Mysterious mate to the lycan prince (Addison and Max) novel Chapter 11

**The Crimson Oath — Bryan Foster**

**Chapter 11**

**Addison**

The moment my fingers brushed against Max’s skin, a wave of discomfort washed over me. It was as if Saga, my inner force, was awakening with a fierce intensity. I couldn’t help but snarl at him, the primal urge bubbling to the surface, and I could see that Max was equally affected, his own snarl echoing back at me, powerful and dominating in its resonance.

Feeling overwhelmed, I yanked my hand away from his, the snarling subsiding as the surge of Saga began to recede. Yet, I could still sense her emotions swirling within me—anger and confusion were at the forefront of her feelings. The only other time she had surged like this was when I had stood up for Gina, driven by righteous fury. But how could this happen just from a simple touch with Max?

Whatever had transpired between us left a bitter taste in my mouth, igniting a desperate need to distance myself from him.

“I…I need to go,” I stammered, my gaze fixed on the ground, unwilling to meet his eyes. I pivoted on my heel, ready to escape.

“Addison—” he started, his voice laced with concern.

“I said I have to go.” My words came out through clenched teeth, the effort to suppress my emotions almost palpable.

Without glancing back, I hurried toward the building’s entrance, where I spotted Gina waiting for me. She waved enthusiastically, her smile brightening the dimness that had settled over me. But as I drew closer, her expression shifted, and I could tell she sensed something was off. My breath was coming in uneven gasps, and I felt my claws threatening to emerge from my fingertips.

“Hey, is everything okay?” she asked, her voice laced with concern as she kept a cautious distance, clearly wanting to bridge the gap.

Though her question echoed in my mind, all I could think about was Saga. “Saga, what just happened?” I whispered internally, desperate for clarity.

“I’m not sure,” she replied, her voice tinged with uncertainty. “But there was something about Koa that triggered me. I just can’t pinpoint it.”

Saga’s response only deepened my unease, especially as my thoughts drifted back to Max. I could feel the remnants of his touch lingering on my skin, even though I desperately wished to shake it off. There was a force within me resisting this connection, and I fervently hoped it would never resurface.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I managed to regain my composure. I tucked my claws away and focused on steadying my breath.

“I’m fine,” I assured Gina, forcing a smile.

“Are you sure? It didn’t seem that way to me,” she replied, her brow furrowed with worry.

“I’m fine.” I nodded, attempting to project confidence.

Just as she opened her mouth to reply, her eyes widened in alarm as she glanced behind me. I could sense the shift in her demeanor—she was uncomfortable yet trying to stifle a laugh. I knew without looking that Ruby was nearby. I could only pick up her scent once I had calmed my senses.

Without turning around, I grasped Gina’s hand firmly. “Let’s get to class,” I urged, wanting to escape the impending confrontation.

“What’s wrong?” Ruby scoffed from behind us, her voice dripping with mockery. “Are you scared?”

In the past, Ruby’s taunts would have elicited laughter and support from her followers, but today was different. After everything that had transpired, especially the humiliation I had faced on Saturday, the crowd surrounding her merely shook their heads, no longer entertained by her antics.

Choosing to ignore her, I focused on my conversation with Gina as we navigated through the hallway.

I could hear Ruby’s insults trailing behind us, calling me names that no longer held power over me.

“Just wait until my father shows up! You’ll regret ever coming to this school!” she shouted, her voice filled with empty threats.

I rolled my eyes, exasperated by her belief that invoking her father would intimidate me. If anything, it only piqued my curiosity. My father had mentioned knowing Ruby’s father—perhaps I would get the chance to meet him sooner rather than later.

“She’s not my g—”

“Yeah, I know. But honestly, you both are acting a little weird after this morning,” he remarked, raising an eyebrow.

I sighed, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. “I need to figure this out today, no matter what.”

As I scanned the crowd of participants, my heart sank when I didn’t see Addison. That is, until her scent wafted through the air, pulling me toward the exit. My instincts urged me to go after her before she mingled with the other contestants. But just as I turned, Tyler’s hand landed on my shoulder, grounding me.

“Don’t do it. Just breathe,” he advised, his tone steady.

I clenched my jaw, frustration radiating from me. “It’s just that no one has ever made me feel this way before.”

“You can talk to her later. Right now, we’re participants. You’ll have your chance,” he reassured me.

Fighting the urge to chase after her, I remained rooted in place, watching as she joined the other competitors. Our eyes met briefly before she looked away, and I noted that she wasn’t carrying her phone. I wished she had it, just so I could tell her not to avoid me.

I found a strange comfort in observing her, but my focus shattered when Ruby stepped in front of her, flipping her hair with exaggerated flair. The sight was infuriating, and I felt the urge to demand she step aside. But I wasn’t here as a prince; I had to play my role.

The first task involved scouring the school grounds for name tags attached to papers submitted by each participant. It was a straightforward challenge for anyone with a keen sense of smell. Those who failed to find theirs in time would be eliminated.

As soon as the crowd dispersed, I set my sights on Addison. Each time I called out to her, she quickened her pace, evading me. The last thing I wanted was to sprint and reveal just how fast I could run. I needed a different strategy to capture her attention, so I leaped into the air, landing directly in her path.

The moment she spotted me, her expression twisted into a snarl, her anger palpable.

“Stay back!” she commanded, her tone fierce and unyielding.