Chapter 6
He just showed up out of nowhere, even more imposing than the rumors had claimed.
His features cast sharp shadows under the light, and his amber eyes were fixed on me with unwavering intensity.
My heart began to race uncontrollably. A rush of heat surged from the base of my spine to the back of my neck. My body reacted before my mind could catch up–my canines grew slightly longer, and my nails sharpened.
Fated mate.
The realization struck me like lightning. A soul bond said to be one in a million, infinitely stronger than any ordinary mate bond. No wonder my mother insisted on this marriage alliance…
Zane stepped toward me, his eyes never leaving mine, each step pounding in rhythm with my heartbeat. When he stopped just one pace away, I suddenly realized my gaze only reached his chest–an irritating discovery.
He looked down at me from above.
“Have you stared enough?” I lifted my chin, forcing myself to remain calm.
His eyes dropped to my cast, darkening instantly. A dangerous
aura seeped into the air.
“Who did this?”
Just three words, but laced with unmistakable killing intent.
I instinctively stepped back, but he seized my left wrist. His palm burned hot against my skin, like a brand, making me shudder.
“Answer me.” His voice was low, almost gentle–but the storm in his eyes made it clear: if I gave him a name, someone’s head would roll.
“It doesn’t matter anymore.” I tried to pull away, but his grip only tightened.
“Why are you dodging me?” he murmured hoarsely, with a touch of something almost… hurt. The contrast between his cold exterior and that fleeting vulnerability made my breath catch.
His thumb brushed gently against the inside of my wrist. The casual, intimate gesture sent a jolt through me.
Then Zane leaned in, his nose brushing the curve of my neck. He inhaled deeply, like he was trying to memorize my scent. The closeness made every muscle in my body freeze.
“Another male’s scent,” his lips hovered against my earlobe, his breath hot, setting my skin ablaze.“…And tears.”
Damn him–how could he so easily shatter the walls I’d built?
“King Rhodes,” Aaron’s voice cut between us like a blade. There was a warning in his tone. “My sister has just been through a… unpleasant separation.”
Zane straightened, but his gaze never left me. “My mate doesn’t need to shed tears over trash.”
He raised his hand, fingers brushing the fading red marks on my cheek. His touch was soft, like he was afraid of hurting me.
“I’ll make them understand what it costs to lay a hand on what’s mine.”
“I’m not yours.” The words slipped out before I could stop them.
He smiled, slow and dangerous. “You’re mine from the moment you were born, Hannah Greene.”
His fingers trailed to the back of my neck, pressing lightly where he would mark me.
“Thanks to that foolish alpha who was blind enough to neglect the treasure he had.”
The words pierced through my defenses like a dagger. And in that moment, I realized–Zane knew everything.
About Darren. About the rejection. About how I ran away in disgrace.
Shame flared up in me, and I shoved him away. “Don’t flatter
yourself! This is just a political marriage!”
Zane stumbled back half a step, but his smile only deepened. He turned to Aaron, his voice light as if discussing the weather.
“We’ll move the marking ceremony up to tomorrow. The temple is ready.”
“What?!” Aaron and I said in unison.
Zane’s eyes returned to mine, glowing with open possessiveness. “I’ve waited twenty–one years. I won’t wait any longer.”
He reached up, brushing a strand of hair from my cheek. “Besides, your inner wolf needs the bond to stabilize the awakening bloodline, doesn’t she?”
I looked to my mother, stunned. She nodded gently, confirming Zane’s words.
So… the bloodline hadn’t fully awakened because it lacked the fated mate’s bon…
“I…” I tried to protest, but Zane suddenly dropped to one knee and took my hand.The feared Lycan King of the battlefield was now looking up at me with something almost reverent in his
eyes.
“Give me a chance, Hannah,” he said softly, so only I could hear. “Let me show you how a true mate treats the other half of his soul.”
[Duskwood Pack]
Three days passed in a blur–and there was still no word from the border.
“It’s been three damn days!” Darren roared, kicking over a chair. “Where the hell did that crazy bitch run off to? Does she really want someone else to be my Luna?!”
Landon stood quietly by the window, his brows furrowed. Just then, a warrior came running toward them. Landon’s eyes lit up.
“Darren, there’s news.”
Darren exhaled sharply, though his tone was still laced with anger. “She’s really pushing it this time. I’ll make her she comes back.”
pay
when
They rushed to the gate, but the warrior didn’t bring news of Hannah’s whereabouts.
Instead, he held a gilded invitation from the of Moonflame Kingdom.
Darren’s fury subsided slightly. The Duskwood pack had long benefitted from Moonflame’s favor–he couldn’t afford to disrespect them.
“Moonflame’s first grand event in years. We’ll have to send a generous gift,” he muttered, opening the envelope.
But when he read the message, his expression froze.
[The Moonflame and Nightshade Kingdoms cordially invite you to witness:
the marking ceremony of Princess Hannah Greene and Lycan King Zane Rhodes.
To be held tomorrow at moonrise, in the Temple of Silver Light.]
Darren’s voice wavered. “Why does the princess have the same name as Hannah?”
Landon blinked, surprised too. But he quickly brushed it off.
“Must be a coincidence. She never mentioned her last name as Greene.”
“Right… she’s just an orphan. How could she possibly be related to the mighty Moonflame royal family?” Darren scoffed, but a sense of unease gnawed at his chest.
Meanwhile, Xandra sat on the sofa, pretending to read the paper -but she’d heard every word. At the name “Hannah,” her grip on the newspaper tightened involuntarily.
“Darren’s Luna will only be me,” she swore silently. “This time, I’ll make sure she never has the chance to come back.”
