Lyka
I woke up with a smile still on my face, like it had settled there overnight. For a moment, I just lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling, hugging my pillow. My chest felt light, warm, like I'd been floating all night.
The thought slipped in again—what if Parker really is the one? My heart jumped just at the sound of his name. I rolled onto my side, pulling the blanket over my head, and let out a small squeal I couldn't hold back.
"Okay, calm down, Lyka," I whispered, but the grin on my face wouldn't fade.
I pushed the blanket away and sat up, running my fingers through my messy hair. For once, I didn't even care how early it was. My body buzzed with energy, like I'd just had three cups of coffee.
Swinging my legs off the bed, I stood and stretched. "This is it," I said, almost testing the words aloud. "This is the day."
I padded to the mirror, tugging my oversized sleep shirt down, squinting at my reflection. My hair stuck up in all directions, my face puffy from sleep. I laughed softly. "Great look for meeting your guy, huh?"
Still smiling, I grabbed my brush and ran it through my hair. My mind drifted back to the dream—the pull I felt, the warmth, the way it all seemed right. Even though I didn't know for sure, something in me believed it.
Tying my hair up loosely, I hummed under my breath, then started singing softly, off-key and silly, but it matched how light I felt. I danced a little while picking out clothes, holding up two shirts and checking them in the mirror.
"No, too plain," I muttered, tossing one onto the bed. I wanted to look nice, but not overdone—enough that if Parker saw me, he'd notice.
I finally chose a light blouse and jeans, casual but flattering. Pulling on the blouse, I caught myself smiling at the mirror again.
"Why am I like this?" I laughed quietly. But I knew why. The dream. The feeling. The bond.
I touched my chest lightly. "You're mine," I whispered, as if saying it could make it real.
After dressing, I slipped on my shoes and grabbed my bag, still humming, still buzzing. I walked into the hall where Iza leaned against the wall, arms crossed, smirking knowingly.
"You're in a good mood," she said, tilting her head.
I froze mid-step, then shrugged, trying to play it off. "What? No, just… slept well, that's all."
Iza raised an eyebrow. "Uh-huh. Sure. You look like someone who just won the lottery."
I bit my lip to hide my grin. "Maybe I already did."
Her smirk widened. "Let me guess—Parker?"
My eyes widened. "What—how do you—"
She laughed. "You talk in your sleep, Lyka."
My face burned. "No way."
"Yes way," she teased, walking past me. "Don't worry, I didn't record it or anything. But wow, you were really gone, huh?"
I groaned, covering my face. "So embarrassing."
Iza's laugh echoed down the hall as she disappeared into the kitchen, and I just stood there, still smiling like an idiot.
I followed her into the kitchen, still humming softly, feeling lighter than I had in months. The smell of toast and coffee filled the room, and I let myself soak it in.
Iza leaned against the counter, arms crossed, a teasing glint in her eyes. "So, seriously, you're gone over him, huh?"
I laughed, shaking off my embarrassment. "Completely. I don't even know him fully, but something about him… it feels right."
Iza snorted. "Right. Sure."
I rolled my eyes playfully. "You don't have to believe me. But I know what I feel. And that's why I want you to listen—if your mate ever hurts you, I'll make sure he regrets it. I don't care who he is."
She froze mid-sip, then laughed loudly. "You? Punish my future mate? Lyka, you can't even swat a fly without screaming. You're joking, right?"
I narrowed my eyes but grinned. "I'm serious. Alpha or nobody, if he hurts you, he answers to me first."
Her laughter continued, but I noticed it didn't reach her eyes. She looked away, pretending to sip her juice casually, but the corners of her mouth twitched like she was holding back a secret.
I smiled, not catching the nuance, and leaned back. "I can't stand the thought of anyone breaking your heart. You mean too much."
She laughed again, bright, almost forced, and waved her hand. "Alright, alright, big protective sister. Got it."
I shook my head, still smiling. "I'll never stop reminding you. But know this—when the time comes, I've got your back. Always."
I took a deep breath, swung my bag over my shoulder, and turned to Iza. "I'm going. Don't want to be late."
She stepped forward, giving me a quick hug. "Have fun, Lyka. Try not to embarrass yourself too much," she teased, pressing a kiss to my forehead.
I laughed, hugging her back. "You're impossible. But thanks… I mean it."
She smirked, stepping back. "Yeah, yeah. Go get your guy, future mate or whatever. Don't make me come looking if you faint from excitement."
I rolled my eyes and pushed open the front door. The morning sun spilled over the lawn. The air was crisp and sharp, making my heart pound faster. I jogged down the street, shoes hitting the pavement in rhythm with my heartbeat.
My mind raced with thoughts of Parker—how he'd looked at me last, the pull I'd felt in the dream, the strange warmth threading between us. I couldn't wait to see him again. My legs moved faster, adrenaline and excitement propelling me like the wind wanted me to reach him.
"Iza's going to laugh if she knew how fast I'm running," I whispered, grinning. But I didn't slow down.
Parker, meanwhile, felt it too—the pull. Fated mates weren't subtle, not for wolves like him, not for an Alpha-born of a clan feared across the territory. He felt it deep in his bones, a thread of urgency tugging at him.
His clan was strong, feared for generations. Every member carried the instincts of hunters and the legacy of leadership. Parker himself was no exception—tall, broad-shouldered, commanding respect even when he tried not to. Lately, though, the pull toward Lyka had become impossible to ignore.
He'd felt it first in dreams—the same ones Lyka had, where the connection felt undeniable. The bond wasn't gentle; it demanded attention, focus, and presence.
Now, standing atop the ridge, he scanned the town. Someone was coming. Someone alive, someone who mattered. His heart thudded, his senses alert.
The pull was real. The connection undeniable. And Lyka was about to step into his world, whether she knew it yet or not.
Back on the street, I couldn't contain my excitement. I ran faster, dodging a cyclist, ponytail flying. My heart felt light and free. Every step brought me closer to Parker, to the one I'd dreamed about.
"Come on, Lyka," I whispered, grinning. "Hurry up before he thinks I'm not coming."
And somewhere across town, Parker felt it too—the invisible thread snapping tight. Their paths were converging. The world seemed smaller, until it was just the two of them, heading straight toward each other.
I didn't know yet that the road ahead would twist, that betrayal and secrets waited. But for now, this morning was just excitement, anticipation, and the rush of finally meeting the person I'd been thinking about all night.