engaging yet laced with curiosity.

I hesitated unsure of how to respond. I didn't want to admit that I had been overwhelmed by the crowds and noise, and was seeking solace in the peacefulness of the night. "I just wanted a breath of fresh air," I said in a low voice. A flicker of doubt crept in as I pondered whether to share my inner turmoil with him.

"Tell him, Davina; he will understand," urged Selena, her encouraging words ringing in my mind. "I was on my way to the party, but I saw someone here and decided to investigate," Jayden said. "Oh! I would like to discuss something important with you,"