Found By The Lycan King novel Chapter 3

ADRIANA’S POV

I stand at the edge of the grand ballroom, my eyes scanning the crowd of lycans and werewolves milling about. I had always been uncomfortable at these kinds of parties, especially ones thrown by my father, but tonight was different. I knew that the main event was not the celebration of my upcoming marriage, but rather the presentation of myself to the Lycan King as his bride.

It was usually a thing of joy for the alpha’s daughter to be given away, no less to a renowned king. I was nothing like those smiley brides. Dread pooled in the pit of my stomach at the prospect of being given away to the lycan king. They called it a wedding but I knew better than. My father gave me away like property, to a terrible man no less.

I wasn't about to get married to an amazing man. I have heard rumors about the king's appetite for women, about the harem of concubines he kept in his palace. Happiness was nowhere in sight for me, and I made the decision to run away as soon as the opportunity presented itself.

I glanced around surreptitiously, trying to gauge when would be the best time to make my escape. I had already packed a small bag with the little bit of money I had managed to save over the years, enough to get me to the next town where I could hopefully find my way to a human community. I have never fit in with the wolves, maybe I would have better luck there.

No one minded me as I kept to myself. They may be trying to put on a show for the lycan king and his people, making it seem like I was the alpha’s most prized possession. His only daughter, when in reality, they all hated me and are probably celebrating my doom. That is what this marriage would be like.

They still kept to themselves too, no one trying to be overly nice to me, because they simply couldn't hide their disdain for me.

The music had reached a crescendo and the crowd was focused on the dance floor. I took a deep breath and started to edge my way towards the door, trying to blend in with the crowd as much as possible.

I had almost made it to the exit when a hand closed around my arm, pulling me back roughly. I turned to see my father standing there, a look of disappointment on his face.

"Where do you think you're going?" he spat, his voice stern.

"I-I just needed some air," I stammered, trying to pull away from his grip.

"You're not going anywhere," my father said, his tone final. His grip tightened like I would be dumb enough to try and free myself. “You had better get rid of any notions of you walking out of this, do you understand?” he whispered. It was a room full of beings with supernatural hearing, he knew better than to raise his voice. I nodded sharply, not wanting to annoy him.

My heart sank. I had known it would be difficult to escape, but I had hoped that I might be able to slip away unnoticed. Now it seems that my father has his eyes on me since he thinks I would plan to run.

“Don’t try anything stupid, Adriana or so help me–”his grip was punishing.

Tears welled up in my eyes as my father dragged me back towards the more crowded part of the ballroom, where everyone's eyes were on me. I wouldn't even make it to three steps before getting caught.

The music came to a sudden stop and all eyes turned towards us when we reached the edge of the dance floor and toward the makeshift stage. That was where I caught sight of the lycan king. Oh no.

My worst fears became a reality when my father led me directly to where the Lycan King stood with a group of his advisors. My blood turned cold with every step we took closer to them.

The king was a tall, muscular man with piercing eyes and a cruel smile that sent shivers down my spine. Lycans were ruthless and cruel, and Alpha Xander was no different. He had no love or compassion for anyone, and he ruled with an iron fist. People didn’t like talking about him, as they made bringing him up be almost like blasphemy.

"Ah, there you are," the deep, booming voice belonged to the king, it made something in me tremble. His aura was commanding, intimidating, frightening, all of the above and some more than I haven't thought of yet.

My father pushed me forward slightly, I managed not to trip and when I looked up, the Lycan King stood before me, a smug smile on his face. "I've been looking forward to meeting you, my dear." he said, his tone slightly condescending as he said the words. "I have heard much about your beauty. I am pleased to finally see it for myself."

My father beamed with pride at the compliment, but I felt nothing but disgust. I knew what the Lycan King wanted from me, and it wasn't just my beauty. It was rumored that he had a harem of women at his disposal, whom he used for his own twisted pleasure. It was something he wasn't afraid to show.

My stomach twisted at the thought of being part of those unfortunate women. Having to live as nothing more than a toy for him to play with. He was smiling but there was an underlying darkness around him.

"I-I can't do this," I whispered through the mindlink, turning to my father with pleading eyes.

"You can and you will, Adriana. Stop being a brat." The words were a cold warning. Tears stung my eyes but I managed to blink them away. I didn't know what he would do to me if I dared to let them fall.