The Lycan King's Forbidden Mate

The cold wind howled through the dense forest, the branches of towering pine trees swaying as if they were dancing to the rhythm of the night.

Well, tonight felt like a very similar companion, at least it was for me, though I feel like my world had been shattered by loss.

My father, Weldon Fox's pack, had been my sanctuary, a place where my existence was as integral to the pack as the moon's reflection upon the sea.

But now, the moon was my only company, though almost every person in my father's pack was here, our friends, even those I considered as part of my family. I watched helplessly as the fire consumed my family's cabin as the cruel flames danced to a tune I know I could never control or comprehend.

The ache in my heart was unbearable, so much that it was scary as I felt how it slowly consumes me, plus the silent howls of the wolves who had been my family rang in my ears, which only added to the pain in my chest, almost making me numb.

In the dark of night, despite the ashes of our former lives and the presence of the other wolves, I found myself alone, truly, irreparably alone.

I'm Brielle Fox, my parents and my friends chose to call me Foxy. My beloved father had given me that nickname because he believed it was cute enough for him, I was his little wolf, and he treated me like a princess.

What can I say?

I was the Shadow Walker's pack's Alpha, Weldon Fox's only daughter. At least I was once the Alpha's daughter.

I am only 12, and watching the full moon had always been my favorite time of the month, my family would sit by the fire while my mother and my father would share some stories I'd often fall asleep to.

But tonight was completely different.

Just a few hours ago, my mom was preparing our favorite meal when the scent of something unfamiliar drifted in.

My parents, usually so calm and confident, were on edge.

"Stay with your mother, Foxy!"

My father growled, his voice low and protective. I trembled in fear as my mom, with her soft touch, pulled me close.

"Don't worry, little Fox, we will be alright,"

she whispered, though her eyes betrayed her fear.

Then the door shattered, and a pack of lone wolves burst into our cabin. Their eyes were glowing red with anger and malice.

I may be young, but I am old enough to know that they weren't like the pack my family belonged to. I know they were rogue wolves, my parents never once forgot to warn me about them. They have always been driven with chaos and bloodlust.

My father leapt into action, his powerful form blocked the intruders, but there were too many. My parents were the strongest among all of the wolves, but despite their strength, they were overpowered.

In a moment of sharp, deafening silence, my father collapsed on the floor, and my mom followed soon after, her body crumpled beside him.

For the first time, I felt my heart shatter, tears blurred my vision, and I started to run into the woods, my feet barely touching the ground.

The full moon cast silver light through the trees, but all I could feel was the weight of the loss, irreparable fear and the emptiness left behind by the lives of my parents, who loved me so fiercely.

It had been a senseless massacre, and in the aftermath, I was left to wander the forest in search of something that could heal the wound in my soul.

It wasn't long before a lone figure emerged from the underbrush, his fur matted and tangled from days of travel. Despite my fear, I walked closer, and there I started crying when I finally saw who it was. Aric Barlowe, the Beta of the pack and my father's oldest friend, had found me. He had searched the charred remains of the pack's territory, hoping against hope that I had somehow survived.

His fur was graying, a silver that caught the moonlight, and his eyes, always steady and filled with quiet wisdom, now held a deep sorrow. When he sees me, I hear him call my name, his voice barely more than a whisper, and when I turn toward him, almost seeking the comfort only he could provide at this very moment.

"I promised your father I would protect you at all costs,"

Aric said softly, lifting me into his embrace with utmost care, as though I was as fragile as a glass forgotten by centuries. And when I finally calmed down, Alaric escorted me back to our cabin, and he was the reason why I'm here now, forced to witness how they burned our cabin, together with my parents remains still inside.

It had only been a few days after my parent's death, the sun was setting over the dense woods as I sat at the edge of a clearing. My eyes flicked with sadness as I watched the trees dance with the wind. My ears twitched at the sound of approaching footsteps.

The new Alpha's footsteps.

"Foxy?"

A deep and familiar voice rumbled through the evening air. My head turned to see Aric Barlowe stepping out of the shadows. His broad shoulders squared, and his expression calm but firm. Aric was like my dear father, a wolf in every sense, but a man in others. Aric was kind enough to take me in after my parents died, he became both my protector and my guardian, though Alaric was my father's most trusted friend, our bond had yet to settle in my heart. Aric crouched down to my level.

"How are you feeling today?"

He asked. I immediately looked down and started playing with my fingers.

"I'm fine..."

I muttered, but my voice lacked conviction. It's even funny how I wasn't even sure if FINE was the right word to describe how I feel. Aric smiled, his white teeth flashed in the dim light.

"Don't lie, little Fox, What's on your mind?"

He asked again. I hesitated as my small form stiffened, seconds later, when I finally spoke.

"I-I don't feel like I belong here. Not with the pack, not with you."

I whispered, my eyes beginning to water. Aric's expression softened, though his wolf remained present. I think it was his strength. I loved how he was so calm that I had to rely on him in my own fractured world.

"You belong with me, Foxy."

Aric said quietly.

"You belong with us, you always will. I promised to take care of you, from now on, I will be your father, and my son, Alaric, will be your companion, in time, he will be your protector, you will be his Luna. But I can't force you to feel at home, that's something only time can give."

I growled softly under my breath. I was too young to understand what he had said about me and his son, if there is one thing I am sure of, it is that I do like Alaric, I'd often tell my father about my little crush on him, but then I can tell he doesn't like me back.

"My father, Weldon. He's the alpha of this pack... Why'd you have to become the alpha now? I didn't ask for this."

I asked, Aric's eyes darkened, and he stood, turning to face the horizon where the last bit of sunlight was fading.

"The pack needs stability. And I need to lead them, Foxy. For you... for your father."

He paused as he looked back at me. "But being an alpha isn't just about power, Foxy. It's about protection, it's also about ensuring the pack survives, together."

I looked away. A surge of emotion filling my chest.

"B-but I don't know who I am anymore, not without him."

"I know."

Aric said, sitting beside me.

"I don't expect you to forget your father, and your mom and I won't ever ask you to."

My eyes began to water again. I looked away when a sob escaped my throat.

"I-I don't want to be w-weak..."

"Being strong doesn't mean you never show fear, little Fox. It means facing it, even when you don't know how,"

Aric said, his voice deep and full of wisdom. I looked up at him, my eyes met his, and for the first time since my parents death, I finally let my guard down, well, just a little.

"M-maybe I can try... Be strong... Though my dad is gone, I still want to make him proud." Aric smiled.

"That's all I want to hear you say."

He nudged at me with his elbow, and I smiled as I looked at the spot where our cabin once was. The future ahead was uncertain, but for the first time, I didn't feel completely alone now.

My eyelids fluttered open as a low rumble vibrated through the walls, pulling me from my dreams.

I lazily pulled the thick covers and tried to snuggle up, l planned of sleeping late since last night only to be greeted by the harsh assault of loud voices and clattering sounds.

I groaned and turned over the side of my bed, I tried to bury my head deeper into the softness of my pillow but the noise only grew even louder as if the people were making loud noises on purpose to ruin my good sleep.

I blinked into the dim morning light that seeped around the curtains, my mind still sluggish with sleep, still feeling lazily, I forced myself to look at the digital clock sitting on my bedside table.

The clock relayed the time 6 o'clock in the morning which only made me feel annoyed.

"It's too early... I just want to get some more sleep..."

I groaned again before throwing the thick blanket up in the air.

"Something felt off..."

I whispered. No, it wasn't only because of the noise, it was the tension in the air, I felt something thick and expectant crawling under my skin.

"What on earth was happening?"

I whispered before pushing myself up, my long black hair falling over my shoulder like a wild cascade.

I sleepily strained my own ears to catch the words drifting through the walls.

"Almost ready,make sure it's perfect for her. Is the feast set yet?"

The feast...

The feast...

My chest tightened with realization. I bolted upright, my heart thumping as the memory of the other night rushed back to me.

My sixteenth birthday...

Alpha Aric and the pack's council had said that my birthday would be very important and that it would mark something, and she knew exactly what it was.

I pulled myself out of bed, my bare feet meeting the cold tiled floor. Despite the chaos outside, my room remained unusually still. My hand hovered over the metal doorknob only to be greeted by Alpha Aric's servants.

--

The chill breeze swept through the grand halls of the pack house as I stood in front of a huge mirror, my fingers trembled as I adjusted the lace of my gown. The pale pink fabric hugged my skin, making me feel small and fragile.

I glanced at my reflection and sighed.

I thought my sixteenth birthday would be just as simple as my friends'. I'd never expected it to be this regal and grand.

"Foxy..."

Alpha Aric called from downstairs.

"Are you ready?"

He asked, his eyes seemed to be admiring my feminine side.

It's been four years since the moon godess took my parents, and it's also been four years since Aric has taken me into his home and treated me fairly like I was his own daughter.

I took one last glance at myself, then turned to Aric and nodded.

I walked pass the hallway, every step I make felt it echoed louder than it should.

As I descended the grand staircase, Alpha Aric's booming voice reached my ears.

"Ah... Brielle Fox, the one and only daughter of former Alpha Walden Fox, the birthday girl."

He said his smile was tight, but his smile was filled with pride. The same pride that made me feel more like an object on display rather than a daughter of the strongest alpha ever to live.

"Foxy, I hope you are ready for what comes next."

Aric's whispered to my ears.

"Everything is arranged, we have been waiting for this for years, Foxy. It will be a perfect union."

I bit back the bitter words that rose in my throat. The union... The very thought of it made my stomach twist.

Since I got to Aric's roof, I had know I was to be married to Aric, the Alpha's son. A man I have come to love ever since I met him, but I am not a fool not to realize how much he despise me.

I flinched as the memory of what Aric and I discussed months ago.

"Why me?"

I asked, and Aric sat beside me. My head is still turning from hearing about the idea of me marrying Alaric one day.

"Why not you, Foxy?"

"I-I... I loved Alaric since forever, but I know he doesn't want me. I can't marry a man who can't love me back. Besides, I'm just me... I don't even feel like I belong to this pack anymore."

I muttered and looked away.

"You are part of this pack, Foxy. In fact, you are not just part of this pack, you are part of something bigger. Your blood, your heritage. You are Walden's only daughter, Foxy you are this pack's future. This pack needs you and so you and Alaric will lead this pack together someday."

I never wanted this life, had I never wanted to be bound to someone like him, Alaric is cold, distant, and arrogantly sure of his place in the world.

Sometimes I even wonder how I'd falled in love with him. It's like I wanted him, but I never want to marry him.

And yet here I am, dressed for the occasion. As much as I tired to bury the resentment, the weight of the truth was suffocating, in just a few moments, Alaric will be here.

I can't stay, I had to leave.

--

I paced back and forth in the small clearing near the Alpha's home. My heart beat erratically as anxiety started to gnawed at me. I could feel the weight of the promise hanging over my head-the promise Aric had made to his own son.

I was Alpha Walden Fox's daughter, once.

My thoughts raced and my emotions tangled.

Now, I'm just an obligation.

I stopped my pacing and crossed my arms tightly.

It had been years since my parents died. Aric had taken me in when no one else would. But the kindness he had once shown me felt like it had faded over time, replaced by expectations and distant authority.

"Brielle, Foxy..."

A voice broke me from the depth of my thoughts.

I spun around to face the figure, and there I found the son of Alpha Aric, and the source of my inner turmoil. Alaric Barlowe.

His icy blue eyes met mine, but there was no warmth in them, only disdain, the same disdain I had seen in his eyes every time he looked at me since my adoption.

"I didn't expect to find you out here alone."

Alaric said, his voice flat, almost mocking.

"I needed some space."

I replied, my voice tight, and my posture stiff.

"Not everyone likes to be constantly surrounded by people."

Alaric raised an eyebrow, stepping closer.

"Yes. Especially those who are only tolerated because of a bloodline and heritage?"

He sneered, his words hitting their mark. My throat tightened, but I didn't flinch.

"You don't have to remind me."

I said coolly, my nails dug into my own skin.

"But it's not like I asked for this either."

His lips curled into a cruel smirk.

"No, you didn't. But it doesn't change anything, does it? You still belong to the pack. And I still have to marry you, even if I don't want to."

His voice dropped to a whisper, as if the words were more of a confession than an accusation.

My eyes flashed with a mix of hurt and anger.

"Then why don't you just tell your father? You know, the one who wanted this to happen."

Alaric laughed bitterly. "And what would that solve? My father already expects us to honor this arrangement. You and I, we don't get a say in it. You know that, don't you?"

I took a step forward, my fists clenched as I met the intensity of his glare.

"I did have a say once. I was born into this pack, this was once my father's pack. I don't owe anyone anything. And neither do you."

"Maybe you should think about what's at stake here, Foxy."

Alaric said, his tone suddenly colder. He stepped forward, his presence overwhelming.

"This isn't just about you or me. This is about the future of the pack."

The words hung in the air between us like an unspoken threat. I swallowed hard, it felt like the weight of my position was now pressing down on me.

Though my eyes are starting to water, I tried to steady my breathing.

"You think I don't know that?"

I asked, my voice steady despite the storm of emotions inside me, "You think I don't realize that if we don't follow through with this, everything could fall apart? "

His gaze softened, just for a moment, but then it hardened again, the coldness returning.

"Then why do you still fight it?"

He asked, as if we were somehow on the same side. "Why not just accept it?"

"Because..." I started, my voice barely above a whisper, "I don't want to marry you, Alaric, I never have."

My chest tightened with the weight of the words I had never dared to speak aloud.

"I love you, I always have... But don't you think I know? You hate me, you always made that clear every chacne you get. And this marriage, it's not worth it. I know you only need me because you need to keep this pack stronger, and I can't live up to just that."

His lips tightened, and he took a step back, as if the weight of my words had caught him off guard. But then he quickly regained his composure, sneering once more.

"You don't get to choose that."

He said with finality before turning on his heel.

"Neither of us do. Not if my father, Alpha Aric, still lives."

The moon hung high above the dense forest, casting a silver light glow over the night sky. I can feel the cold wind brushing my hair as it stirred the branches, but it was the tension in the air that made my heart race. Tonight was the night.

The night that I have been waiting for, with every heartbeat, every passing season.

On a very peaceful night, I could hear the distant howl of wolves in the distance, which only made my heart race even more in anticipation.

I glanced up in the sky and closed my eyes shut as I tried to remember the memory of my beloved parent's faces, smiling up at me.

I was reminiscing in silence when an approaching footstep caught my attention.

A warm smile escaped my lips as Miya, one of the very few friends I've made all these years, padded up beside me.

"You look restless, Foxy... Is it the full moon or him you're waiting for?"

Miya asked, smiling from ear to ear.

"No, it's not the moon, Miya. And it's absolutely not him. I'm not waiting for Aric, and if ever I was, I don't think he'll come."

I replied, my eyes fixed on the horizon.

"Tonight's the night. I will change tonight.,my wolf will show. I can feel it."

I added and sighed as Miya sniffed the air, her expression unreadable.

"You've been saying that for months now. I don't mean to be negative, but just what if... What if your wolf doesn't show again? What if she's gone?"

My heart skipped a beat.

"No, Miya... She will come tonight. I know it."

I whispered the words with certainty, though doubt started to cover the edges of my soul.

"Any minute now..."

I whispered again, my heart beating a little faster as the cold night air brushed against my skin.

Alpha Aric had told me this would be the night. The night I'd meet my wolf. It was tradition for young wolves to come into their full power when they turned eighteen or when the bond with their destined mate would be sealed.

Only my eighteenth birthday was months ago, Shara, one of the pack's elders, had told me that it happens sometimes, that sometimes our wolves won't let us meet them when they feel that we are not strong enough.

Alpha Aric agreed to that and advised me to give it a little more time. Tonight, however, is a very important occasion, the elders has said that tonight will be the night that I have been waiting for.

Tonight was no ordinary night, it was my first transformation into my wolf form, and tonight will also be my first step toward claiming my title as Luna of Shadow Walker Pack.

And tomorrow, I will be married to Aric Barlowe, who will then become the new Alpha of our pack. I had felt the excitement bubbling in my chest for weeks, not because of the wedding, of course, but I'm excited to finally meet my wolf.

But as the hours passed, I began to feel that familiar knot of uncertainty in my stomach.

"Are you nervous?"

Miya asked. I glanced in her direction and nodded lazily.

"Of course I'm nervous, tonight is very... important."

"What is? Your wedding or our transformation?"

Miya laughed as I shot her a glance.

"Do I need to answer that? You know I never want to marry him, but what can I do? Aside from Aric being my destined mate, he's... Well, we've been promised to each other since we were little."

"But you do love him, don't you?"

Miya asked, her eyes gleamed with curiosity. I smiled lazily at her and nodded.

"But I know deep down, love isn't enough... Especially when I'm the only one who has it."

"Well, that's deep, but don't worry... You and I will change tonight, I can feel it too."

The members of the Shadow Walker Pack had gathered in a clearing, under the glow of the blue moon, all their eyes were on me, watching me closely, quietly, which only made my heart pound hysterically against my chest.

I stood in the middle, together with other young wolves like I am. My friend Miya and the rest were there as well, tonight will be as important for them as well.,they will also transform for the first time.

My fist clenched, my body trembling with both anticipation and fear. I glanced up at the full blue moon, its light close to its peak, and tonight, everything would change for me.

I hope...

"Are you ready for this?"

Shara, the pack's elder, approached me slowly, her voice low and steady.

"I-I don't know... I-I don't think I'm ready for all these."

Shara tilted her head, watching me closely.

"I-I am not sure if I am ready to change...to become what I'm supposed to be."

I added, my voice trembled as the words escaped my lips.

"Everyone says I'm close, but I've felt different. I-I feel like it's never going to happen."

Alpha Aric's voice echoed from behind us.

"Patience, Foxy... The moon will not rush its gifts."

I turned to face him, my legs trembling as I met his gaze. He smiled at me, but I am too nervous to even smile back.

"I-I waited for months, Alpha Aric. What if... What if I am really not meant to transform? What if my wolf-"

"You are a wolf, Foxy. And wolves change when they are ready. Not when they wish it, but when they are prepared in body and spirit. Change is not always on the moon's terms, but on your own."

"I don't know, Alpha Aric... What if I fail?"

I whispered, worry almost visible on my face. Alaric's expression softened, and he smiled at me.

"You won't fail."

His voice was firm. He placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder as he stepped even closer.

"This is your destiny, Foxy. The moon will be calling for you. You are destined to be more than just a young wolf, but my son's bride... You will become this pack's Luna, and as promised, you and Alaric will rule together."

Aric had said he didn't give me the chance to answer when he started to walk away.

Just a few seconds later, the full moon glowed, emitting blue lights as others began to howl. I looked down at my hands, the smoothness of my skin a stark contrast to the rough claws of the wolf I was supposed to become. But then, I don't feel anything, not like the others do...

"It will come, Foxy, the moonlight, it will call to you. You just have to trust it."

Shara smiled at me. I nodded. I tried to smile back, but the doubt in my heart refused to be silenced. I absentmindedly glanced at others, they were already starting to shift, their bodies began to rip with the transformation. The air was filled with the sound of bones cracking, fur growing, and howls started to rise into the night sky. I took a step back, my breath shallow. I wanted to shift; I needed to, but still... I can't feel anything...

"Come on, Foxy...''

I heard Miya shout. Her wolf form was already taking shape, a sleek brown she-wolf with eyes full of fierce determination.

"The moon is calling for you too, you just have to embrace it."

I closed my eyes as I let the sounds of transformation wash over me. I tried so hard to feel the pull, to connect, to hear the moon call, but all I felt was a strange emptiness. My heartbeat quickened when a voice cut through the thick air. It was harsh, rough...

"What is wrong with you?"

Alaric, Alpha Aric's son, the next Alpha stepped forward, his eyes amber like a burning ember, it glowed with a judgement that sent chills down my spine.

"Tonight, you are supposed to become one of us, a true wolf. And tomorrow you are supposed to become Shadow Walker Pack's Luna. Tonight is the full moon and you can't even shift, what good are you to us?"

"That's enough!"

Alpha Aric's loud growl caught everyone's attention. But Aric didn't backed dowm.

"Why are you protecting her, father? You saw her, she's not one of us. She can't even change, not when it matters. What good is it to be the next alpha if I will have to marry someone who can't even claim her wolf?"

Those words cut through my heart, like a sharp metal shreding to every part of my soul. I felt the weight of their gazes, the silent judgement heavy on my chest, I swallowed my breath that caught in my throat.

"You're always too quick to judge, Alaric. You know who she is, she's got more power to hold this pack more than you do, her father-"

"Her father is long dead, and this pack will vanish as well if we ever accept her as our Luna. If she's got more hold to this pack more than I do, then why didn't she shift into her wolf form? Why doesn't she belong to the moon like the rest of us She's weak, father. And if she can't lead... Then she has no place among us."

Alaric's words stung like a lash across my soul. Especially when Alpha Aric, who used to defend me fell into silence as if finally accepting the fact that I am indeed, not one of them.

I am just Brielle Fox, daughter of teh late Alpha Weldon Fox, chosen to be the shadow walker pack's luna, but I am not strong enough.

Maybe I'm really not one of them.