The Alpha King’s Hidden Mate

Chapter Two: The Alpha King’s Secret

Chapter Two: The Alpha King’s Secret

Luna took a step back, but Adrian’s gaze held her in place.

“I’m not your mate,” she whispered.

The words sounded weak, even to her own ears.

Adrian’s eyes narrowed. “You think denying it will change the truth?”

Behind him, the wolves who had chased her remained frozen, their heads bowed. None dared to breathe too loudly in the presence of the Alpha King.

Luna clenched her fists. “Stay away from me.”

A low growl rumbled from Adrian’s chest.

Not anger.

Pain.

For one brief moment, the cold mask on his face cracked. Luna saw something hidden beneath it—loneliness, exhaustion, and a darkness that felt strangely familiar.

Then a sharp scream echoed through the forest.

One of the wolves collapsed.

Black veins spread across his neck.

Adrian turned instantly. “Everyone, move!”

The remaining wolves scattered, but it was too late. A shadow slipped between the trees, moving faster than any ordinary creature.

Luna’s wolf snarled inside her mind.

“Danger.”

Adrian grabbed Luna’s wrist and pulled her behind him.

“Let me go!”

“Be quiet,” he ordered. “Unless you want to die.”

A pair of red eyes appeared in the darkness.

The creature stepped into the moonlight, revealing twisted claws and a body covered in black scales.

Luna’s breath caught.

She had seen that monster before.

Not in the forest.

In her nightmares.

Adrian raised his hand, and silver flames burst around his fingers.

The creature hissed.

Then it spoke in a broken, human voice.

“Finally… we found the Moon Goddess’s daughter.”

Luna stared at Adrian.

His face had gone pale.

“You knew?” she asked.

Adrian looked at her, his eyes filled with fear.

“I knew they were coming for you.”