Two

If there was one word that could describe the Lycan King’s estate, it was "perfect."

Marcus had done well for himself, owning factories that manufactured building materials. But standing here, taking in the beauty of the place made Marcus’s success seem like a joke.

The guards drove me into the capital district, and the air felt thick with power and money. Every corner held evidence of extreme wealth—luxurious villas and large, endless estates. I questioned my sanity for being here, wondering what kind of mess I had stumbled into, yet I couldn't ignore the beauty of the pack grounds.

The van pulled to a stop in front of the estate’s centerpiece: an alpha’s mansion—no, a castle, gleaming under the sunlight with its white marble walls. It looked like a beautiful painting come to life. My legs felt like they weren’t mine as I stepped down, guided by the guards.

We approached the grand entrance, and the doorman’s face brightened the moment he spotted me. "Your majesty! Thank the heavens you’re alive. We thought we’d lost you!"

Before I could even respond, one of the guards snapped, "Move aside. Can’t you see she’s exhausted?"

I froze at the doorway, unsure of what I was doing. What if this was a trap to kill me?

Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!

"I don’t think I should go in," I trembled, begging them with my eyes. 

The guards exchanged confused glances, and one whispered that I must have been drugged or hit during the rogue attack. 

I gathered my thoughts, ready to tell them they had made a mistake. I wasn’t their queen. I was just a banished ex-Luna, unworthy of this place. But before I could speak, an excited male voice echoed down the grand staircase.

My heart stopped as the Lycan King descended. His powerful form radiated a raw authority. He was a young king, possibly in his late twenties. His eyes, soft and tender, held me captive.

When he got closer, something new stirred inside me. My wolf grew restless, almost eager, and responded to his presence like she’d found something she had long been searching for.

“Darling, is that you?” His voice, rich and full of warmth, wrapped around me.

Oh, God.

My body reacted before my mind could catch up. A jolt shot through me, and my wolf leapt with joy. I sniffed the air, and there it was—a mate bond!

This Lycan King, this stranger, was my mate.

He stopped in his tracks, and his eyes widened with joy as the bond hit him too. "You’re my mate," he whispered, with a voice filled with wonder. "Can you feel it?"

He rushed over and cupped my chin as if I were the most precious thing in the world. His touch and gaze made me want to break down and cry. This stranger had more affection in his eyes than Marcus ever did. Even when Marcus and I were at our best, he had never looked at me like this.

“I can’t believe we’ve been married for six years without feeling this,” he said, grinning. “Our bond is finally complete. This will put an end to all our fights.”

The guards and doorman quickly disappeared at the King's command, leaving just the two of us. He pulled me into his arms, wrapping me in a tight embrace. His scent waa earthy, masculine, and intoxicating. My body betrayed me and melted into his hold even as my mind screamed that this was wrong.

I stiffened in his arms, suddenly reminded that his real wife could be in danger. And here I was, tangled in a bond that wasn’t mine to claim. I pulled back, trying to clear my head. “I need to tell you something,” I started, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Hush, Lila,” he cut me off gently. “There’s no need for explanations right now. I know you feel sorry for disobeying me, but I’m just glad you’re home.”

Lila? 

I wanted to scream and shout the truth. But my throat closed up, as if speaking would shatter whatever illusion this was. How could I explain this mix-up when he clearly believed I was his wife?

He searched my face and his fingers brushed over my cheek. "Did the rogues touch you? I'll make them pay. I swear on my life.”

His touch made my skin hum, and instead of confessing the truth, I remained silent. He scanned me for injuries, then cupped my face in his palms.

"I know we considered ending our marriage after our last fight, but we're mates now. You're more than just the love of my life– you're my everything.”

This was utter madness. It seemed we'd mirrored each other's lives - he and his wife were on the edge of divorce, just like Marcus and I had. 

Was this some twisted parallel universe? I pinched myself, desperate to confirm reality. 

He sounded so sincere and devoted. Telling him I wasn't his ‘Lila’ would break him. His wife was probably dead. I'd have to make a desperate escape after dinner. 

He led me deeper into the house, into a huge living room. I sat on a cream-colored couch, hating that I'd stain it.

“I told the boys you’d be back soon,” he said, a smile tugging at his lips. “Your parents begged me to get the boys to them, but I needed them by my side. They’re only five, after all.”

"The boys?" The words slipped out before I could stop them.

He nodded, ringing a small bell that echoed upstairs. "Let's not ever talk about what happened in the past. Our bond will heal everything. I know you’ll love me unconditionally now."

Two small figures rushed into the room, wearing matching superhero pajamas. "Mommy!" they yelled, their tiny feet pounding against the marble floor as they ran toward me.

I flinched as they barreled into me and wrapped their arms around my legs. "Mommy’s back!"

I blinked hard. The boys were miniature versions of the king—same dark hair and hazel eyes. But how could they not recognize that I wasn’t their mother?

"Mommy, why is your hair messy?" one of them asked, his tiny fingers pulling at my tangled strands.

"Mommy, why are your clothes dirty?" the other added, cuddling closer.

"Mommy, why aren’t you laughing?"

The king watched me with pure adoration. "Boys, give your mother some space. She’s had a long day."

They clung to me as if I would disappear. How could these children not know the difference between me and their real mother?

More importantly, how was I supposed to untangle myself from this mess?