The Most Explosive Novel Since Fifty Shades of Grey

by BY LENA   Jan 17, 2023

In a captivating world of lycans and a kingdom plagued by power struggles, Ishika Kapoor’s journey unfolds as she discovers her forbidden love for Leander Aleksandr Black, the troubled king. Their destined bond and the challenges they face have captured the hearts of readers worldwide, propelling this thrilling tale to become a beloved phenomenon, celebrated for its intricate world-building, compelling characters, and the irresistible allure of a forbidden romance.

Chapter 1

It’s been said that no beast is more terrifying than a lycan who has mourned the loss of his mate.

Because when a lycan’s mate dies, he loses himself as well.

His spirit plunges into an abyss of sorrow, and what resurfaces is a monstrosity.

A beast willing to slay anyone who crosses his path.

Capable of demolishing cities and toppling kingdoms.

Armies will attempt to halt him, but his dread surpasses the combined might of a thousand werewolves.

They stand no chance against him, for they cannot fathom his suffering.

How could they?

A werewolf losing their mate can choose another.

But a lycan only has one…

One mate.

One opportunity for everlasting joy.

Thus, if he loses her, he will not cease until he has inflicted as much torment as he has experienced.

It’s been said that no beast is more terrifying than a lycan who has mourned the loss of his mate.

But, what they neglect to mention is what transpires when he finds her…

Oh Goddess, when he finds her…

In the blink of an eye, the lycan’s cosmos realigns.

And there she is, at the core of it.

His sun.

His moon.

His truth.

His falsehood.

The individual for whom he’ll exist. And the person for whom he’ll perish too.

No ardor is mightier.

No bond is firmer.

No bliss is more overpowering.

How am I so sure, you question?

Because, against all the odds, a lycan found me.

And he made me his queen.

“He embraced me with a deep kiss, and I knew then that everything would turn out fine.”

Closing the now concluded book with a sigh, I pondered.

Usually, I wasn’t the kind of girl who was smitten over romantic tales.

But lately, all I’ve been doing is immersing myself in these fanciful romantic narratives and inevitably picturing myself as the heroine.

So who is the hero, you may be pondering?

The same guy who captivated my heart four years ago, Chase Rivers.

“Ishika, are you joining me for grocery shopping?” The distinctive voice of my mother echoed from downstairs.

“No, Mom.” I responded.

Ishika Kapoor, that’s my name. I am nineteen years old, and if my name didn’t already give it away, I am of Indian descent, and yes, I am a werewolf.

At present, I reside with my parents, Raj and Mira; they’ve been mated/married for twenty-seven years. My older brother, Arjun, is twenty-four and his mate, Nisha, is also twenty-four.

Our pack is known as Dark Star; I love our community.

Everyone is familiar with everyone else and growing up here was exceptional. Right now, I am training to be a pack physician; it was always my aspiration.

I recollect the times I was ridiculed for stating that I wished to become a pack physician. The color of my skin and stereotypes were, of course, the reasons.

Everyone assumed it was the ideal career for me since I am Indian, and we are all supposedly physicians, lawyers, or accountants. It used to irk me, but now I accept it with grace.

Although these days, I barely manage to concentrate on my studies. My mind is incessantly buzzing with thoughts about Chase Rivers.

He’s our beta. He and our alpha, Mason Locke, were sent away for training four years ago, and they were coming back today.

I still recall the day prior to their departure. Chase approached me with his magnificent blue eyes and asked me to wait for him. I was only fifteen then, and I had no idea what he was implying, but I nodded anyway.

Chase has a significant place in my heart, and I can’t wait to see him again. Perhaps when he returns, he would finally notice me…

As I laid on my bed, I closed my eyes, letting the memories wash over me. I was brought back to the time when we were still children. Running through the woods, barefoot, carefree. Oh, how I missed those days…

Who knows what the future holds? Only Goddess knows… I just hope she has a great plan for me.

After all, I was hopelessly in love with Chase. He was my first kiss; I can still remember the sensation of his lips against mine.

Most wolves find their mates at eighteen, and since Chase wasn’t here when I turned eighteen, I didn’t find my mate. So I was eagerly anticipating his return, so I could finally experience that spark. That connection.

A familiar ringtone began to play, drawing me out of my daydreams.

I rolled over to grab my phone, which was on charge. Seeing the name light up on the screen, I smiled and promptly answered.

“Isabella Foster, we haven’t spoken in ages,” I chided.

“Ishika Kapoor, quit your teasing. You know I’ve been swamped,” my best friend Isabella lamented.

“Have you truly been occupied? Or has Aaron been monopolizing your time?” I continued the good-natured ribbing.

Isabella laughed, “You’re incorrigible. You know I’ve been busy. After all, the Werewolf Gala is approaching! Aren’t you thrilled?”

Ah yes, the Werewolf Gala. The kingdom’s way of ensuring all packs have an opportunity to visit the palace and meet the king. I detested it.

Before our current king, the previous king ruled for five hundred years before passing the baton to his son.

While lycans stop aging at twenty, they live on for centuries.

It’s said that our old king embarked on a journey with his mate, and they’ve not been heard from since.

That’s how we ended up with this new guy at the helm.

Leander Aleksandr Black.

Everyone typically referred to him as Aleksandr, and only those closest to him had the privilege to call him Leander.

I was not excited to meet him.

He seemed utterly peculiar; he ascended the throne without a mate, which was unprecedented. All the lycan kings before him had found their mates before becoming king.

I heard whispers that he often flew into horrendous rages and had to be restrained by his own guards.

And he evidently despised photographs. There were only three of him that I could locate. One when he was born, another when his siblings were born, and the last one when he ascended to the throne.

I was just a child when he took over the reigns; it’s been a decade since then.

No one truly knows the king’s real age, and I suspect that he probably keeps it a closely guarded secret.

This was our pack’s second time being selected to attend the Werewolf Gala, but my first time actually going.

The first time we were chosen, I was laid low by a terrible bout of the flu. My grandparents flew in from Canada, where they reside, to care for me while the rest of my family attended.

I’ve always had a distaste for dances, whether they were school dances or wedding receptions. I’m not sure why because I love getting dolled up.

I have a suspicion that the reason I loathed the Werewolf Gala, despite never having attended, was because I felt intimidated by the lycans.

That’s how my best friend Isabella met her lycan mate, Aaron.

She’s the one I mentioned earlier. Isabella met Aaron at the gala four years ago, and since then, she’s evolved a lot. Like everyone who gets mated to a lycan, she’s gradually transforming into one herself.

Don’t get me wrong, I was overjoyed when she called and told me, even if I was heaving my guts out. But a part of me knew I would lose my best friend.

After all, now that she was a lycan, she had very important roles and responsibilities. Her mate, Aaron Richardson, was head of the warriors, so Isabella was always occupied.

Since she had a knack for organizing, she was in charge of orchestrating important events, and the Werewolf Gala was the most significant one Isabella would ever plan.

“Come on,” Isabella prodded again, jolting me from my spiralling thoughts. “Aren’t you thrilled?”

“Oh yes. I am absolutely ecstatic,” I responded, my tone dripping with sarcasm.

“Well the good thing is you’ll get to see me.” Isabella attempted to lift my spirits.

“That’s true. We haven’t seen each other in a year. Not since you last visited to see your little nephew.” I sighed.

“I miss you too. I wish I could visit more often.” Isabella also sighed.

“You’re busy, I understand. Thank goodness for technology though. We can always chat even if we aren’t together,” I said.

“That’s so true. Oh, Ishika! I just can’t wait to see you! You leave tomorrow, right?” Isabella asked.

“Yep, tomorrow. Bright and early.” I sighed.“Quit sighing! Try to muster a little enthusiasm,” Isabella admonished.

“Okay, sorry. I will try.” I laughed.

“Well I have to go now. Duty calls, but I can’t wait to see you tomorrow,” Isabella replied.

“See you tomorrow,” I said, hanging up.

It wasn’t long before my mom entered my room with Nisha, carrying a bag. I knew what was in there: my dress for the ball.

“Ishika, you need to pack. You know we leave early tomorrow,” Mom said, shaking her head at me.

Groaning, Nisha laughed and said, “I’ll help her pack.”

Mom nodded and left. Nisha dragged me out of bed and assisted me with packing. It was a distraction from thinking about Chase.

After finishing our conversation, I turned to Nisha and asked, “Any updates about Chase and Mason’s return?”

“Getting anxious, aren’t we?” Nisha replied with a playful laugh.

“No, just curious,” I said with a casual eye roll.

Nisha was the solitary individual in our pack privy to the fact that Chase had kissed me, and I had fallen for him. To the rest, it was a mere infatuation.

I wanted to keep my parents and especially my brother out of it. He wouldn’t react well to the news, but I had confidence in Nisha’s discretion.

“Well, they should be arriving anytime soon. Feeling jittery?” Nisha queried.

“A bit. I’m just excited to see him,” I confessed.

Nisha and I sat on my bed, indulging in a relaxed conversation. It felt great to confide in Nisha; she was almost like a sister to me.

Arjun once commented that it warmed his heart seeing his mate and sister have such a strong bond. After Isabella’s departure, I felt alone, but Nisha was always there, a constant companion.

Soon, my werewolf senses detected the noise of cars approaching down the trail. I leaped up, my heart racing as anticipation began to build.

The moment had arrived. After four long years, I was finally going to meet Chase.

Nisha held my hand as we descended the stairs together. Do I look alright? I nervously ran my fingers through my hair. Nisha gave me an approving nod, a hint of amusement in her eyes.

Stay calm, Ishika. You can handle this.

Fortunately, we lived near the pack house, where the alpha and beta resided with their kin.

Arjun greeted us downstairs, taking Nisha’s hand. “Let’s go greet our alpha and beta.”

As we headed to where the cars were parked a short distance away, Nisha never released my hand. I yearned to see Chase. My heart was pounding with anticipation.

We approached the cars, my wolf within becoming increasingly restless.

Was this the signal I’d been hoping for? Was my mate here?

My dreams were on the brink of reality. Chase would emerge from that car, and he would recognize our bond. The sound of a car door opening jerked me back to the present.

First out was our alpha, Mason Locke. He seemed exactly the same, except for a more muscular physique.

His green eyes sparkled with a mischievous and joyous gleam.

Yes, the same Mason as always.

He brushed some blond locks out of his face before warmly greeting his parents and younger sibling. I watched as he made the rounds, eventually halting before me.

I felt fortunate to be friends with the future alpha. Throughout school, Mason had always been my ally, an invaluable presence in my life.

I regarded him as one of my closest friends, along with Isabella.

His infectious smile spread across his face, and I found myself reciprocating the gesture. To my surprise, Mason hoisted me into the air, spinning me around, much to the amusement of the adults.

“Ishika! How much I’ve missed you! You’ve grown quite a bit. The magic of puberty, eh?” Mason jested.

I rolled my eyes and hugged him. “It’s equally good to see you, Mason. You haven’t changed a bit. But don’t worry, late bloomers are a thing,” I teased, eliciting laughter from Mason’s parents.

Mason laughed, hugging me again. “I genuinely missed you, Smiley.”

“I missed you too,” I responded, beaming at Mason’s endearing nickname for me, which he clearly hadn’t forgotten.

Upon hearing another car door open, I glanced over Mason’s shoulder to see a familiar figure emerge from the car. His back was to me; he had yet to notice me behind him.

I yearned to gaze into his blue eyes, hoping to find love and affection for me.

Mason shifted to my side, which struck me as odd.

Shouldn’t he have continued his rounds of greetings?

Maybe he was waiting to witness the moment Chase and I acknowledged our bond as mates.

That seemed plausible.

My wolf continued to stir within, reinforcing my belief that Chase was indeed my mate.

I watched his light brown hair ripple in the breeze. His back was still turned; I was eagerly waiting for him to face me.

Please turn around.

What’s holding him back?

Chapter 2

Right when I anticipated Chase would pivot, paving the way for the enchanting moment I had dreamt of, he turned back towards the car, extending his hand.

My heart froze as a meticulously manicured hand reached for Chase’s. My smile morphed into a crestfallen expression of betrayal.

Mason took my hand, and I comprehended why he had chosen to stand by me.

He was aware of the kiss shared between Chase and me, my crush on Chase, and how shattered I’d be upon witnessing what was about to unfold.

My gaze was fixed on Chase’s back as he assisted a gorgeous girl out of the vehicle. One glance at them, and I knew my worst nightmare had materialized…

“Ishika, I’d like you to meet my mate, Olivia Stone,” Chase introduced.

My wolf’s restlessness wasn’t due to Chase being my mate but because Chase had found his. The distinction was immense.

Tears teetered on the brink, but I held them back. Chase couldn’t witness my anguish; I had to stand strong.

I turned to Mason, his face ridden with guilt. I gave him a rueful smile and shook my head. None of this was his fault or Chase’s; choosing your mate isn’t an option.

Yet, this was the one occasion I wished it were. Seeing your heart’s desire parading with his mate felt like a punch to the gut.

Four years of waiting patiently had been futile. I felt like an absolute fool.

Chase was progressing along the line with his mate. The smile gracing his face was a fresh wound.

I yearned for that smile to be for me, but it was reserved for his mate, and I wasn’t her.

I released Mason’s hand and wiped my clammy palms on my jeans. Chase was introducing his mate to Arjun and Nisha; I was next in line. I couldn’t let him see my distress.

Instead, I would put on a happy face for him, like everyone else. Hopefully, I’d get through this introduction without shedding a tear.

As Chase moved down the line to me, memories from four years ago played in my mind. His radiant smile, that unforgettable kiss, his promises.

Shutting my eyes, I snapped out of my reverie. When I opened them, Chase was offering me a friendly smile, not the one he used to give.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Olivia. Good luck taming this one,” I said with a feigned cheerfulness.

Olivia laughed and responded, “I like you! You’re funny. Hopefully we can spend more time together. I could use more female friends.”

My heart twisted at her words; she was genuinely pleasant. This made it even harder to despise her.

“Of course. I would love to spend time with you.” I forced a smile. Curse my civility. Why couldn’t I have just told her I didn’t wish to spend time with her?

Olivia returned the smile, and the couple moved along the line. Mason had departed, and I was left alone with my thoughts.

Nisha gently tapped my shoulder, causing me to start. I turned to her, seeing the sorrow in her eyes. I sighed and shook my head.

I didn’t want to talk, nor did I want sympathy. I just wanted to retreat to my room and weep, but I couldn’t leave just yet.

Instead of watching Chase and Olivia, I concentrated on Mason, who was conversing with council members.

Once he finished talking to the council members, he turned towards me, likely sensing my gaze firmly fixed on him.

He approached me and whispered, “Go home, Ishika. I give you permission. Don’t stand here while you’re crumbling. You need to go home.”

Tears welled up in my eyes as I murmured back brokenly, “Why didn’t you tell me?”

Mason looked distressed. He wiped away the single tear that had slipped.

“Oh, Smiley. I didn’t know how. I didn’t want to break the news over a call or through a letter. I wanted to tell you in person, but I didn’t get the chance to. I am deeply sorry.”

Suppressing a sob, I sighed, “It wasn’t your fault. I have to move on, but I also need time to process this.”

Mason nodded in understanding. He kissed my forehead, and I turned around, heading back to my house.

I heard Mason explain to my family and everyone that he let me go home because I was exhausted. As soon as I reached home, I hurried upstairs and changed into comfortable attire.

I used to sleep in Chase’s T-shirt every night, but I took it from my cupboard and tossed it straight into the trash. I wouldn’t wear it anymore; I had forfeited all rights to Chase when he found his mate.

His mate. My heart shattered even further, if that were even possible.

I collapsed onto my bed, allowing the tears to flow freely. I let them drench my pillow, and I allowed myself to cry. The heartbreak was just too overwhelming for me.
For years, I’d yearned for a soulmate, hoping for the bond my parents shared. However, now I found myself withdrawing from the idea of having a mate. I didn’t desire someone’s affection; I felt shattered. I wasn’t ready for the potential pain that accompanied a mate.

Soulmates were often portrayed as this enchanting concept, and I used to be its staunch believer, but my faith had now waned. Soulmates could inflict agony and sorrow. Who would desire that?

 

My tears persisted even when my family returned home. I discerned my mother pausing outside my chamber, praying she wouldn’t venture inside.

I suppressed my weeping, halting the sound of my sobs. If Mom detected my crying, she’d undoubtedly enter my room.

“Mira, let her rest. We have a dawn start tomorrow,” my father’s voice whispered softly. I listened as their footfalls retreated, and I looked towards my ceiling. Dad was correct, we had to rise early the next day. I had to catch some sleep.

Shutting my eyes, I allowed myself to wander into my realm of dreams…
A loud buzz had me groaning as I rolled over to silence my phone’s alarm. The day of the Werewolf Gala had dawned.

My apprehension stemmed from knowing that I’d be exhausted. Hopefully, the car ride would provide an opportunity to catch some sleep.

Rousing myself from the comfort of my bed, I dressed and cringed at the sight of the dark circles beneath my eyes. Clearly, the previous night wasn’t when I was destined to enjoy a restful slumber.

With a sigh, I readied myself and dabbed on some makeup to seem somewhat refreshed.

Descending the stairs, I found my parents sipping their morning tea, while Arjun and Nisha enjoyed their breakfast.

Suddenly, four pairs of eyes turned towards me, their gazes filled with the same emotion: pity.

I didn’t seek their sympathy. What I truly wished for was to curl up in bed and spend the day shedding tears, but I was aware that wouldn’t be a reality. I had to demonstrate to Chase and myself that I was resilient.

My dad extended a cup of coffee to me, and I managed a smile.

Mom and Nisha were animatedly discussing how splendid the gala would be since it was my debut. I was thankful for the welcome diversion.

Once we finished our breakfast, it was time to embark on our journey. Settling into the car, I tuned into my music via headphones and rested my head against the cool window.

Dad and Mom respected my solitude as I allowed the music to transport me into my own universe. Soon enough, sleep claimed me, offering my weary body a much-needed respite.

“Ishika, wake up.” My mom shook me gently.

Wiping the sleep from my eyes, I noticed we’d stopped at a service station. Stretching my limbs, I exited the vehicle. Arjun and Nisha alighted from their car and waved in my direction.

“Grab something to eat and ensure you use the restroom. We still have a two-hour journey ahead,” Mom instructed, offering me some money.

With a sigh, I sauntered into a shop to fetch some food. It seemed like a permanent frown was engraved on my face, as anyone who met my gaze quickly averted their eyes.

“Cheerful, or should I say Grouchy? Why the downcast look?” Mason tousled my hair.

“Urgh, seriously? Why the hair?” I protested, pushing Mason aside and rearranging my tresses.

“Because I haven’t had the chance in four years, and your reaction is always priceless,” Mason chuckled.

Rolling my eyes, I meandered around the shop but froze upon hearing the overly sweet laugh of Olivia. Fantastic, the last thing I needed was to encounter Olivia and Chase.

“Come on, Cheerful. Let’s grab some food,” Mason gently suggested, leading me in the opposite direction of the shop.

I selected a wrap, a chocolate bar, and a bottle of water. As I queued up, Olivia’s laugh resounded again. They were right behind me.

Deep breaths, Ishika, deep breaths. All you have to do is pay and exit. Don’t pay them any mind, I coached myself.

I unloaded my purchases onto the counter, rolling my eyes at Olivia’s laughter yet again. What on earth was Chase whispering to her? Actually, never mind, I didn’t want to know.

After settling my bill, I hurried out of the shop, craving some fresh air. I wanted to wait for Mason, but I also wanted to avoid a possible run-in with Chase and Olivia.

Decisions, decisions. Obviously, I chose the best option, which was to retreat to the car and avoid any chance of encountering Chase and Olivia.

Thankfully, Dad was already in the car. He offered a smile as I climbed into the backseat. Gazing out the window, I spotted them.

Just one look was enough. They resembled that nauseatingly lovey-dovey couple everyone detests. The ones who are perpetually indulging in public displays of affection and irking everyone.

Chase had his arm draped over Olivia’s shoulder, showering kisses down her neck, in broad daylight! If I could see, then so could everyone else. Yet, Olivia seemed to be relishing it.

I grimaced and simultaneously made eye contact with Mason, who was feigning disgust behind them. That made me chuckle. He grinned at me, seeing me laugh, and theatrically mimicked slitting his throat.

At least I wasn’t the only one repulsed by this spectacle.

Once Mom returned to the vehicle, Dad informed us we had just under two hours left. It was already 11 a.m., so we would arrive around one-ish.

As Dad resumed driving, I spent the first hour consuming my meal and engrossed in my book that I had brought along. No more romances for me; this was a riveting mystery novel. Much more my style.

The second hour, I succumbed to sleep again. It was probably for the best; I needed some rest before the Werewolf Gala tonight.

Mom nudged me awake as we pulled up at the hotel. Mason sauntered over to our car, grinning as he noticed me shaking off my slumber.

“Finally, our Sleeping Beauty stirs,” he remarks, extending a hand towards me.

Grasping his hand, I retorted, “Whatever. I needed the rest, or I’d have zero chance of making it through tonight.”

“I could do with some sleep too, but no, I had the privilege of driving here,” he griped as we strolled into the hotel lobby.

Chuckling at Mason’s expression, I suggested, “Well, catch some shut-eye once we check in.”

“So, Cheerful. Tonight, be my companion to the Werewolf Gala. I can’t imagine attending with anyone else. You’re the air I breathe, the…,” Mason dramatically started.

Interrupting him, I gave him a friendly shove, “Okay, Mr. Melodrama. Dial it back. I suppose I’ll accompany you.”

“Good. If you had declined, I would have merely coerced you into it.” Mason winked at me and wandered over to his parents, who were checking in.

I giggled at his absurd antics. Mason was doing an excellent job of keeping me distracted, and I recognized his sillier-than-usual behavior was intentional.

As I sauntered over to my parents, I unwittingly eavesdropped on Chase and Olivia’s conversation.

“I can’t wait until we’re alone in our room. I’m itching to strip these clothes off you,” Chase remarked.

“You can’t say things like that! Everyone can hear you,” Olivia protested.

“Let them. I don’t care. I just want to flaunt you tonight at the gala,” Chase responded.

Shaking my head, I shifted my attention to something, anything else. I felt like an intruder privy to their intimate conversation, and it still smarted.

Apparently, Chase either didn’t recollect what transpired four years ago or simply didn’t care. He was content and had moved on.

My fantasy was to accompany Chase tonight because, in my utopia, I assumed we would be partners. I envisioned myself in Olivia’s shoes, but that wasn’t the reality.

The quicker I accepted this, the better off I’d be.

With a sigh, I approached my parents, who handed me my room key. I was relieved to have my own room because, at the moment, I was straining not to shed tears.

Dad and Mom were accommodated on a different floor, so I departed on my own. Mom cautioned me to start preparing by 4 p.m. since the vehicles would arrive at 7 p.m. to collect us.

Nisha and Arjun were housed on the same floor as my parents, leaving me alone on my floor.
Fortune smiled upon me as Chase and Olivia were assigned to a different floor, according to Nisha’s message. Mason also messaged me, inquiring about my floor, and unsurprisingly, he ended up on the same floor as me.

I swiftly unpacked my belongings and plugged in my phone to charge, though images of Chase and Olivia lingered in my mind.

Now alone, I stepped out onto the balcony of my room, fully prepared to let my tears flow until it was time to begin preparing.

Taking a seat in a suspended chair, I gazed at the view of the Royal Pack, tears already blurring my vision.

The hotel was in close proximity to the palace, and from this vantage point, I could truly grasp its vastness and opulence.

Tonight, I would venture there for the gala, and for the first time, a flicker of excitement sparked within me regarding the forthcoming evening.

Wiping away my tears, I noticed a faint figure of a wolf darting frantically back and forth in the field behind the palace.

Drawing upon my werewolf senses, I strained my ears, and after a moment, I swore I could even discern the wolf’s howls.

It wasn’t a howl of anticipation. Nor was it a howl of aggression.

It was a howl saturated with profound emotional anguish.

As I listened to the mournful sound, my wolf stirred within me.

I couldn’t comprehend what was unfolding.

All I knew was that I felt an inexplicable pull towards the wolf.

As if I desired to draw near, to offer solace for its pain.

Could that be Leander Aleksandr Black?

Could that be the king?

There was no way to know for sure. Yet, I yearned to uncover the truth.

Chapter 3

After leaving the balcony, I took a refreshing shower to prepare for the grand event.

As I stepped out, my phone began to ring, but I chose to ignore it. Instead, I slipped into comfortable attire and brushed my newly-washed hair.

A knock on the door startled me. Who could it be? Letting out a sigh, I approached and peered through the peephole. It was just Nisha. I opened the door and was immediately enveloped in a tight hug.

Relishing in Nisha’s embrace, I reciprocated the hug. I hadn’t realized how much I needed it.

“I’m so sorry, Ishika. I wanted to talk to you yesterday, but I didn’t want to hurt you even more. I just want you to know that you are incredibly strong, and I’m so proud of you for handling it with grace. It must be incredibly difficult for you,” she said, still holding me.

“Thank you for being there for me, Nisha, and for giving me the time and space I needed. So, what brings you here? Is my brother getting on your nerves?” I teased.

Nisha laughed and replied, “No, not today. He’s under strict orders not to annoy me today. I wouldn’t want to show up at the Werewolf Gala with a mate while being annoyed with him. Actually, I came here for another reason.”

Raising an eyebrow in curiosity, I joined Nisha on my bed as she patted the space beside her. Sitting down, I looked at her with confusion.

“Don’t worry, it’s nothing bad. Mom just wanted me to remind you of something important. I know you probably forgot amidst everything. Remember, tonight it won’t just be our pack at the gala. Another significant pack will be attending. Your cousin’s pack!” she exclaimed.

I gasped, feeling a rush of excitement. How could I have forgotten? My father had a younger sister who found her mate in a different pack and moved there. They have twin daughters, my cousins.

I shared a close bond with both of them, and they were only a year younger than me. The last time I saw them was during last year’s Christmas. Now I couldn’t wait for the gala.

All thoughts of Chase vanished from my mind. I was now filled with anticipation to reunite with my cousins. Prina and Karina Lamar, identical twins who had been my best friends during my childhood.

Oh, how I had missed them! Seeing the smile on my face, Nisha said, “I love that smile! I knew you’d be delighted when I told you this. Now, get some rest before you start getting ready.”

After bidding farewell to Nisha, I lay on my bed and decided to finish the book I had started reading during the car ride.

I had approximately forty minutes before I needed to start getting ready, which was enough time to conclude the book. So, I lost myself in the world of mystery until then.

When I finally finished reading, I stretched and reached for my phone, still charging on the bedside table.

I had received several messages from Isabella expressing her excitement to see me, as well as from Prina and Karina eagerly anticipating our reunion.

After replying to the messages, I leisurely scrolled through Instagram as I had some spare time. However, I eventually had to part ways with the warm, cozy bed and commence the somewhat tedious process of getting ready.

Since my hair was still damp, I decided to dry it first. Once dry, I opted to curl it, but not before putting on my dress. The maroon-colored dress fell just above my knees, featuring a high-low hemline and an off-the-shoulder design.

Examining myself in the mirror, I felt satisfied with my choice.

Now came the time-consuming task of applying makeup. I took a seat at the hotel desk, unpacked all my makeup essentials, and positioned my trusty mirror in front of me.

Thirty minutes later, my makeup was complete, and I was content with the result. I aimed for a simple look, though I did accentuate my lashes with false eyelashes, a rarity for me.

Next on the agenda was selecting jewelry. I adorned my multiple ear piercings with simple earrings and wore a gold chain necklace with a heart-shaped pendant, a gift from my grandparents when I turned sixteen. Additionally, I adorned my wrist with the charm bracelet my parents had given me on my eighteenth birthday.

Ready to go, I realized I needed to capture some photos, but then I realized I was running behind schedule.

Swiftly slipping into my heels and packing a small bag with essentials, I departed from my room. Mom had texted me to come to her room, so I headed there.

As soon as Mom opened the door, she gasped, “Oh, my beautiful baby. You look absolutely stunning.”

I chuckled and expressed my gratitude as I entered my parents’ room. Dad smiled and commented that I looked like a princess, while Nisha corrected him, claiming I looked like a queen. I playfully rolled my eyes at her remark.

Arjun announced that he would need to keep a close eye on me, insisting that every male in attendance would try to hit on me. Nisha scolded him and told him to relax.

After Nisha put Arjun in his place for being overly protective, we all snapped some pictures and headed downstairs.

Mason was waiting in the lobby and smirked when he saw me. “Wow, Ishika. Who knew you could clean up so nicely?”

“Wow, who knew you could be such a jerk? Oh wait, everyone,” I teased.

Mason rolled his eyes, causing me to burst into laughter. Upon the insistence of our parents, we posed for photos together. Mason insisted on taking silly photos, claiming they would be perfect for his Instagram.

I jokingly mentioned that his three followers would surely appreciate it. Mason had a way of bringing me back to my usual self. Our banter and playful insults were integral to our friendship.

The best part was, I was so engrossed in having fun that I didn’t even notice Chase and Olivia standing nearby.

It wasn’t until we had to leave and the cars arrived that I realized they had been there the whole time. I glanced at Chase, and surprisingly, he was looking directly at me.

In the car, I held Mason’s hand, sitting beside him in the front seat. Chase and Olivia occupied the backseat. Despite being in such close proximity to Chase, I remained unfazed.

As the car started moving, Chase and Olivia began engaging in a passionate make-out session, complete with unpleasant noises. Glancing at Mason, I noticed his expression turning angry.

“Hunter, I don’t appreciate you and your mate making those noises. I’m trying to have a conversation here, so cut it out,” Mason reprimanded sternly.

The kissing abruptly ceased. I had never seen Mason so serious, but I couldn’t help but feel relieved. Those noises were nauseating, and a little consideration wouldn’t hurt.

“Anyway, Ishika, make sure to stick by my side tonight. I know there will be plenty of unmated males who would love to get with you,” Mason declared.

“Wow, Arjun said something similar. But I have no intention of getting involved with any unmated males. I want to spend time with Isabella and my cousins. Priorities!” I responded.

“That’s my Ishika. Always valuing friends and family,” Mason said proudly.

“Hey, what if you find your mate? I mean, with so many people here, there’s a chance your mate could be among them,” I pondered, observing Mason’s eyes light up at the mention of the word ‘mate.’

“Yeah, maybe. That would be something,” Mason replied.

“Hmm… I would have to warn her about how crazy you are and how you have no friends,” I teased.

“Whatever you say, Ishika. I know you love me,” Mason winked.

Our conversation was cut short as we arrived at the palace. Mason assisted me out of the car, and we patiently waited for our families to join us.

Once everyone had gathered, we went through stringent security checks. After clearing the security, I couldn’t help but gasp in awe as we entered the magnificent palace.

The high ceilings with intricate designs, the meticulously coordinated decorations — everything was breathtaking. Isabella had truly outdone herself.

“Ishika!” Isabella’s voice echoed through the crowd.

I laughed as she hurried towards me and enveloped me in a tight hug. “Hey, Isabella, think you can let go now? You’re crushing me,” I joked.

Isabella immediately released me, apologizing for her exuberance. I playfully teased her, remarking, “Looks like someone doesn’t know her own strength.”

That’s when Luke appeared, making his presence known. “That’s because she trains with me every day. She’s an incredible fighter,” he boasted.

I rolled my eyes as Luke gave me a friendly hug. “Of course you’d say that, considering she’s your mate,” I chuckled.

Luke laughed and shook Mason’s hand after introducing himself. Isabella’s attention shifted as she noticed Chase and Olivia walking past us. I shook my head, silently signaling to Isabella. Her eyes hardened in response.

“Whatever. My best friend looks absolutely stunning. She’s definitely the most beautiful one here,” Isabella gushed, purposefully raising her voice.

I knew Isabella did it intentionally: one, because I knew her so well, and two, because Chase turned around, and Isabella wore a satisfied smile. I shook my head at her; she would never change, lycan or not.

“Well, not as stunning as you. Someone is clearly struggling to take his eyes off you,” I playfully remarked.

Sophia didn’t have a chance to respond as Mason handed us our drinks, and we began chatting casually.

About ten minutes later, two very familiar voices called out my name, causing Mason to swiftly turn his head and utter the word I despised: “mate.”

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