Lycan's Mate.

***Moonlight pack***

The moon hung low in the sky, casting its glow over the gathering that seemed to fill the once empty grounds.

Crystal stood beside George, the Beta of the Moonlight pack.

Her heart racing with anticipation, she had imagined this moment so she thought.

Amy, her best friend,had informed her earlier that George was planning a surprise for her. Now standing here she seems to know what it is all about.

Just then George turned to her, his eyes bore into her soul as he spoke. "I, Beta George of the Moonlight pack hereby reject you-Crystal".

A weight settled in her chest, making it hard to breathe. She thought George would accept her.

When she turned sixteen, George had informed her that she was his mate and even went as far as seeing her parents.

What went wrong?

She thought George would accept her, at the very least acknowledge the mate's bond - he was her mate after all.

"What do you mean" Crystal's voice cracked as she stepped forward.

"You do not expect i, the Beta of the Moonlight pack to accept a werewolf who hasn't shifted. You are human, Crystal" he replied angrily.

"I know i do not possess any werewolf abilities but you can't simply disregard the mate bond"

"It's been four years Crystal. I waited for so long in order to give you time to shift. You are not one of us, I can't be with you. I would be too embarrassed to show myself in any gathering" George spat, his words venomous.

"You can't do this, George"

"I can and I will. I don't want to have anything to do with you".

The rejection hurts deeply but what hurt even more was that George had further announced he would be taking Amy as his mate.

Glancing at Amy who had walked too close to George's side not to be noticed.

The betrayal cut deep and panic swirled around her, suffocating her.

Her eyes locked onto Amy's, who had a playful smirk on her face. She seemed to realize she had been blinded to the truth.

Amy had taken one person she thought she could rely on and trust - her mate.

The pack members had been watching with a mix of curiosity and disdain. She could here the girls giggling as stood together.

She felt her face burning with shame and embarrassment as the crowd dispersed.

With George turning to leave, Crystal felt waves of emotions. She had been rejected and alone.

What would happen to me?

Would I be forced to live forever as an outcast?

The rejection echoed in her mind like a mantra, with the words cutting deep. Her eyes stung even more as she watched George walk away with Amy, their hands clasped together.

She felt like she was losing everything that mattered to her - her mate.

Still brooding, she heard footsteps approaching her

She turned to see her brother, Ethan walking towards her with a concerned look on his face.

"Crystal, what's going on?" he asked, his eyes scanning the now empty grounds before him. "I could feel your emotions from afar. What's wrong?"

Crystal felt a lump in her throat as she tried to explain. "George rejected me," she said, her voice barely audible. "And worst still, he chose Amy over me."

Ethan's face darkened and he pulled her into a tight hug. "I'm so sorry, sis. You are better off without him"

Crystal nodded.

As Ethan held her close, Crystal felt a wave of emotions swirling within her.

She was hurt, angry and betrayed.

But most of all, she was scared.

What would happen to her?

Would she be forced to leave the pack?

Ethan seemed to sense her fear and held her tighter.

"We will figure this out," he whispered.

Crystal nodded again.

"I think we need to get out of here," she said pulling away from Ethan. "I need some time to think and process everything".

Ethan nodded, his expression understanding.

As they walked away, Crystal felt a sense of uncertainty.

...

On reaching home, Crystal's parents, Edwin and Sophia came out to meet them, concern etched on their faces.

"Crystal, what happened?" Sophia asked, her voice soft with worry.

Crystal took a deep breath and explained the situation, trying to hold back tears.

Her parents listened attentively, their expression growing more serious with each passing moment.

When Crystal finished speaking, Edwin growled silently.

Crystal felt a pang of sadness and betrayal.

Ethan's face darkened. "Why would Amy and George put you through this?"

"I don't know. It's clear George and Amy had this all planned out to embarrass me".

Her parents exchanged a concerned glance.

"We will figure this out, Crystal" Edwin assured her.

But Crystal knew that she would be forced to leave the pack. As a rejected mate, she would no longer be a pack member.

The thought was daunting but Crystal steeled herself.

Crystal excused herself. "I need some time alone," she said, her eyes welling up with tears.

"Come back early ", Ethan said.

Crystal nodded and turned away, her feet carrying her towards the forest.

The forest had always been her comfort area.

She needed to escape the pain and shame that threatened to consume her...

As she ran, the trees blurred together, their branches swaying in the wind like fingers reaching out to snatch at her clothes. Crystal didn't notice. She was lost in her own world, a world of pain and heartache.

She needed to outrun the pain that threatened to consume her.

She ran faster and faster and stopped.

She let the pain and heartache wash over her, and she screamed.

She screamed into the darkness, her voice echoing off the trees.

The sound was raw and anguished. It seemed to come from deep within her

It was a sound of despair, of loss, of heartbreak.

Crystal felt herself breaking down.

She felt like she was shattering into a million pieces, each one of them sharp...

***Star blood pack***

Ryder, the powerful Lycan king, stood atop a hill, gazing out at the vast expanse of his kingdom.

The moon was full overhead.

As he gazed out at the kingdom, Ryder's fingers instinctively brushed against the earth, as he felt the pulse of the land's energy.

But there was something missing– his mate.

Ryder's thoughts were consumed by the search for his mate. He had been searching for years, and his pack was beginning to lose hope. But Ryder refused to give up. He knew that his mate was out there, and he would stop at nothing to find her.

As he stood there, Ryder's jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing as he vowed to find his mate.

He would protect her, love her, and cherish her.

The thought of her was all that drove him forward.

He would not rest until he found his mate and claimed her as his own. The very thought of her sent a shiver down his spine, and he felt his heart pounding in his chest.

"I will find you, my mate," Ryder vowed, his voice carried away by the wind.

"I will find you, and I will make you mine."

Luca, Ryder's Beta and closest friend, approached him.

"Alpha Ryder, I've been thinking," Luca said, his voice low. "We've been searching for your mate for years, and we've had no luck. Maybe it's time to consider a different approach."

Ryder turned to Luca, his eyes narrowing slightly. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice firm.

"Well," Luca began, "maybe instead of searching for her, we should focus on understanding what kind of person she might be. What kind of qualities would she have? What kind of person would be a good match for you?"

Ryder considered Luca's words. He had always been focused on finding his mate through instinct and scent.

"I think you're right, Luca," Ryder said finally. "Call for the elders, so we can discuss this further. Maybe together, we can come up with a new plan."

Ryder's eyes flashed with a fierce light as he thought of his mate, his mind racing with ways to own her.

Luca nodded, "I'll do that and we'll meet in the great hall".

With that, Luca turned and disappeared into the night, leaving Ryder to his thoughts. Ryder stood there for a moment, before turning to follow Luca to the great hall.

The meeting with the pack elders would be crucial in determining the next steps in Ryder's search for his mate.

As he walked towards the great hall, Ryder felt a sense of hope rising within him.

The great hall was filled with the elders of the Star blood pack, all gathered to discuss the search for Ryder's mate.

But suddenly, his eyes snapped shut, and his head jerked up. He felt it - a chill ran down his spine, his breath catching in his throat as he sensed her distress.

His mate.

Ryder's eyes flew open, and he scanned the hall, his senses on high alert. Where was she? What was happening to her?

His heart racing with urgency. He had to find her. He had to know what was wrong.

With a swift motion, Ryder turned and strode out of the great hall, Luca calling after him. "Alpha Ryder, what's wrong?"

Ryder didn't answer.

He was already tracing the scent of his mate's emotions, following the thread of despair that had called to him.

He ran through the forest, his heart pounding in his chest. He had to find her.

Finally, he reached the place where the scent was strongest. As he looked around, he saw nothing. No one.

Ryder's eyes scanned the desolate landscape, his senses on high alerts.

The sense of his mate distress lingered making his wolf, Aiden growling.

He took a step forward, his booth crunching on the dry leaves.

Ryder's pulse throbbed in his neck, his breath coming in short gasps. He had to find her.

Suddenly, a faint whimper echoed through the forest, sending shivers down Ryder's spine.

He followed the sound, his senses guiding him through the darkness.

As he approached the source of the whimper, Ryder's eyes locked onto the figure huddled on the ground.

His mate. Her body trembling, her eyes closed.

With swift motion, Ryder scooped her into his arms, cradling her close.

Her scent enveloped him, calming his heart.

He buried his face in her hair, inhaling deeply and felt a sense of peace wash over him.

Her body trembled in his arms but as he held her, her shaking slowly subsided.

"Mine" his wolf, Aiden growled softly, satisfied.

Ryder's eyes closed savoring the moment. He had found his mate. The search was over.

Ryder's eyes locked onto his mate tear-stained face, she was crying.

The sound tore at his heart and he felt a. surge of protectiveness.

" Who hurt you?" Ryder's voice was low and menacing.

Crystal's eyes fluttered open, and she looked up at Ryder, unsure of who he was or why he was holding her.

She took a deep breath, trying to calm down.

"I...I was rejected" Crystal whispered, her voice barely audible.

Ryder's jaw relaxed and his lips curved into a gentle smile as he held her closer.

As Ryder held Crystal, he could sense her pain and vulnerability. He knew she needed comfort and care.

He continued holding her, offering silent support.

Her sniffles grew less frequent, her chest rising and falling with slower breaths.

Her tense muscles relaxed as she breathed in Ryder's scent.

Just as she looked up at Ryder, taking in his features, Ryder's eyes met Crystal's and for a moment, they looked at each other, the connection between them palpable.

Ryder's chest tightened and he knew he would do anything to protect and care for her.

"I will never let anyone hurt you again" Ryder whispered, his voice gentle.

Crystal's eyes searched Ryder's face, searching for answers. She saw sincerity and deep affection in his gaze. She felt a sense of peace wash over her but she knew she was in the arms of a stranger.

"who are you?" Crystal asked, her voice still shaking.

"I'm Ryder, your mate" he replied softly.

Crystal's eyes widened in surprise. Her eyes searched his face, trying to process the revelation. "My mate?" she repeated.

Ryder nodded "yes, I have been searching for you for a long time".

Ryder's expression softened and he gently brushed a strand of hair behind her ear.

The touch sent shivers down her spine and she felt a spark of electricity run through her body.

Crystal's eyes fluttered closed and she leaned into Ryder's touch, her lips parting slightly.

Ryder's gaze dropped to her lips and he felt a surge of desire.

The tension between them grew, until it seemed to vibrate with anticipation.

Ryder's wolf, Aiden growled softly, urging him to claim Crystal as his own.

But Ryder hesitated, unsure if Crystal was ready. He didn't want to scare her off or push her boundaries.

Instead he leaned in, his lips brushing against her forehead in a gentle kiss.

Crystal's eyes opened, and she looked up at Ryder, her gaze searching his face. For a moment, they just looked at each other.

"Can I see your wolf?" Crystal asked nervously.

Ryder smiled, and with a fluid motion, he transformed into his Lycan form.

Crystal gasped, mesmerized by the majestic creature before her.

Ryder's Lycan body was powerful and majestic, with thick, dark gray fur and piercing yellow eyes. His muscles rippled, his powerful legs propelling him forward with ease. His face was strong with high cheekbones and a sharp jawline, and his ears were pointed and alert.

As Crystal looked at Ryder, she couldn't shake off the feeling of uncertainty. She had just been rejected by someone, and now she was supposed to accept this stranger as her mate?

It felt overwhelming, and she wasn't sure if she was ready to open herself up to someone new.

Ryder's gentle touch and kind eyes helped ease her worries a bit but she still felt a mix of emotions. She was drawn to Ryder but she didn't know him.

Despite her reservations, Crystal felt a spark of excitement as she reached out to touch Ryder's fur. He nuzzled her hand, and she felt a sense of calm wash over her.

Without hesitation, Crystal mounted Ryder's back, wrapping her arms around his neck. As Ryder began to run, Crystal felt the wind rushing through her hair, and she laughed with sheer joy.

The forest blurred together and Crystal felt free - from her worries and fears.

As they ran, the forest grew denser and the trees seemed to close in around them.

Crystal felt a sense of exhilaration, the wind whipping through her hair.

She leaned forward, her cheek pressed against Ryder's fur as she felt drawn to its warmth.

After a while, Ryder slowed to a stop and Crystal looked up to see a beautiful lake glinting. The water was crystal clear, reflecting the trees and sky above.

Ryder's padded towards the lake's edge and Crystal slid off his back, walking towards the water's edge.

The lake's tranquility was soothing. Ryder followed her, his eyes watching her with a gentle intensity. Crystal reached out a hand and Ryder nuzzled it, his fur soft and warm.

As they stood there, Crystal felt a sense of peace wash over her. She looked up at Ryder and he seemed to be looking back at her. For the first time since meeting Ryder, Crystal felt like she could breathe, like she had found a sense of belonging.

Ryder shifted back into his human form, his eyes never leaving Crystal's face. "You're safe now," he said, his voice low and soothing. "You're with me, and I'll always protect you."

Crystal's eyes locked onto Ryder's, and she felt a spark of connection. She knew she still had questions and doubts.

She nodded and Ryder smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

As they stood there, the only sound was the gentle lapping of the water against the shore.

With the moon rising high in the sky, casting its silver glow over the forest.

Ryder spoke up, "We should get you home," he said, his voice gentle but firm.

Crystal nodded, feeling a pang of disappointment that their time together was coming to an end.

"Which pack are you from?" she asked, curiosity getting the better of her.

Ryder smiled, happy that she was initiating a conversation. "I'm from the Star blood pack" he replied. "But I have to ask, which pack are you from?"

Crystal's eyes widened surprisingly. "I'm from the Moonlight Pack" she said, her voice low

Ryder's expression softened, "I should escort you home," he said, his voice low and soothing.

With the moonlight casting long shadows behind them, they walked through the forest silently, each with their own thoughts.

Crystal knew she could trust him and his presence made her feel safe.

As they approached the Moonlight Pack's territory, Crystal felt a sense of relief wash over her. She was home.

Ryder turned to her, his eyes bore hers. "I'll leave you here", he said.

Crystal nodded, "Thank you '.

"You are welcome", he said.

With that, Ryder turned and disappeared into the darkness, leaving Crystal to make her way home.

But little did they know, dark eyes had been watching them from the shadows, their gaze fixed intently on Crystal. The moonlight seemed to cast an ominous glow and the air was thick with an unseen threat.