Bound to the lycan king

I knew the Moon would choose him. Everyone did. Alpha Rowan stood at the center of the clearing, tall and golden under the blood-red moon, power rolling off him like heat from fire. Wolves crowded around, whispering, waiting for the Moon Goddess to seal his fate. Waiting for mine. My fingers trembled at my sides as I stepped forward, bare feet pressing into the cold earth. Omegas weren’t meant to stand this close to Alphas—but tonight, rank didn’t matter. Tonight was the Blood Moon. Tonight, the Moon Goddess revealed mates. I felt it before it happened. The pull. Sharp. Sudden. Violent. My chest burned as if invisible claws had wrapped around my heart and squeezed. I gasped, stumbling, and the world tilted. Then his eyes met mine. Alpha Rowan stiffened. Shock flashed across his face. Then disgust. The crowd went silent. “No,” he breathed. Not to me—to the sky. “This is wrong.” Pain exploded through my body as the bond snapped into place, raw and undeniable. Tears burned my eyes, but I forced myself to stand straight. I had dreamed of this moment. I just hadn’t imagined it would feel like dying. “You are my mate,” I whispered, my voice breaking. He looked at me like I was dirt beneath his boots. “I, Alpha Rowan of the Silver Fang Pack,” he said loudly, his voice carrying through the clearing, “reject you, Elara, Omega of this pack, as my mate.” The words hit harder than any blow. The bond screamed. I screamed. I collapsed to the ground as fire ripped through my veins, my wolf howling in agony. The moon above pulsed violently, the red deepening, darkening. Gasps erupted around us. “You will never be Luna,” Rowan continued coldly. “You are weak. Unworthy. An embarrassment.” My vision blurred. As darkness closed in, the wind shifted. The earth trembled. And a voice—ancient, furious, and not meant for mortal ears—echoed in my mind. If he will not claim you… then he shall loss you. The moon flared blinding white. And somewhere far beyond the packs, a monster opened his eyes. The Lycan King had felt me.