Claimed By The Lycan Lord

MARCELLA “What are you doing here?” I swallowed hard, fighting against the urge to retreat. I had rehearsed this moment a thousand times, yet nothing could prepare me for the reality of standing before him; Master Talon. His broad shoulders were squared, muscles taut beneath the shirt that clung to him like a second skin. He turned slowly, his dark eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that made my breath hitch. “I... I came to tell you something.” He studied me, searching for answers in my eyes and arched his brows. I wondered why he was so quiet. Was he really feigning ignorance or wasn’t he aware? Perhaps he was waiting for me to make the move or.... “We are mates.” I finally revealed, my breath stuck in my throat. Thick silence enveloped us, and it was difficult to look at him. He had a blank expression. Not shock, not surprise, not anger, not happiness.... nothing. Was he aware before now? Suddenly, his lips slowly parted into a smirk and a hint of mockery that made my heart sink. He chuckled and shook his head as though he was conversing with a child telling fictional stories. “You are just being delusional,” he responded. I watched as he turned away from me, dismissing my words as easily as one might swat a pesky fly. He sauntered over to the sofa and sank into the cushions. “You should go on to join the rest.” He said, casually waving a hand as if shooing me away. “I know it is hard to believe, Master Talon, but it is the truth. You are my mate. I felt it. I felt the mate bond. I...i ..i felt the connection. I felt the bond and I know you felt it. I know you.....” “You have no idea how ridiculous you sound, child. You’re tripping. Leave immediately.” His tone was light yet laced with condescension. Did he really think I would just walk away like that? Why would I even lie about this? I took a deep breath, forcing myself to turn back to him. “I know you feel the same way.” My voice trembled slightly. “I know you are aware that we are mates. You are only acting this way because I am an Omega. You think that makes me unworthy of being loved? Master Talon...” “That’s it!” He said sharply, cutting me short, and I took a few steps backwards. “I am Master Talon to you and not just Talon. What does that imply? I am your trainer. Your father!” “You are not my father! My trainer, yes, but my father........ no. You....” “Do not take another step towards me. I might not be your father, but I am your father’s friend. This is reckless. You are too young for this mess. Stop embarrassing yourself and take a walk out of my room. Take a breather. Just... step outside for a minute.” He instructed. I felt the heat of embarrassment creeping up my neck. How could I not know what I felt? I was 22 years! Nodding numbly, I turned and walked towards the door. I stepped outside, the cool air hitting me like a splash of ice water, yet it did nothing to quench the heat rising in my cheeks. My stomach churned as I replayed the scene in my head. The words stung beyond my expectations. Once, I was rejected when I asked for a favor, and it did not hurt like this. Was this what it felt like to be rejected by someone? Not just anyone but by the man I believed cared about me. I could not make up things. The extra care, attention, everything.... the mate bond I felt earlier this morning.... No, I was not faking it. “Where have you been, Marcella?” Alex, my best friend, walked up to me, his brows frantically furrowed with concern. “I have been worried about you.” He tried to touch me but instinctively, I yanked my hands away from his and folded them right behind me. “I am fine. I just need some time alone.” I snapped, my voice sharper than I intended. He took a few steps backward, and I let out a sigh. “I am sorry. I did not mean to yell at you in that way. I just... I just can’t right now. I need to be alone.” “I will be here if you need to talk.” He spoke quietly, and I nodded absently before walking away. I made my way to the rooftop of the building and the cool night brushed against my skin. Perched on the edge of the roof, I stared at the moon. Was this all my life was reduced to? I held my chest and shut my eyes tight. Stupid heart. This was not my plan, but who could dictate the matters of the heart? I lost my parents when I was just thirteen years of age. They used to be warriors, brave and fierce, and they would always tell me stories of valor and honor, but their tales ended in tragedy. I remembered how mother had placed a kiss on my forehead and smiled before leaving with father that morning. I didn’t know it would be the last I would get from her. Somehow, I thought I had seen the hesitation in my mother’s eyes before she smiled and left with father. I had waited patiently for hours.....days.... and weeks...., hoping they would return someday, but they never did. I got to hear from pack members gossiping a few weeks after that my parents had lost their lives in the battle. No one deemed it fit to tell me. I was left an orphan, left with the responsibility of fending for myself. No one, not even our pack Alpha or his Luna, offered to help, despite the fact that my parents died protecting them and the pack. Master Talon suddenly walked up to my door one morning, promising to take care of me and help me become a strong warrior like my father, as he claimed my father had always registered his interest in him (Master Talon) training me. I let out a sigh and swiveled. I saw Master Talon as a father figure until the moment I found out he was my mate. Now, he was just.....a man to me. My mate. “Marcella!” Alex suddenly called. He had a look of concern etched on his face as he stared at me. “What are you doing here? Master Talon is searching for you and it seems really urgent. You have to come with me.” Surprise furrowed my brows but I nodded and walked with him. My legs froze almost immediately. Everyone had gathered on the training ground. This was not the usual time for training. What then was happening? Master Talon had a frown etched to his face and the moment he sighted me; he smirked and threw a sword at me. “One of us..... has to die tonight.” He announced. “Me......or you?”