Moonblooded: Marked for the Lycan King

Chapter 3

“Alright, everyone,” the history professor called out over the growing chatter in the classroom, “before the week ends, I expect a full report on Moonville’s history spanning the last two centuries, plus your thoughts on how the first war might’ve been prevented.”

With that, he offered a quick “Have a good day,” and strode out of the room.

At the Moonville School of Werewolves, classes had wrapped up for the day, and the halls buzzed with a single topic—the Alpha King’s search for his mate.

But Hanna didn’t care about any of it. Her mind was focused on getting to the bar on time for her shift, and figuring out how she’d finish her report. The last thing she needed was to fail her written assignments too, especially when she was already struggling in the physical training courses.

“Why am I even here?” she muttered to herself, gathering her books as she stood.

As she walked toward the door, someone suddenly shoved into her from behind. She gasped and stumbled forward, her books scattering across the floor.

Turning around in shock, she came face-to-face with Aurora.

“Ugh, watch where you’re going, wolfless freak,” Aurora snapped, glaring with disdain.

Two of her friends stood behind her, sneering down at Hanna with the same cruel amusement.

Hanna let out a shaky sigh. She knew saying anything would only lead to trouble, so she lowered her gaze and tried to walk past.

But the moment she took a step, Aurora slapped her sharply on the back. Hanna gasped and turned in disbelief, only to receive another stinging slap across the face that sent her reeling sideways, her shoulder crashing into the wall by the door.

She groaned, wincing as she clutched her aching shoulder and straightened up.

“W-What was that for?” she asked, wide green eyes staring at Aurora in confusion and pain.

Aurora let out a mocking laugh. “Dummy, are you seriously asking me that? You bumped into me, almost knocked me over!”

Hanna shook her head quickly. “No, I didn’t. I swear.”

Aurora gasped dramatically, placing a hand on her chest. “So now you’re calling me a liar?” she shouted, loud enough for the whole room to hear. “Everyone, this useless weakling just called me a liar!”

The classroom buzzed with sneers and laughter.

“What nerve!” a boy named Charles chimed in.

“I don’t even know why someone like her was accepted here,” Amara said flatly, filing her nails without a glance at Hanna.

“She doesn’t belong in this school,” Rose added with a curled lip.

Tara Harper, one of Aurora’s friends, with her long blue hair and sharp eyes, smirked cruelly. “Her mom’s just a cleaner at the royal house. And look at her, no wolf, no strength. She’s a walking curse.”

Hanna’s vision blurred with tears as she stared around at her classmates. Not one of them defended her. Not one even looked sympathetic.

“You’re going to regret this, Hanna!” Aurora snapped, jabbing a finger at her. “Just wait till I tell my brother what you did.”

Hanna’s heart pounded. Her eyes widened in panic. “No, please, Aurora. I didn’t do anything! Please, just let me go. I need to head to work.”

Aurora raised an eyebrow, then she scoffed, folding her arms. “Fine, then! Go! Run off to your little job. Go and break your back for those tips! I’ll show up soon so make sure you’re ready to serve me. Now get lost!”

She shouted the last words with a venomous edge, and Hanna didn’t hesitate. She quickly turned and left.

Behind her, Aurora smirked coldly.

At Moon Pub, Hanna moved between tables, attending to customers, most of whom were her classmates, laughing, drinking, and making the evening unbearable.

Beside her, her blonde friend Sophia shook her head in disbelief. “I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that you go to school with these jerks. Why even bother? Especially when it’s optional.”

“I don’t really have a choice, Soph,” Hanna murmured with a tired sigh. “My mom insists I stay in school. Says having a certificate might give some meaning to my otherwise futureless future. And… she’s not wrong.”

Sophia rolled her eyes. “Ugh, please. There are so many other things you could do. Ever heard of skill training? Trades? You’re amazing at sketching designs. I thank the moon I don’t have a mom like yours.”

Truly, since she didn't have a future as a werewolf, Hanna had always thought of being a fashion designer, but her mom didn't share that same dream with her.

She gave a small laugh at Sophia’s comment. “My mom, she’s… she’s just disappointed. I’m her only child, and I’m wolfless. That makes me a failure in her eyes. Makes me an outcast in everyone else’s too.”

“Not to me,” Sophia said gently, squeezing her hand with a reassuring smile. “I’ve told you over and over, maybe you’re just a late bloomer. Your wolf might still come. You’ve got to hold on.”

Hanna gave a faint smile, but her voice wavered. “Soph… I’m twenty. I was supposed to shift at eighteen, just like everyone else.”

Before Sophia could respond, a sharp, familiar voice cut through the noise.

“Hanna! Get over here!” Aurora shouted from across the room.

Sophia rolled her eyes and muttered under her breath, “Speak of the devil.”

She narrowed her eyes at Aurora, who was lounging at a VIP table beside one of the city’s most well-known guys, a face even Sophia recognized.

With a heavy sigh, Hanna made her way over.

“What can I get for you?” Hanna asked politely.

Aurora snapped, “Get my friend a beer, and move it, slowpoke.”

Hanna gave a small nod and walked off without a word.

As she walked away, Aurora turned her attention back to the boy seated in front of her.

“So, Jonah, like I was saying—”

“No,” Jonah cut her off, his brows furrowed. “Whatever it is you just claimed—it’s ridiculous. It’s not even remotely possible.”

Aurora huffed, trying to stay composed. “It’s not ridiculous. I’m the Alpha King’s mate, Jonah. I have the birthmark to prove it…”

“No,” Jonah was adamant to listen. “It’s just not possible. Every werewolf gets only one mate, and I’m yours just as you're mine. You know it. I’ve done everything I could to deserve this bond, and I’m not letting it go.”

Aurora clenched her jaw, trying to keep her irritation under control. “You’re making this harder than it needs to be. We only just discovered our bond, and honestly… it might’ve been a mistake. I’m starting to see that now. Tell me you haven’t told anyone yet?”

Jonah stared at her, stunned. “We found out yesterday, Aurora. Just yesterday. And now you want to reject me like it means nothing? You can’t just do that. I won’t let you.”

Aurora stared at him, almost in disbelief. “Listen, Jonah. You can’t compare yourself to the Alpha King. He’s my true, destined mate. That’s all that matters now. He’s been searching for his fated mate… and it turns out, it was me all along…”

She kept quiet as Hanna returned with two beers and gently set them down on the table.

As she turned to leave, Jonah called out, “Hey… your tip,” and handed her fifty dollars.

Surprised, Hanna smiled and said, “Thanks,” before walking off.

Aurora rolled her eyes as she watched her go, then turned back to Jonah.

“So,” Jonah began, trying to continue the conversation.

“Hold on,” Aurora interrupted, sliding the glass toward him. “Start with a drink. Then we can talk all night, if you want.”