Marked by the Wolf King

Duncan, the mighty Wolf King had a fiancee.

I don't know why I never thought of the possibility but I was heartbroken and jealous the moment I had seen them kiss last night. As I stepped out of the bathroom, I glanced at my limited wardrobe, realizing how little I had to choose from. With a resigned shrug, I got dressed and made my way downstairs to tidy up the house. The morning light was just beginning to peek through the curtains, casting a soft glow on the room. My father's strict training had instilled in me the discipline to wake early, often enforced by his cold, ruthless wake-up calls that soaked my bed in ice water. The last thing I wanted was trouble with Duncan or his fiancee.

“Good morning,” I said respectfully as she descended the staircase, her elegant robe flowing around her like a gentle wave. “I’ve already tidied up the place. What would you like for breakfast? I can make just about anything.” I offered, a genuine smile on my lips as she walked into the kitchen.

“ What I want, is for you not to think about having any ideas. You know what you are here for. To carry a baby for me and Duncan. I trust that he has already made you sign a contract. Tell anyone about it and I will make sure that you and your entire pack pay for it.” Melissa warned as her eyes changed exposing her inner wolf.

“ Yes, ma'am. Please don't worry.” I said as I stood staring at her.

Moments later, Duncan, Melissa, and I arrived at the hospital, the sterile scent of antiseptic filling the air. While they engaged in serious conversation with the doctor, I hovered outside the door, curiosity gnawing at me. What were they uncovering? The doctor finally confirmed what I instinctively knew. My werewolf blood meant I could carry a werewolf child without issue. But still, a cold knot of fear twisted in my stomach, a lingering dread that something might still happen.

With a gentle nudge, the doctor guided me into the sterile interior, where a series of daunting tests awaited. Anxious anticipation bubbled within me as I navigated the unfamiliar procedures. But once the tests were completed, a wave of relief washed over me, momentarily banishing my worries. Knowing I had to keep my identity under wraps, I cast my gaze downward, careful to avoid any faces that might recognize me. Just as I was beginning to gather my thoughts, the unexpected happened. I collided with someone in the hallway and staggered back, hitting the ground hard.

“April?” Alpha Emmett's voice echoed loudly by the reception of the hotel, his gaze locking onto mine. I instinctively averted my eyes, but it was too late. He had already caught sight of my unease. “It’s really you. What’s going on? Are you feeling unwell?” His grip tightened around my hand, sending a wave of discomfort coursing through me.

Duncan strode over without hesitation, smoothly stepping between us as he slipped my hand out of Emmett’s grasp, pulling me firmly to his side. "There’s nothing wrong with April," he stated flatly, fixing Emmett with a hard stare. "So, what brings you here? Are you ill?" His tone was far from sympathetic.

“Greetings, Wolf King. I'm here to get to get the results of my monthly checkup,” Emmett said before a smile formed on his lips as he stared at Duncan's fiancee. “ Melissa, you're here.”

Melissa gave Emmett a shy nod, her eyes lingering on him in a way that seemed to hold more than just politeness. I couldn’t ignore the tension simmering between Emmett and Duncan since that explosive scene at the auction; it was clear their relationship was anything but cordial. As we were about to leave, Emmett’s hand slid a piece of paper into Melissa’s so swiftly it almost looked accidental. Seeing as Melissa hid the paper, I couldn't help but narrow my eyes. What exactly was their relationship?

We reached the car, just about to drive away, when Melissa leaned in, whispering something into Duncan’s ear. A wave of suspicion washed over me, stirring an unsettling feeling in my gut. It wasn’t my place to meddle, yet their private exchange clawed at my mind, leaving me anxious and conflicted about whether to tell Duncan or not.

“Where’s your fiancée?” I asked as Duncan slid into the driver’s seat.

“ She has something to tend to. Let's go home. Tonight's the full moon.” Duncan said as he started the car.

The full moon had always been a night of dread for me. The one time werewolves were forced to shift into their most powerful, untamed forms. Their transformations were beyond their control, keeping them bound to their wolves until dawn. As soon as we reached home, Duncan warned me to lock myself in my room and not come out until morning. Dusk was settling over the silent house, and I couldn’t shake the nagging curiosity about what was happening outside. Part of me yearned to glimpse Duncan’s wolf, the legendary king who could compel even the strongest Alphas to submit.

Then, there was Melissa. Why wasn’t she with her mate tonight? My mind raced back to the events from earlier, and a sense of unease crept in. Something didn’t feel right. Suddenly, a deep, guttural growl shattered the silence, sending a chill down my spine. That was when I realized the change had begun. I curled up by the window, and that’s when I saw her. Melissa, sneaking out, her face twisted in pain.

A few seconds later, shadows loomed, massive wolves encircling the house, their glowing eyes cutting through the darkness like silent threats. I caught sight of one, its gaze locking with mine, and a chill raced down my spine.

“Emmett…” I breathed, barely daring to voice his name. My heart thundered as I dashed out of my room, every instinct screaming as I flew down the stairs.

Halfway down, I caught sight of Duncan, sprawled on the floor, writhing in agony. He was drenched in sweat, his body twisted as though trapped between forms, his muscles tense, resisting some unseen force. Only his eyes had changed, glowing with a dangerous, feverish light that was barely human, barely him.

“Wolf King,” I gasped, dropping to my knees beside him, my voice barely steady. “Duncan, what’s happening?” My hand hovered over him, desperate to help, but before I could react, he lunged at me. Fangs flashing in the dim light and his teeth sank into my neck.

A sharp pain seared through me as I stumbled back, pressing a hand to the wound, feeling the pulse of his bite. It was small, barely a mark… but the meaning struck me like a thunderbolt.

Duncan had marked me.