The Lycan Prince’s Forgotten Mate

The Enemy

Chapter Seven —

Far beneath the palace, a figure stood before a black mirror. Paris's image appeared in its surface.

Silver eyes.

Awakened power. The figure smiled. “So she has awakened.” Another voice came from the shadows. “What do we do?”

“Kill her.”

“She is the prince's mate.”

“I know.”

“The prince will come after us.” The figure smiled. “Then make him believe she betrayed him first.” The image changed. Lucan stood beside Paris.

The figure watched them. “Let him love her.”

“Then take her away.”

The next morning, Paris woke before sunrise. For several minutes, she stared at the ceiling. Everything had changed. Her mother was alive. Her grandmother had lied to protect her. She was apparently carrying an ancient bloodline. And the man she had met only days ago was her fated mate and the future king. It was too much. She got out of bed. Lucan was waiting outside. “You didn't sleep.”

“Neither did you.”

“No.” He studied her. “Are you angry?”

“Yes.”

“With me?”

“Partly.”

“I understand.”

Paris folded her arms. “You should have told me.” “I should have.”

“Why didn't you?”

“Because I was afraid.” She looked at him. “You?”

“Yes.”

“What could the future king possibly be afraid of?”

“Losing you.” Her anger weakened.

Lucan stepped closer. “I have spent my entire life preparing to become king. Everyone expects me to be strong. Nobody ever asks whether I am afraid.” Paris looked down. “I've spent my life being afraid.” He gently took her hand. “Then we can be afraid together.” She smiled despite herself. “You're annoyingly good at saying the right thing.”

“I've been practicing.” She laughed. The sound made his expression soften. Then a bell rang through the palace. Once. Twice. Three times. An alarm. Lucan immediately released her hand. “Stay here.” Paris rolled her eyes. “Seriously?” He almost smiled. “Come with me.” They ran toward the courtyard. The palace gates were under attack. Dark wolves surrounded the walls. Their eyes glowed red. A banner flew above them. A symbol Paris didn't recognize. The royal guards rushed forward.

Lucan drew his sword. “Stay behind me.”

Paris looked at him. “No.”

He turned. She stepped beside him. “I said I won't stay behind.” For a moment, Lucan simply stared. Then he nodded. “Then stay beside me.”

The gates broke.

The enemy stormed inside.

Battle erupted.

Paris watched as Lucan fought. He moved like something born for war. But there were too many. One enemy slipped through the guards. It ran straight toward Paris. She raised her hands. Power exploded from her. The attacker flew backward. Paris stared at herself. Her wolf whispered. Do not fear us.

Paris breathed deeply. “I don't.” Her eyes turned silver. She stepped forward. The battlefield seemed to pause. Every wolf turned toward her. A strange silence spread across the courtyard. Then Paris heard hundreds of wolves lower their heads. Even the enemy. Lucan stared at her. The ancient Luna had awakened. And she had not come to kneel. She had come to lead.