The Embrace Of The Lycan King

I was lost in thought, staring at the ceiling of my room, reminiscing about the good times in my life since I became the Luna of the Moonlight Pack. But it seemed like, I couldn't recall a single happy memory. Every recollection of my times in this pack house is overshadowed by the weight of suffering and sorrow.

I was lying on my bed, drowning in my thoughts, when the door to my room suddenly opened. My husband, Aldrake, walked in and approached my bed, throwing a paper bag onto the bed and giving me a cold, piercing stare. I took the bag and saw a black dress inside, which made me smile.

"There's a celebration tonight for the unity of the Moonlight Pack and the Silvermoon Pack. Wear that dress. Amber picked it out, so you'd better wear it elegantly".

My smile vanished when I heard his words, and sadness enveloped my heart when I realized Amber had chosen the dress, not him.

"I don't want to take you with me, but I have no choice. Every Luna from the attending packs needs to be there. Amber would be a better fit, but the council from the Blood Moon Pack insists. So, behave yourself and make yourself suitable".

After delivering those hurtful words, he left my room without looking back. Tears streamed down my face as I felt my heart being pierced by a thousand knives. Every word that came out of his mouth was like a knife, that had been k*lling me softly.

I felt like I was dying from the pain. Why do I still stay with him despite the pain? It's because I love him so much, that I'm willing to turn a blind eye and endure the pain, just to be by his side.

I looked at the dress and smiled bitterly. Even though I'm always his second choice, at least I'll be with him tonight. I stood up and forced myself to regain my composure, determined to make a good impression.

After getting dressed and doing my makeup, I went downstairs to meet Aldrake. But when I saw him sitting in the living room with Amber's head on his shoulder and her hand in his, my smile vanished.

I felt a pang of pain in my heart. We've been married for almost three years, and I've never experienced such intimacy with him.

"Aldrake". I called out, and their attention turned to me. Amber quickly stood up and stepped away from my husband, adjusting her clothes.

"L-Livia, what you saw... it meant nothing". She stammered.

I wanted to confront her about what I saw, but every time I try, I feel like I'm tongue-tied and can't speak up. Who does she think she's fooling? Doesn't she know I'm not that naive?.

"Don't explain, Amber. There's nothing wrong with what she saw. She's just being overly sensitive, if she reacts" Aldrake said, not even considering my feelings.

"But maybe she'll get angry with me". Amber replied, looking down and fidgeting with her hands.

"Look, you did nothing wrong, so don't be afraid. There's nothing wrong with what she saw. You were just feeling unwell and leaned on me, that's all". Aldrake said, comforting her. Then he turned to me and gave me a threatening look.

"Tell her you're not mad at her".His voice was firm and commanding, and I felt like I had no choice but to obey.

Why would I want to apologize when I'm not at fault? I'm not that kind of person. But I took a deep breath and forced a smile, looking at Amber.

"I'm not mad, Amber. Like Aldrake said, there's nothing wrong with what you did".

My voice was laced with insincerity, and I felt like my heart was being squeezed. I wanted to run back to my room and cry, but I couldn't. The pain of being hurt by the man I love is suffocating me.

"R-really? You're so understanding, sister".

I wanted to laugh at her words, but I couldn't muster up the laughter, and instead, I forced a small smile. I turned to Aldrake to ask if we were leaving, but Amber beat me to it.

"Are we going now, Aldrake... I mean, Alpha Aldrake?". I furrowed my brow at her question and noticed her outfit - a white, long, fitted gown.

Wait, she's coming with us too?.

"How many times do I have to tell you to just call me Aldrake? You're not a stranger in this pack house, Amber". I snapped back to reality when I heard Aldrake's words.

Oh, right, he's allowing her to call him by his first name. Are they really that close, or are they just intentionally hurting me? And if it's the former, they're succeeding.

"But--"

"No buts, Aldrake is enough, okay?. So, shall we?" Aldrake asked, and Amber nodded.

He offered his arm to Amber, and she took it before they turned to leave. And me? I was left standing there like air.

"Wait, Aldrake!". I called out to my husband, who stopped and turned around with Amber.

I wanted to remind him, that I'm his Luna and I should be the one who has the right to clung my arm on him...

"What?!". He snapped.

"N-nothing. Sorry"...but in the end, I backed down again.

"Tsk"

They walked out together, leaving me behind, which made my wolf, Lilly, growl in anger. "You don't deserve to be treated like this, Livia. Leave him and find your happiness".

"I can't. I love him so much, Lilly". I replied, gazing at the door they had exited through.

"Stop being stupid, Livia! He's hurting you so bad, so leave him! You don't deserve a man like him! We don't deserve them!!".

A bitter smile crept onto my lips as I quickly wiped away the tear that had fallen from my eye. I didn't say anything else and rushed after them, fearing Aldrake's anger.

When we arrived at the Silvermoon Pack, Aldrake approached me. "Don't do anything stupid, Livia. I'm warning you. After the appearance in front of everyone, I'll be accompanying Amber to introduce her to my friends and acquaintances".

"You don't need to do that, Alpha... Aldrake. Livia is your wife, so she should be the one accompanying you for introductions". Amber said, which made Aldrake turn to her.

"You're better being shown off, Amber. You deserve to be known by everyone".

After that, I was left standing alone outside the Silvermoon Pack again. I tried to push aside the pain I was feeling because this night was important to Aldrake. After composing myself, I followed them. As I walked behind them, an old man approached us.

"You must be the Alpha of the Moonlight Pack?". He asked, and Aldrake nodded.

"Yes, I'm Aldrake Greywolf, the Alpha of the Moonlight Pack".

"Alright, please follow me". The old man said before turning around. Before following the old man, Aldrake turned to Amber and took her hand.

"Wait for me here, okay? Don't go anywhere. It'll be quick, and after the appearance, I'll take you around and introduce you to everyone". He smiled at her, then turned to me.

"Let's go".

He didn't wait for me, and instead, he walked ahead to follow the old man. I had no choice but to follow him, looking down. We arrived at the front, where the Alpha of the Silvermoon Pack was standing.

If I wasn't mistaken, he was one of Aldrake's friends. When we approached, they greeted each other, and the announcement of the unity between the Moonlight Pack and the Silvermoon Pack began.

After that, the party started, and just like Aldrake's plan, he accompanied Amber and introduced her to his friends and acquaintances. Meanwhile, I was left standing alone in the middle of the crowd.

I barely knew anyone here, except for some of Aldrake's friends and a few relatives. Since I had nothing to do and didn't want to look stupid standing there, watching my husband and sister chat happily, I looked for a place to sit.

Luckily, there was a vacant stool at the mini counter-bar, so I sat down. There were too many people tonight. I guessed that all the pack members from different packs were here, along with their Alphas and Lunas.

As I looked around, my attention was caught by a man approaching the counter. He had a strong and fit body, and it was clear that he took care of himself.

He was tall and fair-skinned, with a dark presence and a cold aura. He was handsome and attractive, but intimidating. If I had to guess, he was an Alpha. His presence screamed elegance, dominance, and power.

"Are you done checking me out?". I was startled and snapped back to reality when I heard his deep and cold voice. I felt a chill run down my spine, and my hair stood on end.

"S-sorry. I didn't mean to stare at you".I apologized quickly, avoiding his gaze and looking around for Amber and Aldrake.

After scanning the venue for almost a minute, I spotted them sitting at a large table with Aldrake's friends and their mates. The pain enveloped my heart again when I saw them laughing and chatting happily.

It seemed like Aldrake had already introduced Amber to everyone, and I felt hurt that he hadn't done the same for me. Why couldn't I get used to this situation? I'm always second, I'm always in the shadow, and I'm always left behind while Amber takes what's supposed to be mine.

"Are you alright?" I was brought back to reality for the second time, when I heard the man's voice again. I turned to him, and I realized he was sitting there, holding a glass of wine.

"Y-yes. I'm fine". I stuttered, looking at his face. His face was perfect, and everything about him was perfection.

I wondered who he was, which pack he came from, and what pack he led. Based on his appearance, stance, and presence, I could tell he was a leader like what I said earlier.

"You're spacing out, while looking in that direction". He said, glancing in the direction where Aldrake and Amber were sitting.

"Also, your fists are clenched, like you're furious about something or someone". He turned back to me, and I swallowed hard, feeling suffocated.

"No, it's just... I'm thinking about something . Sorry". I apologized again, feeling like it was my fault that he was giving me attention, attention that I should be getting from my husband.

"Your eyes seem so sad...". I was surprised because of what he said while looking at his glass, until his eyes focused on me.

"You don't deserve any pain in this world, you deserve better than hurting like now". His words were like a knife to my heart, and I fell silent.

"W-what do you mean?".

"You're easy to read". He just said before focusing his attention on the glass he was holding and drinking it up.

He seemed to understand what I was going through. He is the only person who understands me, just by looking at my eyes. Just...wow!.

"Excuse me, Your Highness. The Alpha from Neverland Pack wants to talk to you". A new man said, approaching us.

"Let's go". The mysterious man replied, standing up from the stool. But before he left, he turned to me and said, "See you next time, milady".

After the encounter with the mysterious man, I headed to the restroom. As I was walking, I met Amber with two other women. I stopped in my tracks, and they did the same. Amber looked at me, then at her companions.

"You guys go ahead, I'll talk to her". She said, which made one of her companions raise an eyebrow before looking at me.

"You know her?". One of them asked.

"Yeah, she's my stepsister".

"Oh, okay. See you back at our table, okay?".

After they bid Amber farewell and left, I continued walking, but Amber followed me. I didn't know what she wanted, so I ignored her until I entered the restroom.

I went into a cubicle to do my business, and when I came out, I was surprised to see Amber standing by the sink. I washed my hands and ignored her presence.

"Aren't you going to talk to me?". She suddenly asked, which made me turn to her.

"What for?". I asked back while drying my hands. I was about to leave, but she blocked my way.

"About me and your husband? Won't you get angry because Aldrake favors me? Have you become numb, my sister?" She asked in an insulting tone.

I wanted to lash out at her because my hands were itching to hurt her. But I had to control myself because I knew what would happen if I hurt her.

"Not now, Amber. As long as I can keep quiet, I will, so stop provoking me" I said firmly before sidestepping her. I had already exited the restroom when she suddenly pulled my arm to face her.

She was angry now, and I didn't know where her anger was coming from, considering I was the one who should be angry.

"Why? Are you going to hurt me, huh? You know you can't, Livia, or else Aldrake will be mad at you". She said, laughing, which made me breathe a sigh of annoyance.

"That's why I'm not doing anything to you, Amber. Stop this and go back to your table"

"Heh! You're being nice now? Are you thinking that if you behave, Aldrake won't get angry and will give you attention? Is that it?".

"I'm not thinking that, Amber. I just want to keep quiet because tonight is important for Aldrake, so stop this and go back to your table". I tried to turn away from her, but she grasped my arms tightly.

"Listen, my dear stepsister. I want Aldrake, and I'm willing to do everything to get him. And it's not that hard, because he's drawn to me. I have hope that I can take him away from you, actually, I don't even need to try because Aldrake is already giving himself to me".

"That's enough, Amber. Stop this. Aldrake is my husband--".

"But he doesn't love you, Livia". She cut in, smiling at me. I was taken aback, and my mouth was agape.

"You got quiet? Why, isn't what I said true? Aldrake doesn't love you--".

"That's enough!" I cut her off, trying to unheard what she said.

"No! You need to hear this, Livia. Aldrake doesn't love you, and he'll never love you. Your marriage is just an arranged one, no strings attached!!".

"Enough!!' I shouted at her, pushing her to the ground, making her cry. I was shocked at what I had done. I froze on my spot, but after a new second I came back to reality. I was about to help her up, but I was even more shocked to hear the loud voice of the person I feared would get angry with me.

"What have you done, Livia!!!".

I was consumed by an overwhelming sense of trepidation and anxiety as Aldrake approached us with a gaze that seemed to pierce through my very soul. His strides were swift and purposeful, and I could feel my breath catching in my throat as I anticipated the worst.

"A-Aldrake... help me" Amber's plaintive cry echoed through the air as she clutched her foot in pain.

Aldrake's response was immediate, his concern for her well-being evident in the way he knelt beside her and asked.

"Are you alright? Does it hurt?". His eyes, filled with a deep-seated worry, locked onto hers as he tenderly examined her foot.

I felt a pang of resentment as he quickly helped her to her feet and handed her over to his friend, his attention and care lavished upon her.

When he turned to me, his expression darkened, and I felt a chill run down my spine as he slapped me across the cheek with a force that sent my head spinning.

The sound of gasps and whispers from the surrounding crowd only added to my humiliation as I stumbled backward, tears streaming down my face.

"What did you do to her, huh?!" Aldrake's voice was like thunder, his grip on my arms bruising as he pulled me towards him.

"A-Aldrake... you're hurting me. Please let me go" I begged, trying to pry his fingers loose from my arms, but he wouldn't budge.

The pressure of his grasp is suffocating, threatening to snap my arm in two. His fingers seem to be digging deep into my skin, leaving me to wonder if I'll ever be free from his grasp.

"It hurts... please let go!" I cried out, but he just gave me a piercing stare, his eyes flashing with anger.

"Does it hurt? That's nothing compared to what you did to Amber! What did you do this time to her, huh?" He asked again.

"I didn't mean to do that--" I started to explain, but Amber interrupted me.

"She pushed me, Aldrake, you saw that" She said.

"What made her push you? Tell me". Aldrake asked, his tone gentle and concerned, as if he was more willing to listen to Amber than me.

Amber looked at me, and I could see the triumph in her eyes, knowing she could manipulate Aldrake. I felt a sense of dread at what she might say. I know Amber, and I know the lies she'll tell in front of my husband.

"Aldrake--" I tried to call him, but Amber spoke up, tears in her voice.

"She pushed me because she's angry that I'm spending time with you, and that you're introducing me to your friends. She's angry because you prioritize me over her, even though she's your wife. She's jealous because she thinks I'm taking everything away from her. You know I wouldn't do that to her, don't you, Aldrake? She's my sister, why would I take away what's hers? I don't know what I've done wrong, and why she's angry with me like this. She even said she'd hurt me worse if I continued to approach you". After saying that, she burst into tears again.

I was left stunned by her lies. I quickly turned to Aldrake to explain. "No, no, no. Aldrake, please listen to me. I didn't do anything. It wasn't intentional. And... I didn't say anything like that to her. She's just making up stories to twist what happened. She was the one who approached me, and she's saying that--" But before I could finish my words, Aldrake's grip on my arm tightened, causing me to wince in pain. I started to cry again, but he seemed not to care.

"You're really this desperate, huh!!" He spat.

"I'm warning you, Livia, don't you ever hurt your sister again! If you're jealous of her, you should try to be like her. That way, you could have what she has!. You're nothing but a disgrace to my pack!!". His words cut deep into my psyche.

I tried to explain, to tell him that it was all a misunderstanding, but he wouldn't listen. Instead, he hurled accusations at me, his words dripping with venom.

After that warning, he released me with a shove, sending me crashing to the floor. As I looked up, I saw him carrying Amber in his arms, his face a picture of concern and devotion.

He didn't even glance at me, didn't acknowledge my presence in any way. I was left shattered, my heart heavy with the weight of his rejection.

The whispers and murmurs from the crowd only added to my pain, their judgments and assumptions about me and my relationship with Aldrake cutting deep into my soul.

"Isn't she the wife of that Alpha?". Someone whispered.

"Yes, that's her. I've heard their marriage is just an arranged one". Another person replied.

"No wonder her husband treats her like that".

"Do you know who the Alpha's carrying?".

"Yes, it's her stepsister. There are rumors that she's jealous of her, which is why she always hurts and bullies her"

"Amber seems like a kind and cheerful person, maybe she's jealous of her because she gets everyone's attention, unlike her".

The whispers and murmurs from the crowd only made me feel more defeated, and I buried my face in my hands, tears streaming down my face. To everyone else, it seemed like I was the one at fault, and Amber was the victim.

They saw me as the bad one, and Amber as the good one. Why was it that people could judge so quickly based on what they saw, without knowing the truth?.

"She doesn't deserve the title of Luna. Her sister is more deserving of that role". Someone said, and the words cut deep into my heart.

After the crowd dispersed, having judged me without mercy, the hallway was filled with the sound of my sobs as I sat on the floor, my head bowed onto my knees. I cried uncontrollably, until I felt a strong presence approaching.

I lifted my head to see who it was, and my eyes met a familiar face. The person stopped beside me, looking at me with an unreadable expression, and I gazed back at him. Even though my vision was blurry from tears, I knew I had seen his face before.

"You alright?" He asked, with his deep and cold tone.

I shook my head, and looked up at him. "I want to go home. Please help me get out of this place" I begged, not caring that I was asking for help from a stranger.

All I wanted was to leave and get away from the people at this event.

"Let's go" He said, and I nodded.

I tried to stand up, but my legs felt weak and trembling, and I almost fell, if he hadn't caught my hand.

"I don't think I can walk" I said, looking down. He didn't say anything, but suddenly I felt myself being lifted off the ground. I realized that he was carrying me, the same man I had seen at the bar counter earlier.

"Where are you taking me? This isn't the way out" I asked, noticing that we were heading towards the end of the hallway where the comfort room was.

"There's a way out this way" He replied. I fell silent, letting him lead the way.

We eventually made our way outside, and I saw that we were at the back of the house. There were two gates, one at the front and one at the back, and it seemed like the back gate led to a vast forest.

"You can put me down. Thank you" I said, still sniffling from crying earlier.

"When you exit the gate, you'll see a vast forest. Just walk straight, and you'll see a high wall covered in vines. Follow it, and you'll find a hole big enough to fit through. You'll see a small hut there, and you can ask the person where the road is, so you can go home" He explained.

I nodded, surprised that he could speak at such length. He didn't seem like the type to talk much, but I guess you can't judge a book by its cover.

"Thank you again" I said.

As I turned to leave, he asked. "What's your name?"

I turned back to him, smiling slightly. "Livia. That's my name. How about you?" I asked, curious. He had helped me, so it was only fair to ask his name, right?.

"Aldus" He replied, looking into my eyes. The name seemed familiar, but I couldn't quite place it.

"Okay. Thank you again, Aldus" I said, before turning and walking out the gate.