Chapter 2

"Don't do that here."

Goddess, his voice, the voice of a god, not like Zeus or Poseidon, but like Hades, like Ares, if what I'm saying is even making sense. Not only filled with power, deep and husky, but also dark and mysterious, holding a sense of authority that you don't want to mess with, one who could kill you in one punch.

Snapping my head back up, I'm surprised to see his eyes still the same familiar golden that I've fallen for instantly.

"I'm sorry, my Kin-

"Leo."

"Leo?" That's his name, that I know and have known since he took the throne, but never, not in millions of years, thought that the Alpha King would have me call him by his first name and nothing else. "I'm sorry, Sir, but I must be going. Thank you for your good deed," I thank, watching as his jaw clenches. Oh man, the jaw line, the sharp features.

His chocolate brown locks look thick and silky, easily combed back yet messy from the wind, his shoulders broad, height taller than I would have even thought of based upon pictures, and his body....don't get me started on the toned and beautiful body of a man who works very well on it.

My wolf thinks about just taking a peek, lifting up that dress shirt as items tucked and seeing the row of abs he has.

"Name?"

"Lyra Opitz, Sir."

"Sir?" He's getting irritated, his eyes beginning to darken as my skin pales.

"...Leo."

He looks relieved to hear that, his name, his eyes going back to that beautiful shade as his eyes take in my body, from my brown hair in a massive mess from my hard work day, to my brown eyes, to my body that's hidden behind a pair of jeans and a thick jacket. No doubt you can tell between us two who had money and who is struggling just enough for a meal.

Suddenly, out of no where, my arm is taken, not harshly, but enough that he's got my attention, pulling me away from the man and closer to him. "Alp-Leo, where am I going? I have to get back-

He pulls me with him towards a car parked by the park, a Maserati parked with some people staring. "I have to go home."

"You look old enough to have a mate, to have found one, am I correct?"

I freeze, my body tensing as he awaits my answer. "Yes, I have found mine."

His eyes darken. "Yet you do not bear his mark." My throat becomes dry as I give him a hesitant nod. "Why is that?"

The car unlocks and he walks around to the passenger side, opening the door for me.

"Where am I going?"

"Answer the damn question," he snaps, his voice deep as he awaits me, his eyes becoming black as his body becomes stuff.

"I was rejected. Where am I going?"

He grabs my arm, practically thrusting me into the car and shuts the door. The leather against my skin makes me take in just where I am, the car I'm in, and the fear of that I have no clue what is going on.

"You, Lyra," he begins as he hops in, turning on the car, right away speeding out as he drives like a mad man around the fairly traffic. "Are coming back with me... to the palace."

"Why?" I ask, watching as his eyes meet mine, one of his hands brushing a strand of hair away from my face, the left side of my neck exposed. His fingers trace where the crook of my neck is, tracing patterns upon the flesh as my wolf hums.

"Because," he begins once more, looking deep into my eyes as his fingers stop upon my skin. "You're mine."

***

It massive, beyond perfect, not a flaw in sight, and set up just how I've heard it to be. Whenever the Alpha or an Elder from my pack would visit, I would always crowd around them as they described the beauty of the land and building. They would express in beautiful words the appearance of the grand hall, the throne room, the gardens, and so much more as I dreamt I was the one walking through the halls and staring up above at the sky-tall ceiling.

And now, as I look upon the massive structure for the first time, my heart skips a beat and my soul feels heavy.

The palace is gorgeous beyond what I would picture it to be. Surrounded by an enchanted wall crafted centuries ago, only those of a supernatural race can see it. If a human passes by, they simple are teleported to the opposite side (which humans finding the castle means they must be very lost).

"I'm glad you like it."

I'm brought back into reality as those golden eyes meet mine, reminding me what is happening. How I was let go of today at work, had my purse stolen, and then, out of all the chance in the world, ran into the Alpha King. But not only that, no, he also practically threw me into his car and said I was 'his.' Whatever his reasons are, they had better be damn good.

"It's a masterpiece, anyone would fall in love with it."

The air tenses as I notice his hands grip the wheel a bit tighter. "Some people grow a tolerance for it." Not responding, I look outside once more, the tall and thick trees isolating us from the human world, the luscious green leaves making me think of Spring.

As the car drives on, a bridge awaits, one of light brown stone that goes over a river, one alive with a current and fish, the water crystal clear. The castle is located on a rather big circle of land on the muddle of a massive lake, one built by elves centuries upon centuries ago. I've heard of the magical building of this place, how mermaids still swim in the waters and elves provide the Wolf Council wisdom.

"Tell me, Lyra, who was this man to reject you."