The vampire's deathmarked lycan

Alina Pov:

The moon filtered through the trees, casting a pale glow over the treetops. Crouching on a thick branch, I peered down at the pack guards below, my chest pounding as they followed the false trail I had left earlier. They were close, their heavy boots crunching against the fallen leaves.

I grinned. Idiots.

All they had to do was look up, and they'd find me. But instead, they drifted farther from their target. Fooling them had been easy, I had masked my scent, leaving them no way to sniff me out. Even if they tried, they would never find me.

I stifled a laugh at the frustration on Zack's face. He had been so sure he would catch me before the third day, but here we were, already nearing the end of the second. Just a few more hours, and I would have my freedom. As the guards disappeared into the distance, my mind drifted back to my last conversation with my father-the Lycan King.

****

"Why? Why do you forbid me from leaving the pack?" I demanded.

My father sat behind his desk, his expression grim. His usual you wouldn't understand excuse was written all over his face, but I wasn't going to accept silence this time.

"I can't go on like this," I murmured, staring at him. "There's so much I want to do, so many places I want to explore, but I can't if I'm caged here."

"The outside world is more dangerous than you think," he said, stepping toward me. He cupped my face, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear. "You wouldn't understand, Alina. I'm trying to protect you."

i hated this. Why did he think this was the best decision for me? Why wouldn't he give me an explanation? Why was he looking at me like I was backing him into a corner? when all I wanted was my freedom

"If it's so dangerous, then why not forbid every pack member from leaving? Why not forbid my brother?"

"Your brother is the future Alpha," he countered. "He needs to familiarize himself with the outside world to rule effectively."

I scowled, my hands curled tightly, "I'm your daughter, yet I haven't even been to a neighboring pack. I've never seen a human. I'm over twenty and haven't even found my mate. All I do is train and memorize landscapes that are no use to me."

silence.

"This isn't living. I'm not living." My voice wavered, but I bit my lip, holding back tears. "I want to find my mate, experience romance, make mistakes, taste new foods, visit new places-but I can't do that here. That's why I have to do this." yes, I can't back down, this has to stop, something has to change

I lifted my chin. "I'm not a child anymore, father. I'm a member of this pack, and I demand to be treated as an equal or would it be better for me to go rouge"

His expression faltered. I knew I was trending on a treadmill, saying I'll turn rouge is no more than requesting for a death sentence

Silence stretched between us. Then, finally, he sighed.

"Three days."

I frowned. "What?"

"Survive in the forest for three days without being caught." His eyes darkened. "If you can do that, I'll grant you the freedom you want."

*******

Now, I hopped down from the tree, certain the guards had gone far enough. I moved toward the forest's border. The day before, I had stumbled upon something unusual-another forest beyond this one. The map I had studied never mentioned a double forest, nor had I ever heard of it. Right now, that second forest was my best chance of hiding.

The moment I crossed over, an eerie sensation settled over me. The trees were taller, older, and twisted in unnatural shapes. The air was colder-biting and unnatural. As a Lycan, I tolerated the cold well, but this was different. Shivers ran down my spine. Goosebumps prickled my skin.

Maybe I should turn back.

I hesitated, but a distant sound made me freeze. I stilled as apprehension filled me, could a pack guard had seen me

I saw a person, he was neither a pack guard nor was he a warewolf, my eyes widened as realization hit me, he was a vampire

His skin was as pale as snow, his blood-red eyes gleaming in the darkness. His long black claws flexed at his sides. A vampire.

For centuries, Lycans and vampires had been at war, though our conflict had simmered to a fragile halt as we hid our existence from the human world. But we were still enemies. My father had told me about vampires driven into a frenzy, losing themselves to starvation. Blood was the only thing that could quench it.

Filthy creatures, I thought in disgust. They survived by feeding on the lives of others.

A sudden grip on my arm yanked me backward. Before I could react, I was hurled into a tree. Pain exploded through my body as my back struck the rough bark. The impact stole the air from my lungs, and I coughed up blood, feeling the skin on my back tear.

It happened too fast.

More figures emerged from the shadows. I was surrounded.

My mind raced. What are vampires doing this close to pack borders?

My wolf, Kaia, growled inside me, trying to gain control

My vision flickered between gold and blue as she fought for control. But if I shifted now, the pack guards would sense me, and my escape would be for nothing.

Grinding my teeth, I pushed myself to my feet. My claws elongated, my muscles tensed. I've trained for this. I've sparred with my father, my brother, and the Beta. These vampires made the worst mistake of their miserable lives by crossing me-and I will make sure to end them

**Alina's POV**

Blood splattered across the ground as the vampire's lifeless body crumpled, his severed head slipping from my grasp. The metallic scent clung to the air, thick and suffocating. I barely had time to breathe before another lunged at me, claws slashing through the night. I sidestepped, raking my own claws across his throat. A gurgled hiss escaped him as black blood oozed down his chest.

A shift in the wind warned me of another attack. Instinct kicked in. I spun, catching the vampire's wrist mid-strike. A wicked smile curled my lips as I yanked, his arm ripping clean from the socket. He didn't even get the chance to scream before my fangs sank into his throat, tearing it open in one vicious bite.

Adrenaline surged through me, igniting something primal and raw. This was nothing like training with my father, my brother, or the pack warriors. This was real. This was intoxicating.

Another vampire lunged. I twisted, dodging his claws, and caught his hand before he could retract it. My own claws drove into his chest. His body sagged against me, but pain suddenly flared at my side. A sharp, searing agony.

Snarling, I wrenched my claws free and whipped around, gripping the arm of the vampire who had just buried his hand into my flesh. With a guttural growl, I tore it out and plunged my own hand into his chest, ripping out his heart. His body collapsed against mine, dead weight pressing me down.

More of them emerged from the shadows.

The pile of corpses around me grew, yet I could feel my strength waning. My breath came in ragged gasps, my vision blurring at the edges. I needed to shift. Or call for my father.

But there was no time.

My heartbeat pounded like war drums in my ears. I stumbled back, trying to create distance. Blood-my blood-dripped onto the dirt, the scent filling the air like a drug. More vampires poured into the clearing, their numbers growing. The pile of bodies around me was rising, but my strength was waning. My breaths came out ragged, my vision hazy. I was losing too much blood.

I needed to shift. Or call for my father.

Thick and intoxicating. The scent of my blood filled the air like a drug. The vampires stilled, transfixed in their spot. One inhaled deeply, his breath shuddering,his breath shuddering as the smell of fresh blood assaulted his lungs, his eyelids flutter, his lips parting as if savoring the taste on his tongue, another let out a low guttural moan his finger twitching like an addict on the verge of losing control, they seem more rogue, my unhinged

Their restraint shattered, the lunged at me

My legs trembled as I steadied myself, preparing for the onslaught. Even if I called for help, no one would reach me in time. I had to finish this. If any of them escaped into the pack lands, the destruction they could bring would be catastrophic.

I tensed, muscles coiling for my next move-

Then, the roar of an engine shattered the night.

Blinding headlights cut through the darkness. The vehicle plowed through the vampires, bodies crunching beneath its tires. The door swung open, and a sharp voice called out.

"Get in!"

I froze.

A vampire sat behind the wheel.

I hesitated. Why would a vampire try to save me?

"Now," he hissed. More vampires emerged from the trees, their numbers overwhelming. Without warning, he reached out and yanked me inside, slamming the door shut before speeding off.

I stared at him, my mind racing. He looked different from the others. His eyes weren't red, but green. And he seemed... sane.

"Why did you save me?" My voice was hoarse, edged with suspicion. Werewolves and vampires didn't help each other. Ever.

"No reason," he said, eyes locked on the road. "Just following orders."

Orders.

A chill crept up my spine.

"What?....whose orders?" I demanded, but he didn't answer. I noticed the way his jaws were clenched, his hold on the steering wheel tightened, his breathing turned heavy, he was struggling, he might have saved me, but he is still a vampire by nature, ever so unhinged and a never ending thirst for blood, there's no way he could ignore the thick smell of my blood which was swirling around the enclosed space in the car..

He was struggling.

He turned slowly, locking eyes with me

His pupils flickered-green, then red.his grip on the steering wheel twitched

Shit.

Before he could react, I kicked the door with all the strength I had left. The force sent it flying, tearing through the forest. Wind howled around me as I threw myself from the speeding car.

The impact was brutal. my body twisting as I hit the ground hard, Bones snapped. My body tumbled across gravel and dirt, pain searing through every limb.

A few feet away, the car screeched to a halt. The remaining door swung open. Heavy boots crushed against the ground.

I struggled to my feet, my claws extending in warning. If I couldn't handle him, I'd let Kaia out. My last resort.

She didn't like that thought.

I turned around, my head raised slightly to see the vampire as he approached, the wind blew his hair softly, his fangs poking out of his mouth, and his claws long and sharp, the moonlight highlighted his plae skin and red eyes, every step he took felt like my impending doom,

Something told me he wasn't like the others I'd fought.

Maybe I should've stayed and taken my chances with the horde.

I blinked.

One moment, he was advancing with barely restrained hunger. Then next, something slammed into him, sending him flying like a ragdoll. His body collided with a tree, the impact so forceful the trunk snapped, crashing down with him.

I barely had time to react before another presence emerged from the shadows.

A pair of silver eyes gleamed in the darkness.

A vampire.

I felt a sudden pull before my vision swam, dizziness crashed through me in waves, I had suffered too much damage and my lycan needed time to heal, I felt my body falling downwards, staring at the vampire standing in front of me I lost consciousness

Alina pov:

I stared at my reflection in the mirror, my heart pounding in my chest. Earlier today, I woke up to find myself back in my pack's forest, lying on a tree branch. Every wound I had sustained was gone-completely healed, without even a scar. That was impossible. I should still be healing, or at the very least, have some marks left behind. The only evidence that last night even happened was my torn clothes, still stained with blood and dirt

That, and the mark.

I had been mated. Marked by a vampire.

The realization sent a cold shudder through me. I had washed up in a nearby lake and changed into the spare clothes I always kept hidden in the forest-just in case I shifted and needed a fresh set. Then, I had made my way back to the pack house, trying to push away the growing dread curling in my stomach.

My father wasn't happy that I won, but he gave me his word-I had my freedom.

I should have felt victorious. I should have felt smug at the frustrated look on Zack's face. Instead, all I felt was hollow. That damn vampire had ruined everything. I swallowed hard, my mind racing. My father had only required that I return unhurt, and technically, I had. But being claimed by our enemy? That was worse than any wound.

My fists clenched at my sides, nails digging into my palms.

Strange. I had spent my entire life yearning for my mate, longing for the moment I would finally feel whole. But now? Now, all I felt was dread. Who was he? Was it the vampire who saved me? The one with the silver eyes? Or was it another?

Kaia, my wolf, had gone silent, retreating deep into my mind ever since she realized we were mated. She couldn't even recall how we made it back to pack territory. That terrified me. I always wanted my mate, yet now I didn't even know who he was. Was it my savior? My attacker? Or someone else entirely?

A surge of frustration burned through me.

"Arghhh!" I screamed, slamming my fist against the counter. Damn those disgusting creatures.

A sharp, searing agony lanced through me, so sudden and brutal that I gasped. My knees nearly gave out as my vision blurred, the world tilting sideways. I couldn't breathe. Kaia whimpered, her presence flickering in and out.

The mate bond.

It was no secret that newly found mates shouldn't be separated. My eyes flickered between golden and brown as Kaia struggled to take control. I couldn't let her. Who knew what she would do? My claws extended, sharp and deadly, and before I could second-guess myself, I drove them into my own neck-into the mark.

A raw, piercing scream tore from my lips as I collapsed to the floor.

Agony exploded through me. My body convulsed as blood spilled onto the cold tiles, pooling beneath me. I coughed violently, my lungs seizing, blocking the air from passing through. My vision flickered, darkness pressing at the edges.

I lay there, trembling, until the pain dulled into a deep, throbbing ache. My breaths came in slow, measured gulps. The pain was still there, but it was bearable. Gritting my teeth, I forced myself to my feet, gripping the edge of the sink to steady myself.

I met my reflection again.

The mark on my neck glowed faintly, an undeniable claim

My stomach twisted. I adjusted the neckline of my dress, covering it completely. My father expected me to return unscathed. But how was I supposed to explain that a vampire-our sworn enemy-had mated me?

Taking a deep breath, I stepped out into the hallway. The sound of laughter and chatter drifted from downstairs. The pack house was lively, buzzing with excitement.

I descended the grand staircase, gripping the railing tighter than necessary. Wolves bustled about, hanging garlands of evergreen along the wooden beams while others arranged tables, adjusting banners displaying the royal crest. The chandelier overhead was draped in strands of gold, catching the light and scattering it in warm, flickering hues.

All of this, for my brother, Nicola. The future Lycan King.

The coronation was tomorrow, and the entire pack had thrown themselves into the preparations. From the dining hall, laughter echoed as the kitchen staff prepared feast after feast. Warriors stood near the entrance, discussing security for the ceremony, while pups darted between legs, their squeals filling the air.

In the middle of it all stood my mother.

Her hair was pulled into a high ponytail, so tight I was sure it must hurt. She was dressed casually, issuing instructions to those around her.

"Mom," I called, making my way toward her.

She turned, her stern expression softening as she saw me. "Alina," she greeted. "You're up."

"Where's my brother?" I asked, looking around

"He took some of the pack men and went hunting rogues," she replied.

Of course. Our pack raided rogue territories regularly. They caused nothing but pain and destruction. Clearing them out was routine

"To be out hunting the day before his coronation... how nervous must he be?" I mused.

Mom sighed. "You can't blame him. Not only is the Lycan position transitioning to him, but he also takes control of the family business. It's a massive corporation."

I hummed in acknowledgment. I remembered how I once threw a fit about going to my father's company, only to realize it was located outside pack territory-in human lands. Since he wouldn't allow me to leave, he had a life-sized replica built just for me. It wasn't the same. He even had me homeschooled.

Mom studied me for a moment. "What?" I asked.

"Nothing." She shook her head, though something lingered in her gaze. "What do you plan to do now that you've gained your freedom?"

I hesitated. "I haven't thought about it yet." A lie. I had plans-a whole world tour, disappearing for years. But now? Now I had a mate. And I had to find him. If there was any way to fix this... I needed to figure it out before it was too late.

Mom watched me closely before gesturing toward a group of wolves nearby.

When I had still been locked up in the pack, my father assigned younger wolves to keep me company. Now that I had my freedom, it was time to put an end to that. This was his last day in power, after all.

I bid my mother farewell and strode toward the waiting wolves, determination settling in my chest.

I had a mate to find. And I refused to let him control my fate.