THE LYCAN KING'S HIDDEN MATE

The autumn wind bit at Elena’s cheeks as she stumbled through the dark forest, her lungs burning with every breath. Branches snagged at her worn dress, and mud tugged at her boots with every step. She’d been running for hours—ever since the village men came for her, their torches burning like angry stars in the night. They can’t catch me, she thought, clutching the small leather pouch at her neck. Inside were the only things left of her parents: a faded photo, and a scrap of parchment she could never read. Mother always said… if anyone asks about my blood, run. The old woods will keep me safe. Then the moon broke through the clouds, spilling silver light over a clearing she’d never seen. At its center stood a massive oak, its roots twisting like ancient writing. When she stepped closer, a strange warmth spread from her pouch to her fingertips—like something waking up inside her. “Lost, are we?” Elena spun around, heart hammering. A tall man stood at the edge of the trees: broad-shouldered, dark hair falling to his shoulders, eyes the color of glowing amber. He wore furs and leather, but there was a royal weight to him—like a king out of old tales. “I’m sorry,” she stammered, stepping back. “I didn’t mean to come here. I was just… running.” His gaze landed on the pouch at her throat, and his look shifted—curiosity mixed with something older, deeper. “Running from what?” “From people who want to hurt me,” she said, voice steadier than she felt. “They say my blood is different… that I belong to someone else.” He moved closer, his steps almost too smooth—too graceful for an ordinary man. “Your blood is different, Elena. Your mother knew that. That’s why she sent you here.” He held out his hand. “I am Adrian Blackthorn, King of the Northern Lycans. And you… you are my hidden mate.” Elena froze. Lycans—she’d only heard them as scary stories, myths told to keep children out of the woods. But looking at him, every beat of her heart whispered he spoke the truth. “I don’t understand,” she breathed. “You will,” he said softly. “But first—you must be safe. The men chasing you serve someone who hunts my kind. Someone who wants to use you for their own dark gain.” When he took her hand, heat shot through her, bright and undeniable. “Come with me,” he said. “My kingdom will protect you. And there… you will learn exactly who you are.” Behind her, shouts echoed through the trees—they were getting closer. Elena looked at Adrian, then at the dark path she’d run from. She slipped her hand into his. And as they vanished deeper into the woods, a wolf howled far off—loud, clear, and sounding exactly like home.