The Lycan Kings’ Obsession

Chapter 1

AURORA

As I stared at my reflection in the mirror, all I could hear was Father's disapproving voice echoing in my mind, forbidding me from choosing Kael as my mate.

Kael was my mate, destined for me by fate itself and accepted by every part of my heart and soul. Yet the pack's ancient traditions stood against us, bound by a cruel law that prohibited pack members from mating with rogues. Especially someone destined to become the future Luna.

A startled breath escaped my lips when I felt gentle hands settle on my shoulders. Looking into the mirror, I found Sage standing behind me, her warm smile instantly easing my worries.

"You look stunning, Rory," she said softly.

"Thank you, but I don't feel that way," I admitted, lowering my gaze.

"Hey." Sage stepped around until she stood in front of me. "Look at me."

I lifted my eyes.

"Don't let anyone make you doubt what you know is right," she said firmly. "You and my brother belong together. It's like the two of you share the same soul."

I nodded as her words filled me with renewed confidence.

"You're right." A smile tugged at my lips. "I do look beautiful. It doesn't matter if Father or the rest of the pack refuses to be here tonight. I already have everything I need—you and Kael."

I squeezed her hands, and we shared a heartfelt smile before embracing.

"Oh, before I forget, I have something for you."

Sage hurried over to a luggage resting in the corner and searched through it. Moments later, she returned holding a pair of silver bracelets.

"I want you to have these."

My eyes widened as she held them out.

"I can't accept them. They belonged to your mother."

"It's okay." She gently pushed them toward me. "I want you to have them. My mother would be happy knowing they were given to someone deserving."

Emotion tightened my throat as I slid the bracelets onto my wrists.

"Thank you, Sage."

She waved a hand dismissively.

"Don't mention it. Besides, they match perfectly with that necklace."

Her fingers brushed the pendant resting against my chest.

The necklace Kael had given me the first time we shared ourselves completely with one another.

The memory remained crystal clear.

His voice whispering behind me, asking me to close my eyes.

The gentle touch of his fingers against my skin as he fastened the necklace around my neck.

Even now, remembering it sent a pleasant shiver through me. I wrapped my fingers around the pendant and pressed a kiss against it.

I would never leave him.

Picking up the mirror once more, I studied my reflection. Even if the entire pack refused to witness this moment, Kael would be there.

My mate.

A knock sounded at the door.

Just as I finished adjusting my makeup, another knock followed.

"It's time," Sage said.

I nodded silently.

Rising to my feet, I took a deep breath.

This wasn't the magnificent ceremonial hall of the Silver Crest Pack, but it didn't matter. It would still become a memory I'd cherish forever.

Kael had arranged everything himself. I never questioned how.

I trusted him.

I trusted his strength and determination, regardless of what anyone thought about him being a rogue.

Together, Sage and I stepped outside the cottage and into the garden.

A gasp escaped me.

The entire space had been transformed.

Strings of glowing lanterns and shimmering ornaments illuminated the night, casting a magical glow over everything around us.

A pathway of lights stretched from my feet all the way to the center of the garden.

"Do you like it?" My head jerked up to see Kael smiling down at me.

My heart instantly softened, and warmth rushed to my cheeks.

He was still as handsome as ever.

"I love it," I whispered, my head bobbing like an overexcited child.

“Shall we?” He offered me his arm.

I slipped mine through it, and together we began walking down the illuminated path.

I could hardly believe this moment had finally arrived. I was finally getting mated to the love of my life!

At the center of the garden stood a small altar.

We reached the center of the garden where a small altar had been constructed. And there, the priest stood. In his hands rested a wooden tray holding a small bowl and a ceremonial knife.

I had never attended a mating ceremony before and knew almost nothing about the rituals involved.

But Kael was beside me.

That was enough.

Moonlight poured down upon us as the priest spoke.

"You may now offer your blood to the bowl."

Kael went first.

Taking the knife, he sliced his palm before allowing his blood to drip into the bowl.

When he handed the blade to me, hesitation filled me.

"It's alright," he whispered.

The reassurance in his voice and the confidence in his smile calmed my nerves. I nodded and accepted the knife.

Carefully, I made a small cut across my palm and squeezed my blood into the bowl. The sting burned briefly, but I knew the wound would heal soon.

"Join hands," the priest instructed.

Kael clasped my injured hand with his own and held it firmly between us.

"Goddess of the Moon, these two stand before you..."

The priest's words faded into the background as I became lost in Kael's eyes.

"Now you may mark one another."

Kael's hand slid gently along my neck.

His gaze never left mine as his canines lengthened into sharp fangs.

A moment later, he bit into the side of my neck.

A sharp flash of pain struck first, then came a wave of warmth and bliss that flooded through me.

I closed my eyes, feeling blood trickle down my skin. Every second of waiting had been worth it.

When Kael finally pulled away, triumph shone in his smile. At last, he had claimed his mate.

"Your turn," he murmured.

Leaning toward him, he offered me his neck.

I rested one hand against his shoulder and the other against his hair before sinking my fangs into his skin.

He didn't flinch and as his blood danced on my tongue, I could already feel our bond strengthening.

When I withdrew, we stared at each other, breathless and smiling, traces of blood staining our lips.

“Now take this. Drink.” Said the priest as he handed Kael the bowl filled with our blood.

He took a large gulp from it, and almost immediately, the bite mark on his neck glowed and transformed into the shape of a crescent moon.

Smiling, I took the bowl and drank as well.

Heat spread across my skin. The mark on my neck tingled before changing.

I touched the spot with my fingertips.

The wound was gone. In its place remained only a permanent symbol of our bond.

"Congratulations," the priest announced. "You are now officially mates."

Joy surged through me. Everything felt different, clearer and stronger.

When I looked at Kael, I saw him in an entirely new way. He wasn't just the love of my life anymore, we now shared a soul, his thoughts were mine and mine were his.

We were one.

"Mate," we breathed together.