The scent of blood hung in the air, sharp and metallic.
Lara swung her blade through the air, cutting a rogue across the chest. She was breathing hard now and her body was shaking from how tired she was, but she didn't stop. Even as a human, she fought with the strength of two werewolves. Her sword moved like part of her body, smooth, quick, and deadly.
But more rogues were showing up. Too many and too quickly.
One lunged at her. She ducked. Another charged. She spun as her blade met a rogues flesh. But just as she brought one down, sharp pain tore through her side.
She stumbled, her vision going fuzzy.
Then came a roar. Loud and powerful.
Through the blur, she saw him. His eyes burned gold. He looked half-man, half-beast, both beautiful and frightening.
He moved like a force of nature. Rogues dropping around him like leaves in a storm. His claws tearing through them like they were nothing.
Her legs gave out and she fell.
The last thing she saw was the stranger's glowing gaze locking with hers and the soft brush of his hand as he caught her before she hit the ground.
Earlier that day, in the quiet forest.
Thornak Stormbite, the Lycan King of Vargorath, was out hunting. His sharp eyes watched the trees above, looking for any movement.
He was a vision of both grace and savagery. His eyes glowed softly, the unmistakable mark of an Alpha King.
His presence radiated command and power.
Beside him, his younger brother Kael muttered, "You know, this was supposed to be a quick hunt."
"And now it's getting interesting," Thornak replied, his voice was low and calm but alert. However his senses prickled. Something wasn't right.
Behind them, Dain, his Beta and oldest friend, crept up silently. "Smell that?"
Thornak inhaled. Blood. Fear. Wolves. And something else. Something electric, wild and familiar in a way that made his bones ache.
Kael's brow furrowed. "You feel that, don't you?"
Thornak didn't answer. His chest tightened and a strange surge rising inside him, something foreign and powerful. His heartbeat quickened, not from fear... but recognition.
Then he saw her.
It was a woman and she was wielding a sword like it was an extension of her soul, fighting with a ferocity he'd never seen. and even as her body bled, she didn't fall, rather she moved like fury itself.
Thornak's heart slammed in his chest.
"By the Ancients..." Dain whispered. "Who is that?"
"Mine," Thornak growled.
He didn't wait.
But just before he sprang, an image flashed through his mind, his mother's face twisted in disapproval.
"You are the King. You do not chase shadows in the woods. You find a Queen with power, status, and ties to strengthen our rule."
He had laughed bitterly at the time. "You mean a pawn."
"I mean a woman who understands legacy."
"Then she won't understand me."
He had left her court in fury that day, sick of arranged meetings, sick of being a title and not a man.
And now here he was, his heart pounding fast, feeling like fate was roaring through his veins like thunder, staring at the woman the goddess had clearly chosen for him.
Thornak didn't hesitate, he rushed towards her the same moment a rogue lunged at her exposed back.
Thornak moved like death itself.
With a growl that shook the trees, he collided with the rogue mid-air, snapping his bones and sending the creature flying.
He landed in front of her with blood steaming on his claws, his massive form shielding her from the rest.
He turned his head just enough to look at her, really look at her.
Her eyes were wide with shock, her lips had blood at the corner.
Beautiful and brave he thought
His voice came out as a snarl. "No one touches what's mine."
A while later the clearing was still and the scent of blood hang heavy in the cold air.
Thornak stood in the center, his golden eyes locked on the unconscious woman lying on the floor. She was covered in bruises and blood, her cloak was torn and her sword still gripped loosely in one hand.
"She fought them... a human," Kael said slowly, stepping up beside him. "Goddess Thorn. She tore through them like she wanted to die standing."
Thorn remained quiet, his gaze never leaving her as he knelt beside her brushing her golden hair from her face.
Dain crouched beside him. "She is not a Lycan."
"She is a human," Thorn replied immediately. And Jax his lycan growled. "I am taking her home."
Kael exhaled. "If your mother finds out you brought home a human....."
"You know how Queen Maravelle feels about humans." Dain finished grimly.
"I don't care what she thinks."
"Thorn...."
"She's my mate."
There was a beat of silence as his words dawned on them.
Then Kael muttered, "Wow, mother's going to have a heart attack."
Dain cracked a small smile. "You have got a war on your hands."
Thornak brushed a bit of dried blood from her temple. "I've never backed down from a war."
He picked her up in his arms.
....
The doors of the throne room slammed open.
Queen Maravelle Stormbite sat upright on the raised dais. The throne room was vast and cold. Ancient banners hung like silent witnesses to the legacy of the Stormbite line.
The King's throne in Vargorath was built to show strength and command.
Queen Maravelle narrowed her eyes as Thornak walked in, followed by Kael.
Their twin sisters Iris and Jasmine trailing behind them, two opposite peas in a pod.
"What is the meaning of this?" The Queen asked. "You storm into the castle late at night with blood on your clothes, and lock yourself in your chambers with a strange woman? The guards say no one is allowed near. Not even me."
"I gave that order," Thorn said calmly, as he sat on his throne. "She's under my protection."