Chapter 4

• Ford’s POV
• "You've barged into my territory and still want to run?"
• I gazed at the woman in front of me, her body bare and trembling like a frightened rabbit. She seemed to be the only surprise in my weary and numb day.
• Today was my mating ceremony. A sigh escaped my lips as I made my way to the exit, sneaking out unnoticed.
• I had grown weary of interactions today. Smiling at everyone and responding in a gentle tone had been a considerable act. But it was necessary to appear perfect, at least until I was on the throne.
• The title of Lycan King meant everything to me.
• I was the second son of Lycan King Charles and deserved the crown more than my other brothers.
• My mother, Queen Karida and the Lycan King have three biological sons.
• My half-brother, the third Prince Lucas, he was the son of the former queen and he was a mess, by all accounts, he should be the crown prince. But he was cold and heartless, not fit for the throne.
• My mother was the fated mate of the Lycan King, and he clearly favored the three of us brothers, but...my eldest full brother Jack was cruel and lecherous, doing whatever suited his desires. My youngest brother Julian has been away for years, undergoing combat training and is not in the palace.
• So, I had to appear perfect and kind—qualities that would be ideal for the Lycan King. But now, I was growing exhausted with this facade of kindness. Sometimes, I wanted to be myself, to do whatever I pleased.
• That’s when someone tried to link me, and my soon-to-be wife and mate’s voice appeared on the link.
• “Molly!” I rolled my eyes.
• After waiting for my fated mate for years, I had to settle for a chosen mate when my father planned to strengthen the relationship between our kingdom and the Red Moon Pack by marrying me to the alpha’s daughter and greatest warrior, Molly.
• “My dress got delivered. I am so excited to wear it,” she said on the other end of the call, making me look up at the sky and wonder if my fated mate might be somewhere waiting for me.
• “Hmm, that’s great. I’m sure you’ll look like the most beautiful bride ever,” I responded with a feigned soft and calming tone, pretending to care about her dress or this wedding.
• “I can’t wait to wear it and show it to you—” I had to interrupt her chatter, or she would waste my time.
• “Actually, I am in the middle of something important. I’ll speak to you when I’m free, okay? Bye!” I ended our link.
• I had only seen her around when she was dating my brother Lucas. I never quite liked her, but once again, I bowed my head to my father just for the crown.
• As I reached the lake where I usually spent my time, I realized I wasn’t alone that night.
• The water splashed, and my curiosity was piqued. I heard a splash, followed by the sound of water dripping. My heart raced as I realized that someone was in the lake.
• I hid behind a nearby tree, my curiosity piqued. I peeked out cautiously, and to my astonishment, a completely naked woman emerged from the water.
• “Oh!” The moment her upper body emerged from the water, I felt my throat dry up. It was a stunningly beautiful naked woman. Her crimson hair shimmered under the moonlight, and her deep blue eyes stared at her own reflection.
• I hid behind a tree when she noticed my presence. It puzzled me that I hadn’t detected her scent upon arriving at the lake.
• After a few minutes, she emerged from the water, completely naked. Her full breasts and rosy nipples were mesmerizing, making me ache to taste them. Her perfectly shaped ass and thighs drove me to distraction.
• As she stood facing away, I stepped out from behind the tree and approached her. The moment my proximity made her uncomfortable, I realized she was shy.
• I couldn’t control myself as I moved closer to her. By the time I came to my senses, I was already standing behind her.
• She seemed very frightened, standing still and unmoving. Her alluring curves lured me closer until my hand reached her waist, eventually moving up to her shoulder. I felt her trembling, and as my hand roamed, she held her breath.
• It wasn’t until my hard 9-inch member pressed against her that she turned around with a look of sheer terror.
• She was a woman unlike anyone I had ever seen. She was breathtaking, with a beauty that could mesmerize anyone.
• “Who are you? What are you doing here?” I snapped back to reality and questioned her. I was still holding her wrists, feeling the little shivers running through her.
• She remained silent, her large blue eyes fixed on my face, driving me mad. My arousal became evident, pressing against her thigh, and I knew she noticed because she inched closer to herself.
• “I need to know which careless little bunny accidentally stumbled into my secret lair.” I said, now using my most charming and seductive tone.
• My hands held her wrists firmly, ensuring she couldn’t cover herself and obstruct my view of the majestic beauty before me.
• Pinning her hands behind her back with one hand, I pulled her closer, and a yelp escaped her lips. She seemed timid and scared.
• With my free hand, I decided to explore her body. Gently caressing her arm, I reached for her neck and pushed her hair back.
• My eyes fell upon a mark, and it took me by surprise. This woman had no scent, yet she was marked? And why did the mark make me uneasy?
• Then I remembered what was significant about this mark. I could smell the scent of my own brother on this mark, Prince Lucas.
• A smirk crept onto my lips as I realized I was holding my poor brother's woman naked.
• How did this always end up happening? I wanted to laugh because the Moon Goddess must be enjoying giving me my brother’s woman time and again.
• But there was something special about this one.
• I released her hands and traced my fingers down her stomach, then across her waist, holding her close. To prevent our bodies from getting too close, she had to place her hands on my chest, and the warmth I felt from that touch was undeniable.
• I lowered my head to her neck and licked her mark, causing her to take a deep breath. Her breasts lifted as she inhaled, intensifying my hunger.
• “Sweet woman, what were you doing here?” I asked, my voice low.
• She gulped before answering, “I came here—for a swim—”
• “You know this place is dangerous for a delicate and beautiful woman like you. And on top of that, you’re not even wearing any clothes,” I said, my face just an inch from hers. My hands traced her back and then down to her ass.
• “I didn’t know—” She flinched at the feel of my hands on her gentle rear.
• “Now you know. But how come I’ve never seen you in my kingdom before?” I watched her bite her bottom lip as my finger traced down her ass crack, reaching for her perfect hole.
• Her lack of resistance and shivering confirmed that she wouldn’t dare to fight back, but why? What was she so afraid of?
• One would think a woman so beautiful would go to great lengths to protect herself from a stranger’s touch. Who was she? Why was she so meek?
• "Are you my brother's mistress? Or some sort of bed partner?" I stared at her, thoroughly enjoying her panicked expression.
• "Your brother? I don't know who your brother is. Please... let me go," she pleaded, her doe-like eyes wide and confused as she looked at me.
• "You don’t know that the one who marked you is our..."
• My words were interrupted by another woman’s loud, sharp voice.
• “Anna! Anna, where did you go?”
• The girl before me quickly glanced around, and it was then I understood her name was Anna.
• “I need to go,” she said, almost pleading. Of course, I couldn’t make her stay with people looking for her. It would look bad for me to be this close to a naked, distressed woman when I was getting married to an alpha’s daughter the next day.
• “Go!” I shrugged and withdrew my hands. But the moment she attempted to flee, I grabbed her wrist and pulled her back, her body pressing hard against mine.
• “Sweet Little Anna, you are free for now. But I will come to collect what you owe me later.”
• With that, I released her.
• It seems she doesn't know that it was my brother who marked her. This situation is turning out to be quite interesting.
• My brother Lucas... how could he make such a rookie mistake...
• Of course, I meant every word I said.
• I would not let her go easily, not when she was this stunning and marked by my brother.