Kidnapped By The Lycan Prince

"He can't mate with this. Not my only pup!" Olivia, the mother of my mate, Darius, sneers, her brown eyes flickering with disgust as she yanks his arm from my grasp.

We're in the clearing not so far from the pack house where mating ceremonies are held, with the moon hanging over us like a dull bulb, casting long shadows over her face and making her look more menacing than she usually is.

"Heck, she can't mate anybody," someone else says from somewhere behind me.

Darius begins moving away from me, and I instinctively reach out to try to stop him, but he's too far from my grasp.

Around us, the pack stands in the clearing, their eyes glinting with satisfaction in the harsh silver light of the full moon.

"Darius..." I whisper, reaching out to him still, but his face hardens.

"You're nothing but the pack's shame," he says, his voice cold and cutting. "The daughter of a woman who threw away her destiny for a human."

"Do you have to remind me? She loved him and that's all that–"

"Look where that got her!" he snaps, cutting me off. His voice rises, echoing through the clearing. "The great Victoria, who should have been Alpha, reduced to nothing because she couldn't control her urges around a human. And now?" His gaze rakes over me, sharp and cruel. "You're her left over. An abomination who can't even shift."

Laughter ripples through the gathered pack, low and mocking. Smirks curl on their faces, while others stare openly, their disdain unmasked.

"I might not have a wolf," I whisper, struggling to steady my voice as the world spins around me, "but I'm still pack. I'm still-"

"You're still what?" Olivia cuts in, her laugh cruel and biting. "You think you belong here? You think Darius would mate with a human? You're a joke, Delilah. You're not one of us. You'll never be one of us. Being the alpha's niece doesn't give you special glory."

Her words rip through me like claws, sharp and relentless. My breath comes in shallow gasps, my vision blurring as the pain of the rejection settles deep in my chest.

I glance toward my uncle, Alpha Rowan, standing off to the side with his arms crossed. He doesn't intervene. He doesn't defend me.

His golden eyes-so much like my mother's-remain cold, distant, as though I'm nothing more than a stranger to him.

"Theo," I croak, my voice trembling as I turn to my cousin. He's always been the one to save me, to shield me from the pack's cruelty.

"Don't let them see you cry Lilah," he'd say. "You're already weak enough as it is, you don't have to be so pathetic all the time."

His methods weren't as friendly in public eyes, he'd always say that he didn't want the pack to see us getting along as he's going to be Alpha someday.

But behind close doors, he was different. He made me feel seen. He'd hear everything I had to say, even though it only lasted for few minutes every other day.

But now, even he doesn't move. His eyes meet mine, detached and distant. He tilts his head, watching me like I'm some pitiful creature he doesn't recognize.

Then, I feel a wave of anger. I'm fed up of this...I have been fed up for years, but now?

"I have swept your floors. I have mowed your lawns. I have scrubbed your bathrooms, year in, year out since my mother died," my voice is shakey, but it doesn't deter me. "Don't I deserve something in return?"

"Deserve what?" Darius chuckles. "Deserve me for being a good maid?"

The clearing thunders with laughs and snide remarks, and a fat glob of saliva lands a few inches away from my feet.

I ignore him, turning to my uncle again, letting the hot tears fall down my cheeks in torrents. "Don't I deserve to be happy at least? I'll still sweep the floors, I swear. But please, don't let him do this to me!"

He doesn't move.

"Theo, please," he cocks his head to the side, spreading his arms out slightly. It's a gesture he makes when he means to say, "we're in public. There's nothing I can do to help you now."

The ground beneath my feet feels like it's giving way, and I fight to stay standing, fight to hold onto the last scraps of my dignity.

But in this moment, with their mocking laughter echoing around me, all the anger suddenly deflates and I feel weaker than I've never felt.

I take a step back, and then another...and another, until I'm sprinting away from them, their laughter growing quieter as I move.

My feet carry me on instinct, away from the clearing, away from the humiliation, away from Darius.

Branches snag at my dress as I plunge into the forest, the rough fabric tearing in places. The cool night air bites at my exposed skin, but I welcome the sting.

Anything is better than the suffocating shame.

A low growl stops me in my tracks.

I freeze, my heart pounding so hard it feels like it might burst. The sound comes again, this time from my left.

Slowly, I turn my head, my eyes scanning the darkness. Shadows shift and coalesce, and then I see them.

Rogues.

Their eyes glow in the moonlight, feral and wild. There are four of them, each one larger and more menacing than the last. My stomach drops, and a wave of cold terror washes over me.

"Well, well," one of them purrs, his voice a low rasp. "What's a little human doing out here all alone?"

I take a step back, my hands trembling. My throat is too tight to speak.

Another steps forward, his grin revealing sharp teeth. "Maybe she got lost. Poor thing."

"She smells like a pack wolf," a third one growls. "But no wolf in her. She's weak."

Their laughter is cruel, and I know what's coming. They don't see me as a person. To them, I'm nothing but prey.

I've never been able to defend myself from the constant bullying in my pack, even when it gets physical. Who says I can help myself now?

I turn and run.

Branches whip against my face as I sprint through the trees.

But it's no use.

The rogues are faster.

I trip, falling hard against the ground.

The first rogue reaches me, his hand lashing out to grab my arm. I cry out as his claws dig into my skin, but before he can pull me closer, a blur of motion slams into him.

The rogue yelps, his grip on me breaking as he's thrown to the ground. I stare, wide-eyed, as a man...no, a wolf...no...he doesn't look like the others back at moonhaven.

What is he?

He steps between me and the remaining rogues. He meets my eye for a split second and he's moving to attack again.

He moves with lethal precision, his hands and claws a blur as he takes them down, one by one.

It's over in seconds.

The last rogue collapses, blood pooling beneath him. The man straightens, his chest heaving as he turns to face me. He's human now, I can see that much in the dark.

His eyes glow silver, and I feel their weight as they lock onto mine.

I open my mouth to thank him, but the words die in my throat.

He's on me in an instant, his movements so fast I barely have time to react. His hands grip my arms, firm but not painful, and he pulls me to my feet.

"Let me-"

He doesn't let me finish. He scoops me up as if I weigh nothing, his arms cradling me against his chest.

"Hey! Put me down!" I struggle, but it's no use. His grip is unyielding, and his expression is unreadable.

He carries me to a black car parked just off the dirt path. The door is already open, and he shoves me inside unceremoniously.

"Wait-"

He slams the door shut, cutting off my protest. A moment later, he's in the driver's seat, the engine roaring to life.

The car lurches forward, speeding through the forest as if the trees themselves are chasing us.

I press myself against the door, my heart hammering in my chest. "Who the hell are you?"

He turns far enough so I can see only his right eye. "You'll find out soon enough," he says, then he turns like the conversation never happened.

"Let me go!" I yell, thrashing against his iron grip as he drags me out of the car.

The car has finally stopped and we find ourselves somewhere I definitely don't know. I have never been out of my pack walls before, so for all I know, I just might be in a new universe.

So many questions passed through my head during the lond drive.

Who is he?

Why did he save me?

Did he save me?

What are his intentions with me?

Anytime I tried to voice them out, all I got was a low growl, so I came up with this silly idea of keeping quiet and protesting when the car finally stopped.

Well...here I am, flailing my arms around, hoping that they move too fast for him to grab on each one.

The cool night air rushes against my face, but all I can focus on is his unyielding strength.

My feet barely touch the ground before he lifts me effortlessly, throwing me over his shoulder like a sack of feathers.

"Put me down, you lunatic!" I beat my fists against his broad back, squirming to break free.

He doesn't even flinch. His only response is a low growl that sends a shiver down my spine.

"I said put me down!" I scream again, clawing at his shirt.

"If you don't shut up, I'll throw you in the nearest ditch," he snaps, his voice cold and biting.

"Go ahead, do it! You can't just-"

"Enough!" His voice booms through the night, silencing my protests for a moment. "Do you ever stop talking?"

I glare at the ground, biting back a retort as he marches forward. The smell of earth and flowers wafts through the air, and despite my fury, I can't help but notice the beauty of the estate around me.

The garden is vast, with towering hedges and vibrant blooms that seem to glow under the moonlight.

But I'm too busy struggling to take in much more. "You have no right to-"

"You're not in a position to demand rights," he cuts me off sharply.

"Who even are you?" I hiss. "What gives you the audacity to-"

"You'll find out soon enough," he growls, tightening his hold on me as I nearly slide off his shoulder.

We pass through a grand hall, the stone walls lined with intricate carvings and banners I don't recognize.

The space is silent, save for the echoes of his heavy footsteps and my continued protests.

"What in the moon is going on? And who is this?" A voice rings out, sharp and curious.

I twist my head to see a tall man approaching us, his golden hair catching the dim light. He looks between me and my captor, his expression unreadable.

"A rogue," my captor says. "Found her wandering near the borders. Thought she might have answers."

"A rogue?" The other man raises a brow, his gaze settling on me. "She doesn't look like much of a threat."

"I'm not a rogue!" I snap, glaring at both of them.

"Quiet," my captor orders as he smacks the back of my thigh, his tone leaving no room for argument.

I'm stunned for a split second, but the shock wears off and I growl. "Who made you king of the world?" I shoot back.

The golden-haired man smirks, clearly amused, but he quickly masks it. "You know the rules, Prince Caspian. No disturbances at this hour. Your father won't be pleased if-"

"I'll handle it," Prince Caspian?–so that's his name-cuts him off. "Go back to bed, Ethan."

What kind of a name is Prince Caspian though?

Ethan hesitates but eventually nods, his gaze lingering on me for a moment before he disappears into the shadows.

Caspian resumes his march, and I resume my protests. "You can't just kidnap people! Do you know who I am? My uncle is-"

"Save your breath," he interrupts. "You'll need it for the interrogation tomorrow."

"Interrogation?" I repeat, my voice rising. "I haven't done anything wrong!"

All that has ever happened to me are bad things! And it just keeps getting worse?!

"Keep yelling, and you'll wake the entire pack," he warns, his tone icy.

Pack.

The word sends a jolt through me. My struggling falters as realization dawns. "This is a pack house," I whisper.

He doesn't respond, but his silence is answer enough.

The sudden realisation sends a bolt of fear through me. I was a plague in my pack, and even then, they knew who I was. But here?

What's going to happen to me here?

"What pack?" I demand, my voice shaking. "Who are you people?"

Again, no answer.

We finally reach a room, and without ceremony, he shoves the door open and steps inside.

The space is bare, with only a simple bed and a small table. He drops me onto the floor with zero grace, and I land with a thud.

"Hey!" I glare up at him, rubbing my sore arm. "You can't just-"

The door slams shut, and I hear the click of a lock.

"Coward!" I shout, banging my fists against the door. "Let me out!"

No response.

My anger immediately gives way to exhaustion, and I sink to the ground, my back against the door.

"What have I ever done wrong?" I ask the silence.

Everything since the day my mother died seven years ago, has been going wrong in my life.

Not only did I become the maid in my pack, I also became the punching bag and the reason behind any misfortune.

I got rejected by my mate tonight, even now as I think about it, it seems fair. Did I really think Darius would mate with me?

He's the Beta's son! Of course he would never.

Just when I thought I could escape and be on my own, here I am. Prisoner in some fancy pack.

For the first time, I allow myself to feel the full weight of it all. The humiliation. The pain. The hatred.

Yes, hatred.

I hate my pack.

I hate the way they've treated me. I hate the way they've made me feel like less than nothing. And most of all, I hate that I ever thought I belonged with them.

My wounds throb, a stark reminder that I'm human in a world of wolves. Unlike them, I don't heal quickly. Every scratch, every bruise is a reminder that I'll never be as strong.

The world turns hazy and my eyes find the bed. I begin to crawl towards it, but I give it up because the room is too big and it only seems like the farther I go, the farther the bed is.

I find a comfy spot on the soft rug and take in a breath. Even the air here is fancier than moon haven.

Where exactly am I?

I close my eyes, debating on the answer and before long, the darkness takes me.

****

Sunlight streams through the window when I wake, and for a moment, I forget where I am. But then I see the ornate furniture, the high ceilings, and the luxurious décor.

This room isn't as bare as I thought last night. It's beautiful.

The sound of a key turning draws my attention to the door. It swings open to reveal a stunning girl about my age with piercing green eyes and an air of authority.

She takes one look at me and scowls. "Get up. Breakfast is ready."

I blink at her, still groggy. "What?"

"You heard me," she says impatiently. "Clean yourself up. You look like you've been dragged through the woods."

"I was dragged through the woods," I mutter, pushing myself to my feet.

Her eyes narrow as she notices my wounds. "You'll be given time to clean up. But let me give you a piece of advice. When you face the Prince later, tell the truth. He doesn't tolerate liars."

I freeze, her words sinking in. "The Prince?"

She smirks, clearly enjoying my confusion. "You don't even know where you are, do you?"

"A fancy pack?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Goldencrest," she answers, her tone dripping with pride.

Goldencrest?!

All packs around the world are answerable to Goldencrest! How did I wind up here again?

Her brows twitch at the stunned expression on my face. "Well, it's the pack that governs all packs," she adds, mistaking my shock for lack of knowledge. "The pack that consists of all the strongest Lycan royal houses."

Her gaze sharpens. "And you had the audacity to cross our borders."

I can't breathe.

The Prince.

The man who kidnapped me last night...Prince Caspian?

He's the Prince of Goldencrest?

My heart hammers against my ribs as the girl sweeps into the room, her green eyes sparkling with an energy that clashes with the chill in the air.

"Come on," she says, flicking her wrist. "Let's get you sorted before breakfast. No one will take you seriously looking like... that."

I scowl, crossing my arms. "Like what exactly?"

Her lips twitch into a smirk as her gaze travels over my wrinkled clothes and disheveled appearance. "Like someone who wrestled a bear and lost."

Before I can snap back, she strides forward, pulling me by the wrist with surprising strength. "We don't have time for sulking. Prince Caspian's schedule is tighter than a wolf's grip on its prey. Oh, and the name's Cassidy and I'm your proxy for the time being."

I wince, not at the words but at the way her firm grip presses against my bruises. "Can you not yank me around like I'm some doll?"

She shoots me an apologetic glance but doesn't slow down. "Sorry, but we've got to move. And..." She gives me a once-over. "We're definitely hiding those bruises. Come on, let's get you something proper to wear."

We end up in her room, which is far more lavish than I expected. A plush canopy bed dominates the space, surrounded by elegant furniture and walls lined with silk tapestries.

Cassidy rummages through an armoire with dramatic flair. "I can't believe Caspian brought you here looking like... that."

I roll my eyes. "You've said that twice now."

"Because it bears repeating." She pulls out a soft lavender dress and tosses it to me. "Here. Try this on. It'll cover the worst of the bruises."

I hesitate, clutching the fabric. "Why do you care?"

It's a bit concerning because no one has ever showed me the amount of care that she is showing me right now. I can't exactly call it care at the moment, but still, it's better than any treatment I've received in all my twenty one years of existing.

And somehow, I find myself loosening up and interacting more than I usually would. Being around someone my age who isn't looking down at me because I'm human for the first time feels...good.

She pauses, tilting her head as if considering the question. "Honestly? I don't. But I'd rather not be seen with someone who looks half-dead. Makes me look bad."

I snort but slip into the dress anyway. It fits surprisingly well, and the long sleeves and high neckline do a decent job of concealing my injuries.

"Much better," she declares, spinning me toward the mirror. "At least now you look like someone who belongs in Goldencrest...well, almost."

I ignore the jab and turn to face her. "What now?"

"Breakfast," she says brightly, grabbing my arm again. "And don't worry, you're not eating with the pack. We don't want a scandal on our hands." Her face falls a bit and then she adds, "Not yet, anyway."

As we walk through the sprawling halls, I can't help but marvel at the sheer grandeur of the estate.

Sunlight pours through stained-glass windows, casting colorful patterns on the polished stone floors.

We round a corner, and my breath catches as we nearly collide with Ethan I recognise from last night.

Unlike last night, when shadows had cloaked his features, the morning light reveals every detail.

His golden hair gleams like spun sunlight, and his chiseled features are sharper than I remembered.

"Ethan!" Cassidy greets him with a cheerful wave.

His piercing blue eyes shift to me, his expression unreadable. "Good morning."

I shrink under his gaze. He isn't outright hostile, but there's a certain iciness to his demeanor that makes me uneasy.

"Good morning," I mumble, staring at the floor.

Cassidy, oblivious to the tension, grins. "Shouldn't you be training with the warriors?"

He folds his arms, his tone clipped. "I could ask why you're parading our guest around the estate."

"I'm not a guest, I'm a hostage," I mutter under my breath.

Cassidy jabs me lightly in the ribs. "Play nice," she whispers before turning back to Ethan. "I'm taking her to breakfast. And honestly, you should lighten up. She's not a threat."

His eyes narrow. "That remains to be seen."

"Go on, shoo," she says, waving him off. "I'm handling this."

With a final glance at me, he walks away, his broad shoulders tense.

"Don't mind him," Cassidy says, linking her arm through mine. "He's always like that with newcomers. It's his job to be suspicious you see, he's one of our enforcers."

I nod silently, my heart still racing.

We finally reach a small dining room tucked away from the main halls. A modest but elegant breakfast spread awaits us – fresh fruit, warm bread, and steaming cups of tea.

She gestures for me to sit. "Eat up. You're going to need your strength for what's coming."

I hesitate, my stomach churning. "What's coming?"

She waves my question away. "Oh, you know. The usual. Interrogations, threats, potentially a duel to the death."

I gape at her, and she giggles. "Relax, I'm kidding. Mostly."

"Not funny," I mutter, reaching for a piece of bread.

"So," she says, leaning forward with a gleam in her eye, "why'd you do it?"

"Do what?"

"Run off," she shrugs, her tone casual but her gaze sharp. "I mean, you are a rogue, right?"

I bristle. "I'm not a rogue."

She raises an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Then what are you?"

I take a bite of bread, chewing slowly to buy myself time. "It's complicated."

"Everything's complicated," she rolls her eyes, leaning back. "But you don't have to tell me if you don't want to. I'm just curious."

I hesitate, then decide to change the subject. "What about you? What royal family are you from?"

Her face lights up, and she launches into a lively explanation about her lineage. I listen intently, grateful for the distraction.

For the first time in what feels like forever, I feel a flicker of comfort. Cassidy's chatter is oddly soothing, and for a moment, I allow myself to believe I might have found an ally.

But the moment is short-lived.

She glances at the ornate clock on the wall and sighs. "Time's up. Prince Caspian's waiting for you."

I nod, not wanting to delay or put her in trouble. I follow her down the long halls, moving through the twists and the turns.

We bump into a few pack members, all of whom seem to love her a lot. Why wouldn't they though? With a personality and family blood line like hers, what's not to love?

I feel a pang of jealousy, but it doesn't last long. We approach a huge wooden double door. The finest wood quality I've ever seen.

Goldencrest really is golden.

Cassidy, noticing my gaze, says, "Oh, this is the throne room. You'll be meeting with Prince Caspian here. He's acting king right now while the King and Queen are in Spain on some diplomatic mission."

"Acting king?" I ask, surprised. "So, he's like... in charge?"

She chuckles. "Pretty much. He's quite capable, though. A bit serious, but definitely capable."

We reach the doors, and she gives me a final pat on the back. "Good luck."

"Wait, you're not coming with me?"

She laughs. "Not a chance. You're on your own, sweetheart."

The doors swing open before I can say anything else and she disappears faster than I can blink.

With a sigh, I step inside. It's a ridiculously huge room with windows taller than the pack house back at moonhaven. Two guards stand at each side of the door, though I know it's just formality.

The man I saw last night doesn't need gaurds. Instead, guards need him.

I easily find him at the end of the room.

He sits on the throne lackadaisically, his grey eyes fixed on me with an intensity that makes my knees weak.

The morning light streaming through the windows only enhances his striking features, making him look like something out of a dream...or a nightmare.

He's the most beautiful man I've ever seen. Painfully so.

His dark hair is cropped neatly, but it still hangs over his eyes in loose strands. His grey eyes that had shone silver last night are unfriendly in a sexy way.

His lips are pouty and fuller than a man's lips should be, and I imagine it'll feel as soft as it looks.

So this is the devil that kidnapped me? His beauty should be a sin.

"Well?" His voice breaks through my thoughts, sharp and commanding. "Staring wouldn't win you any special favours, in case Cassidy forgot to mention."

"I'm not staring," I counter, trying to pick up what's left of my dignity. "I'm only looking at the man who kidnapped me for later references."

"Okay," he shrugs. "Go on. Tell me what a human could possibly do to a Lycan Prince."

Heat crawls up my cheeks as I struggle for words.

"Besides, I didn't kidnap you. You trespassed, rogue." He adds.

I square my shoulders, forcing myself to meet his gaze as I recover from my initial embarrassment. "You're keeping me here unlawfully, and I'm not a rogue. I'm the niece of Alpha Rowan, and you know it because you saved me from the rogues themselves! If you needed a rogue, you shouldn't have killed them all."

Caspian's expression flickers with recognition at my uncle's name. "Rowan," he repeats, his tone thoughtful. "I met your mother once when she was Alpha of your pack."