Alpha’s Regret: Marked By The Lycan King Novel – “That mating mark on your neck hasn’t been activated.” “What?” I asked, pausing. “That can’t be right.” “Just look at the color,” Oliver, the wandering doctor I had just saved, gestured to my mark. “It’s red and raw. The wound will not heal until you have physically mated with the wolf who marked you.” My heart skipped a beat. All of a sudden, I felt hollow and lost. There was a persistent ringing in my ears. “Are you alright, Miss?” Oliver asked. “You look pale.” “I’ve been with my mate for years! Now you’re saying…” I had been with my mate, Asher Daniels, for three years. Even though we weren’t fated mates, our relationship had been stable for the course of our marriage. Before I became his chosen mate, I had been living with his family since I was seven. I had no memories of my life before that. Asher’s family took me in. When he proposed, I said yes immediately.
I had never doubted his love for me. He was sweet and provided me with everything I needed. More importantly, he didn’t care that I was an orphan. He was the Alpha’s heir and soon to be the next Alpha of the Moonveil Pack. Yet, Asher never cared that I was wolfless. “There’s another thing,” the doctor said. “You said your name was Estelle?” I nodded. “If you don’t mind me asking, do you know your parents?” Oliver asked. This time, I shook my head. Oliver handed me an old photo. It was a photo of himself back in his youth, standing next to a man. One look had my breath catching in my throat. The resemblance between the man in the photo and me was unmistakable. “If you don’t mind, I would like to test a strand of your hair,” he said excitedly. “I think you may be the daughter of James Harper.” My eyes widened at that name.
James Harper. He was the Alpha of the Blackmoon Pack, one of the strongest, wealthiest packs across the continent, before his death two weeks ago. “You’re aware that he has passed, yes?” the doctor continued. I stiffly nodded. “Before his death, James listed his only daughter as his heir. Until she eventually finds her true mate, at least.” He continued, “I’ll need to test your DNA to be sure, but it’s highly likely to be a match.” He then paused and looked pointedly at my neck. “Maybe you would like to speak with your mate first. This concerns both of your futures as the Alpha and Luna of the Blackmoon Pack.” I nodded stiffly. Oliver gave me his number and said he would be in contact. Then, he returned to the Blackmoon Pack. Asher’s face flashed through my mind. I left home immediately and rushed to his office at the pack house. My heart hammered against my ribs. I needed answers from Asher. I needed the truth.
But as I approached his office door, voices drifted out. “When will you announce to the pack that we’re mated?” It was a woman’s voice, sultry and impatient. I froze upon hearing a woman’s voice. “Soon, Hazel,” Asher’s familiar tone responded. “Once I officially take over as the Alpha of the Moonveil Pack.” I recognized that name. Hazel Banner was the daughter of the previous Beta, the second-in-command to Asher’s father. As a result, her family has been a close family friend for years. I could still recall the time she stayed over when she found out her fated mate had passed away. She sought comfort in Asher’s arms. At that time, we weren’t together yet, and I didn’t think too much about it. Soon after, her family left Moonveil, but I never knew why. “I’m tired of waiting, Asher,” she whined. “Why should I watch her play Luna while I hide in the shadows? I’m supposed to be your fated mate!” “I know, baby,” Asher sweetly said.
It was the same tone he used with me. “Once I become the Alpha, no one can tear us apart. We’ll get rid of Estelle, and it will just be the three of us.” Three of them. Were they plotting to take Finn too? The words hit me like physical blows. My breathing became shallow. Every conversation, every tender moment, every promise Asher had made had all been lies. I stumbled out of the pack house, my vision blurring. My phone rang just then. Oliver’s number flashed on the screen. “The DNA is a match,” his voice came through clearly. “You’re definitely James Harper’s daughter. Will you be bringing your mate when you come to claim your inheritance, or your children? The inheritance process will be a little different if so—” “I don’t have a mate,” I said quietly, touching the dormant mark. “Or children. I’ll be coming alone.” I had no clue who actually marked me since Asher didn’t.
That was a question I didn’t want answered for now. My stomach rolled in disgust at the thought. It could be anyone. “I see. I’ll prepare the necessary documents.” I ended the call just as footsteps approached from behind. “Estelle!” Asher’s panicked voice made me turn. His face was flushed, his eyes wide with worry. “I smelled your scent near the office. You weren’t… You didn’t go inside, did you?” I forced my expression to remain neutral. “I just got here. Why?” Relief flooded his features. “Good. Perfect timing, actually.
There’s something important I need to discuss with you.” “What is it?” I asked. Just then, a car rolled into the driveway. Out stepped Finn from the backseat. The moment he alighted, he wore a bright smile on his face, causing me to do a double-take. In three years of raising him, he had never smiled at me before. “Hazel!” he exclaimed. Then, he ran right past me. When I turned, I realized that Hazel had appeared outside. She happily hugged Finn.