CLAIMED BY THE LYCAN

Episode 15

Ryder's warm welcome felt somewhat extra but it also felt good that he missed me so much to even throw a welcome party without delay. I deserve it, I am his lady after all.

The palace buzzed with servants going back and forth in preparation for the immediate grand feast that Ryder called for and they all tried their best to make it a success.

My seamstress made sure to get me a very nice dress fit for the party and it feels good to know I'll be the center of attention.

It was soon time for the party and most of the guests had arrived. I was by the corner, standing elegantly as I patiently waited to be introduced in a grand way.

I stood with a beautiful smile plastered on my face and my head held high, happy and delighted about the welcoming party.

Finally, I was introduced and I made my entrance. I was instantly in awe as I noticed the hall is decorated with wolf pelts and antlers. Walking further into the hall to my chair, I can see the tables laden with meats, bread and strong ale. The air was thick with the scent of spiced honey and the tang of fresh-cut wood.

It feels good to know that an almost perfect party was planned in such a short time that I felt welcome back as I closed my eyes inhaling the different scent flying into my nostrils.

My black long gown which can almost be described as Cinderella's dress and my heels matching the color. One might even mistake me for lady of the dark. Whatever that means though.

How can I forget to mention, my hair was beautifully styled by my maid and yes, omegas and rogues were not allowed in my party because I hated them.

“Everyone!” I called out loud getting their attention as I stepped forward to the middle of the decorated palace ensuring I had a bright smile on. I can’t ignore the fact that I’m happy to be back at Ryder's Palace and it has always been my dream and I do not see anything changing it or anyone taking it from me.

“I welcome all the prestigious Alpha’s and Lycan's here. Thank you for your support.” I appreciated all of them as I bowed my curtsied.

“Welcome back my lady.” They all chorused and I smiled.

Oh, I miss this feeling. It feels good to be back home.

The celebration continued and my eyes darted towards the crowd but stopped when my gaze fell on a particular group of young ladies around my age and it was obvious they were having a conversation about me because I could feel their eyes eating me up.

“Where is Ryder? I haven’t even set my eyes on him since I came back.” I asked around and mo one in particular.

I went forward to a group of wolves which consisted of some of Ryder's family.

“Mother, do you perhaps know where Ryder is? I haven’t seen him since I came back” I whined worriedly and she smiled at me.

“My daughter, look at your face filled with worry. Be calm, you know no one knows where he is always at, you can ask Gamma Julian about his whereabouts, I’m sure he knows where he is.” She concluded and I formed a smile.

“Thank you mother.” I responded and walked away to meet Gamma Juliana, just like she suggested.

‘I’m sure going to say the worst part of me today to him. How could he even leave without setting his eyes on me! He didn’t even miss his mate.’ I thought to myself.

I strode tiredly towards Gamma Julian who is raising his goblet to his mouth to have a sip of his ale. He looks so unbothered about the whereabouts of Ryder.

“Gamma Julian!” I called with sad eyes and furrowed brows.

He looked up at me at the sound of his name with a frown. “Who dares make our Lycans mate sad?” he asked with concern.

“You ofcourse!” I said and he glared up at me in a confused look.

“How's that possible? Lycan Ryder doesn’t like his property being tampered with.

“Where the hell is he? You just admitted me as your Lycan's mate but I haven’t even seen him! I don’t even know his whereabouts.”

“I’m sorry I forgot to inform you that Lycan Ryder is busy and will see you soon. My bad. I’m sorry” He apologized and I scoffed.

"Can I atleast see him? Like for once?" I pleaded but he just shook his head in disagreement.

What the hell could be happening?

Why does it seem like things changed so fast? I wasn't even gone that long.

I wanted to scream and stop whatever was happening but I held it in.

It is no use to shout to express my anger because I cannot be seen acting uncultured.

I dejectedly walked away earning different types of weird glances which got me really confused.

"I think she doesn't know yet" I heard a lady among the guests whisper to another guest but I held my head up high and walked past them. I decided not to stoop to their level.

There is definitely something I am missing out on but then, could something be wrong with Ryder?

I need to go find him, something is not…, my thoughts came to a pause and my eyes widened the second I caught sight of Ryder, but it looks like he is in a hurry and is probably trying to avoid someone. He walked over to his parents in the crowd and whispered something to his mother's ear before walking off.

"Isn't that Ryder?"

My wolf asked me and I tried running after him but it was too late, he had disappeared again.

Now it actually feels like he is avoiding me, I can see things and I see the way he scurried his face to the people thinking he could see me.

Really? I think I need to go back to that lady and ask her what is going on. I don't mind buying her with money if necessary or threatening her if she refuses to comply. But first, I need to ask my mother if she has seen him again. If we deny it, then something is definitely wrong, but if she doesn't I will have no need to talk to some lowly trash.

I walked to her seat for the second time with determination. "Mother, have you seen him yet?" I asked with a worried tone and her answer surprised me.

" No I haven't, you should ask Gamma Julian." She said and in my head it's like, again?

My heart dropped and I turned and headed to my room as I cared less if this party was held because of me.

Why this feast and celebration of having me back when there are lies all everywhere?

I walked up the stairs as fast as I could and abruptly stopped in front of Ryder's room. I wanted to knock but the door opened by itself and yes… it was him.

The person that I've been looking for!

He's right here with a shock expression. I'm sure he's surprised he saw me outside his room.

"Erica" he called my name and sighed. " It's good to have you back baby" He made forward to hug me but I stepped backwards.

" Don't! Don't touch me with those filthy hands of yours. Is this the right time for you to welcome me back? I was welcomed back with celebration but what about my mate. He's been avoiding me like I'm a plague." I snapped with tears threatening to roll down my eyes.

" Erica, list…" he said trying to explain but I sure do not want to hear any of it.

" No.." I raised my hands up to shut him up. " I don't need any explanation because it's nothing! Just go and do your thing" I cleaned my teary eyes and ran into my room.

I didn't bother to undress as I laid on the bed with tears rushing down my face.

I waited to see if he was going to come in but I was only dreaming! It is only an imagination.

The more I try to understand why he's avoiding me, the more tears uncontrollably roll down my eyes.