Chapter 2

• Olivia Perspective
• I ran for what seemed like an eternity, and when I came to a precipice, I decided to end it all. I inhaled deeply and leaped over the brink....
• I'm hoping that the darkness will overcome me and lift my gloomy state. I froze as I saw an unexpected movement in the shadows. A deep, rumbling growl was accompanied by brilliant crimson eyes that peered out of the shadows. I gasped for air when I realized it was a Lycan, one of the rare strong alpha werewolves. Nate has a twin brother named Alpha Bustane.
• I could feel his hands encircling my waist.
• My heart quickened as I opened my eyes wide and saw a series of stunning gray orbs that captivated me. "What are you doing out here, little wolf?" was the query in his deep, rumbling voice. "This is not the place for you."
• As our gazes met, I felt a profound shift deep within my spirit, one that would forever change the trajectory of my life.
• Everything in me hammered as Bustane's piercing gray eyes drilled into me. Up close, I could see how strong he was—broad shoulders, chiseled jaw, and an air of total alpha dominance. I shivered under his look, trying to find my voice.
• "I...I was..." I mumbled hopelessly.
• Bustane frowned his brow, clearly not happy that I had said nothing. In one swift stroke, he lifted me into his arms as if I were weightless. The sudden contact made me gasp, my cheeks burning hot.
• "I believe you emanate pain and despair, my dear," he said, his words echoing across my skin. "What would drive a she-wolf to the cliffs on a night like this?"
• I averted my sight, too embarrassed to meet those penetrating eyes. How could I admit to the sovereign alpha king that I had attempted suicide? That I was so fragile and broken?
• Bustane grasped my chin tightly, pushing me to look at him again. "Speak truthfully, Luna. "I can see the pain leaking from your soul."
• Trapped by his domineering look, the facts poured out in a frantic rush. "Nate rejected me. We broke our mating link. I... I have nothing else to live for."
• Bustane's countenance conveyed an unfathomable feeling. When he spoke again, his tone was gentle yet firm. "You might have been dumped once, little wolf. But your existence is valuable beyond what any single alpha decrees."
• Everything he said rocked me to the core. Tears welled in my eyes as a glimmer of hope appeared in my chest for the first time since Nate's brutal abandonment. Bustane looked at me with an intensity that both intimidated and fascinated me.
• "Come," he said simply, turning to walk back into the trees with me still cradled against his massively muscled chest.
• Bustane carried me effortlessly as we ventured deeper into the shadowy forest. I clung to his powerful chest, acutely aware of his pounding heartbeat and the musky scent surrounding me. Despite his obvious authority as King, I felt no threat from him, just heated confusion.
• We fell silent, enveloped by the sound of owls and the rustling of leaves in the night. I struggled to comprehend this strange twist of fate. Moments ago, I had been ready to end my painful life, but now I found myself utterly drawn to this mysterious Lycan king. The intense feeling that first made me notice him still burned in his hard, gray eyes whenever he looked down at me.
• Finally, we entered an area illuminated by the moon, and Bustane carefully helped me stand upright, coming to a stop. My legs felt shaky and unsteady after being carried like a child. His large hands rested on my shoulders, providing support with a gentle pressure that paradoxically made me feel empowered.
• "You're shaking, little Luna," he murmured in his deep rumble. "Are you afraid of me?"
• I shook my head quickly, immediately regretting my impulsive response. Was I truly unafraid of this dominant alpha male who could undoubtedly overpower me? Yet somewhere deep within, some instinctual part whispered that he meant me no harm.
• "N-No, my king," I managed in a small voice. "Just... confused."
• One dark eyebrow quirked upwards. "Is that so?" His piercing stare seemed to delve straight into my soul. "Then let me clarify something for you."
• Bustane slowly closed the small distance between us until his strong frame loomed over me, his warm breath brushing my face. My heart hammered in my chest like a frightened bird. Up close, I noticed every speck of silver in his eyes and felt enveloped by his thick, piney scent that clouded my senses.
• "Your life is mine now, little wolf," he declared with quiet intensity. "I claimed you the moment I pulled you back from that ledge. You belong to me."
• His powerful and weighty words resonated deeply within me, both grounding me with their significance and stirring a fascination I couldn't deny. I trembled even more, torn between surrendering to his potent masculine presence and the burgeoning desire I felt growing inside me.
• Bustane, the Lycan king, carried me back to the pack, the same place I had fled from. My heart raced as we approached. I felt as though he could see right through me, reading the fears that were boldly written across my face.
• He gently took my hands in his and whispered into my ear, "Do not be afraid. I am with you."
• Bustane did not reside in the same place as Nate, his twin brother, except when he had business to attend to.
• His profound and weighty words resonated deeply within me, grounding me with their significance while also stirring a fascination I couldn't deny. I trembled even more, torn between surrendering to his powerful masculine presence and the growing desire that stirred inside me.
• Bustane, the Lycan king, carried me back to the pack, the very place I had fled. My heart raced as we approached. It felt as though he could peer into my soul, sensing the fears etched plainly on my face.
• He gently took my hands in his and whispered into my ear, "Do not fear. I am by your side."
• Bustane did not reside in the same location as Nate, his twin brother, except when he had important matters to attend to.
• "Don't delude yourself. He probably just pitied your sorry ass. He'll discard you soon enough, just like Nate did," she sneered, raising her hands as if to strike me.
• "What do you think you're doing?" Bustane's voice cut through the air, calm yet authoritative. Kim froze, fear evident on her face as she lowered her hands.
• "I... I was just joking with her," Kim stammered, wrapping her arms around me in a tight hug.
• "Watch your back, girl," she whispered in my ear, walking away with a malicious smile etched on her face.