The Lycan Prince’s Forgotten Mate

The Mother

Chapter Eight—

That evening, a woman arrived at the palace. She wore a dark cloak. Her face was hidden. She was escorted directly to the throne room. Paris was standing beside Lucan when the woman entered. The moment Paris saw her eyes, something inside her broke. She knew them.

She had seen those eyes in her dreams. “Mom?”

The woman stopped. Her hood fell back.

Celeste. Paris couldn't move. For sixteen years, she had imagined this moment. Sometimes she imagined herself screaming. Sometimes she imagined slapping her mother. Sometimes she imagined running into her arms. Instead, she stood frozen.

Celeste's eyes filled with tears. “Paris.”

That was all it took. Paris crossed the room.

She stopped a few feet away. “You're alive.”

“Yes.”

“You left me.”

“I did.”

“You promised to come back.”

“I know.”

“Why?” Celeste cried. “Because if I stayed, they would have killed you.”

Paris shook her head. “You could have written.”

“They were watching.” “

You could have found me.”

“I tried.”

“Not hard enough.” Celeste lowered her head. Paris's anger finally broke through. “You left me with nothing.”

“I left you with Elena.”

“I needed my mother.”

“I know.” Paris wiped her tears. “I hated you.”

“I know.”

“I still love you.”

Celeste began to cry. “I know.” Paris stepped forward. They embraced. It wasn't perfect. It didn't erase sixteen years. But it was a beginning. Later that night, Celeste explained the truth. Paris's father had belonged to an ancient Lycan bloodline. Her mother carried another. Their union had created something the royal family feared. Paris. Her wolf had been sealed when she was a child. The seal was supposed to protect her. But it had also hidden her from the world. Until Lucan found her. King Adrian entered the room.

He looked older than before. “Your father was my brother.” Paris stared.

“What?” Lucan looked at his father.

“You never told me.”

“I was protecting the kingdom.” Paris's voice trembled. “Why was my existence dangerous?” Adrian looked at her. “Because your blood can unite wolves who have spent centuries divided.”

“And that scares you?”

“It scares those who would use you.” Paris understood. Power was never simply power. People wanted what powerful people possessed. Her existence could change the balance of the supernatural world. That was why someone wanted her dead.