Chapter 2
1202 Words
CHAPTER TWO.
THE ANNOUNCEMENT
AYLA’s POV.
I stood beside my father's bed, my heart heavy with emotion, as he addressed the four Lycan Kings and me. His voice was weak, but his words were filled with urgency.
"Ayla, Lyrien, Thayer, Thorne, and Kael," he began, his eyes scanning each of us as he spoke. “The danger that threatens our pack keeps growing by the day. Stone, the werewolf hunter, has declared war on us. He seeks to wipe our kind from the surface of the earth and clear us from the history books, and we cannot let that happen."
The Lycan Kings nodded in unison, their faces each bearing a look of determination. I felt a sense of pride knowing that these powerful wolves were willing to stand with us against this common enemy, seeing my lover there was enough for me to blush.
"My dear Ayla," my father continued, his gaze meeting mine. "As you know, I am not well. My time is running out, and I must ensure the pack's future. The one who kills Stone and puts an end to this senseless slaughter will not only earn the right to become the next Alpha but will also have the privilege of marrying you and making you their mate. I want to make sure my pack is safe and the man who becomes my daughter’s mate…is worthy of her hand and can fend off attackers.”
My heart skipped a beat as the Lycan Kings turned to me. I felt a chill run down my spine as I realized that my future was no longer in my hands.
"Ayla, you are strong, brave, and kind," my father said, his voice filled laced with concern. "You deserve a mate who will protect and cherish you, and I have faith that one of these Lycan Kings will prove himself worthy of your hand.”
The room became silent, only the monitors attached to my dad beeped, rhythmically, breaking the silence in the room. I knew that this was the beginning of a new end for me, a moment that would shape the future of our pack and my destiny.
As I looked at the four Lycan Kings, I wondered which one of them would come out victorious, and which one would win the chance to stand by my side and save our pack from Stone’s clutches. The doubt was obvious and I could feel the weight of the pack's future resting on my young shoulders.
At this moment, I knew that I had to be strong, not just for myself, but for my father, for the pack, and for the future that was ahead. I took a deep breath, straightened my back and my shoulders, and prepared to face whatever challenges life decided to throw my way.
As the crowd left, each wolf to his den, I made my way to our secret meeting spot, my heart pounding with anticipation. Lyrien, my secret lover and one of the Lycan Kings, was already there, his gaze meeting mine as I approached him.
"Ayla," he whispered, his voice low and husky, as he pulled me into a corner. "I know what your father has proposed. I must win this challenge to be with you. I have to win.”
I nodded, my voice barely above a whisper. "You have to, Lyrien. We can't be together otherwise. My father will never allow it. If he knows about this… only the goddess knows what he will do to us.”
He placed a gentle kiss on my forehead. "I will do whatever it takes, Ayla. I'll defeat the other Lycan Kings and kill Stone. I'll make sure we can be together, openly and without fear. I will make sure your father gives us his blessing…he blesses our union.”
I felt love for this powerful wolf who was willing to fight for our future. "I know you will, Lyrien. I believe in you. That is why I chose you, you know what you want and you get it.”
He took my hand, and his touch felt electric, sending goosebumps through me. "We'll get through this, Ayla. Together, we'll lead the pack to safety and build a future filled with love, hope, and freedom and most importantly, a pack that does not fear, Stone.”
As we shared a moment of forbidden romance, I knew that our love was strong enough to face and win any obstacle and that Lyrien would stop at nothing to make our dreams a reality.
"We have to be careful, Lyrien," I whispered, my eyes roaming the surrounding area to ensure we were alone. "If my father finds out about us, he'll be furious. He might even…”
Lyrien's touch was gentle and soothing. "I know, Ayla. But I can't help how I feel. I love you, and I'll do whatever it takes to be with you. I will make your father accept our love.”
I felt my mind race at his words, my love for him rising in my chest. "I love you too, Lyrien. But we have to focus on the challenge ahead. We can't let our feelings distract us. We have to make sure you win that challenge and be with me.”
He nodded, his eyes never leaving mine. "You're right. I'll keep my focus, but know that my goal is not just to win the challenge, but to be with you, to protect you, and to make you mine."
I felt a shiver run down my spine as he said those words. "Yours," I whispered, my voice barely audible.
"Let's go, Ayla. We have a challenge to win."Lyrein said, dashing my hopes of getting a kiss.
With that, he led me out of the secret meeting place, and we rejoined the pack.
As we walked back to the pack's gathering, I felt a sense of determination rise in me. I was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, as long as Lyrien was by my side and gave me his support.
But just as we turned a corner, a low growl was heard.
Stone, the werewolf hunter, came from the dark shadows, his eyes fixed on me with an evil smirk.
"Ayla, dear, I've been waiting for you," he sneered, his voice dripping with malice.
Lyrien moved in front of me, ready to defend me from the werewolf hunter, Stone.
But before he could attack, Stone held up a small vial of liquid, his eyes filled with triumph and evil intent.
"You see, Ayla, I've been searching for the perfect bait to lure you out. And now, I have it. Your little father let his guard down at the pack territory and guess who used this to their advantage, me!”
With that, he splashed the liquid on Lyrein.
"No!" I screamed, rushing to Lyrien's side as he fell to the ground, his body starting to change into his wolf form.
Stone laughed maniacally. "You should have stayed hidden, Ayla. Now, you'll make a perfect piece to my collection.”
And with that, he charged at me, his knife in his hand ready to strike.
“No!” Lyrein yelped and charged at Stone.
- Writer
