The Vampire's werewolf mate

Chapter 3

The Royal Announcement

Lucien POV

I opened my eyes slowly, replaying the strange dream from last night.

To my surprise...

I smiled.

The image of Lyra pointing her finger at me flashed through my mind.

"No... what?"

"Why am I smiling?"

I immediately wiped the smile from my face and lightly slapped my cheek.

"Get yourself together, Lucien."

I pulled the blanket over my head for another minute before getting up.

---

A knock sounded on my door.

"Come in."

The door opened, and Mother walked in with her usual warm smile.

"Good morning, my boy."

"Morning, Mother."

"Did you sleep well?"

I hesitated before answering.

"...Yes."

She smiled knowingly.

"I'm glad. I made breakfast for you."

I chuckled softly.

"The maids could've done that."

"I know," she laughed. "But today is important, so I wanted to."

"Thank you."

She smiled proudly.

"Freshen up. Your father is waiting in the dining hall."

---

When I arrived, Father sat at the head of the table while Mother and Serena were already eating.

For a few minutes, only the sound of cutlery filled the room.

Then Father spoke.

"Lucien, I have good news."

I looked up.

"What news?"

"I've arranged a marriage for you."

I nearly choked.

"A... marriage?"

He nodded.

"Princess Valeria Nightshade has agreed to become your future queen."

I set my fork down.

"Father... you never asked me."

"You don't need to know someone before marrying them," he replied calmly. "You'll get to know her."

"I won't marry her."

Silence filled the room.

Father's expression darkened.

"You refuse the king's command?"

"I don't want a political marriage."

His hand slammed onto the table, making the plates crash to the floor.

"YOU WILL NOT DISOBEY ME!"

Mother quickly stood.

"Viktor, please—"

"Stay out of this!"

He turned back to me.

"You will marry Valeria."

"That is final."

Without another word, he stormed out.

I clenched my fists before leaving the dining hall myself.

---

The training yard was the only place I could clear my mind.

I attacked the training dummy over and over until it finally burst, spilling sand everywhere.

"Easy there."

I turned to see Damien laughing.

"How can I be calm?" I snapped.

"My father wants me to marry someone I've never met."

Damien shrugged.

"Could be worse."

I glared at him.

"Not helping."

He grinned.

"Then what's really bothering you?"

"...Nothing."

"Oh, come on."

I sighed.

"I found my mate."

His grin disappeared.

"Seriously?"

I nodded.

"But..."

"She's a werewolf."

Damien's eyes nearly popped out of his head.

"You're joking."

"I wish I was."

"We even shared a dream last night."

He stared at me in complete shock.

"...Your father is going to lose his mind."

"I know."

I looked him straight in the eyes.

"Promise me you won't tell anyone."

Damien raised both hands.

"My lips are sealed."

I narrowed my eyes.

For some reason...

I didn't believe him.

Not even a little.

---

Lyra POV

I woke up feeling exhausted.

Not because I hadn't slept...

But because every time I closed my eyes, I saw him.

The stupid vampire.

I sighed as I stepped into the shower.

I'd sent my maids away again. I just wanted to be alone.

The warm water ran over my skin, but it did nothing to wash away the thoughts clouding my mind.

Then...

A familiar voice echoed inside my head.

"He's our mate."

I froze.

"...Oh, hell no."

"He's ours."

I blinked.

"Excuse me?"

"Our mate."

I crossed my arms.

"He's a vampire."

"He's still ours."

"No."

"Yes."

"No."

"Yes."

"NO!"

"YES!"

"NOOOOOOO!"

I screamed so loudly that my own voice echoed around the bathroom.

I covered my ears.

"Stop talking!"

Silence.

I looked around.

"My wolf?"

Nothing.

She had disappeared again.

I let out a long, defeated sigh.

"...Why is my life so miserable?"

---

After getting dressed, I made my way to Father's study.

The moment he saw me, he smiled.

"Come, my child."

"I have wonderful news."

I forced a smile.

"Good morning, Father."

He stood proudly.

"The preparations for your Moon Crowning Ceremony have officially begun."

My heart skipped.

"In three weeks..."

"You will become the Luna of the Nightfang Kingdom."

I stopped walking.

"...Three weeks?"

He nodded.

"The kingdom is ready."

I swallowed.

"...But I'm not."

Father chuckled softly.

"You're more ready than you realize."

I wished I believed him.

I followed him through the castle corridors, but my thoughts drifted elsewhere.

How can I become Luna...

...while hiding the fact that my mate is the Vampire Prince?

Father's voice pulled me back to reality.

"I've received reports."

"The vampires have begun attacking our borders again."

I nodded.

"I know."

His expression hardened.

"They've grown bolder."

"We can no longer stand alone."

"We must strengthen our ties with the neighboring packs."

I already knew where this conversation was heading.

Then he said it.

"I've received an offer from Alpha Darius."

My stomach tightened.

"He has proposed a mating alliance."

I almost tripped over my own feet.

A political marriage...?

Seriously?

As if having a vampire for a mate wasn't already enough.

Father continued walking as though he'd said nothing unusual.

"I've decided to hold an alliance meeting."

I frowned.

"An alliance meeting?"

"Yes."

"Every allied werewolf clan will attend."

Then he added the words I had been dreading.

"So will the vampire clans."

I stopped walking.

"...What?"

Father turned to look at me.

"The vampires have agreed to discuss peace at the border."

I stared at him.

My heart began racing.

No...

No, no, no...

I'm going to see him again.

The image of those crimson eyes flashed through my mind.

I quickly shook the thought away.

"Get yourself together, Lyra."

Father smiled, completely unaware of the storm raging inside me.

"This meeting could change the future of every kingdom."

I forced another smile.

"...Of course, Father."

But inside...

I was screaming.

Oh no.

Oh nooooo...

This is going to be a disaster.