The Mate He Can't Claim

Shadows Before The Storm

Lyra woke up in Kaels arms the morning after their night in the cabin. The sunlight was shining through the windows. It was not very strong so it only made pale patterns on their skin. The special bond between Lyra and Kael was working well so she could feel that he was breathing calmly before he even woke up. She touched the scars on his side from the fight with the scouts and felt very protective of him. He was hers. She was his and nothing could change that.

Kaels eyes slowly. He looked at Lyra. His eyes were soft and gentle as he said, " morning mate." His voice was still rough from sleep. He was also still feeling desire. He put his hand on her back. Pulled her close so his body was touching hers. "How are you feeling after what happened yesterday?" he asked.

Lyra said, "I am sore but I am also feeling stronger. The bond between us is helping me heal faster." She moved her hips a little so her body was rubbing against his. "And I am hungry for you again " she said.

Kael made a sound, which made Lyra feel hot inside. "You are going to be the death of me Lyra " he said. ". What a great way to die." He rolled her onto her back. Kissed her deeply. Their bodies moved together easily. Every touch still felt exciting. Kael took his time kissing her neck and her breasts. Then he moved lower. He sucked on her n****e. Touched her between her legs finding her already wet and ready.

Lyra and Kaels movements became more urgent. They both wanted more. Kael positioned himself. Slid into her in one smooth move filling her completely. They both gasped at the feeling of being connected. Kael started moving in a rhythm watching Lyras face the whole time. Lyra asked him to go and Kael obeyed, pounding into her with more force. The bed was. Their skin was slapping together filling the cabin with noise. The bond between them made every sensation stronger. Lyra felt Kaels pleasure, which made her own pleasure even greater. When she had an orgasm it was like a wave and Kael followed soon after spilling himself inside her with a loud groan.

Afterward they stayed connected foreheads pressed together breathing in sync. Kaels face, which was usually cold was now soft and content. "I could stay like this forever " he whispered. "Just. Me, no council, no Riverrun."

They knew they could not stay like that forever. They got up cleaned themselves and went back to the academy. The atmosphere at the academy was exciting because of the tournament. There were banners everywhere. Scouts from other packs had started arriving. Coach Harlan was making the team practice hard running them through full ice simulations.

Lyra and Kael were doing well in the drills and their bond was making them work together perfectly. During one break Rylan skated up to them. Said, "You two are on another level now. The whole team can feel it. Some are inspired,. Others are scared." Selene was still recovering from her injury. She was glaring at Lyra with anger. She had some allies who were whispering to each other in the corners.

After practice Elias pulled Lyra aside. Said, "There is something you need to know before the tournament. Your bloodline is not a latent alpha. It carries the mark of the First Howl, a power that can unite people. If you fully shift during a game it could force alliances or trigger a pack war. You need to control it."

Lyra nodded, taking in the weight of his words. Kael joined them soon sensing her unease through the bond. He put a hand on her lower back and said, "Whatever it is we will handle it together."

The rest of the day was busy with meetings and strategy sessions. Riverrun sent another demand for Lyra but the alpha dismissed it. The tension was getting thicker though. In the evening Kael found Lyra in the weight room. "Come with me " he said, taking her hand.

He led her to a storage area above the arena, where old equipment was gathering dust. Soon as the door closed he pushed her against the wall and kissed her with desperate hunger. He quickly removed their clothes. Dropped to his knees burying his face between her thighs. His tongue worked her c**t with skill until she came hard biting her fist to stay quiet.

Then he stood up turned her around and took her from behind, fast and deep. One hand covered her mouth muffling her moans while the other rubbed her c**t. "You are mine " he growled with each thrust. "No one takes you from me."

Lyra pushed back meeting him thrust for thrust, emotions blazing through the bond. When she came again Kael followed, knotting her gently in the confined space. They stayed locked together whispering promises and fears until the knot released.

That night back in the cabin another attack came. This time there were two scouts but they were bolder. Kael and Lyra fought them off together claws and fists flying under the moonlight. Lyra shifted partially for the time fur rippling across her arms as she tore through one attacker with new savagery. The bond kept them coordinated. The scouts fled,. They left behind a clear message: the tournament would be a battlefield.

Sweaty and bloodied they returned inside. The fight had ignited fire between them. Kael took her on the rug in front of the fireplace this time slow and intense eyes locked the time. Visible love and determination shone between them as their bodies joined again and again.

The championship is in ten days Kael said afterward as they lay tangled. We will win it. Then we will solidify the bond publicly. Then we will face my father and Riverrun on our terms.

Lyra nodded, tracing the claiming bite on her shoulder. I am ready, for whatever comes she said. With you I can face anything.