Mysterious mate to the lycan prince (Addison and Max) novel Chapter 3

**The Crimson Oath — Bryan Foster**
**Chapter 3**

Max

Tyler and I had only just returned to the palace after our extensive travels across the globe, a quest that had consumed us in search of our destined mates. Yet, despite our tireless efforts, we found ourselves empty-handed and frustrated.

With the weight of the Lycan crown looming over me, I was acutely aware that I needed to find my mate before stepping into my father’s shoes as king. The upcoming competition, which had drawn a multitude of participants from various schools, seemed like the perfect opportunity. I was convinced that amidst the fierce contenders, I would finally discover the one meant for me.

While the other participants were led to believe that the grand prize was merely a full scholarship to the Academy of Warriors—an enticing prospect in its own right—my true intention for entering the competition was different. I wanted to witness the strongest girls engage in battle, to assess their capabilities, and ultimately, to select my mate from among them. It was crucial that she be someone with whom Koa, my wolf, would resonate, someone who was not just a pretty face but a fierce warrior in her own right.

In the moments I had spent observing Addison, particularly when she demonstrated her remarkable bravery, I had come to the conclusion that she possessed the qualities I sought. Yet, it wasn’t just her strength that attracted me; there was something about her that I genuinely liked.

After lingering too long in the tree, I felt the urge for a change of scenery.

As I leaped from the branch, landing with a firm thud that caused a slight crack to form in the ground beneath me, I reminded myself to be cautious. It was imperative that no one discovered just how powerful Tyler and I truly were.

When I stood up, I was met with the familiar sight of girls swooning at my presence, and I couldn’t help but huff in exasperation. This reaction had become all too predictable, a constant occurrence at every werewolf school Tyler and I had visited for the Warrior Selection Competition.

“Who is he?” one girl whispered, her eyes wide with admiration.

“I don’t know, but he’s so tall and incredibly handsome! Look at those muscles!” another one gushed, her voice filled with awe.

“And just look at that luxurious black hair and jawline! His eyebrows are so dark and perfectly shaped. How is that fair? He’s absolutely stunning!”

I had heard such flattery countless times before, and it had quickly lost its charm. I certainly didn’t want a mate who would only admire me for my looks; I needed someone strong, someone worthy of ruling alongside me, not merely someone who would boast about being the mate of a handsome Lycan king.

I was confident that the competition would lead me to her, and I was determined not to let Addison slip through my fingers. But how could I approach her? I needed to talk to her, to understand her better.

Given that it was our first day at Blackbolt High, I resolved to return early the next morning to seek her out.

As the day wore on, I wanted to explore the school further, so I glanced up at my brother, still perched high in the tree.

“Tyler,” I called out.

“What?” he replied, his voice drifting down to me.

“Let’s go.”

“Go where?”

“Around the school.”

“Why?”

“To check it out.”

“We already did that this morning before anyone got here.”

“Exactly, but this time, there will be people everywhere. You’ll have plenty of pretty girls fawning over you.”

At my words, he leaped down, landing gracefully on the ground, and a few girls giggled, their eyes sparkling with admiration as they watched him.

“See? I told you,” I smirked at him.

He adjusted his leather jacket with confidence, leading the way as he said, “Let’s go.”

As we wandered through the school, the crowd’s attention was firmly on us. Tyler thrived in the spotlight, flirting effortlessly with the girls, while I remained detached, my focus on those discussing the Warrior Selection Competition. The buzz of excitement was palpable, much like it had been at every other school we had visited.

Amidst the chatter, I overheard a conversation that piqued my interest, one that revolved around Addison.

“I can’t believe Addison is the daughter of an alpha,” one guy remarked, disbelief evident in his tone.

“And to think she suffered so much bullying at this school for being a wolfless Omega,” another added, shaking his head in dismay.

“You saw her heal so quickly. What kind of wolfless Omega has that ability? I’m a Beta, and I don’t heal that fast!”

“Same here! What’s up with her?”

Even after their conversation faded, I found myself furrowing my brows in contemplation. How could she be a wolfless Omega if she healed as swiftly as Tyler and I did? And why had she never shifted?

I also pondered why she allowed herself to be bullied for so long. What was her story?

With each question swirling in my mind, my curiosity about her grew stronger. I needed to learn more about Addison and the Moon Frost Pack—how had I, a member of royalty, never heard of them before?

As we continued our stroll through the school, Tyler basked in the admiration of the girls around us. Yet, like me, he was not merely seeking a pretty face; he desired someone with exceptional skills, someone who could stand beside him as an equal.

Addison

After Cole and Dylan had taken me to lunch, we returned to Aunt Nora’s house.

Even though I had only spent a few fleeting moments there, I already felt the urge to bang my head against the outdoor table, desperate for the three of them to stop discussing what had transpired at school. I was over it, but they simply wouldn’t let it go.

“Addy, why didn’t you ever tell me you were being bullied?” Aunt Nora asked softly, taking my hand in hers.

“It was nothing I couldn’t manage. You know how quickly I heal, so everything was fine. Besides, today was just the worst of it,” I replied, trying to downplay the situation.

“And you think that makes it okay?” Cole interjected, his voice rising with frustration. “You know what? I’ll be right back.”

He stormed off, flinging the front door open, and Dylan hurried after him. I couldn’t help but wonder what was going on.

“Addie,” Aunt Nora gently called my name, and I turned to face her. “You’ve lived with me for two years because your parents trusted me to keep you safe. How could you hide this from me? I feel like I’ve failed you and them.”

Flustered, I glanced around, even checking behind me to confirm that such an attractive guy was indeed addressing me.

“I’m definitely talking to you, Addison,” he said, a hint of amusement in his tone.

I raised my eyebrows in surprise. “How do you know my name?”

“I heard it a thousand times yesterday.”

I scoffed, looking up at him incredulously. “Do I know you?”

“No, I’m Max, and I’m new here. I saw what you did yesterday for that girl named Gina.”

His gaze was intense, almost intimidating, compelling me to look away. My eyes landed on the white shirt beneath his denim jacket, which clung to his torso, accentuating the definition of his muscles.

Gathering my thoughts, I cleared my throat. “I wasn’t going to let those girls hurt Gina. I’ve dealt with them enough.”

“I even heard them mocking your interest in the competition. It’s great that someone as brave as you is willing to participate.”

“I’ve had time to think about it, and I’ve decided not to take part.”

“Why?” He shook his head, visibly frustrated by my decision.

“I just want peace.”

“No, you need to take part.” His tone was firm, leaving no room for argument.

“Uhm… I don’t even know why I’m standing here talking to you about this. I should really go.”

I stepped aside, attempting to walk away, but my heart was still racing. He was the most attractive guy I had ever encountered, and I felt strange for engaging in such a conversation with him.

However, he swiftly blocked my path again, towering over me.

“Please move out of the way.” I sighed, feeling a mix of annoyance and intrigue.

“Only after you hear me out.”

Stealing a glance at his intense expression, I hesitated but ultimately stepped aside, eager to escape. Yet, just as I took my first step forward, he spoke again.

“You don’t even realize what you’ll be missing out on if you choose not to participate.”

Curiosity piqued, I spun around, narrowing my eyes. “What do you mean?”

He approached me, his presence overwhelming. “All I can say is that the grand prize is worth more than you can imagine, and I don’t want you to miss out.”

With that, he leaped off the ground and into a tree, leaving me standing there, questioning who he was and how he seemed to possess more knowledge about the competition than anyone else. The conviction in his words about the prize left me wondering what awaited me if I chose to participate.